Under the scorching sun, Tina carried me along a small path. I grumbled, "Tina, Mom, how much longer? I'm roasting out here." Hearing me call her "Mom," Tina blushed, saying, "Baby, can you stop calling me Mom? With our relationship now, it feels weird." I feigned innocence. "But you are my mom. What else should I call you?" Knowing she couldn't win, she sighed, "Fine, just don't call me Mom anymore."
I lifted my head, teasing her crystal-clear earlobe with my tongue. "Can I call you Mom in private, then?" Tina let out a soft "Mmm," her sensitive spot caught. Realizing I'd compromised, she knew pushing further wouldn't help. Breathing heavily, she said, "Alright."
Thrilled with her response, I nibbled her earlobe lightly before letting go. She yelped, "Ah!" Glaring at my sly grin, she pinched my cheeks. "That's for teasing me!" I savored the playful punishment, chuckling to myself.
After our affectionate tussle, I asked seriously, "Mom, how long until the next town?" Tina replied, "About half a day, baby. Be patient." I thought, Nothing to do now—might as well train the Demonic Desire Scripture. Strength is everything. I said earnestly, "Tina, I'm going to practice my Demonic Desire Scripture. If we reach the town and I'm not awake, don't disturb me. Protect me until I wake, and don't let anyone interfere. Can you do that?" Tina, sensing the gravity, nodded firmly. "I won't let anyone disturb you, even if it costs my life."
I nodded, focusing on the first layer of the Demonic Desire Scripture, Entering the Demon. It emphasized mastering one's mind to act freely without succumbing to demonic possession—a cultivator's greatest enemy, turning them into a mindless, bloodthirsty killer. I thought, Grandpa thought of everything. Truly the Demon Sect's greatest.
Without delay, I nestled in Tina's arms and entered a trance-like state. Seeing my calm expression, she knew I'd begun cultivating. She slowed her pace, heading toward the town.
To avoid disturbing me, a half-day journey stretched into most of the day. As we neared the town, my body radiated dark energy and a chilling aura. If not for my serene face, Tina might've thought something was wrong. She whispered, "Baby, wake up soon. Don't let anything happen. Mommy's here with you." She entered the brightly lit town.
Tina, still carrying me, searched for an inn on the bustling street. Her beauty drew every eye—100% attention—but my ominous aura kept suitors at bay. Ignoring the stares, she approached a small shop and asked, "Where's the nearest inn?" The owner, stunned by her beauty, gaped until she repeated loudly, "Where's the inn?" Snapping out of it, he scratched his head, embarrassed. "Straight ahead, turn left, it's close." Tina politely said, "Thank you."
As she turned to leave, the owner added, "Miss, if you're looking to stay, I'd avoid that inn. It's a hangout for pirates. A woman with a kid—it's not safe." Tina, appreciating his concern, replied, "I'll be fine," and walked off. The owner muttered, "Hope she's okay."
At the inn's entrance, Tina heard raucous noise. She pushed the door open and said icily, "Quiet down. Don't disturb his sleep."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her. Seeing a stunning woman holding a child shrouded in dark energy, they burst into laughter. A drunken giant staggered toward her, slurring, "Little lady, think this is your house? You say quiet, we quiet? Come drink with me!" He reached for her, but before his hand connected, he flew out the door.
The crowd froze, unsure what happened. Some recognized her strength, but others were reckless. Two of the giant's crewmates charged, shouting, "What sorcery did you use? Attacking our Haiduo Pirate Crew? Tired of living? Our captain, Haiduo, has a 28-million-Beli bounty!" Annoyed, Tina kicked one in the head, sending him crashing out. The other felt a gust, saw his friend fly, and realized she was no ordinary woman. Trembling, he stammered, "Don't move! Wait for our captain!" He scrambled out, tripping in his haste.
The brief commotion ended. Tina scanned the room coldly, silencing it further. She approached the counter and told the receptionist, "I want the quietest room, undisturbed. Book the surrounding rooms too." The receptionist, unfazed, said, "10,000 Beli." Tina tossed a bag on the counter. "Here's 100,000 Beli. I don't know how long we'll stay. If we extend, I'll pay more." The receptionist handed her a key. Seeing my cute face, she reached to touch me, but Tina grabbed her wrist, voice icy. "Don't touch him, or you'll die." Releasing her, Tina took the key and headed upstairs, pausing to say, "As long as you don't disturb us, I don't care what you do."
The inn's patrons exhaled, resuming their revelry but quieter.
The receptionist, rubbing her reddened wrist, watched Tina leave and whispered, "That woman's strong."
These last two chapters were transitional, less intense. But the plot will get more thrilling! Your votes fuel my motivation. Hehe…
Readers asked if the protagonist is in Luffy's era. Roughly, yes—maybe one or two years earlier. Ace is likely older. Right now, I'm writing the protagonist's wandering phase, gathering strong beauties, then setting sail. His adventure will align with Luffy's timeline.