The sky above "Sweet Home" was a cloudless, brilliant blue—a perfect canvas for today's training session. This was Lian Yang's private world, a pocket dimension he had purchased from the Waifu Catalog under an ironic name. The backyard of the modern-style house was vast, bordered on one side by a moderately dense forest and on the other by a beautiful private beach, complete with white sand and the soothing crash of waves. The "Life's A Beach" expansion had been one of his best investments.
In the center of the perfectly manicured lawn, Lian Yang stood, his breathing even as he tried to calm his heart before the test began. He wore light training clothes that didn't restrict his movement. Though only six years old, his stature was that of a ten-year-old boy. This was normal in the world of Douluo Dalu, where children grew faster due to the influence of their Martial Soul's energy, a process accelerated by the superior nutrition and training programs designed by Bronya.
On his back, a pair of wings made of digital blue light flickered softly, emitting an aura of advanced technology. They were the manifestation of his first Martial Soul, Cyber Angel. In his hand, he held a longsword made entirely of solid black crystal, another form of his Shroud of Power, the Shroud Xeric.
Opposite him, Jingliu stood in deadly silence. His mentor emitted no aura of power, yet her presence was more oppressive than any Spirit Beast Lian Yang had ever felt.
On the edge of the field, on the comfortable back porch, Lin Yue watched with an unconcealed expression of anxiety. Next to her, closer to the arena, Xiao Qing stood perfectly straight, holding a timer with a steady hand. He glanced briefly at the quiet girl, a slave turned his personal maid and Jingliu's disciple.
Lian Yang had a feeling the next three minutes were going to feel very long.
Jingliu gave a short nod. Without a pause, Xiao Qing announced in a flat voice, "Begin!"
Total silence enveloped the field. Instead of attacking immediately, Jingliu simply stood still, her sword not yet drawn. However, an invisible pressure began to weigh down the air, so heavy that the grass around her feet seemed to freeze. Her aura wasn't a violent explosion of power, but the stillness and depth of a frozen lake on a mountaintop—calm, beautiful, yet lethal. Lian Yang felt the pressure crawl across his skin. His brain, Brahma's Brain, kicked into high gear, not to analyze movement, but to map the invisible field of force his mentor was creating. In his eyes, the world transformed into a data visualization; he could "see" Jingliu's aura as a dome of cold energy pressing down on everything within it. This was the first test: not of speed or strength, but of mental fortitude.
Suddenly, the silence shattered. Jingliu moved. Her movement wasn't a burst of speed, but a perfect, inevitable flow. Her sword was drawn in a single fluid motion, cutting through the air with a sharp hiss that became the first beat in their battle's rhythm.
Clang!
The first impact. Lian Yang's black crystal sword met Jingliu's blade. There was no violent tremor, only a clear, resonant chime. Jingliu's strike felt light, yet every time it met his sword, Lian Yang felt a deep, focused power flowing through, testing the structure of his defense down to its molecular limit.
Thus began a deadly dance. Every move Jingliu made was a statement—a slash was a question, a thrust an argument. Lian Yang answered with equal precision. His Cyber Angel wings flickered in a steady rhythm, not for flight, but for constant micro-adjustments in his positioning. A small push to the left, a fractional shift of weight to the right. He wasn't fighting the current; he was dancing with it, deflecting Jingliu's power rather than meeting it head-on.
Every clash of swords, every footstep on the grass, every hiss of displaced air—it all merged into a rhythmic, tense percussion.
"One minute," Xiao Qing's voice called out, calm and unaffected.
Seeing Lian Yang's near-perfect defense, Jingliu's expression didn't change, but the intensity of her attacks increased exponentially. Her sword began to emit a cold, silver light, and a thin layer of frost started to form on her blade as the temperature around them plummeted. This was no longer mere swordsmanship; this was the domain of the Moon Sword Douluo. Her attacks became fiercer, each slash now leaving an arc of ice in the air that lingered for a moment before shattering into a thousand glittering crystals. The pressure mounted. Lian Yang, who had been dancing, was now being pushed back.
She's increased her energy output by 6%. Her attack patterns are becoming non-linear. She's forcing me to make a mistake, Lian Yang thought, his brain processing data at a frantic pace. He knew he couldn't last much longer just by reacting. He had to change the rules of the game.
Feeling cornered, he took a risk. Domain Expansion: Systema Divinum!
It wasn't a flashy explosion of a domain, but a silent wave of data that spread from him. To Jingliu, the interference was subtle but real. Digital afterimages of Lian Yang began to flicker in her peripheral vision, while a soft static hummed at the edge of her hearing.
However, for a master like Jingliu, such sensory interference was negligible. She relied on her instincts, her sword moving in wider, more powerful arcs, aiming to clear away all the illusions—and the real Lian Yang—at once.
"Two minutes," Xiao Qing announced.
The massive ice slash came, a silver crescent wave that threatened to split the lawn in two. Dodging was impossible. Parrying was suicide.
In that split second, Lian Yang didn't try to fight back. Instead, he did something completely unexpected. He opened his defense.
His Cyber Angel wings flared wide, not to parry, but to analyze and absorb the energy. As the wave of ice was about to engulf him, the wings pulsed with a brilliant blue light. The intricate circuits on their surface lit up, attempting to break down and catalog the structure of Jingliu's energy.
For a moment, the maneuver seemed to work. The cold, deadly ice energy was drawn into his wings, causing the circuits to glow even brighter. But the power of a true master was not something so easily tamed. Jingliu's energy was too pure, too dense, and too powerful.
Lian Yang's system overloaded. His wings flickered erratically, spitting out digital sparks. He had managed to absorb a fraction of the attack, but the rest broke through his defense, throwing him violently backward. He landed hard, tumbling several times before coming to a stop, his sword knocked from his grasp.
As he struggled to rise, a shadow fell over him.
"Three minutes," Xiao Qing announced, her voice sounding just as Lian Yang lifted his head.
The cold tip of Jingliu's sword was stopped exactly one millimeter from his neck. She stood over him, expressionless, not even breathing hard. She had closed the distance in the blink of an eye after her attack landed, demonstrating absolute control and speed. The fight was over.
The adrenaline left Lian Yang's body in a rush, replaced by the aching pain of the impact and a profound exhaustion. He had failed to block the final attack, but he was still conscious. He had endured.
Jingliu withdrew her sword with a smooth motion. She didn't smile, but the silence that followed felt different. It was no longer a cold pressure, but one of careful assessment.
"To think of converting my power into data and trying to absorb it... that was a bold idea." Her voice was as flat as ever, but her words carried heavy weight. "The execution failed. But the idea... was brilliant."
She paused, looking down at her student lying on the grass. "You endured. It is enough."
Lian Yang managed a weak smile, pride mixing with the sharp pain all over his body. "I... still have a lot... of room for improvement."
Xiao Qing approached, her movements as efficient as ever, offering a towel and a bottle of water. Lian Yang noted her practical, short black hair and her clear eyes, a perfect reflection of her quiet but diligent personality. Dressed in a clean, neat training uniform, she seemed the very embodiment of dedication.
The once-tense air now felt lighter. After Lian Yang managed to catch his breath, Jingliu regarded him with a measuring gaze. "What will you do next?"
Wiping the sweat from his neck with the towel, Lian Yang met his mentor's gaze, his focus returning sharply. "I'm going to see Bronya. We need to finalize the proposal for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. I want you there too, Jingliu. Your perspective will be valuable."
He paused. "But I need a shower first. You can go ahead to Bronya's office. I'll catch up."
Jingliu just gave a short nod, an efficient gesture of understanding, before turning and disappearing into the house without a sound.
Just then, Lin Yue approached, a warm, motherly smile on her face, the traces of worry in her eyes now completely gone. "You were wonderful, Young Master. Now you must get cleaned up."
Lian Yang nodded, his voice slightly hoarse with fatigue. "I just need a cold shower."
"Let Auntie help you prepare it."
Before Lin Yue could take a step, Xiao Qing, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "I have already prepared it." Her tone was calm and factual, as if reporting a mission status. "The water temperature is set to the Young Master's preference post-training. A change of clothes is also ready."
Lian Yang looked at her, his eyebrows raised slightly in a mixture of surprise and impressiveness at her efficiency. "Thank you, Xiao Qing."
Lin Yue smiled gently. "In that case, let Xiao Qing accompany you. Just to make sure you don't slip from exhaustion."
Before Lian Yang could refuse—as the idea of being accompanied in the bathroom was still deeply awkward for his normal adult soul—Xiao Qing bowed slightly, her gaze straight and unwavering. "It is part of my duty to ensure your safety at all times, Young Master."
Her firm, uncompromising tone made Lian Yang realize that protest was futile. He remembered the girl's background: a slave rescued by Jingliu, then taken in as her disciple. Lian Yang had brought her into his Retinue to unlock her true potential, granting her a Shroud of Power and a better future. This incredible dedication was born from a deep sense of gratitude, and Lian Yang didn't have the heart to refuse her. He could only sigh in resignation. "Very well."
---
A short while later, after cleaning up, Lian Yang walked down the cool corridors of the villa towards Bronya's office. He felt refreshed, dressed in comfortable casual clothes. Behind him, Xiao Qing followed in silence, now changed back into her neat maid uniform.
The office door slid open automatically, revealing a modern, functional room. Minimalist furniture, holographic data screens floating in the air, and neatly organized stacks of documents spoke of its owner's efficiency.
Jingliu was already there, standing silently by the window, her sharp gaze looking out as if measuring the world.
Lian Yang took his usual seat, while Xiao Qing took up a position behind him, standing straight and silent, her presence barely felt yet fully attentive.
Across the desk, Bronya finished a final line of command on her screen before looking up. Her pale lavender eyes met Lian Yang's with focus. "I've prepared a list of potential products for our partnership with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
She began to outline the product categories their organization, Schicksal, had developed, her voice clear and direct.
"The first category is lifestyle products. Soaps, shampoos, and basic cosmetics. The quality is far superior to anything currently on the market. This will be a stable source of income and build our brand image."
"Next, agriculture. Synthetic fertilizers enriched with life energy from Yggdrasil, more efficient plow designs, and irrigation techniques. This could revolutionize food production and give us significant influence."
"Finally, pharmaceuticals. We have two tiers. First, medicines for the common people—wound healing, mild poison antidotes. Second, potions for Spirit Masters—rapid spirit power recovery, and stronger wound-healing salves."
Before continuing, Bronya's tone softened slightly, a small shift that revealed the humanity beneath her efficient demeanor. "Regarding the common medicines, I have an additional proposal. Currently, decent healing, even for common illnesses or injuries, is almost exclusively performed by healing-type Spirit Masters. They are rare and expensive, leaving the common folk with no access. I suggest we negotiate a deal with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan that allows us to establish a network of shops or pharmacies in other cities under their protection. This would allow us to distribute affordable medical aid widely."
After explaining her humanitarian vision, Bronya returned to her usual serious tone, her eyes sharpening again. "There is also a fourth category: body enhancement drugs. Potions that can permanently improve a person's physique, even non-Spirit Masters. This technology doesn't exist in this era. My recommendation is that we do not sell this. Its potential is too great to release. It should be reserved for our organization's internal development."
Lian Yang smiled genuinely, his admiration for Bronya's vision evident. "That's a brilliant idea, Bronya. Helping the common people while building a distribution network is a great strategic move. We'll include that as a key condition." He then turned to the topic of the enhancement drugs, his smile fading into a more serious expression. "And I completely agree. The body enhancement drugs stay with us."
Jingliu turned from the window, her voice as flat as ever but carrying the weight of conviction. "I don't care for reputation. But a positive public image is a strategic asset that will facilitate Schicksal's operations."
Lian Yang nodded, then looked at Jingliu and Bronya with a deep, calculating gaze. "There's one more thing we need to be wary of. This invitation clearly has another reason besides formality. Most likely, it's a recruitment attempt."
Bronya raised an eyebrow slightly, a gesture inviting him to elaborate. "Explain."
"Consider the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's position. Their current prosperity relies on two Titled Douluo, Chen Xin and Gu Rong. Both are old. A forward-thinking clan would already be anxious about securing the next generation's pillars of strength. Then you appear, Jingliu. Young, overwhelmingly powerful, capable of defeating the Sword Douluo, and unaffiliated. You are more attractive to the various factions on the continent than Dugu Bo was when he had just become the Poison Douluo."
He paused, letting the implication sink in. "To them, you are the perfect future asset. They will do anything to tie you down. The easiest way is to create a master-disciple relationship. They will introduce you to the young geniuses of their clan, hoping you take an interest in one of them."
The sharp analysis left the room in a brief silence. Bronya tapped her finger on the desk, a habit that surfaced when she was processing information. "That fits Ning Fengzhi's style. Using his assets, including his own daughter, to secure his clan's future. A predictable, yet effective move."
Jingliu just gave a soft snort, a small sound filled with cold disdain. "Let them try."
"We'll be on our guard." Lian Yang's tone was calm but firm, concluding the discussion. "We'll play by their rules, but we will be the ones in control."
---
The next morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, Lian Yang, Jingliu, and Bronya prepared to depart for Haven Dou City in front of the villa. A simple-looking but internally modified carriage, built for comfort and speed, was waiting.
Lin Yue and Xiao Qing saw them off at the front. Lin Yue straightened the collar of Lian Yang's shirt with an affectionate gaze, like a mother sending her child off to school. "Be careful on the road, Young Master. Don't forget to eat on time."
Lian Yang smiled warmly, giving her a reassuring look. "Of course, Aunt Yue. I'll be fine. After we leave, lock down the villa and move to 'Sweet Home'. It's safer there."
He then turned to Xiao Qing, who stood slightly behind Lin Yue, her calm eyes watching him intently. "And you, don't worry. You know I can come back anytime with 'All Roads Lead to Home'. We'll drop by for dinner."
Xiao Qing gave a small nod, her expression serene but with a warmth in her eyes. "I am not worried, Young Master. I am merely ensuring all your preparations are complete." She then added in a quiet voice, almost a whisper, "I will prepare dinner as usual."
The sincere earnestness in response to his jest made Lian Yang smile genuinely. "I'll look forward to it."
"We're leaving." Bronya gave a short nod to them both before boarding the carriage. Jingliu followed without a word, offering only a slight nod as a farewell. Lian Yang gave one last wave before following them.
With that brief farewell, the trio boarded the carriage. With a single command, an illusion of a man in front of the carriage snapped the reins, and the horses began to pull the carriage smoothly, leaving the quiet villa behind as they began their important journey to the heart of the empire.