Weeks later.
Nanming wakes up from his sleep, greeted by an empty room as always. He then gets up, does some stretching and grabs his sword before heading out.
He never bathed. Living here makes him not covered in dirt and mud all the time so there is no need to bathe, and he never really exudes any foul smell except when he is bleeding.
His black blood always wonders him, isn't blood supposed to be bright red? Well, there is no need to dwell on it since he had other things to be curious about.
His face, his body and practically everything about him.
Now that he has knowledge, he slowly realized that his body isn't 'normal' by any standards.
Excluding the fact that he can regenerate instantly, there is the fact that he never aged despite having vivid memories of ages ago.
Only after cultivating recently did he start to age, his body becomes taller and his voice deepens, his hair is also growing longer and his muscle becoming more well-defined.
'I look like a 12-year-old now'
Nanming thought as he touches his cheek and chin, at least he looks less like a female.
He walked from the dorm into the Second Semester Courtyard; it is time to show Hu Mei what he had learnt these past few weeks.
As he walks alone, he can sense the many eyes following him, mostly from females but males took a glance at him too. It's uncomfortable but he had somewhat grown used to it.
…
"Damn, who is that?"
A boy from the Second Semester ask, the girl who is currently eating rice besides him click her tongue
"You have brain damage or what? I told you its Prince Wu Nanming"
The girl threw a nasty remark, causing the boy to wear an annoyed look on his face.
"The fuck you mean? Its not my fault they all look the same…"
"HIS HAIR IS FUCKING WHITE!"
The boy and the girl then bicker, causing their friends to further taunt them.
"They're at it again!"
"2 Coppers they ended up 'accidentally' kissing again!"
"Me too!!"
""SHUT THE FUCK UP!!""
…
Nanming then arrives at the empty courtyard, the doll is already there but he did not see Hu Mei nor hear her. So, he ended up checking every single tree to see if she was hiding again, but not this time.
After a few minutes passed, Hu Mei finally arrived. She wears a wooly robe now, maybe because it was cold.
Her face looks stern and dignified; her hair tied in ornate style that compliments the pattern etched on her black and red robe. However, she looked surprised when she saw Nanming.
She swears that she arrives early today, even going as far as not to sleep just so she can slack off a bit while waiting for him, now that plan goes out into the air, dissipating like hot smoke.
"You're early, well I'm not going to beat around the bush bu—"
Her eyes went wide when she locked her gaze towards Nanming, he is around her neck now, not even two months ago he was about as tall as her shoulder.
Truly a monster, but that's not what caught her eyes, it was his face that did. For some infuriating reason, he becomes a lot dreamier now. So, Hu Mei averted her gaze and preferred to look at some trails of ants in the ground.
"Ehem, I-I mean… L-Lets not beat around the bush and show m-me-eep"
Hu Mei yelps when she loses her words, awkwardly trying to calm her breath down so that she can articulate a better sentence.
But Nanming nods, understanding the words she tried to say and walk towards the doll, he extends his right hand and placed it lightly on the chest of the doll.
Nanming then took a deep breath, controlling the turbulent energy inside of him and formed an Inhibition as it billows out like furnace of blue flame.
Words upon words of theorem books flooded his mind as he tried to make sense of what he was doing.
'Formed an inhibition focused on a part of the body like Big Sis told me, in this case my right hand'
Nanming inhibition then thinned out, the blue of his Aura converges around his right hand and eventually fist.
'Localized the inhibition and maintained its form'
He began to sweat, his muscle tightening and his vein popped out.
He then loads his right fist, pulling it back like a bow string until it tightens taut.
"Demonic Fist Style: Decimation"
His fist crashed forward as an incredible vortex of energy that pulls in more energy as it rushed towards the doll.
The moment it made contacts, the entire structure of the doll explodes outwards, sending a ripple of shockwave and air outward and cracks the surrounding tiles below.
Hu Mei watches this from a safe distance, his growth rate is as expected, though Hu Mei expected more from him. Nevertheless, this is beyond fantastic.
He didn't just fuse his fist with energy, he actually just throws his inhibition towards the doll and is the reason why the surrounding ambient energy was being sucked, amplifying the attack even more.
To think he just casually did 'Inhibition Control' only used by master of Energy Manipulator. Of course, his version is clunky and inefficient, but the instinct is on the right place.
"Congratulations…"
Hu Mei clapped, though she still avoids looking at his face directly.
"You successfully finished your Cultivation Class and Martial Class"
"Pardon?"
Nanming replied as he tilts his head in confusion, passing two Class in one go is unheard of given that it normally takes half a year to pass even one class.
"Its only normal, that doll is supposed to be use for the Fourth Semester graduation test. Breaking it means you are eligible to go straight to the Fourth Semester"
Hu Mei then grabs a scroll from apparently nowhere since her hand just goes to her back and suddenly, a scroll appeared.
She spread the paper and read its content out loud.
"The Curriculum staff has determined that Students Wu Nanming is eligible for a Semester leap and is welcomed to the Fourth Semester class"
Before Nanming could ask, Hu Mei spoke once more.
"This is due to his extraordinary performance during the Theorem class competition, passing with grades of NINETY-SEVEN?!!"
Hu Mei lost her composure, but she quickly covered her mouth and feigned a cough and continued with a voice that didn't acknowledge her previous one.
"…Also, we observed him capable or at least on par with Students Wu Lixian…"
Hu Mei glances towards Nanming in disbelief and shock when she read that his name is paired alongside Wu Lixian, a beast that even Wu Yincang didn't want to mess with.
"Ehem, therefore it's only right to give him the benefits of Semester leap given that his talent exceeds his peers exponentially"
Hu Mei then closed the scroll and signals for Nanming to go away, before making sure he was gone, Hu Mei already hides behind a tree and opens a book.
Nanming is no longer curious about the literature she reads and decides to go away.
As he walks alone… again.
He can't help but wonder where he should go? He planned to take the Acrobatic Class after he passed this, but now that he is on the Fourth Semester there is no need to take Acrobatic Class.
Just as he pondered whether he should train or read, a mist surrounds him.
It swirls like a vortex, obscuring Nanming of anything beyond. Startled, he was about to unsheathe his sword, only to be met with a voice.
"Young prince, I mean no harm… Do sheathed your hostility back"
Nanming looked around the swirling mist to locate the source of the speaker, upon finding no results he decided to comply with their wish.
"Apology for the sudden announcement, but the Demon King has demanded you to come to the Crimson Palace. Any and all permission to leave has been granted by the Academy and they will not deduct your existing leave pass should you have any"
Quite a wall of words the unknown figure speaks, but Nanming nods since it comes from Fa— Demon King himself.
Then he was swallowed by the mist, a deafening sound soon ensued, banging his ear with high pitch wailing as his entire vision went black.
After a second had passed, him and the mist arrived somewhere. Nanming still couldn't see past the mist, but once it subsided, he was greeted by even more mist, evidence that he is now inside the Crimson Palace.
"The Heavenly Demon will arrive shortly to guide you, and with that I extend my respect to you Young Prince"
The figure who speaks earlier is now covered in mist, revealing only his red mask in the floating shape of a swirling mist. He makes a gesture as if to bow and fades away among the mist.
Nanming stay put, waiting for the Heavenly Demon Viren. And sure enough, he arrived shortly after.
His stride was long and purposeful, with hand behind his back and his tall stature makes his entire presence threatening.
With his long black hair with a few locks of red flowing around as his red demon mask gleams under the soft light of dim sun and lanterns.
"Young Prince, the Demon King has summoned you…"
He speaks in a neutral tone, yet his intonation is still tinged with respect.
"Follow me to his office"
As he said that, he started to walk without waiting for Nanming. Nanming, on the other hand, decided to follow him and tried to match his long stride.
"…"
Silence taking over both as the only ambient sound is the sound of their footstep.
"Prince Nanming, I see you have grown taller"
Viren remark, though he does not slow down whatsoever.
"I know, I've grown 22.5% taller since we last met"
"…That is an explosive growth, congratulations"
Nanming nods, and Viren didn't talk much after that.
They then enter a pagoda that is decorated extensively with ornate markings made of gold and black jade, complementing the red color of the structure.
As they enter the pagoda, they take a long stair towards the very top of the pagoda where only a single room exists.
"Beyond this door is the Demon King office, and thus complete my duty to escort you… I extend my hand of respect to the Young Prince…"
Viren said as he went down the stairs flight once more. Leaving Nanming alone in front of a tall black door.
He paused for a second, hesitating to open that door and couldn't find the reason why. And because he couldn't find any reason, he decided to just open it.
…
The Demon King waited for Nanming to come, his plan for him has changed for the better or for worst.
The first time he saw Nanming, he couldn't help but to be reminded of his 'father' whom he both hates and respects, that is probably why he is guarded against Nanming.
Therefore, his plan is just to extract Nanming Shura essence and implant them to his soul, much like how he transferred some of Yuen Lust to Kamun as a predecessor program to the real part.
Though he deeply loath himself for such actions, it is necessary to sever the line of generational hate. And Kamun lust won't be eternal, after he turned to be 35 years old the Sins will disappear.
However, seeing Nanming and how he acted has changed the Demon King mind. That beneath such a calm exterior is the maddening voice of Wrath.
And yet Nanming managed to contain it, while he himself succumbed to Sloth and Hate.
Therefore, he will leave Nanming as is, some part of him is also grateful that Nanming managed to find his late brother's book that he cherished.
And as the door opens, he meets Nanming that has changed considerably.
His physical change is immediate, he is taller and his hair grows longer. And the Demon King could finally see his Cultivation level.
'Post-mortal? Perhaps he just formed his cultivation recently'
The Demon King then speaks.
"Sit in front of me…"
Nanming complies and sit directly in front of him, separated by black desk.
His eyes of glittering purple have lost its murderous void but in return he is more spirited, like some part of himself has returned compared to the past where he looks like he wanted to kill everyone.
"I've heard of your recent accomplishment, getting a Semester leap is considerable achievement. But you also caused Elder Pulao to shake his head in astonishment"
"It is all because the chance your majesty has given upon me"
Nanming voice deepens too, and he speaks with careful words and crafted propriety. His character as well as his power grows parallel with each other.
"I merely giving you a carriage, it's up to you where you wanted to go"
"…I see"
Nanming nods lightly, causing the Demon King to contemplate on his past intention regarding him.
Why did he avoid Nanming just because he looks like his 'father'? Nanming is Nanming, that much is obvious, he is not another person.
"And I apologize for… throwing you in that accursed trial"
Nanming tilt his head, looking towards the Demon King whose sorrowful face can be seen despite the mask covering his face.
"…Your majesty has your reason I presume"
But Nanming words is not what he had expected, the Demon King thought that Nanming would scream or demand explanation for his action putting them in the Academy Trial.
But Nanming faced him with calm and sterile look of understanding.
"There is no father who hate their children, if there is… they are not a 'father'"
"…"
Those words tickled his heart, increasing its beat as it falls out of rhythm.
"Therefore, I do not hate you nor do I condemn you, puzzled yes… But in the end, Your Majesty choice must have a just cause"
"…"
Nanming is the only one besides Hwang who understands the guilt he bears, even when he doubts that Nanming really knows what the guilt is.
Seeing such a cold yet innocent face, it's like coming face to face with someone who knows everything about you, there is no point in hiding himself in front of Nanming.
"Nanming, do you know about a poem called Walk Alone?"
"I do not"
The Demon King then removed his mask, revealing his full face towards Nanming. He smiled as he pulls out Wu Yinkuan Book and reads the poem inside.
'Walk this Dream Alone,
Wade the solitary path Alone,
Walk the path flanked with keystone Alone,
Yet the way is not enlightened.
Cross the river to the next island Alone,
Wondering where One should go Alone,
In search of companion, nowhere to be seen,
Pulled the strings taut until it snaps, your destiny is for you to choose Alone.
In time, you will walk the path of Alone together'.
The Demon King, no, Wu Raijoo read that poem with passion, bearing each word with its own intonation.
This is probably the most passionate Wu Raijoo has ever been, the recollection and the vivid imagination of Wu Yinkuan saying those poems in front of him remain like Ghost.
This book is like a sea of sorrow, a pit of tar that cannot go. So, Wu Raijoo will end his guilt once and for all.
"It's a beautiful poem, at a glance its like a pessimistic one with the repetition of the words 'Alone'… But nearing its end, the word seems comforting"
Nanming said, his own interpretation of the Poem differs slightly from Wu Raijoo who regards the poem as his journey, his story that has yet to be filled with such comfort.
But maybe Nanming is correct, beyond the dark cloud lies the blue skies.
"Nanming, will you walk with me for a brief moment?"
Wu Raijoo said, his eyes though unmoving didn't hide his soft smiles that etched his lips.
"Of course"
…
The walk there is brief, both Nanming and Wu Raijoo didn't speak much but no awkwardness lingers in their proximity.
They soon reached an abandoned house, but it is well kept.
"This is the house of my late brother; your uncle should he… remain in this world"
Wu Raijoo voice is full of sorrow, but a strange tuck of relief and happiness lingers.
Nanming watch the house with a bit of longing, the absence of Wu Yinkuang ghost has left a void in his day-to-day schedule, perhaps he misses him, though he is glad that Wu Yinkuang is able to pass on quietly.
"Nanming, I am a man of many sins, a lot of guilt and wrong doings I've committed alone simply because I thought that it was my duty"
"…"
Nanming listening in silently to his confession, though brief it holds multitude of weight he bears alone all this time.
"Though, this particular guilt… should be blown away"
Wu Raijoo held his brother's book, below it was a flame he conjured up. The old leather covers slowly caught fire, turning it charred black and before long, the entire book was engulfed in flame.
Wu Raijoo watch this with heavy sorrow, a part of him wanted to recover whatever left of that burned book, but what's in the past…
"…Stay in the past"
'You who no longer aged, you who no longer walk, rest now in the eternal bed of your funeral…'
Soon, a tear fell from his eyes. Once, twice, and then it floods his face in a silent wailing that he holds with all his might.
Seeing Nanming beside him, he offers a single smile. Though it is fabricated, but whats important is that he, who is emotionless, formed a smile for him.
In a gentle and trembling motion, Wu Raijoo holds dear to what he has now. The boy who he forcefully takes, who he implants towards his machination, a product of his grief.
Nanming stayed silent, feeling warm tears of… his father drenched his shoulder as he hugs him tightly, illuminated by the warm firelight of the burned book.
Wu Raijoo then let go, his face has no traces of tears left. Though his face is still full of sorrow, a strange feeling of liberation took hold and overpowered that gloominess, perhaps this is how it feels to fly and be unbounded.
And as he looked at the face of the white-haired boy, he realized that he too must go. He has no place here, and he will not subject him to the torture of the Sect.
But let it be for these weeks, Nanming should stay as a student until Wu Raijoo could find a suitable caretaker.
And pray, that Nanming would also find someone to Walk his path Together.