Chapter Ninety-Two: Improving Life

Three fire wolves, under the icy gaze of the man before them, did not so much as dare to resist. In unison, they prostrated themselves upon the ground in submission.

The upper half of the man’s face was hidden behind a black mask, exquisitely carved and inlaid with brilliant gems that set off the depth of his eyes. Yet the corners of his mouth lifted faintly, a trace of satisfaction in his smile.

“Very good. Since you have chosen obedience, I shall spare your lives for the time being.”

As soon as the words left his lips, he turned and lowered his gaze to the ragged, dirt-streaked little Yunli standing before him.

The child’s hair was tousled like wild grass, remnants of battle still marked his cheeks, and a thread of blood clung to the corner of his mouth. Yet his eyes were clear and bright, like the most dazzling sapphires in a clear sky, meeting the man’s gaze fearlessly, without the slightest trace of dread.

The man gave a soft laugh and reached out to stroke the top of the child’s head. A flicker of interest passed through his eyes as he asked, “Little one, what is your name?”

Xiaoyunli forcefully pushed away the large hand resting on his head. He stared fixedly at the tall, black-haired man before him and let out a low growl from deep in his throat, like some savage beast.

The man looked at him in puzzlement. “Hm? Can you not speak?”

Xiaoyunli merely gave a perfunctory nod. Though he could understand human speech, he had no interest whatsoever in speaking with people.

Years of life in the wild had left the mark of ferocity on his every movement.

It was only after those nobles had captured him and sent him into the bloody arena of beast combat that everything changed.

He still remembered how they had fastened a cold, heavy chain around his neck and locked him together with other beasts in a cramped cage.

Any conflict meant punishment, and sometimes not even food to stave off his hunger.

In the Divine Realm, ordinary folk born there still needed food to fill their stomachs. Only after cultivating to a certain level could one be freed from the need to eat.

Moreover, the food of the Divine Realm was unlike that of the mortal world or even the immortal lands. It could replenish divine power in its own right. Though it could not compare to rare heavenly treasures, it was more than enough for the common people of the Divine Realm.

The handlers, with malicious amusement, had waited eagerly for the sight of him at the height of hunger, hoping to see the pathetic way he would beg for food.

“Hungry? Then crawl on the ground like them and beg me, hahahaha.”

But he was stubborn by nature. He would sooner fight the beasts for food than beg anyone for it.

Just then, before the man could say anything more, his subordinates hurried over to report. “My lord, it has all been dealt with.”

The man waved them aside. “Mm.”

Then he turned back to Xiaoyunli. “You are somewhat interesting. Come with me from now on.”

After a brief thought, he continued, “You shall be called… Yunli.”

“Take him back,” he instructed his subordinates, and then his figure vanished from where he stood.

“Yes, my lord,” the subordinates replied.

Xiaoyunli had witnessed the man’s formidable power, and admiration stirred in his heart. He did not understand the meaning behind the name Yunli, but to him it felt as though the man had bestowed upon him a new identity, giving him a place to belong.

He treasured that name, because it was the first time he had ever had one of his own. He was no longer that nameless wild child.

Yunli’s recollection broke off there. That had been his first meeting with the Demon Lord, and the beginning of his new life.

He had vowed that he would repay the Demon Lord and protect him.

He had not been ill-used by fate. When he leaped from the Godfall Platform, he had thought it a near-certain death, yet in the lower realms he had not only been saved, but had also encountered the reincarnated Demon Lord.

However, the current Demon Lord was far too weak. If discovered by those from the Divine Realm, he feared danger would surely follow.

Yunli’s ice-blue eyes narrowed slightly, and a cold glint flashed at their corners. Toward the hidden threats of the Divine Realm, he had already made up his mind.

No matter what it took, he would make the Demon Lord strong enough to protect him from harm.

...

Morning light spilled through the clouds and over every corner of the Qilin Sect, as though draping the entire sect in a veil of gold.

Jiang Yan pushed open the door, stretched lazily, and a crisp crackle sounded from his joints. He rolled his shoulders and felt refreshed and invigorated.

“Morning, Jiang Yan.” Yunli, just then, also emerged from inside the room with a slight limp, smiling as he greeted him.

Jiang Yan waved back. “Oh, good morning!”

The little dwarf dragon curiously eyed the limping man and could not help asking, “Jiang Yan, who is he? Your master’s newly accepted disciple?”

“Oh, him? His name is Yunli. He’s from the Divine Realm, and since he had nowhere to go in the lower realms, Master agreed to let him stay in the Qilin Sect for the time being.”

Having said that, Jiang Yan introduced the others as well. “Yunli, this is Little Dragon. That white cat is our sect’s junior brother, Xiao Bai. And that black, ugly-looking flower over there, which seems so ordinary, is called Mo Mo.”

Yunli smiled and nodded to the little fellows. “Hello, everyone!”

The little dwarf dragon lifted its chin proudly. “Just call me Lord Dragon!”

The black flower swayed its green leaves in the breeze and greeted Yunli, “Hello! I’m not ugly at all! I’m very useful!”

“Meow, meow, meow…” Little Bai also happily swished its tail at Yunli.

Yunli turned to Jiang Yan, a trace of curiosity in his eyes. “Jiang Yan, what are your plans for today?”

Jiang Yan answered with an easy grin, “Oh, I’m planning to improve my life.”

“Improve your life?” Yunli blinked, confusion flashing in his eyes.

Jiang Yan chuckled wickedly, his gaze glinting with mischief. “Cultivation is hard enough. Of course I should make myself more comfortable.”

The little dwarf dragon’s round eyes were fixed tightly on Jiang Yan, expectation plain in its face. “Jiang Yan, you’re not going to find something delicious, are you?”

“Hey, Little Dragon, what a little glutton you are!” Jiang Yan wagged a finger at it, amusement flickering in his eyes. “I’m going to build a new residence. I’ve lived in that thatched hut long enough. How could I, the great Long Aotian, possibly live in a hut of straw?”

With that, Jiang Yan took out the communication jade token and poured spiritual energy into it to contact Ji Chuxue.

“Little Six, you were looking for me?” Ji Chuxue’s calm voice came through from the jade token.

Jiang Yan got straight to the point. “Senior Sister, I want to build a new residence. Is there any spare land in our sect where I can construct it?”

Ji Chuxue was silent for a moment before slowly replying, “Have you earned enough spirit stones?”