Chapter 7 - sorry, it tock me some time to chose the direction and elements for the story, that and I was a bit busy with work and you know, life in general, so here you are, enjoy!


A few days have passed since Chen Tian and Xiao Ning'er have explored the Ancient Orchid City Ruins.

Nothing much seems to have changed in the past few days in the domains of Glory City, at least not for the majority.

Deep inside of the Training Grounds Apprenticeship Area, 3 teens can be seen talking, all 3 of them wearing big smiles on their faces.

These 3, are non-other the Chen Tian, Xiao Ning'er and surprisingly Ye Ziyun.

They have just had an intensive sparing session, and, thanks to Chen Tian putting up a Concealing Array.

The ability's gained from the Temporary Devine Spirit Book where time dilation and mastery of array formations, quite handy, especially the arrays'. Normally time dilation would have a bigger impact, but, the Temporary Devine Spirit Book is incomplete so the time dilatation is only at 2 times real time, so 2 days training inside will only be 1 day on the outside.

Now back to the 3 teens.

"Wow that was intense, I never got let loose and train like that before, really, so worth it."

"Yeah, I know. It was great. It's also good that we got an extra training partner, Ziyun."

"Just as Ning'er said, it's great to have you with us, Miss Ziyun. By the way, how's the cultivation techniques I gave you?"

Turning her head towards Chen Tian, Ye Ziyun can't help but smile.

After all, he is her new friend, and the one who is responsible for her and Xiao Ning'er becoming friends again.

Flashback.

A day has passed since Xiao Ning'er and Chen Tian have come back home.

Currently in the City Lord's Mansion.

Ye Ziyun is currently standing in the garden. Her face that once used to wear a smile now with a deep frown.

"What should I do? I can feel that the cultivation technique that Nie Lie has given me is perfect for me like it was tailored just for my constitution."

Her frown deepening, "If I were to use it, I'm sure that my cultivation would sky rock, but … that would also make me indebted to him. I don't want that, normally it wouldn't really matter, but the look in his eyes when he looks at me, it simply gives me the chills! It's like I'm some kind of piece of meat waiting to be devoured by him… also, today in the library, while he got a few things right about what I like and want to do right, somewhere wrong, in the end, while I long for adventure and the outside world, what I truly wish from is strength so that I may protect this city. This city is the last fort of humanity holds, this city whose true owners are still the children running on the streets and playing … and I the end, strength to right the wrongs that my predecessors made by letting all this darkness and corruption that have plagued our city for century's!"

Clenching her hands "I need power, but I will ever sell myself for it! Today that bastard proved to me that age doesn't matter when you are trash. The expectant look when he gave me the cultivation techniques, like that was the first step towards conquering me, and what's more … he knows the birthmark that's on my chest! Really, he acts as if he is better then those from the Sacred family, better than Shen Yue, but he's just as much of a piece of garbage like them!"

Ye Ziyun's trains of tough's are interrupted when a servant of Snow Wind Family, come inside the garden and informs her, "Miss, 2 teens wish to meet you, should I let them in?"

A surprise expression appears on Ye Ziyun's face.

Calming herself, she addresses the servant "Did they say who they are?"

"They introduced themselves as Xiao Ning'er from the Winged Dragon family and Chen Tian from the Divine Family.

Shock covers her face, "Xiao Ning'er, we used to be like sisters, but for some reason our relationship came to an end, and, no matter what I did afterword to try and shorten the distance between us, it just grow larger, unfortunately from what I managed to find out, a part of the elders from my family intertwined, as for Chen Tian, the only thing I know about him is that he is from the Divine Family. I wonder why they wish to talk to me about?

"Let them in."

A few moments later after the servant has left, 2 teens can be seen coming towards her, walking side by side, these two are non-other than Xiao Ning'er and Chen Tian. Both looking slightly different from before.

Both of them seem to be more refined. Xiao Ning'er seems slightly taller, her face more mature and cheerful than before, a natural smile gracing her lips, her body's form more accentuated.

As for Chen Tian, his face is more chiseled, eyes more profound, his shoulders slightly wider.

Seeing him, a small blush appears on Ye Ziyun's face, one that she manages to hide quickly.

Taking a deep breath, and calming down, Ye Ziyun greets them both.

"Welcome, Xiao Ning'er, Chen Tian, how may I help you?"

Xiao Ning'er turns her head toward her boyfriend, he in exchange gives her a reassuring smile, and gives her a small push toward Ye Ziyun.

Surprise can be seen on Ye Ziyun's face as she looks at the interaction between the 2, but before she asks what's happening, she hears Xiao Ning'er, "Ziyun, I … I need to talk to you about something important." As she looks Ye Ziyun in her eyes with a serious but at the same time with a soft expression.

End of Flashback.

"Really, I am indebted the both of you, for helping me. If it wasn't for the 2 of you, I believe that I would have eventually accepted Nie Li's help, and by doing so, leave him a path by which he would have easily gotten close to me…" A shudder comes over her at the mere thought of letting that bastard get close.

A look of surprise appears on Xiao Ning'er's face as she looks at her friend.

"Ziyun, I meant to ask this before, but you seem to really dislike Nie Li … how should I put it, it's like you are 'disturbed' by his presence alone." As she goes forward and takes hold of Ye Ziyun's hands, and holding them between her own.

A small smile adorns her face as Ye Ziyun looks at Xiao Ning'er, as she sees the concern in her eye.

"Disturbed is putting it nicely." She takes a deep breath before continuing, "You know Ning'er, I am the next head of the Snow Wind Family, my father is the City Lord himself while my grandfather if Ye Mo, the only Legend realm spirit master Glory City has, and because of this I'm generally used to others giving me looks filled with greed, envy, and even lust. But that bastard Nie Li, he's something else. He's hiding it well, so well that I would not have even seen it if I did not see how Chen Tian acts when he is with you, and how his eyes are…"

Here a surprised look appears on both of Chen Tian's and Xiao Ning'er's faces as they look at Ye Ziyun with curiosity.

"The look I have? What do you mean? What's the difference in the way that I look at Ning'er and the way Nie Li looks at you?" Alright, now I'm really curious, the difference between how Ning'er and Ziyun's re where described in their interaction with Nie Li in the LN and here is really different, especially in Ziyun's case. In the LN Ziyun was had her interest piquet by Nie Li, and the main reason she didn't accept his feelings till later was that she did not wish to hurt Ning'er, but now... now all I can feel is loitering and disgust when she talks about Nie Li…

Turning her sight toward Chen Tian, she lets out a small breath and starts explaining.

"When you look at Ning'er, at can tell that your eyes hold love and adoration. Anyone that looks at the 2 of you can see that you really treasure one another by the simple fact of how you interact with one another, the small things like looking in each other in the eye, holding hands, all put together with the content smile you both have when you are together says it all."

Taking a few moments to put her thoughts together, "Nie Li, on the other hand, he… the look he gives me, while hidden well I can tell you right now that it's one as if seeing an object that he likes and must have, or putting it otherwise…" Biting her lower lip out of anger, a few drops of blood escape, all while one can see the look of indignation on her face, together with her trembling frame.

"That bastard, he's looking at me like some piece of meat! Like I'm nothing without him and I should just follow his lead. That bastard thinks he knows everything about me but the, in reality, he doesn't know a thing! I JUST CAN'T STAND HIM, JUST HAVING HIM NEAR ME I FEEL LIKE TROWING UP!"

A few moments of silence follow, all while the beautiful purple hair girl has tears coming out of her lavender eyes.

Seeing her friend in this state, Xiao Ning'er can't help but feel greatly saddened. Going forward and pulling Ye Ziyun in her embrace, she whispers, "It's alright Ziyun, don't worry, from now on both me and Chen Tian will be here for you, we won't late that damn bastard get close to you."

Looking at the 2 girls before him, "Well, this is disturbing, to say the least. I know that there would be differences between the LN and reality but this… this is just so wrong. I already had a bad opinion of Nie Li from the actions and paths Nie Li has taken in the story, while I have also disliked his obsession with Ziyun, but truly to think that my simple present here would make such a big wave. It seems that because she was not used to being in contact with such an old fox like Nie Li she mistook his obsession for actual love, while now just by having an example nearby of how a teen in love actually is she managed to see taught his façade and she is beyond disturbed…"

Going forward and reaching toward Ye Ziyun, Chen Tian puts his hand on Ziyun's head and ruffles her hair.

"Cheer up Ziyun, a smile suits you much better than tears. Besides, just like Ning'er said before, all we need to do is stay together from now on. If Nie Li tries something we should be able to make an excuse to get him to leave or so we can leave."

Half an hour later.

All 3 teens have calmed themselves. They have also managed to find a training ground that would be safer, said training ground being none other than Ye Ziyun's own back garden. Now many would think that it would be a bad decision, but if one takes in consideration that the only one that has access there beside Ye Ziyun herself is her father and the servants only with her permission. The problem that implies Ye Zong is easily solved by the hidden arrays placed by Chen Tian.

Clearing his thoughts, Chen Tian brings up a subject that has been on his mind for quite a few days.

"Anyways, I have 2 important matters that I need to discuss with both of you. But first of all, what do you know about Soul Forming?"

Both Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning'er have a confused expression for a few moments before sharing a look, then Ye Ziyun begins telling what she knows, "Soul Forming is caused by having the ultimate pureness of soul force. A demon spiritualist that can soul form is extremely rare and normally it can only be done by a gold ranked genius demon spiritualist. Within every ten-gold rank, there might not even be one that could reach the realm of soul forming…"

Then Xiao Ning'er continues, "However, once a demon spiritualist gains the ability to soul form, his soul force would be extremely powerful. The future achievements are at least a black gold rank or above. Soul Forming appears to be triggered by very emotional or desperate situations."

Clapping his hands once, Chen Tian can't help but nod his head while having a sincere smile on his face, "Good, good, your both right. It seems your both intelligent as you are beautiful." His smiling face suddenly stiffens as he realizes the words that just left his mouth. Damn! What the hell am I saying?!

Taking a peek, the 2 young ladies before him, Chen Tian sees a sight that would make any hot-blooded and hormonal teen have a gigantic nosebleed. In front of him both Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning'er having waring matching blushes on their faces together with a radiating smile each, this in turn making both even more attractive than they were previously. Damn… this is just so wrong but feels just right… I mean look at the 2 of them, dear Lord those aren't the bodies of 14-15 years old, no bro, they freaking look at least 17-18. And those curves, damn … bad thoughts, bad thoughts, freaking get your head out of the gutter Chen Tian, otherwise, you may find out how hard a girl that's a boarding the second level of the silver realm while her body already at the dam peek of the legend realm when she's jealous!

While our dear OC is having a midlife crisis, the 2 girls in question share a knowing look, all while a smile appears on both of their faces.

…Normally this would have gone unnoticed in the majority of stories, but having a body that's at the peak of legend realm comes together with very, very boosted senses and the Sharingan did give the user a boost in the eyesight even when not used, Ok, now that's strange… I was expecting at least a pout from Ning'er, but in exchange, I see this… why do I suddenly feel like I just had my future decided by the 2 girls in front of me?

Letting a few moments of silence to follow, all while calming himself.

"Hmm, anyway, as I was saying your explanation is good, textbook I must say, but… did you know that there are different levels of Soul Forming?"

A puzzled expression can be seen on the 2 girls. "Different levels of Soul Forming?"

"Um. You see there are 2 levels of soul forming. The first one just like you have described previously, Soul Forming being triggered by very emotional or desperate situations, this one is done unconcise, and while it does purify your soul force further, it only boosts your purity somewhere between 20 – 30%. What most don't know is that Soul Forming actually also a partial manifestation of your soul, it's generally in different forms and aspects depending on the type of Soul Form one has. For example, Ning'er has the Winged Dragon while you Ziyun have the Ice Phoenix so the 2 of you should manifest them in the from of wings. Anyways, as I was saying there 2 levels, the first I just explained that is the partial one and the second one that is a full manifestation, this time your soul energy will be purified somewhere between 55-60%, and the wings you will manifest will be the true form unlike the partial one where the wings that would manifest would simply be like those of an eagle just human size. But this isn't the best thing either, you see with the full manifestation of your Soul Forming you will have an easier time controlling your Demon Spirit and your synchronization will be at 100%."

Simply saying that they are Shocked would be an understatement at how Xiao Ning'er and Ye Ziyun are feeling now.

No one has ever told them about something like different levels of Soul Forming. Nor have they ever heard anything about synchronization with the Demon Spirit before.

"Anyways, here is the technique required for the second level of the Soul Forming…"

2 hours later.

3 teens can be seen meditating. The soul energy emanated by them forming a blue smoke cloud. All 3 open their eyes simultaneously while looking at one another and nod their heads.

"Well, as they say, ladies first, so who wants to go first?"

Looking at one another both girls' node simultaneously, while Ye Ziyun rises, "I'll do it."

Moving to the side while facing her, so they may give Ye Ziyun the space needed, both Chen Tian and Xiao Ning'er wait with anticipation.

Taking a deep breath and mentally preparing herself, Ye Ziyun begins her Soul Forming.

The soul energy surrounding her thickens, while lite seems to emanate from the girl together with a vortex of energy surrounding her. This takes about 1 minute, all while the energy vortex becomes more powerful when suddenly it starts ripping.

From the center, they can see Ye Ziyun, slightly change. Her looks are slightly more mature. Her posture that of someone demanding respect from that alone. But, the biggest change being the pair of wings at her back. Beautiful ethereal blue Phoenix Wings (I'll leave a link at the end for all 3 so you can see how the wings look). Words alone could not describe the sight before them.

While Ye Ziyun might have kept her apparent, the aura she emanated was completely different to the previous one.

If previously one could feel kindness from her and see a beautiful teen girl, now it was like a sacred being was before them.

From Ziyun's perspective, well let's just say that her world had 180 degrees change. She felt good. Actually, scratch that, she felt fantastic. The world around her seemed to have gained more color and details. She could actually feel the energy fluctuation in the air now like it was second nature.

But, the biggest difference is the feeling of freedom. She hadn't felt like this in a long time. Not since she was a small child without problems, without burdens to carry, without a reputation to maintain, simply free like a bird in the sky.

Looking at the Ye Ziyun, seeing as she turns her sight to the sky, Chen Tian can't help but be surprised by her change, and by change, I don't mean looks or temperament, no what I mean is the freedom she emanates now, the sight of one that has finally seen the light o the sun after decades of imprisonment, another comparation would be that of a bird that was trapped in a cage, and finally found it's freedom. For goodness sake, there was no description of something like this happening either into the LN or the knowledge I managed to gain until now.

Turning his sight to the girl beside him.

Hmm, now that I think about it her soul form is that of an Ice Phoenix, a mythical being the freedom of the sky above all, so from this I can deduce that she has also gained certain psychological characteristics from it, or better said she awakened certain psychological characteristics of herself that ley dormant till now…

Taking a closer look at Xiao Ning'er, Chen Tian can't help but have a chill down his spine,

Wait a second, wasn't Ning'er's Soul Form that of a Winged Dragon? ... if my theory is confirmed and one does indeed awaken the psychological characteristics of their Soul Form, Ning'er's being that of a dragon, and dragon being characteristic by strength, dominance, and territoriality…

A few moments of silence for our fallen broader that just realized how fucked he is considering that he's in a relationship with a dragoness in human skin…

Well, I had a nice life… if I'm lucky it might be even better from now on, but… just in case I better go and write down my will after this…

He is suddenly pulled from his thoughts by Xiao Ning'er, "Well, it's my turn now, I wonder what will change."

Before he could say anything, the air around her starts shifting. The soul energy start building up, gales of wind and lightning surround her, forming into a cocoon made out of them, and, just like in Ye Ziyun's case after a minute, the cocoon starts ripping.

From it, Xiao Ning'er appears. Behind her a double pair of draconic wings (Tiamat Slayer by Shade-Echidna on DeviantArt). Her present gaining sacredness, similar to that of Ye Ziyun's. the difference is that from her one can feel an oppressive feeling of domination, a predatory glint in her now golden eyes, that of a being on the top of the food chain.

Her body posture emanating strength, pride, and beauty. Her wings and golden eyes complimenting her dark hair.

As she focuses her gaze on him, he is goosebumps, as he sees the predatory and possessiveness her eyes bear.

A few moments pass like this, as silence falls between the 3 teens.

"Well, that's that… I guess it's my turn huh?"

Closing his eyes. Chen Tian starts meditating.

A heavy atmosphere starts enveloping the surroundings.

The array surrounding them starts cracking under the pressure.

A cocoon of pitch-black darkness starts forming around Chen Tian.

Both girls stare in fascination at the scene in front of them, as a sense of familiarity and longing appears in the very depths of their hearts, all while unknowingly tears of joy together with a fond smile appear on their faces, as they watch over the cocoon of darkness, from which a small light appears in the center, and starts sending ripples of pure light start forming from within the darkness.

In the meantime, inside of the cocoon, Chen Tian feels like his whole being is bathed in lava. As if he was continuously melting and being reformed, the pain lasting for what feels like an eternity, until suddenly the pain stops, followed by a sensation of refreshment and freedom.

This does not last long, as visions start appearing in his mind, followed by voices and screams. The faces of 2 breathtaking woman appear, then calmness as a dream of what seems to be repressed memories begins…

The dream…

A dream, that can be the only answer to what I have seen and what I am seeing now. 2 beautiful women's where before me, 3 children, a boy, and 2 girls, calling me 'daddy'. The 2-woman looking at me with love and complete and utter trust. A beautiful white city floating in the sky, majestic creatures flying through the sky. The forest full of life, a great sentient tree in the middle, with a few others, calling themselves Elim's.

You could practically see and feel the vitality and warmth all around, but then, then everything changes. Flames falling from the sky, the once beautiful white floating city fallen and burning in flames, the same can be said about the once beautiful forest, from which only ashes remain. Countless 'beast' and monsters lying dead at my feet, whole legions if I were to say so myself, my 'wife's' fighting beside me, unfortunately, the enemies seem never-ending, but even so we did not stop our fight, we continued on, and when the ending was in sight, when we finally killed the last of the beast's and were to rest, yelling could be heard from behind us.

Turning around the sight that I saw simply broke me. There were lying my 3 children, behind them the man I trusted most.

"***** what are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?!"

The face he made when he looked at me made me sick in the stomach, and considering the atrocity I have seen in my Immortal life, that's a lot to say.

"What I am doing? He, hehe, HAHAHA, well that should be obvious commander ****. I'm taking my revenge!"

"Revenge?! Revenge for what?!"

His sickening laughter can be heard.

"You took everything from me! All the power you have should have been mine, your position, and what's more your wife's, MINE! A mortal borne worm like you should have never had anything of this, everything you have should be mine, one of noble blood, not the likes of you!"

The madman continues on as he points at ****, **** and me.

"But don't worry cap. I'll make everything right again, first I'll kill these brats, then you and afterword's I'll take **** and ****! After all, I did quite a bit of work to put a hole in the barrier so that the dredgion's may bypass the barrier so that the invasion may begin. And as I can see, even someone as mighty as you 3 are too tired out to continue fighting after all the enemy legions!"

Before I could say anything, I could hear my wife's, "You madman! You would willingly destroy the whole of Atreia just for that?!"

You could easily see the madness in his eyes and face, "YES! SO WHAT, IF IT CAN'T BE MINE LET IT BE DESTROYED!" As he brings his sword down towards my children, fortunately, I was able to move fast enough to block it with my shield, but what came next, I never expected.

The madman summons an artifact that binds us all while laughing like a beast.

"There's nothing you 3 can do now! If you were at full power you might be able to nullify the power of this artifact but right now, you 3 are barely stronger than ordinary devas! All of us will die today, but not you cap! I don't want you to rest in peace! Your soul shall be separated in 2, never to rest in peace, and forever alone!" As he activates the artifact.

End of dream.

His eyes snap open as the energy around him explodes, the array that's hiding them is on the brink of collapse.

A cloud of dust forms, but not even a moment later a gentle wind forms, waving it away.

In sight, 3 silhouettes appear.

Both Xiao Ning'er and Ye Ziyun standing in the same spot as before, and what seems to be a barrier surrounding each as it fazes in and out of sight.

In front of them a teen, behind him a gigantic pair of golden red wings (The Archdaeva wings).

"We must leave from here. The array has broken, others might come…" He says as he looks at the 2 before him.

With a nod of understanding from all 3, they disappear from sight.

15 minutes later, 3 teens appear at the gates of the City Lord's Mansion.

Turning towards Chen Tian and Xiao Ning'er, Ye Ziyun says, "Let's go inside. I have my own cambers and private garden, Chen Tian should be able to put up an array there, and we can try and sort out what's happening to us…"


Wings images for each:

Xiao Ning'er: https : 9d18/i/2013/010/d/a/tiamat _slayer_by_shade_echidna-d5r215w . jpg

Ye Ziyun: http : DZlL0n8 . jpg

Chen Tian: https : .nocookie aion/images/f/f6/High_Daeva_Empyrean_Lords . jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151104102021