Shin; Holy Orchid Institute

Looking outside and seeing the moon shine he couldn't help but remember his chance meeting with the daughter of the Winged Dragon family.

'I told her that we would later arrange a next meeting but after all that happened I couldn't find time to even see her.'

Looking outside for a moment he stayed in silence before shaking his head and standing up.

'I'll take this as a midnight walk… plus after sleeping for a full day I still don't feel tired at all.'

Making his way to the training ground was harder than he thought as he didn't have a way to use his soul force so he had to walk all the way like a mortal, the walk in the forest was even worse.

'With my body and weapon I can easily take care of any demon beast here or at least easily escape without fighting.'

Running all the way he finally reached an opening where trees or bushes didn't grow leaving an open area the same place where they encountered that first time.

'She's not here huh… Well maybe it is better like this, at least it won't mean that she has been waiting for me here each night.'

As Shin was about to turn around and return he heard the sound of footsteps, thinking it was some demon beast he took out a sword and looked toward the sound only to stop as he saw a familiar face.

A single figure walked slowly toward him, her long orange hair tied in a long ponytail while wearing a long pink dress with golden flowers drawn in it.

"Ning'er?"

Shin didn't know what to say as he saw her slowly walk toward him, he knew he made a promise to get in touch to see each other to continue her treatment, a promise he didn't maintain as he first went to the infinite forest and later was unconscious.

"Shin.. Are you ok? I heard what happened, you stayed unconscious for a full day…"

Hearing the concern in her voice Shin felt a small warm feeling spreading through his heart, smiling lightly as he nodded at her.

"Thanks for the concern but I'm alright, I just can't cultivate for a week or until my soul force stabilizes after I strained but it's nothing serious."

Seeing as she wasn't convinced he quickly changed the topic.

"More importantly I made a couple of things that could be helpful to you.."

Saying so he took out an Half-Step Black Gold sword, this was one of the weapon he found in the ravine, He gave all of the Black Gold rank to Taishiro while keeping another Gold rank halberd and sword for himself, he would even use this Half-Step Black Gold but it was of the Lightning attribute so he preferred to give it to someone that actually had that same attribute.

'Not only Halberds are quite rare as weapons but my own Blood attribute will make it impossible to actually find a weapon that suits me…'

Shaking his head to disperse those thoughts he gave the sword to Ning'er as she took it with both hands.

"This… I can't take this! It's too much for someone like me…"

Saying so she wanted to actually give back the weapon but Shin simply ignored that as he expected her to refuse the gift.

"This is just one of the weapons I found on this trip so don't worry too much, plus this is of a rare Lightning attribute so I don't think there is anyone worthy of taking such a weapon."

Finishing saying that he took out a green scroll, the scroll was a copy that he made of the Skyfield Domain Movement Technique this same afternoon, he planned on giving this to her tomorrow along with a copy of the Heavenly Thunderbird Technique the next day, he wasn't able to actually finish the copy for the Heavenly Thunderbird today so he would still give that one tomorrow.

"This is a movement technique of the wind attribute, it should be perfect for you plus it explains how to understand and use the Wind Law."

Seeing the confused look on her face Shin started to explain what Laws were along with how they were divided in rank and how they could be used, obviously all of this was from his experience till now along with what he found written in the book.

"It will be easier to show you I guess, come sit here."

Sitting down he patted a patch of dry grass near him, Ning'er saw that a blushed red her brain stopped for a couple of seconds.

"Mh? What's wrong?"

Seeing her not moving he turned look at her but she quickly shook her head while mumbling a 'nothing' before sitting down at his side overwhelmed in embarrassment but that quickly ended as Shin started to move his hand in the air, her eyes opened wide as she saw small azure lines start to move around forming intricate shapes reminding her of the inscription pattern she sometimes saw in her clan.

"This is the lowest form of Law, the book called it Inscription Law and I think it really is a fitting name since it resembles so much to inscription patterns."

Glancing at his side he saw Ning'er nod her head while her eyes were still fixated on the inscription in front of them, the lines continued for a couple of seconds before stopping right now Shin completely stabilized his understanding. If the understanding of Laws could be divided in three major ranks then each of those three ranks could be divided into four minor ranks: Low, Middle, High and Peak.

'Right now I could be classified as a Low level Law inscription rank…'

Letting his hand fall Shin could feel the strain on his body, while he couldn't use soul force he could still use Wind law quite normally almost af if they were two different types of energy.

"It's beautiful…"

Looking at his side he heard such a comment come from Ning'er as she lifted her hand to touch the inscription but as her fingers came in contact with the lines they would tremble for a few seconds before starting to disappear.

"Here let me help you…"

Lifting his hand he gently took her hand and traced the fading lines renewing them. He couldn't help but be amused at Ning'er bashful face. He didn't know why he felt so comfortable in her presence, maybe it was the change of pace from the last few days or something else.

"Can I ask you why you are helping so much?"

Stopping in his movement he let Ning'er question set in his mind as he thought over it.

'Why am I helping so much? Is it because her father asked me? Because I hate the Sacred family? Or…'

He himself wasn't sure why he decided to involve himself so much, even if he hated the Sacred family he wouldn't gain anything from this, if everything went well he may as well destroy or tame the whole Sacred family before the time for her marriage even arrived.

Resuming his movement he sighed before answering.

"I guess it's because I'm interested in you… Normally any person in your place would have already resigned themself to their fate but you not only didn't give up but also started to train and push forward until you ultimately injured yourself but even then you pushed through the pain and continued to fight for your freedom. I guess I'm interested in that passion and drive that permitted you to reach this point…"

Turning to her he gave a calm smile, he wasn't lying even if he was put in her position with the same resources he probably would have either given up or escaped the family, for her to try to fight a whole family while being betrayed by her own family… He really respected someone with so much will.

Ning'er froze on the spot, her face almost expressionless but one could clearly see how her inner emotions were a mess right now each and every word that Shin said repeating in her mind.

'He's interested in me? In what way? Am I even worthy?'

While Shin was unconscious, rumors of what he did quickly spread through the city even reaching the Holy Orchid Institute because of that a lot of people already knew how he gave up a lot just to have Glory city gain half a day more to prepare. While the civilian were quickly awed by such sacrifice the aristocrats especially the student truly new how much he gave up, for a genius like him to give up a week or more of cultivation was like giving up years of his life, normally when a demon spiritualist started cultivating they would have a quick speed regardless of talent in the first few years that was because when one was younger they would have a lot more time and energy to spend on cultivating so for any of them to stagnate for a whole week was a disaster especially with the placement exam a little less than two month away.

Seeing the confused expression Shin could only sigh internally, moving his free hand to her head he caressed her hair for a second as he regained her attention.

"Don't think too hard about it for now just know that I promise that I won't let you marry in the Sacred family if push come to shove then I'll let you hide and be protected by my clan"

'I don't know if our relationship will ever change and become something more but this is the least I can do as a friend..'

Ning'er obviously wanted to say more as she opened her mouth to speak but no voice came out, at the end she could only nod her head as she leaned in the feeling of his hand on her head.

Shin at that moment couldn't help but feel sick about all of this, he still wasn't sure if his feelings weren't more than simply pity or respect for her hard work or something more but even if they ended up loving each other he wasn't sure he could welcome her in his life.

'The path to reach my final goal will be arduous and will require a lot of sacrifice along the way… I'm not sure if I want her to follow me in this path… '

The two stayed in silence bathing in the presence of the other as they were occupied in their own thoughts, after a while Shin decided to continue to explain to her the power of the Wind law and they continued in the night practicing this ancient and forgotten law unknowing about the passing time.

Shin looked at Ning'er as she was sitting with her eyes closed and an azure inscription slowly forming in front of her, in contrast with Shin's inscription this was smaller and had less lines but it shined a lot more showing her own affinity with the law.

'Just with this she will surely become one of the most powerful demon spiritualists in the future…'

The difference between someone studying a law they had affinity for and someone that didn't was the same difference between hell and heaven and because of that a thought made its way into Shin's head.

'What would happen if I somehow comprehend the Blood Law.'

He knew that there were as many laws as the various attributes one soul force and realm could have so there was surely a Blood Law just waiting for him, he just needed to somehow understand it.

Looking at the sky he saw the first light of the sun making its way through the forest passing through the various branches and leaves.

'I guess it's time to leave…'

Glancing again at Ning'er a strange feeling made its way to his heart, he still didn't know how to feel about her but he knew that only time will tell.

"Ning'er.. It's time to go or we won't have time to prepare for classes."

He didn't care much about classes but after being absent for so much he had to at least present himself plus he wanted to speak with Nie Li.

Opening her eyes she looked as Shin as an azure light flashed between them, the inscription in front of her slowly disappeared becoming a small breeze fluttering her hair.

Standing up he gave a small smile at her before offering his hand to help her stand up, she blushed a little before taking his hand and standing up.

"Here take also this I already memorized what I needed. It will be better for you to have it."

What he handed to her was the book of the Heavenly Thunderbird Technique, in the first place he wanted to learn it only to have a special technique of lightning/thunder attribute he never wanted to study it to the last layer as he would only be a waste of time for him so instead of spending more time to creating a copy he decided to memorize the first two layers and pass the whole book to Ning'er who would benefit a lot more.

Ning'er nodded as she accepted the book with a small smile before both of them started to make their way toward the dorm as they had small talks between each other with Ning'er asking what type of Food he preferred, confusing Shin who still answered all of her questions.

After some time after exiting the training ground they divided as they had their dorm rooms in different direction, Shin sighed as he glanced behind him and didn't saw her anymore he knew that he had to soon decide what to do with these emotion as it wasn't healthy to keep wandering in confusion both for his mental health and for his cultivation speed.

'Let's think about this later for now let's prepare for the lessons… Ugh I have to stand in the back during Shen Xiu class right…'

…

After arriving in class Shin quickly found Nie Li and the other seated toward the end of the classroom, Lu Piao quickly noticed him enter the classroom and waved at him inviting him over.

Smiling he made his way there as both Lu Piao and Du Ze greeted him as he greeted them back.

"Huh? What happened to Nie Li?"

As he was about to greet him Shin saw Nie Li sitting with his arm crossed looking at the empty space in front of him in deep thought. Before anyone could answer him Nie Li turned to him as his eyes widened as he looked at Shin.

"Shin! It's good that you are here. I need your help with something!"

The other simply looked at Nie Li with wry smiles as he started to take out a couple of scrolls.

"Here take my seat."

Du Ze, who was sitting on Nie Li's right , stood up, giving the seat to Shin, giving up on whatever his friend was doing.

"Thanks… Nie Li before that I had the Purple Haze Grass here."

Thanking Du Ze he quickly turned to Nie Li and stopped him by giving him a interspatial ring that contained the purple haze grass, this was also one of the reason he wanted to attend class as he already received this after he woke up he wanted to quickly give this to Nie Li so that he could maintain his promise to him.

"Thank you, By the way I wanted to ask you if you could accompany me to the alchemy association as I wanted to sell a few pill recipes."

Cupping his hand he accepted the ring before putting it away.

"The alchemy association? Sure we can go today after class… Wait, let's go tomorrow today I have a few things to give you guys so let's meet in my backyard."

Today after he returned to his room he found that Naoki had already made copies of some of the special techniques he requested, these were some techniques that he planned to both study himself along with the ones he decided to give to Nie Li and the others that he selected based on their attribute affinity.

"Then let's meet up after class."

Nodding his head he went to seat a little bit more in the back as he took out the book of the Exploding Sun Technique, he selected this because it was one of the easiest to learn while not having the right attribute affinity plus it the technique itself used fire in a versatile way so that he could use it both in a lot of enemies at the time or a single enemy at the time.

'After this I should start to learn the Blood lotus and see if I can learn the Void Shattering Technique.'

Unlike the other technique the Void Shattering technique uses the Space Law, something that Shin couldn't even start to imagine let alone actually comprehending it.

'Even with the book explaining it will be extremely difficult to actually understand it.'

At that moment he looked toward the front door almost in reflex as he saw Ning'er enter the room, as soon as she stepped inside she started to look around before her eyes fell on Shin, the two looked at each other for a second before Ning'er smiled as she started to climb up to reach her seat or that was what Shin thought but his mind froze as he saw her completely walk over her seat and continuing climbing causing the students to let out confused noises as they put all of their attention on her.

"Huh? Where is the Goddess going?"

"Is she going toward Nie Li? Did he antagonize her?"

"Oh are we going to see him beat up!?"

Such comments were heard all around the classroom as Lu Piao and Du Ze face darkened.

Shin continued to watch the scene with mild interest as he was curious about what Nie Li could have done to cause her wrath but as Ning'er neared Nie Li seat she actually ignored him as she continued climbing this time lifting her head to look directly at Shin.

"Huh? Xiao Ning'er, What's the matter?"

As he refrained to call her 'Ning'er like he usually would do he actually saw Ning'er smile falter for a second before it returned as she took out a small box from her spatial ring and put it down on the table in front of Shin.

"This is the breakfast that I made according to what food you liked… Could I sit down here and eat together with you?"

As she asked, the whole classroom fell into a deep silence as they were shocked that the most cold and unapproachable person in class actually made breakfast for a boy nonetheless.

Shin took a second to understand what was happening before his stomach urged his mind to answer, after returning he indeed forgot to eat something and since he also missed yesterday's dinner he was starving.

"Ah, sure come sit down, thank I actually forgot to have breakfast so you're a lifesaver."

At his answer Ning'er smile broadened before she sat down right at his side, because Shin choose the last row of seats there were no other people at his left and now his right was occupied by Ning'er causing them to be alone in a corner of the classroom separating everyone from their conversation and almost creating their own space where no one could intrude.

"Mh! This is really good…"

Shin's eyes brightened as he tasted the food, only causing Ning'er smile to widen with a small blush making its way toward her face.

The two continued to eat in a comfortable silence as Ning'er looked at his expression to see what he thought of her cooking.

As the two finished Ning'er was about to stand up and go sit in her seat when she was stopped by Shin.

"If you want you can sit here, the seat is empty anyway."

Ning'er stopped to look at his face before nodding her head as she sat back down, the whole class seeing that didn't even know what to think anymore.

"Ah, right after class are you free? I wanted to train a little more with the wind law plus I have other things to give you."

Before she could answer Shen Xiu entered the room as Shin was remembered that he would need to stand up in the back but strangely enough as he was about to stand up along with Nie Li and the others she stopped them.

"You lot, what are you doing? Return to your seat, the lesson is about to start."

As they all sat back down, Shin not having moved in the first place, they could only tilt their head thinking that maybe something good happened to her for her to not make them stand up.

Shin glanced at Ning'er but she only shrugged her shoulders and was also confused at Shen Xiu's attitude.

Shen Xiu's previous smile faltered for a second as she saw Ning'er and Shin seated near each other in the back of the classroom but she quickly reverted back as if nothing happened.

'What is she doing sitting with another man when she is going to be married to our family? Well… No matter, I just need to tell Shen Fei.'

As she started to teach the class some figure unbeknownst to the students already seated themselves at the back of the class in the empty seats that were behind Nie Li and at Shin's right, these figures where the inspectors that were going to look at how Shen Xiu teached and take a look at the various new students.

As Shen Xiu started to explain inscriptions Shin got interested but soon that interest became disappointment.

'She said that there are only three types: Snow wind, Sacred Flame and non elemental? What nonsense is this? Shouldn't the city lord have already changed this when we showed him that there are as many inscription types as attributes?'

Other than cultivation method, one price they had paid to enter was also giving basic information in inscription technique so the city lord and even some high rank patriarch should know that the Akagawa uses Blood type inscription along with other elements.

"Let's start with the Sacred fire inscription!"

As Shen Xiu started to explain her family's famous inscription Shin sighed internally, while his eyes were fixated on the inscription his mind was already thinking of other things not caring about this lesson at all and unknown to him Nie Li was thinking the same.

Nie Li in his previous life wandered through the continent gaining knowledge that surpassed everyone in Glory city so he clearly knew how wrong Shen Xiu was.

'The Sacred fire basic inscription has over 600 types, not 36 as she is claiming…'

Deciding it was not worth it he leaned on his desk as he started to sleep, catching the attention of Shen Xiu who only grit her teeth.

"Nie Li! Since you dare to sleep in my class you must already know everything about inscription?"

Nie Li opened his eyes and answered without even lifting his head.

"Yes, I do."

This answer served only to anger even more Shen Xiu who could only look coldly at Nie Li.

"Ah? If that's the case then tell me about this inscription up here!"

As the two started to bicker Shin only glanced at Nie Li direction amused as his attics, he still wasn't sure if there was a secret master behind him or he only found an ancient legacy and was able to study it but he was sure that Nie Li wouldn't start spouting nonsense like a class clown.

Looking at his side he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable as he felt some presence right at the other side of Ning'er, at first he thought it may be some assassins or something like that but after remembering where he was he immediately squashed that thought.

As he tried not to think about the unknown people he heard some student speak in whispers.

"That Nie li.. Didn't he throw Shen Yue out of the window the other day? And now he is picking a fight with Shen Xiu, does he want to antagonize the whole Sacred family?"

Hearing that he couldn't help but be surprised so he turned to Ning'er who was watching the whole scene.

"Ning'er, what happened between Nie Li and Shen Yue while I was gone?"

As she heard him she turned toward him and thought for a second before answering.

"If you meant when Nie Li threw Shen Yue out of the library then it happened yesterday, it seems they entered in a fight because Nie Li has been speaking with Ye Ziyun and Shen Yue got jealous… That Sacred family is all the same."

As she thought back at how Shen Yue as if Ye Ziyun was his woman she couldn't help but think back to Shen Fei who acted the same proclaiming that she was his woman while he played around with other girls.

Seeing Ning'er frown, Shin could guess what she was thinking so he tried to change the subject.

"That Nie Li really likes to make trouble whenever he goes… But don't think badly of him, at least as far as I know he is a good guy to his friends."

Ning'er nodded her head at Shin's words but she still had the matter of Shen Fei in her head so she unconsciously sat a little closer to Shin searching for some more comfort.

At that moment he heard Nie Li talking about seeing the same inscription in an ancient book he couldn't help but think of something.

'Now that I think about it, why were all of the special techniques already translated in the same language?'

While he studied the ancient languages when he was younger the books that he found were already fully traduced as soon as he touched but the more he thought about it the more it didn't make sense.

"Could it be some effect from a special inscription?"

He couldn't help but think about this but as he said that last part out loud Ning'er heard as she turned to him.

"Special Inscription?"

Turning to her he shook his head but as he was about to say it was nothing a new idea came to his mind.

"Yesterday after seeing how the Wind Law actually had a great effect on you since you had the affinity for that attribute I thought of searching for other laws like the Blood Law the same as my attribute or the lightning attribute the same as yours. The only problem is actually finding where to start…"

"Maybe since they are inscriptions you can take inspiration from the inscriptions technique? But I guess they will only work for the Snow Wind attribute and the Sacred Fire attribute."

Shin almost hit himself in the face as he thought about what she said.

"Ning'er you're truly a genius, Don't listen to what Shen Xiu said about inscription, my clan has been using inscription of other elements for years now especially the blood type inscription so if that does work then we may not have much problem in finding a way to start to study the Lightning Law."

He almost wanted to hug Ning'er from how easily she came up with the solution but he stopped himself as it would cause too many troubles with how many people were watching.

'How stupid of me to not even think about this…'

The lesson continued as Nie Li actually was right and denounced the Sacred family for plagiarizing an already existing work, to say that Shen Xiu and Shen Yue took it badly was an understatement.

As everyone was thinking about how could the sacred family do this Shin was more worried that the Sacred family would only try to silence him and even while Nie Li took measure for that it still didn't mean that he was safe from getting a beating.

'As long as he stays in the institute at most they will use the other bronze rank but even then they won't be able to do much to him in broad daylight.'

At least toward the end the figures hiding behind made themselves known as the vice principal, vice instructor and another unknown elder who probably was from the Snow wind family.

As class ended, the Nie Li group made its way toward them as Shin waved at them.

"Good Job with the Sacred Family, they have been overbearing for far too much."

Nie Li smiled at Shin's comment while scratching the back of his head while Lu Piao was looking at Shin with dead eyes.

"This is Xiao Ning'er, about what I wanted to ask you before it was actually for you to give me a cultivation technique for her as you know a lot more cultivation techniques than I do alone. Obviously I will pay it at whatever price you want"

Ning'er only shifted in her awkwardly as she didn't know what to say, as Lu Piao eyes grew cold with envy.

"Don't worry about the price, it's just a cultivation technique, if you want to repay me. What it's her Soul form and attribute?"

As Nie Li said, he waved his hand with a smile.

"Then if you need anything else don't hesitate in asking, the Akagawa clan will always open it's door for you. As for her, the attribute is Wind Lighting while the soul form is that of a winged dragon."

As Shin continued Nie Li's eyes grew round as he stared in disbelief at Ning'er before looking at Shin who only nodded as if to confirm he heard correctly.

"If it's like that then I can only think of giving the Lightning Dragon Cultivation Technique, give some time I will write it for you and give it tomorrow."

Nodding his head he thanked him as Ning'er also did the same.

"Well, do you want to go to the alchemy association now or later?"

Nie Li smiled as he started to walk toward the exit.

"Let's go now!"

Smiling at his attics he saw the other follow Nie Li as he looked at Ning'er.

"What do you want to do?"

Ning'er looked at the others who descended the stairs before looking at Shin.

"Can I come?"

As she asked that, almost in a whisper, Shin only only smiled at her before nodding his head.

"Obviously you can come, you don't even have to ask. Let's go"

"Mh!"

As Shin started walking Ning'er who was walking a little behind him couldn't help but smile as a warm feeling spread through her, she shook her head before speeding up and starting to walk alongside Shin with a big smile on her face.

That's it for today, a good 5k chapter to celebrate chap 10, I don't have much to say just the fact that the legacy was already traduced will come up later it's not just because I forgot that the ancient time used different languages… Definitely… Ehm.

Anyway, I hope you liked it and if you find any errors don't hesitate in writing it to me and I will try my best to correct it.

Hope you have a great Sunday and see you later!