Chapter 234: Presence
Lan Ming was really curious about Li Hai as she wanted to have as many as people they could have under them. They would be helpful in building the new world her master envisioned.
It was also the reason she was very happy when Vanish and Stone joined them. She knew Li Hai might not have loyalty but it was still great to have a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator under them.
But for that, they need to see his character and his past. If he could repent or not depended on his actions. Her master was very lenient and could forgive people to a certain point.
So, she needed to know more about him.
Hearing Lan Ming's question, Ning Xi turned silent as she tried to remember anything about Li Hai.
"Ah! You're talking about that drunkard! He is the brother of First Supreme Elder and son of the former Sect Leader of Celestial Sword Sect. However, he's weird as he doesn't participate in any of their event and simply cultivate while drinking."
Saying that, she took out her own wine gourd and took a sip from it.
"He is sort of like me in this regard, as he doesn't care about much about this world. He just loves and respects his family. So, he follows teaching and orders. Almost everything he does is an order from his brother. Why are you asking him though?"
Ying Yue pointed towards the Seven story Pagoda and answered.
"Because the said drunkard is now tied up there by our dear sister Lan!"
Ning Xi almost spat out the wine hearing that and hurriedly wiped her mouth. Glancing at Lan Ming, she asked.
"Why the hell you kidnapped him?"
Lan Ming shrugged.
"He came to interfere in the mission and even saw Zhi Yan's face. Even though it's highly unlikely for him to recognise her, we can't take risk."
Ning Xi sighed and put away her wine gourd.
"You really are amazing, Sister. Last time I fought him I couldn't defeat him at all. That bastard has a crazy Saber Intent."
Lan Ming and Ying Yue looked at her with strange looks on their faces, as Ying Yue asked.
"Why would you fight with him?"
Ning Xi blinked, as if confused by her question and said, as if it was the obvious thing.
"Of course, the battle was to see who can fight properly while being drunk. In other words, it was the battle for the title of strongest drunkard, and unfortunately I lost."
'What a stupid title!'
The two of them thought at the same time. Shaking her head off the thoughts, Ying Yue asked.
"How is the world outside?"
Ning Xi looked around for anything more to eat and answered.
"It's in total chaos, from mundane humans to the Major Sects. It has been a while since the Empire saw a proper large scale was and because of it, the common populace is afraid. They think someone has declared war on the Empire."
Lan Ming narrowed her eyes and said.
"And they think it's done by forces from the Holy Lands."
Ning Xi nodded.
"Yup! After all, every war in the history of the Empire has been either against the Spiritual Creatures or forces from outside world. Needless to say, we have lost everytime and the last this happened, four Major Sects were established. So people are now in fear."
Lan Ming hummed and began contemplating something. Looking at her expression, Ying Yue asked.
"Do you have something on your mind, Sister Lan?"
Lan Ming nodded and answered absentmindedly.
"Hmm, I was thinking on how could we frame the Major Sects for this. It's commonly known that the Major Sects had to come in comprise with the Empire we can spread the rumours that they are now going all out."
Ning Xi didn't like the idea as she frowned and said.
"That doesn't help us at all. The most it'll do is harm the innocent civilians who had nothing to do with the cultivation world itself."
Remembering her nature, Lan Ming quickly apologized to Ning Xi.
"Ah! I'm sorry. I am just trying to think of anything we can use against the Major Sects so when you told me about the wars..."
Ning Xi shook her head and interrupted her.
"It's fine! I know you're just trying your best. I just want to fight in a way that common people are harmed the less. I know some casualties can't be avoided and there will be many dead bodies in this war. But I want to make sure the number is as low as possible."
Lan Ming nodded.
"I'll make sure of that. Don't worry. Sister Qing also has some plans for the Empire and Major Sects so we will need to discuss things with her."
As they were talking, the space beside them rippled like a water surface as two figure stepped out from it. They both immediately changed their clothes to comfortable ones.
"Master!!"
The three women stood up and bowed before Shen Yu, who had came back along with Song Junwan.
As soon as he heard the voices of his wives and took in their breathtaking presence, his heart which had been unsettled for a while, finally felt a strange peace in it.
Warmth surged throughout his body as he smiled and opened his arms wide. With a Chuckle, he said.
"I'm not your Master for now. So, give your husband a welcome!"
He had just finished his words when he felt an immense force slamming on him like a canon ball. However, he didn't shy away and caught Ning Xi, who hugged him like a koala hugging a tree.
"Master, I've missed you so much!!"
Ning Xi inhaled Shen Yu's scent and whispered near his ear, blowing her warm breath down his neck.
"You damn vixen!!"
Ying Yue cursed lightly and hugged Shen Yu from the other side.
One by one, all four of his wives hugged him, as they shared a moment of warmth with each other.
After staying like that for a few moments, they settled back on the table, with Shen Yu sitting at the very centre.
He sighed and said.
"This was exhausting, even though I didn't really do anything."
Song Junwan put her chin on her palm and said.
"Get used to it, Hubby! You will have to deal with much more!"
Hearing that, Shen Yu sighed once again.
"Good thing I already have a candidate who came take over the Empire. I am not choosing to be a leader ever again."
The ladies laughed at that and began to joke around with him. For a few short moments, everyone forgot about the important affairs and simply enjoyed each other's company.
They were the first people Shen Yu had met in this new world and they had supported him all the way to where he was now. And now, they would support him in anything he wanted to achieve.
They were his backbone, his family. Their presence soothed his heart, which was in turmoil after hearing Liu Rutin's words. He still couldn't get those out of his mind, but for now, he knew he could relax.
After some time, the space rippled again as another breathtaking beauty stepped out from it. Having long enchanting crimson red hair that she tied in a ponytail and the one piece dress, Xiao Lan easily captured everyone's heart.
However, they quickly noticed something was off about her, which confused them as they expected her to be happy.
Ying Yue was the first one to react as she appeared beside her using Shadow Step and held her face, looking at her in worry.
"What happened? Is everything okay?"
Xiao Lan forced out an smile and nodded.
"I'm okay! I..I just want to confess something. Just give me a moment please!"
Ying Yue frowned at her words, but still nodded. She grabbed her hand and led her to sit between her and Shen Yu's seat, as she turned towards Shen Yu.
Looking at Xiao Lan who was avoiding looking into his eyes, Shen Yu smiled and reached out to pat her head.
"Take your time and then tell us everything. Just don't forget that we're a family."
Surprise flickered in Xiao Lan's as she raised her head and exclaimed.
"You knew?"
Shen Yu patted her head.
"How can I know not, silly girl."
A wry smile appeared on Xiao Lan's face as she thought.
'Of course, how is it possible for him to not know this?'
Everyone was confused by their conversation, but nobody interfered. They simply stayed silent and gave Xiao Lan enough time to build up courage.
Taking a deep breath, and eyes full of resolve, Xiao Lan stood up and bowed before everyone.
"I wish to apologise as I have hidden something from everyone."
Ying Yue's eyes widened and her head snapped towards Lan Ming, only to
find her looking back at her. She smiled at her and nodded.