Chapter 12: The Saint Child's Decree, Ling Tian's Schemes

"You did exceptionally well... so as a reward, you get to bathe with me!" For Ling Tian's show-off antics, Luo Qingqiu had zero tolerance. As a child, he needed to learn the art of hiding one's brilliance.

"You..." Ling Tian only uttered this one word before falling silent. What he had done, he would not regret. A true man stands by his actions; once a word is spoken, it is as good as set in stone. Whatever he did, he would shoulder the consequences himself. Ling Tian was not the sort to regret things after the fact, no matter the outcome. Hmph, just wait until he grew up...

A sharp smack interrupted his thoughts, Luo Qingqiu's palm landing squarely on Ling Tian's backside.

After returning to the Sacred Land of Luo Qiu, Ling Tian underwent a merciless round of punishment at Luo Qingqiu’s hands, and was then subjected to a thorough examination. Luo Qingqiu, after all, was afraid that something might be wrong with Ling Tian; jokes were one thing, but if anything truly happened to him, she would not be able to answer for it.

"Could it be that you really are a genius, boy?"

After a careful examination, she found Ling Tian’s vital energy blazing strong, with no ill effects whatsoever. She couldn’t help but raise her brows as she spoke. Perhaps because her fondness for him had reached twenty-five percent, Luo Qingqiu’s manner with Ling Tian had grown much more relaxed, and she was more willing to speak freely with him.

Ling Tian wanted to boast again, but seeing the less-than-pleasant look in Luo Qingqiu’s eyes, he decided to let it go.

"It’s all thanks to your excellent teaching, sister," Ling Tian flattered, his small face wearing an ingratiating expression that seemed ill-suited to one so young.

If it had been anyone else, Luo Qingqiu might have ignored the remark, but something about Ling Tian’s words made the corners of her lips twitch upward, almost against her will.

"For the next while, focus on consolidating your foundation. You can concentrate on tempering your cultivation realm," she said, tamping down her unusual feelings and giving Ling Tian his next direction.

Achieving the Minor Completion of the Chaotic Dao Body was more than enough for this stage. Without a solid cultivation base, it would be impossible to achieve the Great Completion.

Ling Tian nodded earnestly, his little head bobbing.

Cultivation… this was only the true beginning.

...

Within the Chaotic Dao Domain, news of Ling Tian had already spread far and wide. Though many who heard the tale were skeptical, the images captured in the shadow stones forced them to accept the truth. All sides were roused, each harboring their own designs. Many sent their young prodigies to join the Sacred Land of Luo Qiu, and for a time, obtaining a spot there became nearly impossible.

Ling Tian, of course, knew nothing of this, nor did he need to concern himself with such matters...

Several days later, Ling Tian let out a long breath beneath a pavilion, looking down at his small hands with satisfaction. Seventh level of the Profound Pill Realm—achieved!

No wonder both sects and great families placed such value on Dao bodies and innate talent; with such gifts, progress in cultivation truly was swift!

As Ling Tian was musing, footsteps approached. The newcomer was someone Ling Tian had met once before: the Holy Master of the Sacred Land, Luo Changsheng.

Come to think of it, he owed Luo Changsheng thanks regarding Xiao Ling’er… Wait, Xiao Ling’er! Ling Tian had been so focused on his cultivation these past days that he had nearly forgotten about her. He resolved to pay her a visit soon.

"Disciple of the Supreme Elder, truly extraordinary. By that reckoning, I ought to call you Senior Brother..." Luo Changsheng, instead of heading to the main peak, seated himself before Ling Tian, his tone gentle.

Ling Tian glanced at Luo Changsheng, quirking his lips. Was his seniority not a bit too high? Then again, having such a junior didn’t seem like a bad deal.

"Junior Brother," Ling Tian called out sweetly.

Luo Changsheng nearly coughed up blood, barely managing to keep it down. Looking at the boy before him, he couldn’t help but smile wryly—why had he been so polite with such a young child? The boy had taken it seriously!

"Senior Brother, I have something fun for you. Look, isn’t this token beautiful? Would you like it?" Luo Changsheng suppressed his awkwardness, producing a token inscribed with the words ‘Holy Son’. Indeed, this was his purpose in coming. If Ling Tian would agree, some cost would be worth it. Truly, he was racking his brains for the sake of the sect!

"I’m your Senior Brother?" Ling Tian sidestepped the offer, asking again.

"Yes," Luo Changsheng replied, nodding—he had indeed just said so.

"Then shouldn’t you listen to your senior brother? Be good and put the token away," Ling Tian said, spreading his hands and gazing at Luo Changsheng as though he were a fool.

Luo Changsheng froze, his expression darkening. Was he being outmaneuvered by a child? He could only smile bitterly—he had brought this upon himself.

"Sen..." Luo Changsheng began, but Ling Tian cut him off:

"I’m so young, yet I know age confers seniority. By rights, I should call you Senior Brother, but you address me as such. Don’t tell me you’re also the Supreme Elder’s disciple?"

Luo Changsheng’s form of address had left Ling Tian puzzled.

"The Supreme Elder saved my life and taught me the Dao, but never formally accepted me as a disciple. So I suppose I’m half a disciple. You, being her true disciple, deserve the title," Luo Changsheng explained, setting the Holy Son token on the table when Ling Tian showed no interest.

Ling Tian was a bit surprised; he hadn’t expected one as gifted as Luo Changsheng not to be Luo Qingqiu’s disciple.

"This sacred land was founded by the Supreme Elder. I only wish to see it flourish," Luo Changsheng said, his eyes shining with sincerity.

Ling Tian understood his meaning—someone of his talent, if made Holy Son, would have a limitless future. That was only natural. Yet, given Ling Tian’s own status, that position seemed ill-suited for him.

"This matter… should be discussed with Master," Ling Tian replied, shaking his head. He was certain Luo Qingqiu would not agree. In every sense, such a matter was not his to decide.

Luo Changsheng smiled, surprised that Ling Tian handled affairs with such maturity—he did not seem like a child at all. Perhaps this was what set him apart from ordinary people.

Before long, Ling Tian saw Luo Changsheng return, his expression somewhat gloomy. Ling Tian asked after Xiao Ling’er’s residence and said nothing more. In the Sacred Land of Luo Qiu, with his status, he was in no danger.

Watching Luo Changsheng’s departing figure, Ling Tian fell into thought...

"Sister, the one who just visited has quite impressive talent. Since you’ve given him things, why not take him as your disciple?" Ling Tian asked, climbing onto Luo Qingqiu’s bed.

Luo Qingqiu’s beautiful eyes lingered on Ling Tian for a long moment, until he began to feel uneasy, before she finally spoke:

"And you think you’re really my disciple?"