Chương 107: SS - Two Terrible Twins Travel Through Troubled Times I

Xiao Tian remained vigilant as he drove the carriage through the rough roads that wound through the Lung Mountain Range. Unlike his fellow Sect Brothers, he had grown up with nothing and spent years in this wilderness after his family was exterminated. He knew very well that even the roads were not safe. Bandits. Beasts. Wandering Cultivators. One wrong move, or simple bad luck, could spell death. The other three disciples who had joined this mission weren't so vigilant as they walked beside the carriage.

It was an easy mission. Escort the Second Elder's youngest daughter toward Wulin City for an inspection. They were there more for formality and appearance's sake than for protection, as the area was all well within the Twin Heavens Sect's influence. Even the beasts of the Lung Mountain Range, this close to the strongest sect in the empire, knew to bow their heads when the tiger descended the mountain.

Xiao Tian wished they would be more alert but knew that his warnings would fall on deaf ears as, technically, they were all above him in the sect rankings. His true cultivation, middle Spirit Building, was well concealed and everyone thought he was in the late Foundation Laying realm. A talented disciple, based on his speed, but not a noteworthy one.

The only reason he had even joined this mission was to have his 'breakthrough' to Spirit Building in Wulin, really the late stage of the realm, well away from any curious eyes in the sect. It wouldn't do for any of the higher ups noticing his real cultivation, or worse, his unique Bloodline.

"Junior Disciple Xiao Tian," a delicate voice echoed from the inside of the carriage, as melodious as a bird's song.

"You are tense. Have you discovered anything?"

"Replying to the Young Miss," Xiao Tian answered dutifully, keeping his eyes on the road even as he felt the other disciples' eye bore into the back of his skull.

"The Lung Mountain Range is full of dangers and disasters. There have even been rumors of demonic cultivators recently. Until we are beyond the mountains, this Xiao Tian will remain on guard for any eventuality." His tone was formal and humble, keeping a strict distance between him and the occupant as propriety demanded. It wasn't enough.

"There is nothing to worry about Junior Brother," one of the other disciples, Mu Bang, 'reassured' Xiao Tian with a condescending look as he led the way.

"Any beast that nears will taste my saber. You need only to stay on the carriage."

"Much appreciated Senior Brother." Xiao Tian, despite knowing he was being mocked, simply nodded in acceptance. And didn't lower his guard.

"You should follow Xiao Tian's example," the delicate voice chimed in again.

"Caution and wariness are virtues to cultivate, as much as power."

"Young Miss is wise," Mu Bang bowed toward the carriage, his words repeated by the other two disciples who walked on the flanks. Despite so, Xiao Tian didn't miss the fact that the young man was grimacing in glaring at him. The carriage driver sighed internally, pretending not to have noticed.

'The favor of a beauty is not something to lament.'

'It is not that I am unhappy with it, master,' Xiao Tian told the spirit in his ring.

'Merely that the troubles it brings is not worth the meager benefits.'

'And you have your sights set higher,' the old man chuckled. Xiao Tian didn't respond. Yes, Ling Mei was a beauty every sect disciple longed for. Not only was she the Second Elder's youngest daughter, but she was also the most talented member of the Twin Heavens Sect of the younger generation. With the Pure Spring Divine Body, she was widely regarded as the next in line to inherit the Sect Master position. Despite being only a few years older than Xiao Tian, she had stepped into the Golden Core realm.

By the time she was thirty, she would likely be a Profound Sky cultivator, able to fly through the air with just a thought. Since even Elders were only Nascent Soul cultivators, one step higher than the Profound Sky, one could imagine how strong she would be in a century. Not only was she dedicated to cultivation, but her personality was admired throughout the sect. Just, kind to other disciples, and wise, Ling Mei was a figure every woman wanted to be, and every man wanted to be with.

It was thanks to her that he was here. As a reward for saving her maid, she had assigned him as the carriage driver for this mission despite him 'only' being in the Foundation realm. In a way, it was a way to reward him without seeming to play favorites. The rewards for this mission, despite the task being so simple and easy, were enormous and it gave one the chance to interact not only with Ling Mei, but also with the higher ups of Wulin, which could pave the way for a smooth life in the sect.

All in all, having Ling Mei's favor, even if it was only lightly, was a good thing now and could blossom into a great thing later. Xiao Tian, despite keeping secrets from the sect, was handsome, talented, and undefeated in his realm. Already, his meteoric rise to Outer Disciple in the year with the sect had been noted and, once he 'broke through' in Wulin, he'd be promoted to Inner Disciple.

Of the younger generation in the Twin Heavens Sect, Xiao Tian knew himself to be the best match for Ling Mei, though she didn't know it yet due to his secrets. Trying to secure himself as her cultivation partner wouldn't be too hard, in his mind. If Xiao Tian wished to stay with the Twin Heavens Sect that is. But he had no wish to remain a frog in this small well.

'Telling you about the larger world was a mistake,' his master, the old war god Wang Xiang, sighed when Xiao Tian didn't reply.

'A carp in a pond is just as happy as a dragon in the sea.'

'I will not be a carp.' For revenge against whoever had killed his family. For the power to never have that happen again. Xiao Tian would not remain a fish in a small pond, knowing that the Twin Heavens Sect was only the most powerful sect when considering their province at the corner of the continent. Thus, the darling of the sect everyone else lusted over could not enter his eyes. Not when he had seen true beauty.

'Do not let ambition cloud reason,' his master warned.

'Those two would be the pride of any clan on the central continent. Something from the Wu province on the Eastern continent should not be worth the anything to them. The Twin Heavens Sect must have used all its luck for them to wish to learn its techniques. Once they are done, they will leave.'

'Then I must find a way to interact with them more,' Xiao Tian replied stubbornly.

'Heavens have given me this chance and I will not waste it.'

'Your eyes have grown larger than your stomach.'

'The tournament is in a month. When I win, I'll get the chance to spend a few hours learning from them. That is my chance. What happens after that…' The rest went unsaid, but Wang Xiang knew his disciple to be a man with unwavering belief in himself in his heart. But as much as confidence and daring were needed to progress, self-awareness was even more important.

'In all my life, I have never known of the Diamond Dragon Body. Nor have I heard of this 'Long Island' Sect, yet it managed to nurture twins with such a domineering physique. They are not simple.'

'If I can get their primordial Yin, my Void God Bloodline will certainly evolve,' Xiao Tian stubbornly insisted.

'Even the Sect Leader wishes for them to be seduced into the sect, that's why he set up this tournament. Once I win, I will have the full support of the Elders.' Ostensibly this tournament was to show the honored guests the 'most promising youths of the Twin Heavens Sect.' The winner, on top of Spirit Stones and a treasure from the sect, would be allowed to 'exchange knowledge with the guests.' Really, it was the Twin Heavens Sect Master setting up an excuse to deepen ties.

Specifically, he hoped someone in his sect would catch their eyes. Why else would his chosen successor, Ling Mei, not participate?

'... I did not tell you, but I believe they knew we were there when they met the Sect Leader.'

'What!?' Xiao Tian was so socked by his master's words that he almost spoke aloud and jerked the reins on the tiger-horses.

'That's impossible!'

'There is nothing impossible with enough strength.' The old war god said grimly.

'It was only for a moment, faster than you could see, but one looked directly at you.'

'Impossible!' Xiao Tian repeated, this time in disbelief rather than rejection. The Void God bloodline, at the second tier, allowed one to separate their consciousness from their body for short periods. During this time, they were undetectable and unblock able. Not useful for a fight, as in that state Xiao Tian could not interact with anything, but it was a key to his success.

It was what allowed him to search the sect library for techniques, travel through hidden realms and discover their traps, and hunt beasts in the Lung Mountain Range. And what had allowed him to discover the goal he must strive for. When the higher ups of the sect suddenly started forcing every disciple to be on their best behavior, dress in their best robes, and for the most talented to attend a welcoming event, Xiao Tian had to be there.

The fact he, a lowly outer disciple, hadn't been invited was irrelevant to the young man who treated the Twin Heavens Sect like his back yard thanks to his Void God Bloodline. So, when the two most beautiful women in the world descended from the heavens where the Sect Master and Elders waited to receive them, Xiao Tian had been in the background. Even the old war god in his ring had his breath stolen by the twin women and their exotic and enchanting appearance.

With hair that shone so golden it glowed like the richest spirit dew, skin so clear and pure that it glittered like diamond, and eyes the blue of eternal frost, none had been able to resist the charm of these goddesses. Not only had their demeanor been impeccable, a cool pride and elegance in them, but their bodies were amazingly framed by the tight robes they wore. What should be thin was thin and what should be plump was... extra plump.

After the greetings and formalities were out of the way, Xiao Tian had followed the pair and the sect master into a private room, unwilling to stop looking at them. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. He desperately wanted to know who these two goddesses were and why they had come.

Eavesdropping on that meeting, he learned that not only were they from a high-level holy land, the Long Island Sect, but that they were here to request the Twin Heavens' core cultivation manuals due to its unique comparability with their rare physiques. Normally such a request would be absurd. A sect's core cultivation technique was its pillar and base. While treasures were what allowed a sect to defend itself, the central cultivation manuals were what allowed it to exist in the first place.

To be a sect was to have a unique cultivation manual and a spiritual land on which to practice it. Without either, one was no different than any other cultivator. As expected, the Sect Leader was firmly against that request. He remained polite at Shuang Ai's insistence, likely fearing the power behind them, but refused to yield. And yet, when Shuang Aima started pulling out treasures that even Wang Xiang salivated over, his firm stance started to waiver.

By the third treasure that could elevate the sect by a level, the Sect Master proposed that the twins could learn the manuals if they joined the sect. Another treasure. A Spirit Blade that glowed with radiant light. Even if they only joined the sect in name, it would be acceptable. Another treasure. A beautiful bloodflower with meaty petals. If they recognized the Sect Master as their master and became his disciples, it would be acceptable. Another treasure. A beast horn suffused with spirituality.

If they simply chose a partner with whom to dual cultivate among the Twin Heavens, it would be acceptable. Both Shuang Ai and Shuang Aima froze, neither so much as twitching as they looked at the Sect Master of the Twin Heavens Sect. For that moment, they looked like the most beautiful statues of white jade ever conceived under heaven and Xiao Tian had felt his heart thunder in his chest. They were considering it! And if they were considering it, it meant he might have a chance!

Their beauty, their physique, their connections... It would all be Xiao Tian's! Certainly, he'd need to start standing out in the sect if he wanted to fight for this opportunity, but Xiao Tian knew felt that even if he was starting from behind, nobody would be able to stop him from rising. Heavens had provided exactly what he needed for his future. Unfortunately, they still had one more treasure to offer. And, with a great reluctance, the pair pulled out an object that radiated power throughout the room.

"This is a treasure created by the greatest witch in the world. A being descended from gods." Shuang Ai held up the small figure of a white dragon with six wings in her hands.

"Created in image of her husband."

"Wh- hum." The Sect Master, his demeanor completely broken by the power of the object, hurried to regain his composure.

"What is it?"

"A sect defining treasure," Shuang Ai Mu said gravely.

"Our Master gave us permission to offer it if negotiations went a certain way. Should you connect it to Dragon Veins of your sect and activate it with the chant, it will increase the fate of the entire sect and draw in the ambient Qi from thousands of Li, increasing its density." Greed shone in the Sect Master's eyes. A mad greed. The difference in ambient Qi was what made the difference in the quality of Sects. Twin Heavens was already the hegemon of the region.

If the ambient Qi rose higher, they could even grow to dominate the entire province in a century... or even the continent in a few millennia. More importantly, higher ambient Qi would allow the Sect Master to breakthrough his bottleneck, growing his power and extending his lifespan. Good for the sect and good for himself. A sect defining treasure indeed. But the Sect Master, for all his greed was not a young fool.

"Were it so valuable, why has the Long Island Sect not used it?"

"Because it only works on below a certain threshold of Qi. Were we to use it, it would be destroyed by the power it absorbed." There was a grim certainty in Shuang Aima's words as she stared down the Sect Master.

'Either he takes the deal, respectfully rejects it, or they take what they want,' his master had sighed as the Sect Master's face went grim.

'They have been overly generous already. Were he to require more for the cultivation technique of a measly Twin Heavens sect he would be inviting doom.'

'Why offer so much if they could just seize it?'

'Because what they offer is nothing to them,' the old war god explained mater-of-factly.

'To everyone on this continent, or even the Central Continent, it is an object worth fighting a war over. But these two? This Long Island Sect? They probably have more. Or have used so many that this one is worthless to them. Maybe they even have a refiner who knows how to create these treasures.' Even Xiao Tian felt a mad greed welling up inside him at the idea of being able to create such a treasure. The Sect Master, recognizing when he was beat yet still needing to save face, finally spoke up.

"I can agree on the condition that while learning our Twin Mind Spirit technique you remain as honored guests of our sect and make a vow on the heavens that you shall not spread it around," he said seriously, even as he reached out to grasp the small statue.

"In exchange, I will have a few of our more talented disciples will attend you and aid you in learning it during your stay."

"Very well," Shuang Ai nodded easily, handing over the white dragon.

"We shall graciously accept your hospitality."

"In the spirit of such hospitality, I shall give you a warning," Shuang Aima said, standing with her sister.

"The greatest power of that item is not its ability to gather Qi, but to affect fate. Those deemed... unfit by fate will suffer and those who are beloved by it will rise. Do not be surprised if opportunities grow more frequent for your sect. But all opportunities carry risk."

"I understand," the Sect Master nodded gravely.

'Greed. Ah, greed,' Xiao Tian's master intoned.

'Great changes will come to the Twin Heavens Sect. You better hope it is not too weak to grasp such a fate as that treasure will bring or it will become a disaster.' Xiao Tian didn't say anything at the regret that tinged the old war god's words, listening intently to the Sect Master's final question and Shuang Aima's answer.

"What is the method to activate it?"

"One only needs to place their hands on it and repeat thirteen times the word 'Muda.'"'It was when she said that strange world that Shuang Aima looked right at you,' Xiao Tian's master explained.

'It is possible that the Diamond Dragon Body either counteracts your Void God bloodline or provides a sensing ability.'

'If they know about me, all the more reason I need to win the tournament.' Xiao Tian, far from being dissuaded, doubled down.

'To convince them to keep the secret, if nothing else. If we are compatible, then I must become their attendant. From there, I refuse to believe I will not be able to secure a position with them.' Feeling that he hadn't convinced the old man, the carriage driver hurried to add another point.

'Besides, aren't you curious about their sect and it's leader?' Wang Xiang didn't respond. He really was curious about this Mai Keer and this 'Long Island Sect.' What were they doing in this remote corner of the world? Were they from the central continent? If so, they might know what had happened after his fall.

'For now, be careful,' the spirit gave up after a bit more nagging.

'Once you return to the sect, don't use your bloodline recklessly.'

'I understand.' The carriage continued to trundle along without issues for another few hours without incident, and as they drew closer to the base of the mountain range even Xiao Tian felt that this trip would pass quietly. He might even have been right. Had this been a story about Xiao Tian, he very well might have reached Wulin without incident.

While there, he would have encountered some conspiracy or opportunity that not only gave him the chance to 'breakthrough' but would also help him raise his reputation before returning to the sect. In the process, it was almost inevitable that the vague fondness Ling Mei felt for this Junior Brother would transform into a fascination or even affection.

After returning to the sect, winning the tournament and shocking everyone, Xiao Tian would naturally interact more with the Shuang twins, slowly getting involved with their mysterious background. They would discover his own uniqueness and, in the process also become helpers in his inevitable rise towards the heavens. Because that was what it was about for Xiao Tian and everyone else in this world. Rising to the heavens. Every cultivator, from the lowliest sect servant to the greatest Holy Lord. Every. Single. One.

Thought it would be them. That they were the ones destined to reach the top. Everyone had opportunities, conflicts, losses, and expanded enormous efforts. After all, they were the protagonist. Everyone can only live their own life and cultivators, with their long lives and myopic views, were certain that they were the special ones. The world's protagonist. The universe, in all its Qi and treasures, existed solely for them to plunder and grow strong off of.

Some, those wiser or more downtrodden, understood the folly of that thought. Understood the mountain of corpses piled to reach the ever-distant peak. They understood the odds that they would be the singular victor in the end was minuscule. Yet, despite those odds... It was going to be them. Nobody else. A cultivator needed to have that mentality. Those that didn't, or who lost it along life's tribulations, were not cultivators. And Xiao Tian had better reason to believe that the most.

Despite the hardship of life, he was practically favored by fortune. A mentor beyond any other. Talent beyond any other. Luck beyond any other. The path to the top was practically paved for him, lined with flowers and cheers, and all he needed was to walk it. With the focus only on his own hardships, blind to those who suffered just as much, more, or differently than him, Xiao Tian had the motivation to walk that blood-soaked road, using any tool to reach that ever distant peak of heaven.

Were this a xianxia or xuanhuan novel, Xiao Tian would be the true protagonist. But this wasn't a xuanhuan web novel. It did not begin when a young boy began his ascension to the heavens. No. This was a children's story. It really began something like this: Once upon a time, a long time ago, a luxurious carriage was traveling through a magical wood. Pulled by magnificent horses and guarded by righteous swordsmen, this carriage came from a mystical land to carry its princess to a far-off kingdom.

Alas, as the carriage neared the edge of the magical forest, it was stopped.

"Halt!" A male voice cried as figures emerged from the trees to block the carriage.

"This mountain was built by us!"

"These trees were planted by us!" A second male voice added.

"This road was opened by us!" The first continued.

"If you want to use this road, you have to pay the toll." The second forged ahead.""Break this rule at your own peril!"" The pair finished as one. Indeed, the carriage and its guards had been walleyed by bandits! Before reaching safety, these magical swordsmen must overcome the perilous trial! Dumbfounded by their profound misfortune, the Sect Disciples could only stare in shocked silence.""Yes!"" The two bandits cheered gleefully as they high fived each other in excitement.

""Nailed it!"" The guards, given a moment to compose themselves, finally responded to this grave threat to their wellbeing and that of their charge.

"Do not mess around!" Mu Bang growled, vein throbbing on his temple at the sight in front of him. H felt like he was being mocked in front of his dream woman, which would not stand.

"Step aside or don't blame us for being impolite!" The evil bandits were extremely daring, however, and were not intimidated even when facing this magic swordsman. Facing the disciples of a righteous sect, the bandits remained arrogant as the first one stepped forward, followed by the second.

"Men, raise your hands! We came here to snatch money, not to snatch women!"

"Women, raise your legs! We came here to snatch women, not to snatch money!" Dumbfounded by this, Mu Bang gaped at the pair for a second, as they celebrated again."" Two out of three!"" The evil robbers declared in triumph, jumping around in excitement."" Two out of three!"" They repeated, their no doubt malicious joy at some perfidious idea unable to be abated by the shock of their innocent victims. Eventually, that shock transformed into rage at the injustice being levied against them.

For what heroes would they be if they allowed this injustice to continue in front of them?

"We are disciples of the Twin Heavens Sect on an important mission!" Mu Bang shouted amidst the cheering. The vein on his temple was a blazing purple against his clear skin.

"If you do not leave right now you and your entire families will be implicated!" Right away, Mu Bang realized he said something wrong. Not only were these bandits not scared away by the implications, but their smiles grew even wider, and their eyes shone with a mad joy that hinted at the pure evil that must lurk in their hearts.

"Hmpf!" The first bandit huffed in disdain, hurrying to cover his smile and crossing his arms imperiously as he raised his nose to look down at Mu Bang.

"What Twin Heavens Sect? You have eyes but do not see Mt. Tai. Do you know who my ancestor is?"

"We, your daddies, don't care about your background!" The second assumed the same pose, his nose practically pointed at the sky so great was his arrogance.

"You better listen to us peacefully or you're courting death!" The two agents of chaos and despair held their arrogant poses for a long heartbeat, basking in the terror they inspired, before it collapsed, and they began cheering once more.

"Three. For. Three. Three. For. Three!" The first pumped his fists in excitement.

"New high score!" The second shouted, raising his hands in the air and looking at Mu Bang as if he was a great treasure. Then they bandits began to dance. A dance of EVIL!! What else could it be based on the uncoordinated wiggling of hips and hands? Truly, this must be some heretical ritual to imbibe these ne'er-do-wells with the power of their dark patron.

Knowing that diplomacy was no longer possible, the righteous guard Mu Gang could not stand this disrespect anymore and charged at the bandits with his saber drawn. He was ready to fight to the death in the name of justice!

"Junior Disciple Mu Bang!" A fair voice called out. The princess was such a kind, gentle soul that she could not stand to see blood being shed.

"They're just children!" Indeed, evil takes on a many a form. The two bandits, eviler than almost all others, had taken on the form of two young boys, no older than six years old. The first child's long blond hair didn't move in the wind even as Mu Bang rushed toward him. His green eyes tracked the cultivator attacking him. Or maybe he couldn't follow the blinding speed and just got lucky. Either way, it didn't matter.

Perhaps heeding his princess' kind nature, the righteous disciple Mu Bang turned his sword so he would only teach this evildoer a lesson. A few broken bones would set them on the right path, certainly. Unfortunately, though evil was small, it was not weak. The second bandit's fist planted on Mu Bang's cheek before he could strike. BANG! The righteous knight went flying from the force of the blow, skidding along the dirt and crashing into a tree on the side of the road.

The carriage and its guards looked at the bandit, his tiny fists planted on his hips heroically as he stared back, in shock.

"Don't try and fight us."

"We're too awesome for that. So..."""Give us treasure!"" If the righteous heroes and their benevolent princess wished to reach the far-off kingdom, they would need to prove themselves against the world's many trials. The first of which were two terrifying evil bandits shaped like little boys. But what else should one expect out of the Jiraiya and Sarig Senju, eldest sons of Mikael? Evil begets evil. A tiger will not give birth to a dog. And a monster will create more monsters.