Guo Shier shouted, “Nanshan grandpa, save me!”The housekeeper who was in charge of the courtyard was too scared to help Shier crawl out of the bathtub.
Qi Nanshan’s face suddenly changed. “Who did this?” he yelled. “Fuck… What are you laughing at? Quick! Help Shier into his room. If he needs anything, I’ll take care of it.”
Qi Nanshan’s energy soared through the heavens.
“Just lift the wooden tub, it’s too cold outside, I can’t get out!” Guo Shier said.
The water temperature in the tub has dropped sharply.
“I’ll do it!” Ying Mo said. He picked up the tub. “Which room?” he asked the servant girl.
Guo Shier’s hair began to freeze. “Uncle, just choose any room, I don’t care!” he cried.
Ying Mo held back his laughter. Carrying the big tub, he ran into a room—only to be greeted by a scream. He had accidentally entered Chen Hong’s room!
This was too much even for Qi Nanshan, who was unable to hold himself. He burst into laughter.
***
Chen Hong—blushing—walked out of the room. She was lying in bed a moment ago, confused and not knowing what was happening outside. Ying Mo suddenly kicked open the door, carrying a big tub and rushed in. She saw Guo Shier squatting in the barrel, strings of ice hanging on his hair, shaking and clinking the icicles. She was startled for a moment and couldn’t help but scream.
Ying Mo put down the tub and ran out.
Guo Shier cursed, then shouted, “Give me hot water!”
Several maids carrying hot water came in, simply ignoring the naked little kid.
***
Guo Shier was very depressed while bathing.
After finishing his bath, his mind went back to his Innate Rune Orb. It won’t seem to come out.
If I can’t use it, I won’t be useful in fighting, he thought. He wondered if this was only temporary. As long as I can use my Innate Rune Orb, nothing else matters.
He got tired of thinking, so he eventually slept until he was called up to eat.
Eating was something he couldn’t miss, so he grudgingly woke up. His growing body needed all the nourishment it can get.
He put on thick fur clothes, a big fur hat, and big boots, then stepped out of his room and walked the vast expanse of snow.
Guo Shier is couldn’t help but feel deeply ashamed in front of the two maids, who were not wearing thick clothes. They were not cold at all. Meanwhile, he was wrapped in a thick ball but was still shivering in the cold. He rubbed his two hands while making crunching sounds walking through the snow.
He reached the dining room, where a row of tables and chairs has been put up. Everyone was waiting for him.
His face couldn’t help but reveal a smile. “Don’t bottle it in and laugh. Suppressing it would cause internal injuries,” he said.
Because of his statement, everyone was too embarrassed to laugh.
“Shier, do you know why the bathhouse collapsed?” Ying Mo asked.
Guo Shier smiled and replied, “Sorry, I accidentally damaged it with the Sword Glyph.”
Ying Mo was dumbfounded. A short while later, he burst into laughter. He beat the desk hard and said, “Sword Glyph? You shouldn’t play with the Sword Glyph while inside the bathhouse. Hahaha! Don’t you know you’re in the shower?”
Guo Shier cut a piece of meat with a knife. “That was an accident! An accident! Do you understand?” he retorted.
“No, I don’t understand!” Ying Mo said. He couldn’t understand. He knows that the Innate Rune Orb is directly controlled by an Artificer Master. It’s impossible to have a bath with it.
“Well, just eat!” Guo Shier helplessly said.
Ying Mo doesn’t know why, but when Guo Shier’s expression became serious, he felt a little anxious. He laughed uneasily a few times, then finally said, “Okay, I’m just going to eat.”
Luo Zhan could not help but laugh. He remembered the scenes of Guo Shier fighting with the Marked Warrior Grandmasters in the secret realm. They all knew that this little guy was far from simple. The more time they spent with him, the more they felt his greatness—even though he was just a child.
A lot of people were sweating during the meal.
Guo Shier didn’t say a word. When he finished, he just stood up and silently walked away.
The crowd didn’t know what to do.
When Guo Shier went back to his room, he started laughing and thought to himself, You laughed at me? Hmmmp! I’ll make you uncomfortable, too. Hehehe!
***
After Guo Shier left, Ying Mo couldn’t help but scratch his head. He asked, “Is Shier angry?”
Luo Zhan nodded. “Yeah, he’s angry.”
“Because everyone laughed at him!” said Huo Bao.
Chen Bing calmly analyzed the situation. “No, he’s angry because we saw him naked.”
“Nonsense!” Hong Shi replied. “We’re naked every ten days. He only got naked once… Is that something to be angry about?”
Chen Hong got offended. She he got up and walked out while saying, “Shi-tou! You Asshole!”
This left Hong Shi confused. Why was he scolded?
Ying Mo sighed. “The child lost his temper. It’s very normal. Hahaha! Tomorrow he will be fine.”
***
The next day, Guo Shier and his followers came to the residence of Luo Jie.
Luo Jie laughed at the sight of Guo Shier, who couldn’t do anything but suck it up.
When his followers laugh at him, he can stop them. But when his master laughs at him, he can only listen.
“Master, why are you laughing?” he sheepishly said. “Did Master find an Ancient Rune?”
Luo Jie raised his hand to slap Guo Shier and said, “Little bastard! Why were you playing with your Innate Rune Orb while taking a bath?”
“I got careless. I didn’t mean to,” he replied. “Master, aren’t you visiting the West Gate today?” he quickly interrupted. He didn’t want to discuss this subject at all.
Luo Jie turned serious. “Yes, we’re waiting for someone to pick us up. We all have to be careful.”
“Be careful of what?” asked Guo Shier. “What’s the danger in the Inner Door at West Rune Sect?”
“Careful of confrontations with others. It’s going to be dangerous,” Qi Nanshan answered.
“Oh, I’m just a child. I don’t fight, fighting is for the grown-ups,” said Guo Shier.
He started to act like a child again. Everyone was disgusted by what they saw.
Qi Nanshan quipped, “You are Old Timer’s apprentice. There are things that cannot be avoided.”
“Poor me, I’m just a nine-year-old child, and…”
Guo Shier didn’t finish what he wanted to say; he was drowned by the laughter of the group. If they hadn’t experienced his performance first hand in the Secret Realm, they might have sympathized with him. But he was calm and commanded the team well—and that wasn’t something a child could do it. As a matter of fact, among the men of Luo Jie, Guo Shier has been recognized as the team’s third strongest, next only to Luo Jie and Qi Nanshan.
“Little guy, you don’t have to pretend,” said Luo Jie. “Who doesn’t know you’re a little monster?”
Guo Shier grew frustrated. “You guys are boring, I don’t know what to say,” he retorted. “Fine, alright. If they want to fight, I’m going to fight. I’m not afraid.”
“Every man has his own role to play. You have your own job,” Qi Nanshan said.
I am not a man! I am a little boy! Guo Shier told himself. I haven’t developed yet in this world. Can’t they understand I’m just a child?
***
A servant came in to inform them that a guide from the West Rune Sect has arrived. There were two carriages.
“I’ll take the carriage. I’m afraid of the cold,” Guo Shier hurriedly said.
Luo Jie agreed. “Shier, sit in the carriage. Others should ride along.”
Everyone followed Luo Jie out and went to their horses. Guo Shier sat comfortably in the carriage. He wanted to be cooped up in his room every day. It was unbearable outside. You could hardly breathe with the cold and dry wind blowing in your face, like a small knife cutting your skin.
Feeling warm in the carriage, Guo Shier breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t understand why he was so cold. He was not this cold in his past life. This world was unbearable. He would do anything to avoid the cold snow.
***
After about an hour, the carriage stopped.
“Shier, we’ve arrived in the West Rune Sect reception hall,” Ying Mo declared.
Guo Shier walked behind his master and went in. Everyone else followed them.
There were many people in the reception hall, including the North Rune Sect colleagues who arrived ahead of their group.
Aside from Luo Jie and Qi Nanshan, three other Grandmasters from the North Rune Sect also showed up.
One was Rune Smith Grandmaster Qian Ziwang, followed by Marked Warrior Grandmaster Lin Dong (his follower). The third was Marked Warrior Grandmaster Chang Hao—the head of the North Rune Sect’s overall safety.
Rune Smith Grandmaster Qian Ziwang came with the caravan. He looked like an old man. He used to look younger than Luo Jie, but there’s no comparison now. Luo Jie looked middle-aged and was hardly recognizable.
“Are you…Old Timer Luo?” Qian Ziwang finally asked.
Luo Jie laughed, “Brother Ziwang! It’s nothing. I just accidentally became younger.”
He couldn’t reveal that he advanced. In this world, the Grandmaster level is already the pinnacle. No one has ever heard of anyone reaching the further than that.
Guo Shier almost laughed out loud. What do you mean you accidentally became younger? That’s too fake, he thought to himself.
Qian Ziwang then turned to Qi Nanshan. He has known him since he was young. At that time, Qi Nanshan had two options—one was to follow Qian Ziwang and the other was to follow Luo Jie.
Qi Nanshan has always admired Qian Ziwang’s brilliant character. But because he liked fighting, he decided to follow Luo Jie instead.
Qian Ziwang was surprised at what he saw. “Nanshan, how did your Marks disappear?” he asked.
The Marks on Qi Nanshan’s body have completely vanished; only smooth and delicate skin was left. Fortunately, his complexion was still characteristically dark.
“Hahaha! It’s nothing, Old Qian. They just happened to disappear. Anyway, my strength is still there,” answered Qi Nanshan.
Qian Ziwang was a Rune Smith Grandmaster. He had in-depth knowledge on Runes. He knew that retaining power even after the Marks have disappeared meant that new changes have occurred. He very much wanted to study this phenomenon, but now was not the time for research—nor was this the place to explore such problems. He simply nodded in agreement.
His eyes then swept over to Guo Shier—and he couldn’t help but be startled. “Is this Shier?” he asked, taken aback.
The last time Qian Ziwang saw Guo Shier, he was just an Artificer Adept. But he has been made aware that Shier was no longer at the Adept level. Shier was already at the Master level—even closer to his own level. How was that possible?
“Hello grandpa Qian,” Guo Shier very polite called out.
Luo Jie laughed and said, “Brother Ziwang, my Little apprentice advanced and is now an Artificer Master. Hehehe!”
Qian Ziwang bitterly shook his head. A nine-year-old Artificer Master is truly shocking. “Unbelievable,” he said.
There must be something wrong with these three, he thought to himself. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such a big change. But this is not the place to talk.
“I’m here to introduce our friends from the West Rune Sect,” he declared.
Five Grandmasters from the West Rune Sect from arrived.
Notes: Okay kids, before we start, let me clarify some things. For readability, instead of saying the word ‘Rune’ for every single thing, I sometimes use ‘Marks,’ ‘Glyphs’ or ‘Sigils.’ Yeah—like everything is ‘Fu’ in the previous translation. Sometimes, the ‘Fu’ word may mean something else too.
Marks – Runes on living creatures
Glyphs – Runes on spells or hand held Runes used for spells
Sigils – Runes on structures
Levels
Apprentice < Adept < Master < Grandmaster
I am using Adept as the next level after Apprentice instead of Warrior, which was used by the previous translator. I’m using Warrior as a Class Type instead for easier readability.
The five Grandmasters from West Rune Sect are Beast Smith Grandmaster Hu Chengzeng, Beast Caster Grandmaster Zizi Rong, Beast Warrior Grandmaster Xiong Pa, Beast Warrior Grandmaster Xiong Pi, and Beast Warrior Grandmaster Bai Zhan.
In the West Rune Sect, Beast Caster Grandmaster Zizi Rong has a very prestigious standing. Aside from being one of the elders in charge of the Sect, his fighting prowess puts him among the top forces in times of war. Most of the people in charge of the Sect are only at the ‘Beast Caster Master’ or ‘Beast Smith Master’ level.
As the team from the North and West Rune Sects walked towards each other, Luo Jie noticed Hu Chengzeng. They had multiple knowledge exchanges and regarded each other as friends. Hu Chengzeng also has a very high status and is knowledgeable in the area of Rune Manufacturing. He was the main person responsible for the reception of the North Rune Sect visitors.
When the younger looking Luo Jie saw Hu Chenzeng, he couldn’t help but smile.
“Brother Hu, do you remember me?” Luo Jie asked.
Hu Chenzeng furrowed his brows. He looked at Luo Jie with astonishment, and asked, “You are…?”
“Oh, you’re just getting older. Your memory is not good anymore! I’m Luo Jie from North Rune Sect,” he said proudly.
Hu Chengzeng’s face slightly changed. “Luo Jie??? You’re Luo Jie?!? Impossible!”
Of course he didn’t believe it. Luo Jie was much older than him—but now he looked so young. How could it be him?
Qian Ziwang jumped in. “Old Hu, this is indeed Brother Luo. Hehehe!”
Hu Chengzeng exclaimed with excitement. “Old Luo, how did you do it? Teach me… Let me be young again!”
Luo Jie laughed. “I accidentally became like this, I don’t know how I got it,” he replied.
This was the truth, because his advancement happened during his sleep.
Hu Chengzeng brooded for a moment. Shaking his head, he said to himself, Is it an advancement? That’s impossible, I’ve never heard of a level higher than a Grandmaster.
Luo Jie interrupted his thoughts. “Brother Hu, this is my apprentice, Artificer Master Guo Shier.”
Hu Chengzeng’s eyes widened. This child is actually an Artificer Master. Since when did children advance to Artificer Master so easily? He felt incapable of comprehending this reality and said, “Your… your apprentice? An Artificer Master? Kid, how old are you?”
His words drew the attention of the people around him.
Beast Caster Grandmaster Zizi Rong approached them and asked, “Old Hu, what’s the matter?”
He came with two Beast Warrior Grandmaster Level followers and wanted to show off. Only a few people can get two Grandmaster Level followers.
Hu Chengzeng said, “Zizi Rong, let me introduce you. This is North Rune Sect Artificer Grandmaster Luo Jie. We’re were talking about his apprentice, and it turned out to be Artificer Master.”
Zizi Rong wondered. What’s so strange about this? It’s normal for an Artificer Grandmaster have an Artificer Master apprentice.
“That is him!” Hu Chengzeng said. “Guo Shier, Artificer Master, Brother Luo’s apprentice!”
“Oh, by the way, how old are you?” he continued.
Guo Shier knew the master was showing off. He childishly replied, “Nine years old, but I’ll be 10 soon!”
“Nine years old?!?” they said in unison.
People from the West Rune Sect were shocked. A nine-year-old Artificer Master—they have never seen anything so rare.
“This is impossible… he’s really an Artificer Master!” Zizi Rong exclaimed.
Zizi Rong quickly recognized that Guo Shier was close to the level of Grandmaster. He was endlessly horrified.
Hu Chengzeng felt his head go dizzy. He calmed himself, smiled, and finally said, “The North Rune Sect is really extraordinary—they even have such a powerful younger generation. He should have followers, right? Hahaha!”
Guo Shier nodded and said, “Grandpa Hu, let me introduce my followers… Marked Warrior Grandmaster Luo Zhan, Marked Warrior Grandmaster Ying Mo, Marked Warrior Adept Huo Bao, Marked Warrior Adept Hong Shi, Marked Warrior Adept Chen Bing, and Marked Warrior Adept Chen Hong.”
The crowd was again in an uproar.
A nine-year-old Artificer Master has two Marked Warrior Grandmaster followers! It was too bizarre. There were even four children in the group—who apparently grew up at the same time—and they have already advanced to the Marked Warrior Adept level. This phenomenon defied all common sense.
Zizi Rong’s original motive was to show off. Instead, he was overshadowed by Guo Shier.
For many years, the West Rune Sect and the North Rune Sect have never stopped competing with each other. This time, Guo Shier quelled them.
To say that the people from the West Rune Sect were surprised would be an understatement. Even Qian Ziwang found it inconceivable. He knew that Luo Zhan was a Marked Warrior Master from the Luo Clan. In less than one year, he advanced to a Marked Warrior Grandmaster and magically became Guo Shier’s follower. It was all too confusing.
No one dared to look down on Guo Shier. This kid had two Marked Warrior Grandmaster followers. Even though he hasn’t advanced to Grandmaster, his reputation was not lower than a Grandmaster. He was standing at the top of the world.
***
Zi Zirong then introduces his followers, the two Beast Warrior Grandmasters.
Qian Ziwang and Hu Chengzeng respectively introduced their own followers, too.
Finally, Luo Jie introduced his followers. “This is Marked Warrior Grandmaster Qi Nanshan, Marked Warrior Grandmaster Xiao Feng, and Marked Warrior Grandmaster Luo Jing.”
He actually had three Marked Warrior Grandmasters.
People from the West Rune Sect were stunned. Are Grandmasters from North Rune Sect common?
To top it all off, Qi Nanshan looked much younger now. His face didn’t even have Rune lines. What kind Marked Warrior Grandmaster was he?
Xiong Pa couldn’t help but step forward. “Qi Nanshan,” he said. “Are you a Grandmaster? I’m itching for a challenge. Are you willing to accompany me? Hahaha!””
Qi Nanshan was overjoyed. He has been looking for someone to challenge, but no one wanted to do it with him.
He was originally an advanced Marked Warrior Grandmaster. After advancing, who knows how powerful he has become? Someone wants to challenge him. Isn’t that just asking to get beaten up?
Qi Nanshan tried his best to contain his excitement. Finally, someone was challenging him. “Hahaha! I’m itching, too. I’ve been looking for someone to challenge. Thank you! Hahaha!” he replied.
Guo Shier couldn’t help but laugh when he saw Qi Nanshan almost suffocating from restraining his boiling emotion.
Xiong Pa suddenly felt nervous. He saw the people from the North Rune Sect giving him a look of pity. He then turned and signaled to Xiong Pi.
“I’ll fight with my brother,” Xiong Pi chimed in. “We brothers used to work together. Hehehe!”
Luo Jie protested. “This is not right. What’s the reason for a two-against-one battle?”
Qi Nanshan can no longer hold himself. It’s been a while since he had a tough battle. He was so anxious to know how much power he now has. “Old Timer, don’t worry,” he said. “This is great. The two of you fight me together. Are there any larger venues? If we fight here, I’m afraid we’ll destroy the houses. Hahaha!”
The people from the West Gate were furious. Someone was willing to challenge two of their people at the same time. That was too arrogant, even for an advanced Grandmaster.
“Alright, let’s go to the Inner Sect training ground,” Zizi Rong suggested.
He took the lead with two Beast Warrior Grandmasters walking out with him. The crowd followed.
Guo Shier was excited. “Master, Grandpa Nanshan can finally vent,” he said.
Qi Nanshan patted him lightly. “What vent? I’m doing this to compare notes. We’re comparing notes. Do you understand?”
(Note: Wow it feels like I’m watching a dubbed kungfu movie from the 1980’s. Anyway, comparing notes means by fighting each other to exchange ideas on different ways of fighting. This ‘comparing notes’ thing only is feasible if both combatants are of equal power. If one is weaker than the other, it’s just called ass whooping.)
Guo Shier whispered, “Yes I understand. You’re gonna eat them alive.”
“Never mind,” Qi Nanshan retorted. “I don’t care what you think. I’m really going to enjoy this fight.”
Guo Shier can sense eeriness in Qi Nanshan’s voice. His eyes started emitting a green light. The two Xiong brothers were starting to look like two peerless beauties that are about to be devoured by a super pervert.
Luo Jie laughed and said, “Da-Shan, take it slow. Don’t be so ruthless.”
Qi Nanshan bared a toothy smile, “Do not worry Old Timer,” he said. “I have a sense of propriety.”
He oozed with irrepressible excitement.
Guo Shier smiled and quipped, “Master, Grandpa Nanshan will never slow down! He will go all out. Hahaha! Grandpa Nanshan, am I right?”
“Little bastard. You’re a smart kid. Watch and learn!” said Qi Nanshan.
Luo Jie and Guo Shier llooked at each other. They both shook their heads and didn’t bother to say a world.
***
They soon arrived at the training ground, which was paved with large pieces of green stone. The grinding was extremely smooth, and it was engraved with lots of Sigil lines. To Guo Shier’s knowledge, these runes were used to make things sturdy.
The snow on the ground was swept clean. The training ground was huge—easily thousands of square meters. Many of the West Rune Sect’s Inner Gate disciples trained here.
Zizi Rong called to the person in charge and let him clear up the training ground. He instructed all the disciples step off and vacate the field.
“Brother Luo, please wait a moment,” Hu Chengzeng said. “The Grandmasters from the Inner Sect are coming to watch.”
Luo Jie smiled and said, “Alright, it’s understandable. Everybody wants to see the West Rune Sect and the North Rune Sect exchange. We’ll wait.”
***
After an hour of waiting, Guo Shier’s body was starting to freeze. He whispered, “What the hell?!? It’s so fucking cold. What are they waiting for? Is this Sect trying to pressure us?”
Luo Jie smiled and said, “Don’t worry, everyone is almost here. You see… there’s another batch coming.”
A lot of people from the West Rune Sect were coming—not only the Inner Gate disciples, but also a lot of Grandmasters.
The West Rune Sect and the North Rune Sect often conduct ‘exchanges,’ which lead to a lot of death. But Grandmaster level exchanges are rarely seen, particularly a one-versus-two Grandmaster matchup. Everyone was desperate to watch. This event was attracting a lot of attention.
The wait has been long and Qi NanShan was also getting impatient. He walked slowly to the center of the training ground and cried, “Xiong Pa, Xiong Pi, bring it on!”
Xiong Pa replied, “Okay!” He and Xiong Pi also walked to the center of the training ground.
Xiong Pi took a step back, and said, “Big brother, you challenge him first…”
He doesn’t want to gang up against Qi Nanshan. It’s a disgrace if they win, but it’s even more humiliating if they lost.
Qi NanShan laughed and said, “Do it together!”
Someone shouted from the West Rune Sect, “Get rid of him! Kill him!”
“Seniors Xiong… Come on! Beat those North Rune Sect people!”
“…”
Guo Shier laughed and said, “I’m getting pumped. It’s heating up!”
Luo Jie said, “It’s always like this.”
“Nanshan Grandpa, beat the life out of them!” Guo Shier suddenly shouted. “Come on! Hit them until their mother doesn’t recognize them!”
The crisp childish sound reverberated throughout the training ground, and the West Rune Sect people suddenly went silent. To beat the brothers until their own mother doesn’t recognize them? That’s too harsh.
Luo Jie could not help but laugh. He said, “Shier, what the hell is that?”
The people from the North Rune Sect laughed their hearts out, too. Guo Shier was really too shameless.
Qi Nanshan took a deep breath and shouted, “Let’s start!”
Guo Shier shouted, “Nanshan grandpa, save me!”The housekeeper who was in charge of the courtyard was too scared to help Shier crawl out of the bathtub.
Qi Nanshan’s face suddenly changed. “Who did this?” he yelled. “Fuck… What are you laughing at? Quick! Help Shier into his room. If he needs anything, I’ll take care of it.”
Qi Nanshan’s energy soared through the heavens.
“Just lift the wooden tub, it’s too cold outside, I can’t get out!” Guo Shier said.
The water temperature in the tub has dropped sharply.
“I’ll do it!” Ying Mo said. He picked up the tub. “Which room?” he asked the servant girl.
Guo Shier’s hair began to freeze. “Uncle, just choose any room, I don’t care!” he cried.
Ying Mo held back his laughter. Carrying the big tub, he ran into a room—only to be greeted by a scream. He had accidentally entered Chen Hong’s room!
This was too much even for Qi Nanshan, who was unable to hold himself. He burst into laughter.
***
Chen Hong—blushing—walked out of the room. She was lying in bed a moment ago, confused and not knowing what was happening outside. Ying Mo suddenly kicked open the door, carrying a big tub and rushed in. She saw Guo Shier squatting in the barrel, strings of ice hanging on his hair, shaking and clinking the icicles. She was startled for a moment and couldn’t help but scream.
Ying Mo put down the tub and ran out.
Guo Shier cursed, then shouted, “Give me hot water!”
Several maids carrying hot water came in, simply ignoring the naked little kid.
***
Guo Shier was very depressed while bathing.
After finishing his bath, his mind went back to his Innate Rune Orb. It won’t seem to come out.
If I can’t use it, I won’t be useful in fighting, he thought. He wondered if this was only temporary. As long as I can use my Innate Rune Orb, nothing else matters.
He got tired of thinking, so he eventually slept until he was called up to eat.
Eating was something he couldn’t miss, so he grudgingly woke up. His growing body needed all the nourishment it can get.
He put on thick fur clothes, a big fur hat, and big boots, then stepped out of his room and walked the vast expanse of snow.
Guo Shier is couldn’t help but feel deeply ashamed in front of the two maids, who were not wearing thick clothes. They were not cold at all. Meanwhile, he was wrapped in a thick ball but was still shivering in the cold. He rubbed his two hands while making crunching sounds walking through the snow.
He reached the dining room, where a row of tables and chairs has been put up. Everyone was waiting for him.
His face couldn’t help but reveal a smile. “Don’t bottle it in and laugh. Suppressing it would cause internal injuries,” he said.
Because of his statement, everyone was too embarrassed to laugh.
“Shier, do you know why the bathhouse collapsed?” Ying Mo asked.
Guo Shier smiled and replied, “Sorry, I accidentally damaged it with the Sword Glyph.”
Ying Mo was dumbfounded. A short while later, he burst into laughter. He beat the desk hard and said, “Sword Glyph? You shouldn’t play with the Sword Glyph while inside the bathhouse. Hahaha! Don’t you know you’re in the shower?”
Guo Shier cut a piece of meat with a knife. “That was an accident! An accident! Do you understand?” he retorted.
“No, I don’t understand!” Ying Mo said. He couldn’t understand. He knows that the Innate Rune Orb is directly controlled by an Artificer Master. It’s impossible to have a bath with it.
“Well, just eat!” Guo Shier helplessly said.
Ying Mo doesn’t know why, but when Guo Shier’s expression became serious, he felt a little anxious. He laughed uneasily a few times, then finally said, “Okay, I’m just going to eat.”
Luo Zhan could not help but laugh. He remembered the scenes of Guo Shier fighting with the Marked Warrior Grandmasters in the secret realm. They all knew that this little guy was far from simple. The more time they spent with him, the more they felt his greatness—even though he was just a child.
A lot of people were sweating during the meal.
Guo Shier didn’t say a word. When he finished, he just stood up and silently walked away.
The crowd didn’t know what to do.
When Guo Shier went back to his room, he started laughing and thought to himself, You laughed at me? Hmmmp! I’ll make you uncomfortable, too. Hehehe!
***
After Guo Shier left, Ying Mo couldn’t help but scratch his head. He asked, “Is Shier angry?”
Luo Zhan nodded. “Yeah, he’s angry.”
“Because everyone laughed at him!” said Huo Bao.
Chen Bing calmly analyzed the situation. “No, he’s angry because we saw him naked.”
“Nonsense!” Hong Shi replied. “We’re naked every ten days. He only got naked once… Is that something to be angry about?”
Chen Hong got offended. She he got up and walked out while saying, “Shi-tou! You Asshole!”
This left Hong Shi confused. Why was he scolded?
Ying Mo sighed. “The child lost his temper. It’s very normal. Hahaha! Tomorrow he will be fine.”
***
The next day, Guo Shier and his followers came to the residence of Luo Jie.
Luo Jie laughed at the sight of Guo Shier, who couldn’t do anything but suck it up.
When his followers laugh at him, he can stop them. But when his master laughs at him, he can only listen.
“Master, why are you laughing?” he sheepishly said. “Did Master find an Ancient Rune?”
Luo Jie raised his hand to slap Guo Shier and said, “Little bastard! Why were you playing with your Innate Rune Orb while taking a bath?”
“I got careless. I didn’t mean to,” he replied. “Master, aren’t you visiting the West Gate today?” he quickly interrupted. He didn’t want to discuss this subject at all.
Luo Jie turned serious. “Yes, we’re waiting for someone to pick us up. We all have to be careful.”
“Be careful of what?” asked Guo Shier. “What’s the danger in the Inner Door at West Rune Sect?”
“Careful of confrontations with others. It’s going to be dangerous,” Qi Nanshan answered.
“Oh, I’m just a child. I don’t fight, fighting is for the grown-ups,” said Guo Shier.
He started to act like a child again. Everyone was disgusted by what they saw.
Qi Nanshan quipped, “You are Old Timer’s apprentice. There are things that cannot be avoided.”
“Poor me, I’m just a nine-year-old child, and…”
Guo Shier didn’t finish what he wanted to say; he was drowned by the laughter of the group. If they hadn’t experienced his performance first hand in the Secret Realm, they might have sympathized with him. But he was calm and commanded the team well—and that wasn’t something a child could do it. As a matter of fact, among the men of Luo Jie, Guo Shier has been recognized as the team’s third strongest, next only to Luo Jie and Qi Nanshan.
“Little guy, you don’t have to pretend,” said Luo Jie. “Who doesn’t know you’re a little monster?”
Guo Shier grew frustrated. “You guys are boring, I don’t know what to say,” he retorted. “Fine, alright. If they want to fight, I’m going to fight. I’m not afraid.”
“Every man has his own role to play. You have your own job,” Qi Nanshan said.
I am not a man! I am a little boy! Guo Shier told himself. I haven’t developed yet in this world. Can’t they understand I’m just a child?
***
A servant came in to inform them that a guide from the West Rune Sect has arrived. There were two carriages.
“I’ll take the carriage. I’m afraid of the cold,” Guo Shier hurriedly said.
Luo Jie agreed. “Shier, sit in the carriage. Others should ride along.”
Everyone followed Luo Jie out and went to their horses. Guo Shier sat comfortably in the carriage. He wanted to be cooped up in his room every day. It was unbearable outside. You could hardly breathe with the cold and dry wind blowing in your face, like a small knife cutting your skin.
Feeling warm in the carriage, Guo Shier breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t understand why he was so cold. He was not this cold in his past life. This world was unbearable. He would do anything to avoid the cold snow.
***
After about an hour, the carriage stopped.
“Shier, we’ve arrived in the West Rune Sect reception hall,” Ying Mo declared.
Guo Shier walked behind his master and went in. Everyone else followed them.
There were many people in the reception hall, including the North Rune Sect colleagues who arrived ahead of their group.
Aside from Luo Jie and Qi Nanshan, three other Grandmasters from the North Rune Sect also showed up.
One was Rune Smith Grandmaster Qian Ziwang, followed by Marked Warrior Grandmaster Lin Dong (his follower). The third was Marked Warrior Grandmaster Chang Hao—the head of the North Rune Sect’s overall safety.
Rune Smith Grandmaster Qian Ziwang came with the caravan. He looked like an old man. He used to look younger than Luo Jie, but there’s no comparison now. Luo Jie looked middle-aged and was hardly recognizable.
“Are you…Old Timer Luo?” Qian Ziwang finally asked.
Luo Jie laughed, “Brother Ziwang! It’s nothing. I just accidentally became younger.”
He couldn’t reveal that he advanced. In this world, the Grandmaster level is already the pinnacle. No one has ever heard of anyone reaching the further than that.
Guo Shier almost laughed out loud. What do you mean you accidentally became younger? That’s too fake, he thought to himself.
Qian Ziwang then turned to Qi Nanshan. He has known him since he was young. At that time, Qi Nanshan had two options—one was to follow Qian Ziwang and the other was to follow Luo Jie.
Qi Nanshan has always admired Qian Ziwang’s brilliant character. But because he liked fighting, he decided to follow Luo Jie instead.
Qian Ziwang was surprised at what he saw. “Nanshan, how did your Marks disappear?” he asked.
The Marks on Qi Nanshan’s body have completely vanished; only smooth and delicate skin was left. Fortunately, his complexion was still characteristically dark.
“Hahaha! It’s nothing, Old Qian. They just happened to disappear. Anyway, my strength is still there,” answered Qi Nanshan.
Qian Ziwang was a Rune Smith Grandmaster. He had in-depth knowledge on Runes. He knew that retaining power even after the Marks have disappeared meant that new changes have occurred. He very much wanted to study this phenomenon, but now was not the time for research—nor was this the place to explore such problems. He simply nodded in agreement.
His eyes then swept over to Guo Shier—and he couldn’t help but be startled. “Is this Shier?” he asked, taken aback.
The last time Qian Ziwang saw Guo Shier, he was just an Artificer Adept. But he has been made aware that Shier was no longer at the Adept level. Shier was already at the Master level—even closer to his own level. How was that possible?
“Hello grandpa Qian,” Guo Shier very polite called out.
Luo Jie laughed and said, “Brother Ziwang, my Little apprentice advanced and is now an Artificer Master. Hehehe!”
Qian Ziwang bitterly shook his head. A nine-year-old Artificer Master is truly shocking. “Unbelievable,” he said.
There must be something wrong with these three, he thought to himself. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such a big change. But this is not the place to talk.
“I’m here to introduce our friends from the West Rune Sect,” he declared.
Five Grandmasters from the West Rune Sect from arrived.
Notes: Okay kids, before we start, let me clarify some things. For readability, instead of saying the word ‘Rune’ for every single thing, I sometimes use ‘Marks,’ ‘Glyphs’ or ‘Sigils.’ Yeah—like everything is ‘Fu’ in the previous translation. Sometimes, the ‘Fu’ word may mean something else too.
Marks – Runes on living creatures
Glyphs – Runes on spells or hand held Runes used for spells
Sigils – Runes on structures
Levels
Apprentice < Adept < Master < Grandmaster
I am using Adept as the next level after Apprentice instead of Warrior, which was used by the previous translator. I’m using Warrior as a Class Type instead for easier readability.
The five Grandmasters from West Rune Sect are Beast Smith Grandmaster Hu Chengzeng, Beast Caster Grandmaster Zizi Rong, Beast Warrior Grandmaster Xiong Pa, Beast Warrior Grandmaster Xiong Pi, and Beast Warrior Grandmaster Bai Zhan.
In the West Rune Sect, Beast Caster Grandmaster Zizi Rong has a very prestigious standing. Aside from being one of the elders in charge of the Sect, his fighting prowess puts him among the top forces in times of war. Most of the people in charge of the Sect are only at the ‘Beast Caster Master’ or ‘Beast Smith Master’ level.
As the team from the North and West Rune Sects walked towards each other, Luo Jie noticed Hu Chengzeng. They had multiple knowledge exchanges and regarded each other as friends. Hu Chengzeng also has a very high status and is knowledgeable in the area of Rune Manufacturing. He was the main person responsible for the reception of the North Rune Sect visitors.
When the younger looking Luo Jie saw Hu Chenzeng, he couldn’t help but smile.
“Brother Hu, do you remember me?” Luo Jie asked.
Hu Chenzeng furrowed his brows. He looked at Luo Jie with astonishment, and asked, “You are…?”
“Oh, you’re just getting older. Your memory is not good anymore! I’m Luo Jie from North Rune Sect,” he said proudly.
Hu Chengzeng’s face slightly changed. “Luo Jie??? You’re Luo Jie?!? Impossible!”
Of course he didn’t believe it. Luo Jie was much older than him—but now he looked so young. How could it be him?
Qian Ziwang jumped in. “Old Hu, this is indeed Brother Luo. Hehehe!”
Hu Chengzeng exclaimed with excitement. “Old Luo, how did you do it? Teach me… Let me be young again!”
Luo Jie laughed. “I accidentally became like this, I don’t know how I got it,” he replied.
This was the truth, because his advancement happened during his sleep.
Hu Chengzeng brooded for a moment. Shaking his head, he said to himself, Is it an advancement? That’s impossible, I’ve never heard of a level higher than a Grandmaster.
Luo Jie interrupted his thoughts. “Brother Hu, this is my apprentice, Artificer Master Guo Shier.”
Hu Chengzeng’s eyes widened. This child is actually an Artificer Master. Since when did children advance to Artificer Master so easily? He felt incapable of comprehending this reality and said, “Your… your apprentice? An Artificer Master? Kid, how old are you?”
His words drew the attention of the people around him.
Beast Caster Grandmaster Zizi Rong approached them and asked, “Old Hu, what’s the matter?”
He came with two Beast Warrior Grandmaster Level followers and wanted to show off. Only a few people can get two Grandmaster Level followers.
Hu Chengzeng said, “Zizi Rong, let me introduce you. This is North Rune Sect Artificer Grandmaster Luo Jie. We’re were talking about his apprentice, and it turned out to be Artificer Master.”
Zizi Rong wondered. What’s so strange about this? It’s normal for an Artificer Grandmaster have an Artificer Master apprentice.
“That is him!” Hu Chengzeng said. “Guo Shier, Artificer Master, Brother Luo’s apprentice!”
“Oh, by the way, how old are you?” he continued.
Guo Shier knew the master was showing off. He childishly replied, “Nine years old, but I’ll be 10 soon!”
“Nine years old?!?” they said in unison.
People from the West Rune Sect were shocked. A nine-year-old Artificer Master—they have never seen anything so rare.
“This is impossible… he’s really an Artificer Master!” Zizi Rong exclaimed.
Zizi Rong quickly recognized that Guo Shier was close to the level of Grandmaster. He was endlessly horrified.
Hu Chengzeng felt his head go dizzy. He calmed himself, smiled, and finally said, “The North Rune Sect is really extraordinary—they even have such a powerful younger generation. He should have followers, right? Hahaha!”
Guo Shier nodded and said, “Grandpa Hu, let me introduce my followers… Marked Warrior Grandmaster Luo Zhan, Marked Warrior Grandmaster Ying Mo, Marked Warrior Adept Huo Bao, Marked Warrior Adept Hong Shi, Marked Warrior Adept Chen Bing, and Marked Warrior Adept Chen Hong.”
The crowd was again in an uproar.
A nine-year-old Artificer Master has two Marked Warrior Grandmaster followers! It was too bizarre. There were even four children in the group—who apparently grew up at the same time—and they have already advanced to the Marked Warrior Adept level. This phenomenon defied all common sense.
Zizi Rong’s original motive was to show off. Instead, he was overshadowed by Guo Shier.
For many years, the West Rune Sect and the North Rune Sect have never stopped competing with each other. This time, Guo Shier quelled them.
To say that the people from the West Rune Sect were surprised would be an understatement. Even Qian Ziwang found it inconceivable. He knew that Luo Zhan was a Marked Warrior Master from the Luo Clan. In less than one year, he advanced to a Marked Warrior Grandmaster and magically became Guo Shier’s follower. It was all too confusing.
No one dared to look down on Guo Shier. This kid had two Marked Warrior Grandmaster followers. Even though he hasn’t advanced to Grandmaster, his reputation was not lower than a Grandmaster. He was standing at the top of the world.
***
Zi Zirong then introduces his followers, the two Beast Warrior Grandmasters.
Qian Ziwang and Hu Chengzeng respectively introduced their own followers, too.
Finally, Luo Jie introduced his followers. “This is Marked Warrior Grandmaster Qi Nanshan, Marked Warrior Grandmaster Xiao Feng, and Marked Warrior Grandmaster Luo Jing.”
He actually had three Marked Warrior Grandmasters.
People from the West Rune Sect were stunned. Are Grandmasters from North Rune Sect common?
To top it all off, Qi Nanshan looked much younger now. His face didn’t even have Rune lines. What kind Marked Warrior Grandmaster was he?
Xiong Pa couldn’t help but step forward. “Qi Nanshan,” he said. “Are you a Grandmaster? I’m itching for a challenge. Are you willing to accompany me? Hahaha!””
Qi Nanshan was overjoyed. He has been looking for someone to challenge, but no one wanted to do it with him.
He was originally an advanced Marked Warrior Grandmaster. After advancing, who knows how powerful he has become? Someone wants to challenge him. Isn’t that just asking to get beaten up?
Qi Nanshan tried his best to contain his excitement. Finally, someone was challenging him. “Hahaha! I’m itching, too. I’ve been looking for someone to challenge. Thank you! Hahaha!” he replied.
Guo Shier couldn’t help but laugh when he saw Qi Nanshan almost suffocating from restraining his boiling emotion.
Xiong Pa suddenly felt nervous. He saw the people from the North Rune Sect giving him a look of pity. He then turned and signaled to Xiong Pi.
“I’ll fight with my brother,” Xiong Pi chimed in. “We brothers used to work together. Hehehe!”
Luo Jie protested. “This is not right. What’s the reason for a two-against-one battle?”
Qi Nanshan can no longer hold himself. It’s been a while since he had a tough battle. He was so anxious to know how much power he now has. “Old Timer, don’t worry,” he said. “This is great. The two of you fight me together. Are there any larger venues? If we fight here, I’m afraid we’ll destroy the houses. Hahaha!”
The people from the West Gate were furious. Someone was willing to challenge two of their people at the same time. That was too arrogant, even for an advanced Grandmaster.
“Alright, let’s go to the Inner Sect training ground,” Zizi Rong suggested.
He took the lead with two Beast Warrior Grandmasters walking out with him. The crowd followed.
Guo Shier was excited. “Master, Grandpa Nanshan can finally vent,” he said.
Qi Nanshan patted him lightly. “What vent? I’m doing this to compare notes. We’re comparing notes. Do you understand?”
(Note: Wow it feels like I’m watching a dubbed kungfu movie from the 1980’s. Anyway, comparing notes means by fighting each other to exchange ideas on different ways of fighting. This ‘comparing notes’ thing only is feasible if both combatants are of equal power. If one is weaker than the other, it’s just called ass whooping.)
Guo Shier whispered, “Yes I understand. You’re gonna eat them alive.”
“Never mind,” Qi Nanshan retorted. “I don’t care what you think. I’m really going to enjoy this fight.”
Guo Shier can sense eeriness in Qi Nanshan’s voice. His eyes started emitting a green light. The two Xiong brothers were starting to look like two peerless beauties that are about to be devoured by a super pervert.
Luo Jie laughed and said, “Da-Shan, take it slow. Don’t be so ruthless.”
Qi Nanshan bared a toothy smile, “Do not worry Old Timer,” he said. “I have a sense of propriety.”
He oozed with irrepressible excitement.
Guo Shier smiled and quipped, “Master, Grandpa Nanshan will never slow down! He will go all out. Hahaha! Grandpa Nanshan, am I right?”
“Little bastard. You’re a smart kid. Watch and learn!” said Qi Nanshan.
Luo Jie and Guo Shier llooked at each other. They both shook their heads and didn’t bother to say a world.
***
They soon arrived at the training ground, which was paved with large pieces of green stone. The grinding was extremely smooth, and it was engraved with lots of Sigil lines. To Guo Shier’s knowledge, these runes were used to make things sturdy.
The snow on the ground was swept clean. The training ground was huge—easily thousands of square meters. Many of the West Rune Sect’s Inner Gate disciples trained here.
Zizi Rong called to the person in charge and let him clear up the training ground. He instructed all the disciples step off and vacate the field.
“Brother Luo, please wait a moment,” Hu Chengzeng said. “The Grandmasters from the Inner Sect are coming to watch.”
Luo Jie smiled and said, “Alright, it’s understandable. Everybody wants to see the West Rune Sect and the North Rune Sect exchange. We’ll wait.”
***
After an hour of waiting, Guo Shier’s body was starting to freeze. He whispered, “What the hell?!? It’s so fucking cold. What are they waiting for? Is this Sect trying to pressure us?”
Luo Jie smiled and said, “Don’t worry, everyone is almost here. You see… there’s another batch coming.”
A lot of people from the West Rune Sect were coming—not only the Inner Gate disciples, but also a lot of Grandmasters.
The West Rune Sect and the North Rune Sect often conduct ‘exchanges,’ which lead to a lot of death. But Grandmaster level exchanges are rarely seen, particularly a one-versus-two Grandmaster matchup. Everyone was desperate to watch. This event was attracting a lot of attention.
The wait has been long and Qi NanShan was also getting impatient. He walked slowly to the center of the training ground and cried, “Xiong Pa, Xiong Pi, bring it on!”
Xiong Pa replied, “Okay!” He and Xiong Pi also walked to the center of the training ground.
Xiong Pi took a step back, and said, “Big brother, you challenge him first…”
He doesn’t want to gang up against Qi Nanshan. It’s a disgrace if they win, but it’s even more humiliating if they lost.
Qi NanShan laughed and said, “Do it together!”
Someone shouted from the West Rune Sect, “Get rid of him! Kill him!”
“Seniors Xiong… Come on! Beat those North Rune Sect people!”
“…”
Guo Shier laughed and said, “I’m getting pumped. It’s heating up!”
Luo Jie said, “It’s always like this.”
“Nanshan Grandpa, beat the life out of them!” Guo Shier suddenly shouted. “Come on! Hit them until their mother doesn’t recognize them!”
The crisp childish sound reverberated throughout the training ground, and the West Rune Sect people suddenly went silent. To beat the brothers until their own mother doesn’t recognize them? That’s too harsh.
Luo Jie could not help but laugh. He said, “Shier, what the hell is that?”
The people from the North Rune Sect laughed their hearts out, too. Guo Shier was really too shameless.
Qi Nanshan took a deep breath and shouted, “Let’s start!”
