A/N : If you want to support me or read more in advanced consider becoming a patreón: patreón.com/keetarp.
There is different tiers for all my current fan-fiction, if anyone wants to read a particular work they are able to access only that, and if they wish to read all, its also an option. Do give it a try, I hope everyone likes it.
Join my community, accessible to all readers, discuss ideas, get updates and share photos and comments—https://www.patrèon.com/chats/f10f809d279243e9a68849812a04ff8e
Do remember to edit the ' è ' in the link.
.....
A month had passed since Nie Li connected all the arrays and fortified Glory City, ensuring its survival against external threats. Life had returned to normal, at least on the surface. But in the shadows, the tension between factions still simmered, and the future of Glory City was being shaped by Nie Li's relentless work.
The Glory Academy was progressing at full force, consuming much of Nie Li's time. He had personally recruited powerful elders, designed various courses, and even authored textbooks covering everything from foundational cultivation techniques to advanced combat strategies. Training the teachers alone had been an enormous task. But the vision of the academy was grand—it wasn't just a place of learning, but a foundation upon which the city's future would be built.
To make it function smoothly, Nie Li introduced a merit currency system, a revolutionary concept that would allow students to earn points based on their performance, effort, and contributions to the city. These points could then be exchanged for elixirs, techniques, demon spirits, cultivation materials, and access to special training chambers. It was a system designed to reward talent and hard work, eliminating the stagnation caused by noble families hoarding resources.
Additionally, he had met with Xue Yin, the elder recruited from City Lord Mansion and assigned to the inscription class. Nie Li handed her several books and materials, carefully gauging her aptitude.
Thankfully, she was extremely talented in the subject, and with the knowledge he provided, she quickly grasped the basics of new inscription techniques.
For the combat class, Nie Li recruited battle-hardened veterans, warriors who had fought against demon beasts on the frontline and survived. These men and women had seen war and bloodshed, and their teachings focused on practical survival and real combat experience—something the old academy had neglected.
For the demon spiritualist class, instructors were tasked with teaching advanced fighting techniques, guiding students in merging with their demon spirits efficiently, and unlocking their full potential.
Despite his meticulous planning, there was still much to do—establishing missions for students, overseeing elixir production, managing training facilities, and refining his future plans. But today, after an entire month, Nie Li finally had a little time to himself.
To his delight, Xiao Ning'er had finally exited her seclusion and came to see him.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the garden outside Nie Li's office. He sat with Xiao Ning'er at a small table beneath a flowering tree, the scent of blossoms lingering in the air.
She leaned into him, a soft smile gracing her lips as she enjoyed the moment of peace they rarely got to share. Nie Li reached out, running his fingers through her silky, smooth hair, feeling its warmth. (Image)
Although a month had passed, the memories they had made together—especially the moments shared in the Heavenly Sacred Border—remained vivid. Through their bond with the Tempestfang Dragon, he could always sense her presence, even when they were apart.
Activating the A.I. chip, Nie Li scanned her cultivation stats.
[Beep! Xiao Ning'er, 1 Star Black Gold Rank Demon Spiritualist. Demon Spirit—Tempestfang Dragon. Physique: 0.7. Soul Force: 1.1]
Nie Li smiled. "Congratulations on becoming a peak expert of Glory City by reaching Black Gold Rank."
Xiao Ning'er looked at him, her golden eyes shimmering with warmth. "All thanks to you."
To her, meeting Nie Li meant more than achieving this monumental milestone in cultivation. The strength she had now, the future she saw ahead—it was all because of him, for him and with him.
They shared a moment of quiet companionship, simply looking at each other, enjoying each other's presence without the need for words.
After a while, Xiao Ning'er's expression grew serious.
"There's something important I need to tell you." Her voice carried a weight that made Nie Li straighten slightly.
Nie Li nodded, gesturing for her to continue.
"Remember the elder from my Winged Dragon Family who was caught after the assassination attempt on you?" she asked.
Nie Li's eyes narrowed. He remembered very well—the man had been captured alive, something rare considering how ruthless the Dark Guild was.
Xiao Ning'er took a deep breath. "Under interrogation, he confessed that he had been corrupted by the Sacred Family."
Nie Li's expression darkened. "Go on."
She continued, "According to him, it was the Sacred Family that ordered him to plant spies adept in inscription techniques near you, hoping to learn your secrets. But he also claimed that he didn't know the assassins were from the Dark Guild and that they would attack you."
Nie Li chuckled coldly. "He must have been a fool to believe that."
Xiao Ning'er nodded. "Unfortunately, the assassin you captured committed suicide before we could get anything more. Now, the Sacred Family has completely denied any involvement and instead accused my family of using this as an excuse for revenge."
Nie Li's fingers tapped against the table rhythmically. "So they shifted the blame onto your family?"
"Yes." Xiao Ning'er's voice carried a hint of frustration. "They claim that my father is just trying to settle old grudges and that the accusations against them are baseless."
Nie Li smirked. "That's the typical behavior of a guilty party. They're trying to muddy the waters so that no one can be sure of the truth."
She nodded. "For now, the Sacred Family is under watch, but without solid proof, no one can move against them. As for the elder from my family, he remains locked up in City Lord's Mansion prison for further questioning."
Nie Li leaned back, his fingers laced together as he thought. The Sacred Family was playing a dangerous game, but they were running out of time.
He turned his gaze back to Xiao Ning'er, his voice calm but firm. "Don't worry. The day will come when the truth is exposed, and when that happens, the Sacred Family will have no place to hide."
Xiao Ning'er's eyes softened as she looked at him. There was something about Nie Li—the way he always seemed to be in control, always thinking ten steps ahead—that reassured her.
She reached out and gently squeezed his hand. "I believe in you."
Nie Li smiled. "I won't let them get away with their crimes. They think they're untouchable, but I'll make sure they pay for what they've done—to your family, to Glory City."
As the sun began to set, Nie Li's mind was already working through his next steps.
The Glory Academy was nearly ready. Once it officially opened, it would change the power dynamics of the city forever. Talent would rise based on merit, not lineage. Those who once hoarded resources and suppressed the weak would find themselves outmatched by a new generation of cultivators trained in the most advanced techniques.
With Glory City's defenses fortified, the Dark Guild's direct attacks had stopped for now. But their influence still lingered, lurking in places like the Sacred Family, waiting for the right moment to strike again.
Nie Li's modified version of the Soul Force Gathering Array was also complete, but he chose to delay its creation in Holy Orchid Academy until the Glory academy was in full swing. There were too many things happening at once, and he had to prioritize.
He stood up, looking down at Xiao Ning'er, who was still seated. "The future is coming faster than any of them realize. Glory City will never be the same."
Xiao Ning'er looked up at him and smiled. "And you're the one making it happen."
Nie Li smirked. "Not just me. You're part of this too. I wouldn't want to do it without you."
Her cheeks turned slightly red, but she didn't look away. "Then let's shape this future together."
Nie Li extended his hand, and she took it.
The war for Glory City's fate had already begun—but this time, Nie Li was the one leading the charge.