It's a beautiful, breezy summer day in the bustling megacity of Donghou, a hub of commerce, martial arts, musical arts, philosophy, and so much more.
"Fresh vegetables! Get your fresh vegetables here! Just harvested from the fertile fields of Cangzhou province!"
"Juicy fruits! Fresh and flavorful! I even have rare fruits from the harsh northern lands! Get them here—20% off today only!"
Many merchants, sellers, and farmers are shouting enthusiastically as it is the day where everything is high quality, fresh, and new
"Get your fresh meat here! Fresh meat hunted by the eastern border where the beast, though ferocious, is undeniably delicious when eaten!"
"Fresh fish here! I caught them all in the Fenglin River! Get your fresh fish here!"
The market was teeming with life, a sea of people bustling about as merchants and vendors capitalized on the steady stream of eager customers. The air buzzed with the clamor of haggling voices, and the scent of fresh produce mingled with the aromas of street food. Business was thriving, with sellers reaping the rewards of the overwhelming influx of patrons.
Amidst this lively chaos, a woman of striking beauty glided through the crowd. In her early twenties, Lang Zexian possessed a grace that turned heads, though many were too engrossed in their pursuit of bargains to notice. Yet, a few young men found themselves momentarily spellbound by her allure, their gazes lingering as she passed. It's only natural, after all; such beauty demands attention, especially from those whose hearts are yet untempered by the world.
Lang Zexian is no ordinary woman. As the eldest daughter of the esteemed Lang family and a rising star in the Tianhuhui Sect, she is a cultivator with a future as promising as it is formidable. The Tianhuhui Sect, though originally a martial arts sect, has evolved into an institution that molds not just warriors, but also merchants and scholars. It could easily be mistaken for an academy, particularly since the new headmaster has openly declared his ambition to establish a school that encompasses all the knowledge he holds.
Today is a rare day off for Lang Zexian, giving her the chance to visit the bustling market in search of something to eat. Not street food—she had planned to indulge in that tomorrow. Today, her mind was set on buying fish. Yes, fish. She wandered through the crowded aisles, her curiosity piqued as she wondered if her favorite variety might be available.
The market offered an array of fish, but she was after something far more elusive: a fish so rare that it seldom appeared, even in a megacity as vast as Donghou. The prize she sought was the Lingyuyuan—a fish whose scales gleamed with a vibrant, jade-like green. Legends whispered that consuming the Lingyuyuan granted immense vitality, prolonged youth, and even heightened martial arts prowess. Though such tales might seem exaggerated, even the most skeptical food critics conceded that the Lingyuyuan was a culinary marvel, especially when fried to perfection in a wok.
"Hmm... I hope there are at least one or two. I'd like to save one for tomorrow." Lang Zexian murmured to herself as she continued her search.
Her eyes then landed on a figure that immediately stood out in the crowd. His clothing was unlike anything worn by the locals, catching her attention.
While most people seemed to either not notice or outright ignore him, Lang Zexian couldn't help but be intrigued. The man was dressed in an all-black outfit—jeans, a t-shirt, and a polo shirt layered over it. He wore a grey half-face mask and topped it off with a cap from a US basketball team.
"What strange attire... Could he be from the barbarian lands? Or maybe he's just not a native here." she mused quietly.
As she studied him, she noticed he was standing next to a fish market stall—and there, nestled among the other fish, was exactly what she had been searching for: Lingyuyuan.
Curiosity piqued, Lang Zexian's gaze lingered on the stranger for a moment longer. However, the sight of the Lingyuyuan fish quickly reclaimed her attention. Just as she was about to approach the stall, she overheard a conversation that made her pause.
"Good morning, Uncle Mo. How's business been lately?" the man in the strange clothing asked with a casual familiarity.
"Ah, if it isn't Gu Yuhan, my favorite customer!" Uncle Mo, the humble old vendor, replied warmly. With a proud grin, he unveiled four large Lingyuyuan fish, their jade-green scales shimmering in the sunlight. The sight drew gasps from a few onlookers—such a rare catch was usually sold at a steep, but justified, price.
"That bait and the fishing technique you taught me have done wonders, Gu Yuhan," Uncle Mo continued, his voice brimming with gratitude. "Even the fish net you gave me for free has brought in more fish than I ever imagined. So, I'm giving you a 50% discount today. You've earned it."
"Make that a 30% discount, old man," Gu Yuhan responded with a smile. "Fishing is hard work, and knowing where you live, I can imagine the struggle. I visited you just last week, and I want to pay a price that truly reflects your effort."
Uncle Mo shook his head, a gentle smile on his weathered face. "Yuhan, I don't have much time left in this world. You've already done so much for me and my family—more than enough. It's only right that I return the favor."
"I heard your daughter started her path as a martial artist cultivator?" Gu Yuhan asked, his tone thoughtful. "When I saw her last month, I could tell she has the potential to become an exceptional cultivator. So, let's settle on a 25% discount. Consider it an investment in her future—25% towards her training, and the remaining 50% can support the rest of your family."
Gu Yuhan added, "Besides, Uncle Mo, I know you've been saving up to ensure her future. This way, you're still helping her grow stronger. She'll need every bit of support to reach her full potential."
"Are you interested in my daughter, Yuhan?" Uncle Mo asked with a teasing smirk.
Gu Yuhan chuckled, shaking his head. "I've got a little sister to look after, old man. No time for distractions. Besides, didn't you say she just turned 17 last week? That kind of proposition is at least a year too early."
"Bah, I can spot a young man's intentions from a mile away," Uncle Mo teased, his eyes twinkling. "You can't fool me, Yuhan."
"Don't jump to conclusions, old man." Gu Yuhan replied with a grin, rolling his eyes playfully as he put down a pouch of money that he will pay towards Uncle Mo
Uncle Mo let out a hearty laugh, and Gu Yuhan started packing the Lingyuyuan fish into his basket..
"Ahh, seems like he bought all of it. Why four? Is he buying it for a family dinner?" Lang Zexian then sighed but not disappointed
"Oh? Do my eyes deceive me, or is that the beautiful Lang Zexian of the esteemed Lang family?" A voice, dripping with arrogance, caused Lang Zexian's eyes to twitch in irritation.
"Well, well, if it isn't Ao Canglong, heir to the Ao family," another equally arrogant voice chimed in.
Lang Zexian sighed, quietly muttering to herself, "Just my luck—why does Lei Zhentíng have to be here too?"
She turned to see the two young masters, each one posturing as if the world revolved around them. All three of them were at the Void Refining Realm, but Lang Zexian was on the cusp of something greater—she would soon ascend to the Transcending Tribulation Realm, a fact that added to her impatience with the scene unfolding before her.
As Ao Canglong and Lei Zhenting bickered, their voices rising, Lang Zexian could feel her annoyance growing. The market was bustling enough without these two causing a spectacle.
The vendor and the strange man continued their conversation, completely ignoring the quarrel as if they were in their own world.
Lang Zexian sighed, her patience wearing thin. Turning to the two young masters, she snapped, "Alright, you idiots, cut it out. I'm trying to enjoy this day before my ascension, so either quiet down or I'll shove the rocks beneath us into both of your mouths."
Lei Zhentíng feigned shock, though with a smirk. "Kyah, the Ice Fairy Lang Zexian just spoke harshly! You know, that's quite rude?"
His teasing only fanned the flames of Lang Zexian's anger.
Ao Canglong chimed in, his tone dripping with condescension. "Tell me, Fairy Zexian, why are you in this shabby market? You could easily buy luxurious goods at the Imperial Market."
Lang Zexian's eyes narrowed. "I'm here to buy something the Imperial Market doesn't offer. So, please, lower your voices and show some respect—we're in a public place."
"Well, why didn't you say so earlier? I, Ao Canglong of the Ao family, will buy you anything you desire!" Ao Canglong declared, puffing out his chest.
"And I, Lei Zhentíng, will ensure it's of the highest quality!" Lei Zhentíng added, equally boastful.
Lang Zexian couldn't help but sigh, thoroughly unimpressed. "Father… Mother… where did you even find these people? They're embarrassing…" she thought to herself, shaking her head. But then, a thought crossed her mind. "Though, if Ao Canglong is so eager to throw around his money, maybe I could save some for a better sword…"
Out loud, she said. "The item has already been bought, you two. I'll be leaving to find another place to eat."
Ao Canglong's eyes widened in surprise. "Someone already bought what you were looking for? Fear not! I'll buy it back from them, no matter the cost. Just show me where they are, and I'll prove the wealth of the proud Ao family!"
Lang Zexian pointed discreetly at the stall where the strangely dressed man was still standing.
"Please forgive me, you two. If this brings trouble, I'll forgive you both tenfold." Lang Zexian silently prayed, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
With a confident chuckle, Ao Canglong swaggered over to the stall where the old vendor and the strange man were still engaged in conversation.
"Ahem!" Ao Canglong cleared his throat loudly to catch their attention, which he did successfully.
But as he approached, his confidence wavered for a brief moment. The stranger turned to face him, revealing a figure slightly taller than Ao Canglong—a solid 5'10" to his own 5'6".
Ao Canglong quickly recomposed himself, puffing out his chest as he addressed the stranger. "Good morning, commoner! That item you have belongs to the fairy over there," he declared, pointing toward Lang Zexian. "So, be a good commoner and hand it over. In return, I might consider hiring you as a servant for one of my younger siblings."
Gu Yuhan's response was calm, yet there was an underlying pressure in his gaze and posture. "And if I don't?"
The air between them grew tense, but there was no arrogance in Gu Yuhan's voice, only a quiet intensity that made Ao Canglong hesitate for a moment.
Uncle Mo, sensing the shift, leaned in and whispered, "Gu Yuhan, he's a martial artist from the Tianhuhui Sect. Look at his badge on his left."
Gu Yuhan glanced down at the badge pinned to his chest, then back at Ao Canglong. "Oh? You're familiar with the Tianhuhui Sect. I commend you for your knowledge, old man." Ao Canglong remarked, trying to maintain his composure.
Gu Yuhan's expression remained unchanged. "Whether he's from a well-known sect or not, why should I hand over what's rightfully mine? And for free, no less? You've given me no reason to do so."
"Well, hehe..." Ao Canglong's smirk faded as he suddenly grabbed Gu Yuhan by the shirt, his voice dripping with venom. "I'll make sure my family ruins you and your family's lives a thousand times over. Now listen, and be the good trash you are."
Despite the threat, Gu Yuhan remained unfazed, his expression calm and unreadable.
"Now, drop that basket you're holding and back away." Ao Canglong demanded, his grip tightening.
For a brief moment, Gu Yuhan hesitated, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. Then, with a quiet sigh he did what he was told
Yuhan began lowering his basket to the ground slowly.
"Good..." Ao Canglong smirked, thinking he had won.
But what he didn't expect was for Yuhan to suddenly fling the basket high into the air, so high that it seemed impossible for an ordinary person.
"Huh?" Ao Canglong stared up in confusion at the soaring basket.
In that brief moment of distraction, Yuhan seized Ao Canglong by the clothes and slammed him into the ground with such force that the ground cracked beneath him, a testament to Yuhan's immense strength.
"You're courting de—gack!" Lei Zhentíng tried to speak but was immediately grabbed by the neck. Yuhan's cold gaze bore into him as he spoke, "Say 'courting death' one more time, and I'll personally shove you into the deepest pits of hell and introduce you to a friend of mine named King Yan."
Then Yuhan goes to slam Zhenting on a nearby wall
"SO—!"
"WAI-!"
Bang!
Before Lei Zhentíng said anything, Yuhan slammed him against a wall with one hand.
And then, with the purest of anger, Yuhan continued.
"BEHAVE—!"
Bang!
"LIKE PROPER—!"
Bang!
"FUCKING—!"
Bang!
"YOUNG ADULTS!!!"
With a final slam, Yuhan released Lei Zhentíng, who slid down the wall and collapsed to the ground like a discarded doll, utterly defeated and humiliated.
Yuhan's breath grew heavy, each exhale audible as he stood over the two defeated young masters. He noticed the large crowd that had gathered around him, but their presence meant little to him.
With a single motion, he raised his hand, and to the amazement of the onlookers, the basket he had flung into the sky earlier came down, landing perfectly in his grasp. The crowd erupted into applause, their amazement palpable.
Yuhan placed the basket on Uncle Mo's stall, who remained quiet but observant of the entire situation.
A pained groan escaped Ao Canglong's lips as he began to stir. Without hesitation, Yuhan approached him, grabbing him by the hair.
"Next time, buy your own fish—or better yet, work for it like the rest of us who actually earn our way." With that, Yuhan slammed Canglong's head down with just enough force to render him unconscious.
Rising to his full height, Yuhan dusted off his clothes, ridding himself of the grime from the brief scuffle. As he did, he noticed Lang Zexian standing nearby, her face a mixture of shock, disbelief, and amazement—emotions all colliding as she took in the scene before her.
Gu Yuhan's voice carried a quiet but unmistakable authority as he addressed Lang Zexian, "Are these your goons?"
Lang Zexian shook her head, her tone calm and detached. "No, they're just idiots my family happened to meet. I never wanted to be associated with them in the first place."
Gu Yuhan studied her for a moment before responding, "Well, find a better company next time. They're a hindrance to your progress and growth, ma'am." He picked up the basket, preparing to leave.
"W-Wait, sir!" Lang Zexian's voice trembled slightly, a mix of urgency and hesitation. "I-I want to know your name, if you don't mind. I'd like to become acquainted with you."
She was well aware of the trouble she had brought to both the vendor and the man in strange attire. But witnessing the overwhelming strength he had just displayed, she knew that if he wasn't affiliated with any sect, she might want to learn under him. There was another reason, one she kept to herself. Her family was likely to use her as a bargaining chip in the near future. And as a protective measure, she needed someone powerful to protect her—or at least someone she could align with.
As Gu Yuhan stopped in his tracks, he turned to look at Lang Zexian.
"Gu Yuhan. My name is Gu Yuhan. No sect affiliated." he stated calmly before resuming his walk.
Lang Zexian considered stopping him, but she quickly decided against it. The last thing she wanted was to end up like the two fools she had just witnessed being taken down so effortlessly.
"Ah..." Ao Canglong groaned as he slowly regained consciousness. "Did that... monster leave already?"
Lang Zexian sighed, relieved that the confrontation was over. Suddenly, a bag flew towards her, and she instinctively caught it.
"What the...?" She opened the bag with a mix of confusion and curiosity, only to find a single Lingyuyuan fish inside.
Stunned, Lang Zexian looked around to spot Gu Yuhan once more, but he had already disappeared, leaving her with the fish and more questions than answers.
Lang Zexian tightened her grip on the bag containing the Lingyuyuan, understanding that this simple act had now linked her to Gu Yuhan. Despite his nonchalant manner, it was clear he had noticed her desire for the rare fish, and in his own way, acknowledged it.
The crowd gradually dispersed, returning to their daily routines as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
Lang Zexian sighed and decided to drag the two unconscious young masters to the side, clearing the path for others. She placed them near the stall where Gu Yuhan had just bought the fish, ensuring they wouldn't be in anyone's way.
"Good thing he didn't outright kill them. Jeez, why do youngsters these days seem so eager to meet an early grave? They have no idea about the pleasures of growing old and the wisdom it brings." Uncle Mo grumbled as he began tidying up his stall.
Lang Zexian's curiosity deepened. What kind of relationship did Gu Yuhan have with this old man and his family?
"Uhm, excuse me, wise vendor..." Lang Zexian began, but Uncle Mo interrupted her before she could finish.
"My name is Uncle Mo. Please, don't think of me as wise. I'm just a humble, old, and frail vendor trying to make ends meet." Uncle Mo responded modestly.
Given the sizable amount of money Gu Yuhan had just given him, Lang Zexian was skeptical about his claim of "making ends meet" but she chose to let it slide and continued.
"Excuse me, Uncle Mo, I'm curious as to how you are acquainted with Gu Yuhan?" Lang Zexian asked.
"We met about half a year ago," Uncle Mo began, reminiscing. "He's been buying my cheap, low-quality fish since then and quickly became a regular customer. Even though I tried to convince him that the fish I catch aren't exactly what most would consider edible, he insisted on buying them anyway. At first, I thought he was running low on money, but he always had a decent amount in his pouch."
He chuckled softly before continuing, "Then one day, he started sharing fishing techniques with me—better bait methods, recipes, even suggesting the best times to catch specific fish. About two weeks ago, he gave me an 'old but still reliable fish net.' I'm not great with remembering exact dates, but I certainly remember how much it helped."
Uncle Mo's eyes gleamed with gratitude. "Thanks to his advice, my fish yield improved significantly, both in quality and quantity. I've made a small fortune because of him. But with my years catching up to me, I decided to give 50% of my earnings to my only daughter and her pet, which Gu Yuhan calls her 'familiar'."
Lang Zexian listened intently, her curiosity deepening. "Hmm, so he's been in Donghou for nearly two years… It's odd. He's wearing clothing that isn't native to this region, and it's strange that I never noticed him until today." She pondered for a moment, already planning to investigate further.
"Do you know where he lives? Not that I'm planning to visit him, but you two seem close enough," Lang Zexian asked with curiosity.
Uncle Mo shook his head. "He knows where I live, but I have no idea where he calls home. He once mentioned that his home is somewhere in the mountains, but nothing more specific."
Lang Zexian pondered, her mind racing with possibilities. "I'm beginning to suspect he might be some kind of hidden expert. But I shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. Still, it's worth keeping that in mind."
After a pause, she continued asking Uncle Mo more essential questions about Gu Yuhan, though she couldn't resist slipping in three seemingly trivial ones that might still offer some clues about the enigmatic man.
Lang Zexian, trying to piece together more about Gu Yuhan, asked, "Does he have any family?"
Uncle Mo nodded slightly. "He mentioned having a little sister. His parents passed away when he was 14, and an aunt took care of them until he turned 18. After that, he decided he could take care of his sister on his own."
"And what about work? Does he have a job?" she inquired further.
Uncle Mo shrugged. "I wouldn't know. He's never said anything about where he gets his money."
Lang Zexian pressed on. "Does he do anything besides buy things?"
Uncle Mo chuckled softly. "Sometimes, he shows up outside my house just reading a book. If I need help, he'll lend a hand, but when I ask why, he always says, 'out of boredom.'"
These answers, while not immediately revealing, might hold significance later on. But for now, there was another pressing issue.
Her stomach growled loudly.
"Ugh, I need to eat first..." Lang Zexian muttered to herself, deciding to leave the market and head home for a meal.
----------------------------------
Meanwhile, in the mountains, Gu Yuhan arrived at his destination. After a brief walk, he stopped beside a tall mountain, surrounded by a dense bamboo forest and a series of fences. The fences were box-shaped and spaced 200 meters apart, creating a well-defined boundary.
In front of him stood a modern home that seemed out of place in the natural surroundings.
Gu Yuhan approached the door, pulled out a key from his pocket, and unlocked it.
"Yahui?" he called out, his voice echoing slightly.
Moments later, the sound of hurried footsteps came from inside. "Big brother!" a girl's voice responded eagerly.
Gu Yuhan smiled as his younger sister, Gu Yahui, appeared at the top of the stairs, rushing down to greet him.
"Did you bring my favorite?" Gu Yahui asked with excitement.
"Mhmm. I did, and quite a lot this time," Gu Yuhan replied, placing the basket on the kitchen counter. He carefully pulled out three Lingyuyuan fish and set them on the chopping board. "I actually had four, but I gave one away to someone who also wanted it."
"Wow! Big brother, you're so kind!" Gu Yahui exclaimed with a bright smile. "I love Lingyuyuan, but I wouldn't mind sharing it because it's so delicious!"
Gu Yuhan removed his mask, revealing a young man in his twenties, his face relaxed with a warm smile directed at his sister.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang—not from the door he had entered, but from the opposite side of the house.
Gu Yuhan turned his head toward the sound, his expression shifting to one of cautious interest. His house was unique—one door led to the modern world, while the other opened to a realm where martial arts and fantasies flourished.
"Looks like we have a visitor." he said calmly, glancing at Gu Yahui.
"I wonder who it could be." Gu Yahui mused, her curiosity piqued as she followed her brother toward the door leading to the modern world
As Gu Yuhan approached the ringing door, he opened it to find a Chinese-American man wearing glasses, standing there with a cheerful smile. The man was tall, towering over 6'1".
"Yo..." the man greeted casually.
"Sup, Max." Yuhan replied.
"Is it Older Brother Max, big brother?" Yahui asked from behind.
"Yup, it's yer boi." Yuhan confirmed with a grin.
The man at the door was Maximillian "Max" Wei, a Chinese-American friend and classmate of Gu Yuhan. Both Max and Yuhan attended the same class, both, studying Civil and Industrial Engineering.
"I heard you bought some fish..." Max began, his curiosity piqued.
"Of course you can come in." Yuhan said, then noticed something suspicious. "Oi, the Russian and the American hiding behind the dumpster next to the light pole. Come out." he called out loudly.
From behind the dumpster emerged a Russian and an American, looking a bit sheepish.
"You know we couldn't resist the delicious smell of that Lingyu-something, whatever it's called." the American said with a grin.
"I just call it Emerald Fish." the Russian added, nodding in agreement.
And meet the other two: Matthias Schmidt and Kirill Stanis Rogozin. Matthias, a mathematician, is training to become a teacher for high school and early college students, while Kirill is studying both Physical and Social Sciences.
"Where's the Finnish dude?" Gu Yuhan asked, scanning the area.
As if on cue, a sports bike roared up to Yuhan's house, coming to a sudden stop. The rider removed his helmet, revealing the "Finnish dude" himself.
"I heard there was fish. Looks like I got here just in time," he said with a grin.
This was Ohtro Kivimäki, currently pursuing an advanced course in Economics and Finance. Maybe Government or Business
"Ohtro, please park your bike in front of the garage," Gu Yuhan instructed. Ohtro nodded and moved his bike to the driveway. "Come on in, guys. I'm about to start cooking."
Yuhan's four friends eagerly entered the house, greeting Yahui warmly as they stepped inside. Yahui played with them for a bit, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Yuhan prepared for cooking, putting on rubber gloves and an apron. He grabbed a sharp knife with a unique pattern etched into its blade, alongside the Chinese characters for "God's Cook." He began by gutting and scaling the fish with practiced skill.
At the same time, his friends gathered around the table, chatting about anime, comics, and games. Ohtro, however, was rummaging through the fridge, searching for something.
"Ohtro, could you pass me the lemons in the fridge?" Yuhan asked without looking up from his work. "And the big soda bottle is behind the box of cereal."
Ohtro moved aside a cereal box on the counter, revealing a 1.5-liter bottle of soda and a lemon. Grabbing both, he casually used levitation magic to float the lemon toward Yuhan. Without missing a beat, Yuhan sliced the lemon cleanly in midair with a swift motion.
The reaction in the room was calm; there were no gasps or looks of surprise. The only person who seemed impressed was Yahui, her eyes wide with admiration at her big brother's precise cut.
In this modern world, "mysticism" wasn't exactly uncommon. Magic was something everyone in the room could use, including Yuhan and Yahui. For Yuhan, though, magic was mainly a tool for the lazy. He preferred to rely on his martial arts skills, only resorting to magic when he had to or wanted to make a point.
The existence of magic was known to about half the world. To the rest, it was still seen as some elaborate trick. This was largely because the magic community, officially named the European Magic Society and Convention, had only recently started revealing the true nature of their powers, and even then, only in Europe. The slow reveal meant most people outside the inner circle remained in the dark.
And an even more amazing fact is that the current "leader" of the EMSC is Ohtro's father, Taavetti Kivimäki, while the leading "general" is Kirill's father, Benedikt Shvernik Rogozin.
Meanwhile, Matthias got caught up with this ragtag group when they met him at Comiket in Japan. He had been following what he thought was a cosplayer in a hyper-realistic nine-tailed fox youkai costume, only to find out the hard way that she was the real thing—he narrowly escaped being sexually assaulted by her. Thanks to Yuhan and his bros following him for God knows the reason why.
The story of how they all met Yuhan is interesting in its own right, but let's skip that for now and focus on the lively, happy atmosphere.
Yuhan finished preparing and began cooking. The aroma from his dishes filled the air, causing everyone at the table to feel their stomachs grumble in unison.
"God dammit, Yuhan! You should just quit as a Civil and Industrial Engineer and switch to Culinary Arts. You'd be a Michelin Star chef in months!" Matthias complained, though his tone was more playful than serious.
"Nope, not happening." Yuhan replied, adding oil to the pan. The fire flared up, but Matthias quickly took control of the flames, trying to impress Yahui.
As for Kirill, he was just scrolling through social media on his phone.
"Yo, how's that otherworldly door doing? Still connected to our world?" Kirill asked, gesturing for Ohtro to pour him some soda.
"Still connected, Russian. Say, Ohtro, what's the latest between the European Magic Community and the Eastern Cultivator Alliance?" Yuhan inquired.
"They're still investigating the cause, Yuhan. Some big players are getting involved." Ohtro replied.
"Yeah, let me read it out for you." Kirill cleared his throat as he read from his phone, "The Japanese Exorcist Association, the Americas Magic Association, the Witches' Alliance, and the House of Science and Technology are all jumping in to investigate your door, Yuhan. Damn, all that fuss over a single door. It's like Russia and the US pouring billions just to find a guy who's already dead."
"Hmmm…" Yuhan nodded and continued his cooking.
"Hey, Yuhan. If they start disturbing your peace, just let me know. I'll have a word with my father about it. We're pulling you in our direction, not towards the Eastern Cultivator Alliance." Ohtro offered.
"I'm not interested in joining any organizations," Yuhan replied firmly. "I don't want to get tangled in more problems. All I want is to live a simple life—eat, sleep, and just be myself. Despite my skills, I've lived as a normal human. I didn't spend all these years cultivating just to be roped into more chaos."
"Yeah, you damn Immortal Emperor." Kirill muttered with a smirk.
Yuhan had no interest in joining any organization, but Ohtro and Kirill were eager for him to join the Magic Community. Their aim was twofold: to counter the growing arrogance of the Eastern Cultivator Alliance and to give them a metaphorical middle finger if they succeeded. Yuhan's limitless potential was another compelling reason for their interest.
The term "Immortal Emperor," which Kirill muttered, referred to the highest rank in the Immortal Stage of Cultivation. According to both Kirill's and Ohtro's informants, Yuhan was currently on the brink of entering the God Realm. Originally, they intended to keep this a secret from Yuhan, but he figured out their true intentions before they even met.
After some intense conflict, Yuhan and the boys forged a bond. Despite their differences, they proved that men will be men, no matter the universe or world.
Ironically, the leader of the Eastern Cultivator Alliance was weaker—a mere Taiyi Immortal. Each time the Alliance tried to "tame" Yuhan, they resorted to tricks so dirty and dishonorable that many of their own members weren't as reluctant to perform them. The ECA's conservative nature also meant they were unwilling to adapt their ways, which was another key reason why the EMCA wanted Yuhan and one of the top five reasons they needed him.
"Here are the dishes..." Yuhan announced as he finished cooking and placed the plates on the table. The boys quickly readied and arranged their chairs.
"Where did Yahui run off to?" Yuhan muttered quietly.
"Oi, Yahui! Your big bro's cooking is ready!" Matthias called out, prompting Yahui to return to the table.
"Mmm! That smells delicious. I love my brother's cooking so much!" Yahui said enthusiastically.
"Ah, ah. Wash your hands first, young lady." Yuhan said, picking up her plate.
"Muh! Why do I have to wash my hands and not you all?! Is that a perk of being an adult?" Yahui protested.
"Well, yes, but actually no." Kirill replied with a wry smirk.
"Basic common sense and hygiene practices you'll pick up as you grow up, sis." Yuhan said to Yahui whom which she pouted cutely
Just as the Russian, American, and Finnish guys were about to dig in, their plates abruptly levitated into the air, suspended by a flick of magic.
"And you three should also set a good example for a child." Yuhan remarked, gesturing toward the sink. The trio reluctantly agreed and shuffled to wash their hands.
"Good thing I've been honing my water affinity magic." Max said with a grin, conjuring a bubble of water from the sink to wash his hands in mid-air.
"You've been unusually quiet today, Max. What's got you so pensive?" Yuhan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"And please, spare me any requests for love advice. You're a bigger headache than those clueless fools from the Eastern Alliance." Yuhan added with clear disgust from his face
"No, no. I've been thinking..." Max said as the three finally sat down after washing their hands. "It's been a while since I visited the otherworld."
"Oh, you want another go in that cliché hell hole?" Yuhan asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Mmhmm. But it's only a hell hole because of the people. You know my side hustle is photography, right? I've made a good chunk of money from capturing the scenery there. With my Photoshop skills, I've convinced everyone it's just artwork and not actual photographs," Max explained, a sly grin on his face.
Max was the first modern person—excluding Yuhan—to set foot in the cultivator world. Yuhan allowed him entry simply because Max had the decency to ask politely. Once there, Max was so captivated by the world's beauty that he started what he called his "exploit" of the scenery. The result? A six-figure monthly income, thanks to the breathtakingly professional photographs he produced.
"I'll think about that. For now, everyone should start eating as the food will start to grow cold. Be a waste if you ask me." (Yuhan)
Max didn't question him further as he has a point. They all started eating and Yahui meanwhile started eating it as it is the most delicious thing she has ever eaten. But she already ate this a bit often before
As everyone finished eating, everyone had a face of satisfaction.
"Yahui go to your room for a sec." Yuhan said to Yahui which she reluctantly agreed and she trots away
"Yo, Yuhan bro, I have something for you my brother." Kirill said to Yuhan
"What is it?" Yuhan replied as he stacks up the used plates
Kirill then summoned some sort of small portal that even a hand can fit through. As Kirill put his hands inside the portal a laptop with anime stickers on it was pulled out
"I heard from the Eastern Cultivator Alliance that they found a vile containing an Ancient Dragon Bloodline that will instantly make someone with cultivation go to an Immortal Venerable. You hear that shit?" Kirill said to Yuhan
"You mean what Du Xia just fucking made?" Yuhan unexpectedly answered back
"Du Xia? Who's that?" Ohtro asked, tilting his head.
"Oh, just some self-proclaimed savior of ancient Asian alchemy," Yuhan said with a wave of his hand. "She claims she can revive lost mythical bloodlines using materials that don't even naturally exist on Earth. Alchemist this, alchemist that—you get the gist. Total bullshit artist."
"Strange. With all those flashy titles, I've never heard of her," Ohtro replied. "Though I did hear that one of the pharmaceutical buildings owned by the most powerful family in China got wiped off the map in an explosion."
"Yeah, she was the head researcher there. Real name's Shī Xia," Yuhan said casually.
Kirill raised a brow. "Was she the one responsible?"
"Maybe," Yuhan shrugged. "She got real twitchy when I brought it up, so... probably. But hey, just ignore that mess. Not our circus, not our exploding lab."
The boys kept the conversation rolling—from games to books, from sauce combinations to questionable late-night anime choices. Just typical boy stuff. Max tried to sneak in a love advice topic again, but the others expertly dodged it like a plague spell, redirecting the conversation before it could gain traction.
By the end of the day, everything felt refreshingly normal. Yuhan tucked Yahui into bed with a gentle hand, then settled in for the night with a solid tank battle session—no world-ending crises, no political power plays. Just him, his computer and mouse, and the satisfying sound of dead players.
"Just so you know! If that camper of a T-90M was dead at D point, we could've won that!" Yuhan barked into his mic, pure gamer frustration in his voice.