Beastmaster of the Ages

”First place on the Fortuna Ranking will be rewarded with 100,000 merit and a hundred bowls of Myriadpath Sourcespring annually.” When Tianming surpassed that reward, the entire population of Myriadpath Valley was likely to be troubled.

”The increased rewards based on age is a rule left by the ancestors—it’s unlikely to change for me, right?” he weakly asked.

”Not very likely. The rules of Myriadpath Valley are strict,” Eminent Jiguang smiled at him.

”That’s great!” Tianming was so excited he nearly flew up.

”Congratulations, Brother. I’m looking forward to the day you break into the top twenty and then the top ten!” Suishen Zhao said.

”Get lost! He’s my disciple. Don’t try getting close to him!” Suishen Yao immediately shooed her brother away.

”Hahaha....” The group of them were so harmonious that it no longer felt like a master-servant relationship, making many increasingly envious of Tianming, although they couldn’t help but admire him.

The envy made people reluctant to leave until Tianming followed Suishen Yao, Suishen Zhao, and Eminent Jiguang back to Suishen Cave to prepare for the fifth idol. Only then did the Ascension Colosseum gradually empty. However, they were also heading toward the Prehistoric Path, which was the next stage for Tianming to shine.

”Damn, whether it’s the Prehistoric Path or the Ascension Colosseum, these days, it’s all Li Tianming’s show. Everywhere he goes, he shows off!”

”That kid’s really soaring. Previously, when the House Suishen seniors didn’t intervene, it seemed like kids playing around. Now, with Eminent Jiguang suppressing Reverend Daolie and appointing him as a Suishen ward, who dares to underestimate him?”

”The only fortunate thing is that I heard Eminent Jiguang was also a little troublemaker when she was young, always opposing Eminent Ranxing. It’s better if her attitude isn’t reflective of Eminent Ranxing’s.”

The people saying such things were naturally the specters who didn’t want Tianming to have it easy. Humans, on the other hand, were mostly happy for him.

”This time, House Yumo has embarrassed themselves again. With the House Suishen seniors defending Tianming, it only makes House Yumo look worse. I wonder what their seniors will think of next?”

”Watch! The fifth idol on the Prehistoric Path is crucial! That’s a major reward.”

***

Soon after, Tianming and the others arrived at Suishen Cave. He, along with Eminent Jiguang and the three minor pathkeepers, entered. Along the way, they met other House Suishen members who came up to greet them.

The greetings were naturally directed at Eminent Jiguang and the others, but because Tianming had become a Suishen ward and performed well, the attitudes of these House Suishen members toward him had significantly improved. Whether it was an eminent or a reverend, they exchanged a few words with him. Some young fortuna and maniverse disciples were curious about him and exchanged transmission stones.

It was evident that Tianming had been recognized by the majority of House Suishen.

However, as soon as he entered Suishen Cave, he felt a surrounding heat, as if his body was being scorched. He saw Eminent Ranxing and a dozen top House Suishen members, including Suishen Yuan and Suishen Yue, waiting for their return.

Tianming noticed the Eminent Ranxing’s eyes were sharp, showing neither joy nor anger, making it hard to gauge his attitude. For now, it seemed lukewarm.

On the other hand, Suishen Yuan and several other minor pathkeepers, along with their parents, didn’t hide their malice toward him. Their gazes also carried a warning. Clearly, they wanted to tell him that, even as a Suishen ward, he had to learn the rules and prioritize House Suishen’s honor and reputation. Any act that damaged the clan’s reputation would result in punishment, regardless of who protected him.

”Yaoyao.” Eminent Ranxing didn’t look at Tianming, but called Suishen Yao over. ”Come here.”

Seeing that, Suishen Yao pouted, not wanting to go, but her aunt pulled her along. Tianming, Suishen Zhao, and Suishen Shuang had to wait from a distance.

After Suishen Yao and Eminent Jiguang went over, the group was hidden in mist, with faint sounds of arguing reaching Tianming’s ears. He knew it was about Suishen Yao’s marriage again.

Before long, Suishen Yao returned with red eyes, looking furious, while Eminent Jiguang followed, trying to comfort her to no avail. It was the first time Tianming saw the fearless girl cry. To be honest, he didn’t know how to comfort her in such a predestined and unchangeable situation.

”Sis!”

”Yaoyao.”

Suishen Zhao and Suishen Shuang went up to her.

”It’s fine.... I’m going back first.” After saying that, Suishen Yao passed them and returned to her residence.

”Prepare for the Prehistoric Path. I’ll look after Yaoyao,” Eminent Jiguang said and followed Suishen Yao.

Tianming and Suishen Zhao exchanged looks.

Suishen Zhao glanced at his father and murmured, ”It looks like the Prehistoric Path is almost over and Father issued a final ultimatum to my sister.”

Eminent Ranxing and the others turned and left. Dressed in a gold-and-red robe and with a stride like a dragon or tiger, his eyes were fierce and his authority irresistible.

”Let me find out,” Suishen Shuang said, taking out a transmission stone to ask her brother, Suishen Yuan. Not long after, she told Suishen Zhao, ”Your sister’s wedding date is set. It’ll be a year after the Prehistoric Path ends. The ceremony preparations will take a year, which is short.”

A year? For Myriadpath Valley cultivators, a year was like just a few days. Once in a state of cultivation or caeli enlightenment, it would pass in a blink.

Tianming had also recently spent several years in seclusion, feeling like it was only a moment.

”They’re in such a hurry to marry off my sister?” Suishen Zhao was distressed. He had thought it would take at least three to five years, as the wedding of a core minor pathkeeper of House Suishen was a top-tier event in Myriadpath Valley, usually taking several years to prepare.

”It’s probably because Eminent Jiguang’s given them headaches for years. They don’t want Yaoyao to end up like her, so they have to quickly settle the matter,” Suishen Shuang sighed.

Although she was Suishen Yuan’s sister, as Yaoyao’s close friend, she understood her thoughts. While Yaoyao may have been influenced by her aunt, her innate free spirit was even stronger than hers.

”The wedding date’s already set, but the groom’s unknown.” Suishen Zhao was speechless.

Eminent Ranxing and the others wanted a fair competition based on the Prehistoric Path rankings to determine the groom. And with the fifth and sixth idols coming up, the groom would be decided within a month, ensuring the wedding date wouldn’t be affected.

Currently, it was almost certain to be Suishen Yue. Although he was of the same generation, his age was close to Eminent Jiguang’s and he had never been very familiar with the group of juniors.

”With the wedding date set and announced, there’s no room for error. Otherwise, the entire house would be disgraced. Father’s using that to pressure my sister to comply, or it’ll be a joke at the house’s expense.” Suishen Zhao understood the gravity of the situation.

Announcing and not announcing were two different matters. Once announced, there was no turning back; the event had to proceed.

Otherwise it would be a grave offense, which was no small matter.