Big Sis Sidra led me to a garden located within a walled courtyard in her abode. It was filled with colorful spirit herbs that were both beautiful, as well as potent. The smell of herbs and medicine filled the air. Instead of clashing, the various scents created a pleasant harmony. In the center of the garden stood a wooden pavilion. Four stone pathways made from jade slabs, each one corresponding to one of the four cardinal directions, led to the pavilion. More floating lanterns illuminated the garden. These ones shone with warm light instead of crimson flames.

  The sound of running water reached my ears. It came from a small pond located at one of the garden’s corners. The pond consisted of two tiers, an upper one and a lower one. Water from the upper tier flowed to the lower tier, creating a waterfall effect. I wondered how this worked, since I didn’t see any mechanism that would facilitate this. An array of some kind? There were so many in Big Sis Sidra’s abode that it was difficult to pinpoint the location of any individual array. Rank One fish spirit beasts swam in the pond.

  This courtyard didn’t have a ceiling. However, instead of opening up into the sky it just revealed a swirling gray mist. For some reason, the sight of the mist filled me with dread. My intuition warned me to never look past it. I looked away and put the mist out of my mind.

  All in all, I liked this garden. I felt relaxed and comfortable here. The sight also filled me with envy. It was clear that my eldest sister was quite wealthy, given the rare and precious materials used to build this place. I couldn’t help but covet some of it. In that moment, I made a promise to myself. I would follow in my mother and my eldest sister’s footsteps and build a palace of my own. If they could do it, I could too.

  Big Sis Sidra led me to the wooden pavilion. Inside there were several comfortable looking chairs, but no table. She sat down in one of the chairs, before pulling a bottle of spirit wine and two wine glasses out of her storage ring. She opened the bottle and poured spirit wine into the glasses, before handing one to me. I took the glass and examined its contents.

  The spirit wine was pink and smelled heavenly. It contained a minuscule amount of qi. However, with my spirit sense I also detected… Vitality?

  “This is Heart Nourishing Wine.” Big Sis Sidra explained, nodding to the glass in my hands. “It helps restore vitality lost through internal injuries.”

  Gratitude filled me.

  “Thank you, Eldest Sister.” I said, before taking a sip.

  The Heart Nourishing Wine tasted light and sweet, and filled me with warmth. It improved my health and restored some of my lost vitality. To me, it was like a weaker, but more delicious, version of a Healing Pill.

  Big Sis Sidra and I spent the next few minutes drinking our wine in silence.

  “Am I really not in trouble for killing Cultivator Blood Petal and causing trouble for the sect?” I asked after I finished half of my glass.

  Big Sis Sidra raised an eyebrow at me.

  “I already said you weren’t.” She said. “Why? Do you want to be punished? If so, I can accommodate you.”

  I frantically shook my head.

  “No, no,” I said, “I'm fine.” I frowned. “However, I heard that some of the sect’s elders wanted to punish me for my actions.”

  Big Sis Sidra sneered.

  “Oh, that wasn’t about you.” She said. “It was an attack against our family. You were just the pretext.”

  I blinked at her in surprise.

  “Excuse me?” I asked.

  Big Sis Sidra sighed.

  “Our family has enemies within the sect.” She said. “We rose to power within a short amount of time, earning us a lot of envy and resentment. There are also those who despise us because, well, we earned it. And this is all on top of the usual competition and conflict that goes on between the various halls that make up our Dawn and Dusk Sect. You remained insulated from all this because you kept a low profile before now. This will change as you grow stronger and your prestige rises. More and more of our family’s enemies will target you.” She gave me a gentle smile. “However, you don’t have to worry about that for now. I want you to focus on your training and cultivation. Let your eldest sister handle the messy politics.”

  I wanted to argue with her and say that I could help, but I knew that wasn’t true. Right now, I didn’t have the strength, influence, or connections to help her. My biggest advantage was that I was a divine demon, like our mother. The best thing I could do for our family was grow, so that I could protect my loved ones when the time came.

  “If you didn’t bring me here to discuss what happened with the Ancient Blood Sect,” I said, changing the subject, “Why did you bring me here?”

  Big Sis Sidra looked thoughtful.

  “A number of reasons.” She said. “But first, let me ask you this. What do you think was the biggest mistake you made on your journey?”

  I frowned as I thought back to the events of the past few months. Big Sis Sidra waited without displaying any impatience.

  “I left before I was ready.” I said after a while.

  Big Sis Sidra gave me an interested look.

  “Oh?” She said. “Elaborate.”

  “There were several times throughout my journey where I could have had an easier time if I just knew even one mystic art at the Foundation Establishment level.” I said. “Instead of taking the time to learn and master one, I left the sect soon after I reached Foundation Establishment.”

  “In your defense, we gave you a mission,” Big Sis Sidra pointed out.

  I shook my head.

  “Even so, I could’ve gotten my hands on a jade slip or a manual so I could study while I traveled.” I said.

  Big Sis Sidra sipped her wine.

  “I see,” she said, “What else?”

  I sighed.

  “I… I also don’t know how strong I am.” I said. “When I fought Cultivator Galen, the Thousand Blade Sect disciple who harassed Ellen, I defeated him with ease even though we were both at early Foundation Establishment. This surprised me. I don’t know my own strength, therefore I don’t know how to properly use that strength.”

  Big Sis Sidra gave me a gentle smile.

  “At least you’re aware of it.” She said. “However, you were only half correct. Yes, you hadn’t used your strength to its full potential. The other half of the problem is that you also held back. You never used your full strength during your journey, not even once.”

  “Yes, I did!” I protested. “When I fought with Cultivator Vivian, I fought with everything I had.”

  Big Sis Sidra snorted.

  “Armor of the Celestial Warrior.” She said.

  I faltered at that.

  “If you had used all of your strength and abilities,” Big Sis Sidra said, “You would have fared better against Cultivator Vivian. You might not have even suffered an internal injury.”

  My cheeks heated up and I looked away.

  “I didn’t want to reveal that I was a divine demon.” I said in a small voice.

  Even as I said it, I knew it was an excuse.

  “There are times when holding back is the best course of action, Little Demon,” Big Sis Sidra said, “However, not when fighting a life or death battle.” She gestured to me. “In fact, hiding one’s true strength can often hinder you rather than help. Those who distinguish themselves earn more opportunities than those who don’t.”

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  I faced my eldest sister once more.

  “But it also earns attention and ire,” I said, “Jealousy and envy. Those who distinguish themselves also become targets.”

  Big Sis Sidra nodded.

  “Yes,” she said, “Which is why you must become strong enough to weather all that.” She gave me a sympathetic smile. “I know you hate attention, Little Demon. However, you can’t hide forever. You must learn to stride forward with confidence, no matter what life throws at you.”

  I frowned and didn’t respond.

  “Besides,” Big Sis Sidra continued, “Hiding your strength doesn’t stop you from being targeted, as you experienced during your journey. It just leaves you less prepared for when it happens.”

  My eldest sister was right. Cultivator Blood Leaf targeted me because I killed his younger sister, not because I was a divine demon. The only reason I survived was because my sisters took precautions to protect me.

  “You’ve given me much to think about, Eldest Sister.” I said after a while.

  “Good.” Big Sis Sidra said. “Strength doesn’t mean physical might and mystical power.” She tapped her temple. “You must hone your mind as well.” She paused. “And by that, I don’t mean mental refinement.”

  I smiled and nodded at her.

  “I know what you mean.” I said.

  The two of us fell into a brief silence.

  “Is there anything else that you wished to discuss with me, Little Demon?” Big Sis Sidra asked, breaking the silence. “I arranged my schedule so that we would have the whole day together. You have my undivided attention. This is a rare opportunity, one that many would kill for. Don’t waste it.”

  That wasn’t an exaggeration. Big Sis Sidra was a peak Nascent Soul cultivator and the vice hall master of Flame Fiend Hall. A whole day with her was almost priceless. I could benefit a lot from it. Even though I was her brother, I didn’t have unlimited access to Big Sis Sidra. I should make use of this opportunity while I had the chance.

  There were several problems I needed her help with. After giving it some thought, I went with the one that was simultaneously the least and most complicated.

  “While I was recovering from the battle with the Ancient Blood Sect,” I said. “Ellen brought up the possibility of us forming a cultivation clan.”

  I proceeded to give Big Sis Sidra a summary of the conversation I had with Ellen regarding the matter. When I finished, my eldest sister wore a thoughtful expression on her face.

  “I’m not surprised that Ellen brought this up.” Big Sis Sidra said. “She always had this… Well, ambition isn’t the right word for it. Desire? Yes. She always had this desire to be the matriarch of a large family. Not necessarily a wealthy or powerful family, but a large one. Her family’s history no doubt gave rise to this desire.”

  I grimaced. Ellen and her family were a rare and special kind of snake spirit beasts: Divine Vitality Serpents. Their body parts were key ingredients in pills that extended one’s lifespan. Cultivators hunted them down because of this, almost to the point of extinction. My mother saved Ellen’s family and took them in. Out of gratitude, they became my maternal family’s servants.

  “Oh, before I forget,” Big Sis Sidra said, “I heard that you and Ellen became a couple. Congratulations.”

  I glared at her. We would have gotten together sooner if Big Sis Sidra hadn’t sent Ellen off to East Mesa City for five years. While I understood her reasons for it, I still felt a little resentful. Big Sis Sidra ignored my glare and gave me a shameless smile in return.

  “Regardless,” I said, moving the conversation along, “I wanted to hear your opinion on the matter.”

  Big Sis Sidra took a moment before responding.

  “There are several benefits to founding a cultivation clan,” she said, “However, there are also several drawbacks. If you found a cultivation clan, you would have several duties and responsibilities. While you could delegate much of it, you would still have to handle a lot of it yourself. You would no longer be your own person. As someone in a similar role, I speak from personal experience. The question you need to ask yourself is this: do you think that this loss of personal freedom would be worth it?”

  I thought about it for several long moments before answering.

  “Yes.” I said. “Not because Ellen wants it, but because I do.”

  Big Sis Sidra tilted her head and gave me an inquisitive look.

  “Why?” she asked.

  “For my descendants’ sake.” I said. “Members of a cultivation clan are protected by their clan’s strength and reputation. While this protection isn’t foolproof, it’s better than nothing. A cultivation clan also has access to more resources, or can gain more resources, than an individual cultivator can.”

  “You don’t need to found a cultivation clan for that,” Big Sis Sidra pointed out. “Take our family, for example. We benefited a lot because we are Mother’s children.”

  I nodded.

  “Yes,” I said, “However, there is a difference between being the child of a strong cultivator, and being the child of a strong cultivator while also being part of a cultivation clan. The latter often fares better than the former.” I shrugged. “Besides, while I benefit from our mother’s reputation, the same may not apply to my children or my children’s children. At some point, my descendants will have to rely on themselves and each other rather than our mother.”

  Big Sis Sidra nodded.

  “Very well,” she said, “But what about you, Little Demon? Everything you mentioned so far is for the sake of your descendants. What do you yourself gain?”

  I gave my eldest sister a wry smile.

  “Ellen isn’t the only one influenced by her past,” I said. “I also want a large family.”

  Sorrow flashed through Big Sis Sidra’s eyes for a brief moment, before it disappeared as if it had never existed in the first place.

  “Besides,” I continued, “Having my clan deal with all the tedious business while I focus on cultivation does have its appeal.”

  Big Sis Sidra chuckled.

  “Well, you would have to manage your clan,” she said, before pursing her lips in thought, “Although, Ellen could fulfill that role. She seems like she could keep the household in order. Considering you plan on having more than one wife, this is a good thing.” She gave me another shameless smile. “Oh, speaking of which. I owe you another congratulations. I also heard that you and Willow Stone Pillar became a couple as well.”

  I rolled my eyes at her.

  “I will need your help with that.” I said, ignoring my eldest sister’s teasing. “Marrying Willow comes with its own complications.”

  I told Big Sis Sidra about the agreement between Clan Stone Pillar and Clan Wind Dance, as well as the latter’s attempt to pretend that Zayne Wind Dance was my father’s son.

  “I plan on dealing with them at the upcoming Rising Heroes Tournament.” I explained. “Lucius qualifies, so he’ll likely participate. If that happens, my uncle and the rest of Clan Wind Dance will be there as well. So will Clan Stone Pillar, since Willow also qualifies. She already confirmed it for me.” I gestured to myself. “The plan is to gain Clan Stone Pillar’s approval, reveal myself as Connor Wind Dance’s son, and expose Clan Wind Dance’s lies. It’s more likely to succeed if you and our sisters back me. What do you think?”

  Big Sis Sidra took a moment before replying.

  “We’ll need to work out the details more, but the plan’s foundation is solid.” She said. “Our family will benefit, and you will get revenge on Clan Wind Dance at the same time. I love it.” She raised an eyebrow at me. “How do you plan on gaining Clan Stone Pillar’s approval?”

  I returned her raised eyebrow with one of my own.

  “I’m a core disciple of the Dawn and Dusk Sect and the son of Nova,” I said in a haughty voice.

  Big Sis Sidra laughed.

  “Cheeky brat.” She said.

  “Plus, I’m going to do well in the Rising Heroes Tournament.” I said. “That’s the cornerstone of the plan. With my prowess, I can reach the top one hundred, if not the top twenty five.”

  “Oh?” Big Sis Sidra said. “Someone is feeling confident.”

  I shrugged.

  “You’re the one who told me to stride forward with confidence,” I said, “I am simply following my eldest sister’s advice.”

  Plus, I still had several months until the Rising Heroes Tournament began. That was more than enough time to learn a few mystic arts, get used to my strength, and hone my skills.

  “Is that all?” Big Sis Sidra asked. “Or did you want to ask about something else? If not, we can discuss that drop of blood you received from Cultivator Azure Claw. I’m keen on getting my hands on it.”

  I gave my eldest sister an apologetic look.

  “I’m sorry, Eldest Sister,” I said, “I have my own plans for that drop of blood. In fact, I was just about to ask you about it.”

  Big Sis Sidra stared at me for several long moments, before she sighed in disappointment.

  “Go ahead.” She said, gesturing to me.

  “Do you know of any techniques that can help me refine that drop of blood?” I asked. “When we fought Cultivator Blood Petal and her companions in the Sacred Ironwood province, one of them took on a beast-like form and increased his battle prowess. He accomplished this by using a technique called Subsume the Beast. This technique allowed him to refine the blood of a spirit beast in order to gain a measure of its power. I want to do the same thing with the drop of Senior Azure Claw’s blood. However, Subsume the Beast had serious side effects, which was why I didn’t use it myself. Instead, I’m hoping that you know of a better technique.”

  If my eldest sister didn’t, then I would have to go to Crimson Fiend Hall. Like the Ancient Blood Sect, they specialized in blood mystic arts and blood techniques. Willow even told me that Crimson Fiend Hall had techniques similar to Subsume the Beast, but with none of the side effects. However, I would have to pay a steep price if I wanted to get my hands on one of those techniques. That was why I decided to ask Big Sis Sidra first.

  “Are you sure that you don’t want to trade the drop of blood?” My eldest sister asked.

  I frowned. The drop of Senior Azure Claw’s blood must have been more valuable than I thought if Big Sis Sidra kept asking to trade for it.

  “I’m sure.” I said.

  My eldest sister let out another disappointed sigh.

  “Very well,” she said, “I know of several techniques similar to the one you described. If you want, you can trade with me for one. However, there is a better use for that drop of blood. You can use it to awaken our family’s draconic heritage.”

  I stared at my eldest sister.

  “Wait, does this mean what I think it does?” I asked.

  Big Sis Sidra nodded.

  “Yes, Little Demon.” She said. “We are descended from dragons.”

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  This chapter was edited by Radriel7