The courtyard was bathed in the light of the moon.
Tingting floated out of Li Yu's arms, suspended in mid-air. The bright silver light emanated from her body, covering everything in the courtyard with a silvery glow.
"This is quite a spectacle," Li Yu murmured, frowning slightly. He waved his hand, casting a light screen that enveloped the courtyard, masking the luminous moonlight.
The moonlight grew increasingly intense, and the small figure of Tingting in mid-air became almost indistinguishable, transforming into a radiant ball of light, as if the moon itself had descended into the courtyard.
"Benefactor, this...," Old Man Jiang gaped in amazement, his mouth hanging open.
"Taiyin Physique, Cold Moon Body. This is an extraordinary talent," Li Yu marveled, watching as Tingting nearly turned into a full moon.
"Benefactor, will Tingting be alright?" Old Man Jiang still looked worried, turning to Li Yu for reassurance.
"Don't worry, she's better than ever," Li Yu smiled, nodding at Old Man Jiang. "The Taiyin Physique is manifesting; this is a rebirth."
"That's good, that's good," Old Man Jiang muttered, pacing the courtyard anxiously despite understanding Li Yu's words.
Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long.
After a moment, the moonlight began to recede, and Tingting's figure slowly descended.
When the moonlight completely disappeared, Tingting's delicate form appeared before them.
"Grandpa? Big brother?" Tingting opened her eyes, the black pupils faintly shimmering with a silvery glow.
"Tingting, how are you?" Old Man Jiang rushed forward, hugging Tingting and checking her over. Finding her unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"The Taiyin Physique is truly remarkable," Li Yu observed, noting the crystalline skin that seemed to emit a faint moonlight, the liquid-like spiritual energy flowing within her, and her icy yet jade-like body.
"Big brother, thank you," Tingting said, approaching Li Yu with wide, bright eyes and a pure, innocent smile. She looked like a porcelain doll, impossibly adorable.
"I'm not a lolicon! I'm not!" Li Yu took a deep breath, banishing the errant thoughts from his mind, before smiling back at Tingting. "Tingting, big brother didn't lie to you. Your illness is cured."
"Thank you, big brother. You're amazing," Tingting said with a look of admiration, then giggled. "But big brother, you can't even comb your hair. You're so silly."
"Uh..." Li Yu was at a loss for words.
"Hehe," Tingting laughed, pulling on Li Yu's sleeve. "From now on, I'll help big brother comb his hair."
"Okay, Tingting, I'll count on you then," Li Yu said, patting her head and turning to Old Man Jiang. "Old man, didn't you say it was time to eat? Let's go have dinner."
The three of them walked to the small shop, chatting and laughing.
Old Man Jiang brought out the food, and just as they were about to eat, a piercing scream echoed from outside.
"Ah... I discovered the source mine, and now you want to kill me. The Li family will meet a bad end!"
The voice outside startled the three of them.
"A murder?"
Tingting clung to her grandfather, her face pale with fear.
"Don't be afraid. Big brother is here," Li Yu reassured her, then turned to Old Man Jiang. "Old man, I'll go check it out."
With that, Li Yu walked to the door.
Opening the door, he found a bloodied man collapsed at the threshold, barely alive.
"This is interesting," Li Yu muttered, shaking his head with a cold smile.
Killed by the Li family? And conveniently escaped to Old Man Jiang's shop? And still has enough breath to reveal the source mine secret?
How stupid do they think I am?
But since I'm bored, I'll play along.
With a flick of his finger, a spark of light fell on the bloodied man. His wounds began to heal rapidly, and soon he was fully recovered.
"Thank you, immortal. Thank you," the man, looking like a herbalist, bowed repeatedly to Li Yu.
"Stand up," Li Yu said, waving a hand to lift the man to his feet. He looked at the man and asked, "Tell me, what happened?"
"Immortal, I am Zhang San, a herbalist from the town. Recently, I found a source stone in a cave."
Zhang San respectfully explained, "I planned to sell it to the Li family for some money. But instead of paying, they tried to kill me. I managed to escape."
"Why did you come here?" Li Yu asked with a friendly smile.
"I heard the Jiang family had an immortal who even fought the Li family. I thought if I could reach you, the Li family wouldn't dare to attack," Zhang San said nervously. "Immortal, you won't be angry, will you?"
"I see," Li Yu nodded, sighing inwardly.
Zhang San might be innocent, just a pawn in someone else's scheme.
The Li family's ploy wasn't particularly clever; anyone with a discerning eye could see through it. But... it's a "source stone"! How many cultivators wouldn't be tempted?
Even knowing it's a trap, many would be willing to take the bait, thinking they could handle whatever came their way.
But I'm different.
Source mines are mainly found in the northern regions. How could a major source mine be near Yan Country? Such things wouldn't tempt me.
Still, to keep the show going, Li Yu decided to play along.
"A source stone? Where did you find it?"
Li Yu feigned excitement, eyes gleaming as he looked at Zhang San. "Quick, tell me."
"Immortal, I found it in a cave on a cliff fifty miles east," Zhang San replied honestly.
"I see," Li Yu nodded, waving a hand. "Your wounds are healed. You can go now."
"Thank you, immortal. Thank you," Zhang San repeatedly bowed and left.
"Hehe," Li Yu chuckled, glancing towards the eastern mountains. "I wonder what surprise the Li family has prepared for me there. I'm looking forward to it!"
YOU ARE READING
The Master of All-Heavens Systems
خيال علمي"Lord of the Heavens System" tells the story of a young man named Li Yu who becomes the sole system supplier in countless worlds. The novel begins with sixteen-year-old Li Yu, distinguished by his unique short haircut, sitting in the courtyard of th...
