At some point during the night, the room was illuminated by a strong blue light.

  [Congratulations!]

  [5 points have been earned due to the creation of a technique through the understanding of the Nascent Soul.]

  [Congratulations!]

  [5 points have been earned for the creation of a technique, listed wife, Huo Ting.]

  Ting watched the surge of energy expanding ahead with shrill hissing — Did it really work? — she reached out a hand but didn't touch it. Getting close was enough to feel it would hurt if she did. Turning, she looked at the interface by her side — And what are these points? What are they used for? And 'listed wife'...? — she raised an eyebrow — We're not married yet.

  [Complaining about that in your current situation is a bit funny, don't you think?]

  [Does the term really matter at this point?]

  — Tsk! — she looked at Noah, who was still lying on her lap and occasionally kissing her belly. She rolled her eyes — The points.

  Noah opened a small slit in her clothes and said — They have some functions, as far as I know. — He kissed her near the womb — Buying information or accessing the system shop are the ones I know about.

  — Buying information? What kind? About anything?

  He nodded — Well, actually, except about ancient realms. I don't know if there's any other concession besides that.

  — And the shop? What can you buy there?

  — I don't know, I haven't seen it yet. You have to use all your points to unlock it, so I was waiting to reach the smallest possible amount before doing that.

  — I don't know, I don't know, and I don't know. — She looked at him narrowly — Why do I get the impression you know absolutely nothing about this system? You have something like this in your hands but don't seem to want to make much effort to understand or use it in the best way. It seems like a big waste.

  — Well, maybe. — Touching her belly, he brought his ear closer — I find it interesting and useful in many situations, but I don't think I should get attached. I don't want to become dependent on something like this.

  — Alright, you're right about that. But how long will you keep it up? Why this fascination with my belly now? — She closed her clothes again — No matter how much you insist, I'm not letting you go any further yet.

  — Yet... — Ting frowned at his confident smile, irritated he only heard what he wanted — It's nothing, I'm just trying to imagine how it will feel.

  — The feeling...? — She watched the area he kept approaching more closely and sighed as she understood — You're not going to forget about this, are you?

  — What do you think?

  Sighing, she let herself slump down — I think I shouldn't have brought it up. — Her belly grew heavier and, despite her sighs, Ting's reaction was to stroke Noah's hair.

  Lightning flickered above, dancing in the air with ever-intensifying crackles. Its light drove away the shadows in the room, and the energy couldn't be contained, spreading to the surroundings.

  As she watched them, suddenly, Ting saw their shape change. They joined together, forming a circle. They shrank and, taking form, gained a hint of a silhouette.

  — That's overkill. — She watched the figure crawl around her in slow steps. It was incredible, even if she knew what it meant, for it showed just how impressive Noah’s control was — And this kind of thing won't convince me to do anything.

  The laughter of the child was nothing but shrill noises that hurt the ears when too close.

  — Now stop playing and try the next technique.

  The electricity faded from the air in the room, making it easier and less uncomfortable to breathe.

  Looking up, Noah focused. Energy moved, condensed to create light, and above, multiple brilliant blades appeared.

  He felt her hand in his hair tremble — Are you alright? — He rose up to check on Ting.

  Nodding, she soon pulled his head back to her belly — How did it all end? That elder is...

  — Mm-hmm. He was going to die one way or another. He was just delaying it by doing all that. So the boy-

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  — Was it Xiao Yun who killed him?! — Clutching his hair, Ting gave a light tug reflexively, but Noah ignored it — He's just a boy, how could you let him do such a thing?

  — I don't think it was my place to get involved, Ting. He wasn't in danger; he just made a choice. Whether it was a good one or not, well, only he can decide that. — Noticing gentle movements resuming, he went on — But, besides that... there’s really a problem.

  — What?

  — The old man said that now that he's dead, more people from his sect will come here. They’ll be looking for the sword he had, but when they arrive, they'll stay for another reason.

  — The abundance of Qi— The Qi vein. — Their voices overlapped.

  Ting jumped up, throwing Noah's head onto her lap — There really is a Qi vein in this place?! — She turned his face toward hers — Where?!

  He hesitated, knowing what it would mean, but replied — In the cave.

  Her bright smile vanished.

  Reaching her hand to his face, Noah caressed her — Do you want to go see what it's like?

  Her mouth opened, but shaking her head, Ting refused. She looked away, returning her eyes to the blades floating around them — And what will you do now? I suppose that's why you decided to create these techniques.

  — I'm considering staying here. But if you don't want to, we can leave at any time.

  Maybe then I can finally do this...

  He hugged her.

  — You want to stay? — She resumed stroking him — It's definitely not for the others, so why would you do it?

  — ...I don't know, I just can't... Even though I'm afraid you could get hurt if we stay here.

  After thinking for a moment, she asked — Is this the 'problem' you mentioned?

  He nodded — It's really bothersome, and the worst is that I can't tell what's causing it.

  — I think I have something in mind... — Ting murmured, rolling her eyes.

  — What?

  — No, it's nothing. Maybe it's just my jealousy speaking louder.

  — Jealousy?

  — Don't start. And don't laugh, either, I'm being serious.

  Extending her hand, Ting waited until one of the brilliant blades came to her — What's the price to buy information about that elder’s sect? — There was no coldness or harshness in her touch; the sword was warm and comfortable, but reminded her of the pain when her scars were created.

  [Depends on the information.]

  [Be more specific.]

  — Alright, then what's the price to know what position he held in it?

  [3 points.]

  — And to know the name of the sect?

  [2.5 points.]

  She brought the blade closer to her hand, but hesitated — What about who or how many are coming here? As well as their cultivation levels? — Seeing that Noah didn't react to her idea, she mustered courage and tried.

  [2 points.]

  There was no cut when Ting slid the blade across her palm — Seriously, is there any logic behind this? What determines how expensive or not information will be? Your mood and will? — Yet, she watched its edge as it threatened the bed frame. The wood was sliced at the slightest touch, the spot blackened by the heat it released.

  [Precisely.]

  [So please, say now whether you'll buy something or not.]

  — Wow... Then tell me the names and cultivation levels of those who are coming.

  [Should I subtract from Noah's points?]

  Her eyebrow twitched — ...Yes? — He didn't react.

  [3 points have been used to purchase information.]

  — 3? Wasn't it two? — he protested.

  [...]

  [4 points have been used to purchase information.]

  Ting laughed without realizing it — Sorry, I'm not laughing at you, — she said as she noticed Noah's look. And then she kissed his forehead, making him lay back down on her lap to receive more silent caresses.

  [The information is available for reading.]

  It took nothing more than a thought, and the interface changed to show her what she sought.

  — Hui Wen and Luo Bo, both at Golden Core? She's at the second stage, he's at the third. I think I've heard these names before... No, I definitely must have, but I can't remember from where... — Putting the thought aside, Ting turned to Noah — And you, what stage are you at now?

  — I'm not sure... — he closed his eyes for a moment — the tenth step is almost complete, I think. — He revealed this with such casualness it was scary. Ting still hadn't gotten used to that ignorance or simple indifference.

  — So, at least for now, we'll be safe, right?

  He looked away — I will, but you... — Despite his worry, Noah turned to the system — Tell me the best way to strengthen her now, in the shortest time possible.

  — Not everyone is as lucky as you, you know? Cultivation isn't that—

  [0.1 point was used to purchase information.]

  — Wait, why is it so cheap this time? — She narrowed her eyes — Are you implying that I don't mean much to you?

  [The information is available for reading.]

  Ting quickly searched and found a single line — "Eat beast meat"...? — She frowned, feeling her stomach twist just at the idea — You're not really considering this, are you?

  She didn't realize her legs felt lighter until she turned and saw Noah had stood up — Hey! Forget it, I'm not eating that.

  — Well, it looks like we've found something you don't like to eat, — he teased.

  — Seriously, I'm not eating beast meat.

  — And I'm not going to let you get hurt, so it looks like we're at an impasse. — Noah thought for a moment. He smiled — How about 'special meat'?

  — What...? — Ting listened closely, interested in what he meant. Maybe it had to do with the other things he’d brought from the forest.

  — What if it’s the meat of a creature even more impressive than those you mentioned before, like the Demon Lion King or the Thunder Bird?

  She crawled to the edge of the bed — Which creature...? — she asked, pulling him by the clothes.

  — I'll tell you when it's ready. You'll eat it, right?

  She frowned, clenching her fist but nodded, giving in to curiosity — Just a piece... — she whispered.

  — I seriously doubt you'll think the same when you find out what it is. Wait here a bit, I'll be right back.