Aldred continued his journey with the others, not knowing that he was tricked to spare Wen Shuren. He did not realize that even though cultivators live in a strong devour the weak world, they were very well-versed in the art of manipulation. This was because of how their education system were designed.
Within the sect, anything was allowed, but only if you do it with subtlety. Their culture hated directness and bluntness. Everything must be indirect.
This also made it hard for some people to determine the intention of the other person which led to a lot of misunderstanding. If the person wasn't strong enough, then that misunderstanding could cost them their life.
In this world, not only must people be talented and skilled in cultivation, they also had to know how to be the perfect courtier; to manipulate someone high above them or someone that called the shot.
Just like Wen Shuren's father manipulating Aldred, he also manipulated his own son. He knew his son was an arrogant with a high ego. That would soon or later land him in trouble. He also knew that youngster tend to do the opposite of what their parents told them to do.
So he let his son be while giving him a protective treasure to save his life. And sure enough, after years of anticipating, the even he had predicted to happen, occurred.
Wen Shuren's father did not despise Aldred for beating his son. In fact, he felt grateful, because now, Wen Shuren would definitely listen to him.
Aldred, still not knowing about this, simply kept walking along with his friends.
"This world seemed different than the last," Stella said. "I think we have reached a higher branch. Look at the World Tree. the branches above us looked different."
"You're right." Aldred nodded. "We should test if the dragons can fly now."
Aldred turned to look at Wena and Zara.
Wena and Zara ordered the dragons to spread their wings and try to fly. Of which they did. They flew around, hovering, and shooting into the sky.
"Nice. Now we can fly again."
They all rode onto the back of the dragons. Seconds after, they were in the clouds.
Below them was a sprawling city with farms and a river that made its way through a canal of which small ships entered one after another, bringing supplies and goods. The city's theme looked very similar to ancient China.
The buildings were quite unusual for Aldred because most houses he had seen were built in medieval-style.
He of course loved to see different things. This was why an adventure was so exciting.
"What a beautiful world," Aldred commented.
"It is beautiful," Stella said. "But we should go up."
Aldred nodded.
The dragons soared higher into the sky, and hours later they passed another branch with tons of civilization. Each branch was like another world, connected by the trunk of the tree.
Aldred see a lot of people climbing the branch by hand. And there were those who could fly.
He kept going up and passed by branch after branch. It took him months.
And soon, Aldred got his 12th birthday.
"Happy birthday to you!"
They cheered as they blew the candle.
They were still in the sky, on the dragon's back, but the dragons were big enough for them to have a picnic and celebrated Aldred's birthday.
"I still cannot believe he was 12," Baendjbi said. "It's so unreal."
Bartrem sighed. "Say that to me. I am more than 30 years old."
His wives laughed and giggled as they put cakes on his face.
Bartrem shook his head. "Haish, that cake took a while to make."
Aldred counter-attacked. He grab a handful of cake, and smeared on Ivette's face.
Mally grabbed him from behind. Mary locked his leg, and Mareona hugged him from the front.
Aldred was completely locked in place, and so his wives immediately get to work.
"This is cheating!" Aldred said.
"Hehehe." His wives approached with cakes on both hands and they splattered it on his face.
They all released him and laughed.
After that, they hugged him. "Happy birthday, Aldred!"
Aldred smiled as his wives kissed him.
"Fuck! This makes me jealous!" Baendjbi said.
Bartrem laughed. "You should have seen my soldiers."
Baendjbi turned around and saw that all the males soldiers had one or two females partner. "This world… this world is not fair."
"Now that I think about it… you guys have the best adventure out of everyone. Sufficient female partners. Good food all day. Picnics from time to time, and Aldred which take care of most of your problem without you guys doing anything."
"Adventures are supposed to be fun, no?" Aldred asked.
"Not for the most part. During our adventure, a lot of people try to rob us. We met monsters, bandits, killer plants, traps, and I haven't even mention the test and challenges that we have go through."
Maverick approached him and put a hand on his shoulder as he looked at Baendjbi with pity.
"Why are you looking at me like that."
"I did not realize that you and me are the same."
"Hah?"
Maverick wiped his tears and walked away.
"What's wrong with that guy?"
"I think he's trying to say that he can relate to your situation. We found him during our first challenge in Mount Fargon. From then on, he had been with us."
"Ohh… pitiful lad. Maybe I will treat him better."
"Maverick!" Naly ran to Maverick and hugged his arms. "Why are you leaving me like that. Come on, Maverick. Let's eat some cake.
Baendjbi clenched his hand. "Did he say he can relate to my situation?"
Naly pulled Maverick away and fed him some cakes.
Bartrem laughed. "Well, not anymore."
"Why are you laughing. Aren't you single like me too?"
"Bartrem, the cake was delicious. You're such a great cook." A woman approached him and gave him a kiss on the lip. "So, can I come again, tonight?"
Baendjbi let out a sigh and walked to his group of single boys. They patted his shoulders and comforted him.
"Don't worry, guys. You will find your own partner sooner or later," Aldred said.
Baendjbi sighed again which make everyone laugh.
As they kept going up, flying along the trunk of the World Tree, a giant worm created a massive hole out and let out a world-shaking roar.
"Shit! What is that!"
———
[World Tree Worm]
Level: 180
Power: Parasitic Abilities, Super Strength, Excessive Agility, Greater Senses, Devourer
History:
Born within the roots of the World Tree, World Tree Worm had continuously became the parasite that fed of the energy and nutrients provided by the World Tree. But it is more known for its habit to kill anyone that tries to climb it.
———
"Oh crap! It's an Adamantite Rank beast!" Aldred shouted.
Wena frowned. "Everyone get away from that beast!"
The dragons turned around and flew away from the worm.
"Look at the size of that thing!"
"It's bigger than Xer Xai. Far far bigger than Xer Xai."
The worm shook, then suddenly, hundreds of wings appeared on its body.
"Fuck! It's about to come after us."
The worm roared one more time before it leaped off the hole. In an instant, it appeared right behind Aldred's group with mouth open wide, revealing a set of powerful rotating teeth.
"Shit!"
A golden light came from above and crashed against the worm, knocking it against the tree trunk.
The golden light vanished, and revealed someone.
Aldred and everyone else was shocked, but they were also happy to see him.
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