"Who knew that the senior who save us was the youngest son of Elder Zhao all along! I wonder why the family name sounds so damn familiar! Hey, WeiSheng you must be surprised as I am, right?!"
Li YongLiang question, he didn't even wait for an answer as he continues to blabber on and on about today's event. He skips along the pathway up ahead leaving Zhu WeiSheng far off behind.
Zhu Weisheng didn't mind that his best friend left him behind in fact, the entire time he was ignoring this so-called best friend of his, whatever was said only went past the other end as his entire focus was on his current mundane thoughts.
He had a feeling all along that Zhao Meilin identity wasn't that simple, but even so, he still hopes for the kind ger to acknowledge him or even speak a few words of care.
But it was understandable that the ger didn't since he distance himself in the first place due to his inferior complex.
It was only when coming back from the Sect fighting the entire way with his internal emotions, did Zhu Weisheng finally found a bit of courage to speak up, but as he was about to he was only to be hit with another stumbling block to his path.
Zhao Meilin true identity.
Ha, the so-called courage he had at that moment immediately vanish.
It was like the world was going against him, telling him he would never be able to make a come up and that he would forever be a nameless person on the side that no one would ever care to acknowledge as an equal.
If only he had a better physique if only his level didn't reach a bottleneck that seems like it would never advance due to the past few years of trying so hard, which only left him with the same results.
Weisheng doesn't understand at all, how come before when he started his journey of being a cultivator he could feel the energy around him, it was only when he hit a certain level, that the once feelings of overwhelming power that use to surge within him disappear without a trace.
Every time he would try to re-accumulate it, it will only disappear halfway.
He can't comprehend why or what his doing wrong at all nothing seems to be working, nothing!
Weisheng abruptly stops in his tracks, head lowered in deep thoughts, with his hair covering his downcast facial features, his hand balled into a tight fist.
He hates it, he hates those who look down on him, he hates his negative depressing thoughts and what he hates the most was... why couldn't he just mutter his name to him?
Closing his eyes, what he could still remember was the scene of Zhao Meilin back walking off, his back and flowing green locks swaying gently side to side, drifting further and further away from his reach.
Until the ger figure disappeared from his thoughts is when Zhu Weisheng abruptly open his eyes. Feeling a slight stinging sensation coming from his palm did he finally snap out his thoughts, lowering his gaze.
What he saw was blood, slowly seeping between every tiny crevice on his skin. Who cause these wounds in the first place was himself, as he unknowingly dug his nails into his skin when he thought of Zhao Meilin disappearing figure.
Honestly, he wasn't in love with the Senior. in-fact it was more along the lines of admiration, after feeling the power Zhao Meilin had used to take down the beast to help them, Zhu Weisheng could already guess that it wasn't even 1/2 of Zhao Meilin full strength.
He wanted to be like him, he wanted to be powerful yet also righteous but to an extent. You can be kind but not too kind to the point one could easily take advantage of you or making a decision without the logic of common sense.
He didn't care if the senior he admired was a ger! At the end of the day no matter if your a ger or not, what only matters in this world is power, status and how far you'll go in life.
He wanted to be on par with that senior, and many other seniors, he wanted to be recognised, he wanted respect, and what he wanted the most was change.
But how? How can he accomplish this all when he still stuck on his current level for years...
How...
Zhu Weisheng couldn't help but let a silent tear out, his teeth gritted roughly against each other as his unclench hand became clench again, further deepening the already open wound.
He didn't care about the pain what was more painful to him was the constant bullying, humiliation and abuse he receives from his so-called Sect brothers and sisters.
Couldn't take the overwhelming emotions overcoming him, Zhu Weisheng fled off to his secret place.
As he took off, leaving the poor Li YongLiang in the accompany of his own.
A fleeting thought came past Zhu Weisheng while sprinting, wiping the tears that slid down his dirt-stained cheeks, he already acknowledged it.
That his and the ger status was just too far apart, in the end...
————-
*Bang*
"That scummy Prince dare to treat my family precious child like that!" Zhao Jin Shen fumed, within the process slamming the table in front of him.
That prince should be lucky that his family child even gave him a glimpse! Even more, so that he bare him a healthy plump bun!
Zhao Jin Shen anger was immediately rising through the roof, his own Eldest, Youngest and little grand bun could also feel his anger radiating off him around the room. Any minute now he was like a ticking time bomb bout to explode.
Ahh alas poor table (('д｀))
The once perfect condition table that previously stood in the middle of the 4 individuals was now reduced to scattered broken pieces.
Zhao Jin Shen appearance was currently unsightly at the moment, his face boiled red with rage as his knuckles issue loud crack through the room due to how hard he clenches his fist.
Seeing this Meilin could only sigh as he turns his head to the side also seeing his brother who wasn't so far off like their father in the emotion department.
Zhao JunJie was currently fuming silently as his fist too also issue low cracks here and there while his teeth grit against one another in agitation.
*Sigh* 'Like father, like son.'
After Meilin emotional reunion and shocking reveal, he immediately dragged his father and brother to their private courtyard as the two started shouting incoherent words before hardening like a stone after.
Ah, their outburst was too embarrassing, bah!
While walking to Plum Blossom Peak with the help of the original Zhao Meilin memories, Meilin made sure that Ming held onto his robe while following him closely.
He could tell his bun was quite upset with how silent and downcast he looks, he knew his child was probably thinking about the two adults reaction, possible feeling like they will reject him.
Though Zhao Meilin knows his father and brother won't reject his child, even if they did he would always choose his son over them either way.
This was his son who the original already abandon once, he is damn to let it happen the second time especially since he's taken over and continuing this bodies life.
"Father, big brother it's okay. I don't care about that prince anymore. After all, it was I who brought this upon myself. Let's take it as my karma."
"But..."
"Don't worry, cause after all you can't have anything that was force in the first place." Meilin smiled softly, gently stroking Ming head who looks up at him.
Seeing this Zhao Jin Shen and Zhao JunJie just sighed, yes their Mei'er shouldn't have force one to love but that's love for you, you do things that sometimes aren't the best approach in life.
Their once feeling of anger was now replaced with helplessness since their youngest didn't want to take things further and was happy with where he currently is then there was no point of them wasting their emotion for some useless shit prince.
"Mei'er are you happy?" Zhao Jin Shen question, still somewhat worried about his youngest situation.
"Yes, father couldn't be anymore happier to spend my life with Ming, you and brother." Meilin looked at the duo with a gaze full of honesty, happiness and content.
Seeing this the father and son trio who was once feeling all sort of emotions a while ago now only felt one, happiness.
That's when they realise one thing! Bah, how dumb are they?!
Here they are being ever so happy folks, completely forgetting that they haven't acknowledged nor greeted their grandson/nephew yet!
Wanting to facepalm at their action they felt stupid for their outburst.
'Aiya why are we so dumb,' they both groaned, as expected from the two.
Honestly, they were quite surprised let's rephrase that... shocked to find out their little child made his very own lil flesh and blood.
But they have to admit they were also disappointed in his action of neglecting his child.
Even so, they are glad that Meilin was now taking full responsibility and accountability for his past sins.
I mean if he didn't than he wouldn't have told them the whole truth about his wrongdoings in the first place and instead would've still been tracing after that so-called prince, maybe not once coming to see them at all and worst-case scenario, continuing neglecting and abusing the child within his embrace.
Though somewhat slightly disappointed they still were proud for Mei'er change of heart and his actions of now wanting to change for the best and move forward.
"Alright if your happy than father and brother is happy too, right JunJie?"
"Yes."
Happy with the outcome, Zhao Jin Shen and Zhao JunJie tactfully look at each other before finally turning their gaze over to the bun who suddenly felt nervous due to sensing their gaze that was settled directly on him so suddenly.
"Come here, let your Grandpa come and have a look at you" Zhao Jin Shen ushered the little one over with a gentle expression and low soft tone. He made sure to sound gentle as possible to not scare the little one away.
Hesitant, Ming looks back at his mother who only chuckled at his worried yet nervous appearance.
"It's okay. Go on, grandpapa doesn't bite." Meilin reassured, lowering the bun on his own two feet before softly yet encouragingly pushing him forward so he can head over towards the patient elder.
Hearing this Xiao (little) Ming though cautious still found a bit of courage to head over to his grandpa.
As Ming stood before the old man, he started to feel a sense of nervousness once more and began fiddling with his tiny hands as he waited.
Zhao Jin Shen stretches out his hand, caressing Ming cheeks as he analyses the child features with a gentle smile gracing his lips.
For a big and gruffly old man he sure exudes a very comforting and kind aura that made Ming tense body gradually relax and ease into the elder soothing tone and touch.
'Ah, definitely this child took on most of his youngest features.' Zhao Jin Shen thought, his eyes turning into crescents, happy to know his grandchild was the finest jade in the world. Even if Ming turn to grow up with a weak or strong constitution, this old body of his would still give him the best of the best and love him forever.
Gradually Zhao Jin Shen felt his heart was filling up once more becoming full, another precious child has entered his heart and he felt the sense of protectiveness to shield this child from whatever evil that's in this cruel world.
"Little bun, who is this old man to you?"
Zhao Jin Shen questioned solemnly, yet within his tone carried eagerness and curiosity for the answer.
"You're my papa! But I don't find papa an old man! To me, you are strong and very powerful! Since that's what mama always tell me!" Ming honestly exclaimed.
His chest was puff up like a proud peacock, his nervousness from before was nowhere seen as he currently stood with pride and confidence on having a grandpa like Jin Shen.
Zhao Jin Shen was first taken aback from such a reply before immediately bursting into a loud heartily laughter full of complete happiness and joy.
"Hahaha. Your mother's right Grandpa is very strong and powerful!"
Zhao Jin Shen boasted with a thunderous laugh that vibrated through the room, flicking his nose in a cocky manner as he slaps his thigh.
Zhao Meilin and Zhao JunJie couldn't help but roll their eyes from their father conceited statement but in the end, a helpless smile also graces their lips before laughing heartily with the boisterous elder who then sung praises of himself in front of an admiring bun.
"Come here and let grandpa hug you!" Zhao Jin Shen spread out his arms wide. He didn't even need to wait for an answer as Ming jumped into his embrace with a content smile.
Ming giggles from his grandpa unshaven beard tickling his cheeks, while at the same time the elder couldn't help but sing sweet words full of praises of how cute Ming was.
Damn finally he can be happy, he finally has a grandson of his own. Now he doesn't need to be jealous of those old toads in the mountain who too also has some grandchildren of their own, boasting night and day making others feel some vinegar...
Seeing this Zhao JunJie smile slightly before eventually frowning as a thought dawn him, opening his mouth he then spoke up.
"Father you already cuddled Ming'er, it's my turn now to have a look at my little nephew."
Yes he was feeling quite jealous seeing his father having Ming all to himself, it wasn't fair for him who hasn't held the little bun yet and his father was here hogging the little one all for himself.
Where's my turn? Bah!
"Later." Was all Zhao Jin Shen said, shooing his oldest off, completely ignoring the poor latter who was now fuming at his shamelessness.
Soon both father and son started to argue over who gets to cuddle Ming' er leaving the child to laugh heartily full of joy at the two adults who was accepting him as part of the family
Meilin couldn't help but smile at the funny yet harmonious scene in front of him. Finally he get to have a complete family once again, and in this very life he vowed to protect and cherish these people forever until the day he breath his last breath.
"Now, now you two. Stop fighting like children, we got all day for you two to have turns to cuddle Ming'er."
—————-
Two weeks gone by since Meilin return to the Sect, and slowly he was getting use to the new environment that's around him.
After his talk with his father and brother, the family of 4 all immediately went to see the Sect Leader who held a meeting with all the Peak Elders once upon hearing about Meilin unexpected return.
After the long meeting with all the Elders and Sect Leader he must say his opinion after meeting this strong female leader is that...
What a head strong, rough woman, bah!
She had a palm like a man, wait is that even possible ?!
During the meeting Sect Leader Shi Yu Yan full gave Meilin an ear full, lecturing and scolding him about his runaway escapade all the way to having a child out of the blue. Even though it was annoying Meilin felt happy to know that she cared a lot for him, it just felt like a mother scolding her young.
Though what did make him sulk was the moment she slap him on the back of the head, unexpectedly with out an ounce of strength yet it hurt like a damn motherfucker! Arghhh!
Even though she was a rough, head strong woman just like her name her smiles and looks in general was very mesmerising. If he weren't into men he was sure he would've fallen head over hills.
After the whole meeting she made him promise to be filial to his father and not to worry him much, in which he immediately promise even though he will be filial regardless. She also didn't forget to add of him making it up to her and the sect for being MIA for the past few years.
Aiya... who knew a world like this require so much...
Sighing to himself, Meilin made his way over back to his peak wondering what his family little child is doing with his father and brother.
Thinking to himself Meilin was pretty thankful that his child wasn't as much clingy as before... but at the same time sadden as he somewhat miss the bun being by his side.
Ahh is this what they call watching your children fly out the nest? Aiya how his heart hurt too see his baby grow up...
"Damn it brain stop thinking to much, Lil bun needs to bond with father and brother." Meilin muttered softly, reprimanding himself over and over.
As Meilin pondered in thought, his ears picked up some noise up ahead, somewhat seeming to be a dispute. Snapping out of it Meilin head right over wondering what all the fuss is about.
—————
"I said I didn't do it!" Zhu Weisheng refuted back.
Zhu Weisheng was just doing his chores today, cleaning the clothes his Peak brothers left him to do.
Usually everyone will do their chores in group dividing the load so it will be easy to handle and finish in an efficient time frame. But his peak brothers left him to do not only his chores but there's as well.
Not only that was unfair for him but that was simply bullying him! Of course he wanted to refute but due to being inferior in his peak he had no way to argue back but simply take it.
While he was hanging the clothes on the line his peak brothers came right over to him and immediately started trouble, leading to him currently predicament.
Getting push to the ground Zhu Weisheng looked up, staring at his senior and other peak brothers with anger as they began mocking him.
"Junior brother Zhu don't blame this senior brother for the rough treatment, after all you should've admitted your wrongs."
"I will say it many times, again and again, I didn't do it." Zhu Weisheng spoke through gritted teeth.
"Are you sure? Because brother Wu Hao said to me their were many others who heard you talking about me behind my back, isn't that right Wu Hao?"
"Yes senior brother Fu! Don't believe this useless waste his just finding a way out!" A scrawny disciple who seem to be Wu Hao spoke with a face full of disdain as he looked down at Weisheng.
"Let's teach this little bastard a lesson!"
Immediately the group of 5 began kicking and punching the defenceless Zhu Weisheng who took the beatings head on. Zhu Weisheng was in a Fetus position protecting his head and ribs. He wanted to so bad retaliate but they were a few levels higher than his cultivation and not only that he was just outnumbered.
As he waited for this pain to be over, a voice he didn't expect but was quite familiar rang out, stopping a fist that was inches away from impacting his face.
"Stop it right there!"