The Other Side of A Cultivation Story

Just before sunset, Qai and Shandian arrived to the plateau from the hunt.

And when they came, the Gale Village guests had already left so Qai had not a single clue of what transpired earlier in the day.

Shu Wei for his part manifestly rejected the marriage proposal but the village chief was determined. The chief, as a matter of fact, insisted that he wouldn't leave the manor without first getting Shu Wei's approval.

It was long and arduous deliberation and in the end, Shu Wei submittedly promised to only see them again in the next few days but requested the that the concerned children should first meet.

Shu Wei didn't want to force any of the two to marry without their consent--especially Xiao Ning who might not really be interested in marrying his son.

****************

"Father, we're back," Qai reported.

His father didn't know whether it would be wise to tell his son about the proposal but he decided to tell it anyway.

Qai was speechless.

Shu Wei recalled everything and explained in detail all that the Gale Village people offered. But upon learning that Xiao Ning has Wood affinity and is at initial sky stage, Qai contemplated for a bit and weirdly thought of something.

"Hmmmn."

Clearly he wasn't concerned about the girl particularly. As a matter of fact, their age is far from developing any 'Dao companionship.'

He's more concerned whether the addition of a Wood element cultivator in the family's fold would be a boost to his dream.

"Let's see, Father," Qai said. "I might consider it."

****************

Two mornings later, while Shu Wei and Shu Ling were enjoying a cup of tea, their youngest child once again eagerly approached them with a bright face.

"Father, Mother!" Qai yelled from afar.

"Hold your horses, Little Qai," his mother softly said while gesturing her hand to slow down.

"Ha ha ha.. whatever's bothering you," his father sarcastically interjected, "from the looks of it, I presume it's another one of the 'bright' ideas of yours."

Qai rubbed his nose with a grin on his face.

"He he he..," he then uncomfortably replied, "Father, I just thought it's about time we put up a new building in this plateau."

"Eh?" Shu Ling remarked.

"A what?" his father asked with a surprised look.

"A new building.. and I'd like us to call it 'Treasury Hall,' and.." Qai described. ".. and I thought it to be nice if... if we divide the hall into three.."

"Three?" Shu Wei asked, obviously perplexed--but his son had been spelling things out rapidly and without pause.

"Yes," Qai went on to explain. "There will be a 'Pill Room,' a 'Library' and an 'Armory' and.. perhaps an additional small entrance hall."

Both husband and wife were stunned by the words of their youngest son.

Qai justified that the pill room will store all the beast cores, herbs and concocted pills the family had.

The library will house books and all the skill scrolls they can get--Qai said they will need to collect skill scrolls from then on as a form of investment since the family was getting bigger.

Lastly, the armory shall store all the weapons and armors belonging to the family.

"Little Qai," his mother quipped, "I don't know where your getting all those ideas.. but they certainly sound fun."

"Indeed," his father answered, "but I'm a little worried we're gonna throw some attention."

"The last thing I want to do is give an ambitious impression to the world without the strength to back it up," Shu Wei clarified.

Truly, even if Shu Wei is already at the mid earth of Sage realm, he can't recklessly act with arrogance.

"But I don't think one hall will do any harm," Shu Ling said.

The three of them paused.

"Alright," Shu Wei sighed. "Do what you have to do, son."

Qai smiled with grateful eyes and hurriedly left.