CHAPTER 29: CHAPTER 29: INNOCENT VICTIMS

The most terrifying thing is being given as a plaything to some perverts to play with, eventually discarded like a worn-out shoe.

Shen Wang glanced at the beautiful Paper Kite: "You should be thankful for keeping yourself pure as jade, or I would kill you today."

He’s not a good person; if Paper Kite wasn’t pure, implying entanglements with multiple men, she’d be a hassle for him.

Paper Kite smirked bitterly; this is the fate of people like her, without strength, only fit to have others decide their destiny.

"Husband, if Paper Kite ever does anything to betray you, you may go ahead and strike; I will never resent you."

Paper Kite solemnly declared.

"Alas, this between you and me can be considered fate."

Shen Wang reluctantly wrapped his arm around Paper Kite’s slender waist, muttering, "Luckily, having children is like opening a mystery box, you never know what kind of talent will show up, even if born, who can definitively predict the future?"

The latter, unaccustomed, leaned closely against Shen Wang, her face flushed with intoxication, curiously asked, "What does a mystery box mean?"

"It’s an unseen box; you don’t know what’s inside until you open it."

Shen Wang replied, his change of attitude due not only to not wanting Paper Kite to tell the Celestial Commerce Association about his status, potentially revealing his situation to Wu Jieqi, but also because the talent and future of descendants are not completely predetermined.

As long as the probability is not zero, he doesn’t have to fear much.

Moreover, given his present situation, he couldn’t find any female cultivator; having Paper Kite bear his child seemed suitable.

"So that’s what it means, similar to ancient raw ore; you don’t know what’s inside until opened." Paper Kite showed a slight smile; his words suggested he wasn’t against having children with her.

With a child, she could establish herself in his home.

Shen Wang didn’t say much on this matter, returning to business: "Why did you become enemies with Blood Wolf?"

Paper Kite smiled helplessly, "Husband, actually, I hold no grudges with him; it’s purely because of involvement by an elder sister from the clan."

"What do you mean?" Shen Wang asked unexpectedly.

"I have a cousin in the clan, ten years older, named Ling Shu. She’s an outstanding genius, born with spirit blood, exceptional talent, once disciplined this person, drawing a cross on him; I happened to be present at the time."

Paper Kite wore a face full of gloom.

"So it was collateral damage; this person dared not seek revenge on Ling Shu, viewing you as an enemy instead, truly a coward."

Shen Wang disdained, casually inquiring, "What level is your cousin now?"

"There’s a sign of her leading among the younger generation; it’s said she’s about to complete Core Formation, but I haven’t seen her for ten years. Back then, we often played together, but the gap grew too wide; we haven’t met since."

At this, Paper Kite revealed a humbleness.

Compared to Ling Shu, they are worlds apart.

"She’s indeed a remarkable woman."

Shen Wang showed a solemn expression; Ling Shu should be around thirty and is about to achieve Core Formation, truly impressive.

At his age, he wasn’t even eligible for Foundation Establishment.

"By the way, how old are you?"

Shen Wang inquired.

"I am twenty-one; ideally, I should have married at eighteen; I postponed it till now."

Paper Kite said shyly, at this age, if not cultivating, she should have married long ago.

"I’m Shen Wang, Wang as in reputation, and I have two wives, one ran away, and the other is my maid."

Shen Wang shared his situation.

Paper Kite was shocked; one ran away?

"The first was a female cultivator; back then, I was injured, and we went separate ways."

Shen Wang briefly explained.

"I think husband is very good; her leaving is her loss."

Paper Kite earnestly stated.

"Perhaps."

Shen Wang did not discuss the matter further, continuing to inquire about Paper Kite’s situation.

The latter’s full name is Cloud Paper Kite, a branch member of the Yun Family; her parents are actually skilled, both Innate Grandmasters; however, Innate Grandmasters count for little in the Yun Family; Paper Kite herself has no high talent, and did not receive much attention or resources; after adulthood, she was arranged to work at the association.

Though Paper Kite’s talent wasn’t top-notch, her beauty stood out, often receiving the attention of certain guests wanting her service in the association, which she refused, displeasing some.

To avoid losing her chastity, Paper Kite proactively came to the newly established Celestial Commerce Association in Baixi City, beginning her search for a Yu Langjun, yet still not meeting satisfaction, until she encountered Shen Wang.

Her family background and experience were within Shen Wang’s acceptable range; if his Dantian wasn’t damaged, and he wasn’t assigned to guard the ancestral house, marrying her would be considered reaching high.

Given the present situation, it was a suitable match, not holding each other back, nor causing any trouble.

After listening, Shen Wang pondered for a moment, saying, "I’m quite busy these days; once there’s time, I’ll formally marry you from your family."

"No need."

Paper Kite shook her head: "In the family, I’m nothing special; besides my parents, probably few care about my life and death; it’s not worth you going out of your way."

Shen Wang didn’t say anything, simply embracing Paper Kite.

He also came from a family, aware that in cultivation clans, someone without a Spirit Root nor martial arts talent is almost insignificant.

Those unloved by maternal uncle or grandmother are the least of it; some are almost like servants, because some servants are chosen from among Innate Grandmasters, whereas Paper Kite didn’t even have Innate Grandmaster Level strength, similar to being considered trash in a large family.

He too has experienced being discarded like a worn-out shoe; upon learning his Dantian was damaged, barring him from the cultivation path, the swift change in some people’s faces still makes him feel disgusted when recalled.

But what’s the use of disgust; this is reality, and once he regains strength, those people will change their faces once more.

"Husband, you’re so kind."

Paper Kite’s eyes moistened with tears, almost crying out; after years, she finally met someone who cared for her; for such a man, she’d willingly die.

Paper Kite’s experience meant even instinctive acts of tenderness could entirely win her affection, which Shen Wang hadn’t even noticed.

They took a shortcut, surrounded by vegetation, but the distance was short. As plants replaced by barren desert, shortly, they arrived before a recessed pit.

This pit exceeds a hundred feet in diameter, mostly of stone, artificially carved with a winding descending path, with occasional unformed crystals exposed among the stones, shimmering under sunlight.

The winding road extended to the bottom, ultimately leading to a large cave, with carts pulled by oxen hauling stones out.

They headed towards the entrance and were stopped: "Where are you coming from? The mine doesn’t allow outsiders in."

"I’m here to find Cloud Immortal Footprint."

Paper Kite produced a token to show identity: "Just tell him Paper Kite from Celestial Commerce Association is looking for him; he will understand."

"I don’t recognize whatever token this is, but since you’re from the association, I’ll go report to Brother Yun."

There were two people guarding the entrance, the one speaking letting the other continue guarding, turning and running downhill; in the middle of the pit were some houses likely belonging to mine management.