Chapter 3
Naitou was getting dressed in her best outfit. It was a turquoise green kimono with swirling wave patterns. Her black hair was styled into an elegant knot. Light makeup accentuated her features, transforming her from a concubine into something far more dangerous. She looked regal and untouchable.
Ryu watched her from his crib, his violet eyes sharp despite his cherubic face. A butterfly drifted past, its delicate wings capturing his attention.
But Ryu was no ordinary infant.
At six months old, he had already taken his first steps, learned how to mutter fragmented words, and most importantly—how to hide. It took everything to pretend to be a harmless, clueless child. He hated it. But in this place, in this family, playing weak was the only shield he had.
Naitou dressed him in loose, comfortable baby clothes. She scooped him up, her grip firm and draped a veil over her head. "Tonight is important," she whispered, more to herself than to him. Then they stepped into the night.
The estate was unusually alive with activity. Servants bustled about, preparing for a rare gathering hosted by Geng Wuying. Naitou moved quietly, her arms cradling Ryu protectively.
Ryu sat in the warm embrace of his mother, Naitou, as they approached the grand hall where the event was taking place.
"It's just a formality," she murmured, more to herself than to Ryu. "But remember this, my little one: never let them see you as weak."
Their destination loomed ahead—a massive pagoda bathed in the red moonlight. Cherry blossom petals drifted gently around it.
Inside, the nobles were already gathering. The air was thick with perfume, incense, and something else, it smelled like rot.
There were thrones carved from bleached bone that lined the table. Ryu blinked. Part of him thought they looked cool—like something out of a fantasy game. But another part of him, the older, colder version wondered which unlucky soul had been ground into furniture.
'Shady doesn't even cover it'
His thoughts however, were immediately interrupted by the arrival of Matsura. Dressed in black robes that were embroidered, his hair streaked with grey and tied in a ponytail. Beside him stood Geng Wuying, she had midnight blue hair and ferocious brown eyes. From where Ryu was, she looked captivating and beautiful. Yet something about her was eerily evil.
Ryu activated [Analysis], his infant eyes glinting with curiosity.
[Analysis]
[Name: Geng Wuying-Hayato]
[Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment V]
Ryu's eyes widened. She didn't look like a fighter, but she was almost done with the Foundation establishment realm.
"Ah, Naitou," Geng Wuying's voice was smooth, tinged with condescension. "You made it. I was beginning to think you wouldn't want little Ryu exposed to such... sophistication."
Naitou's expression remained composed as she bowed slightly. "Thank you for the invitation, Lady Wuying. Ryu and I wouldn't miss this opportunity to learn from his elder siblings."
The subtle jab wasn't lost on Geng Wuying, whose smile tightened ever so slightly.
Ryu's eyes drifted to the entrance of the pagoda where a new guest had just arrived.
He was tall and solidly built. He had brown skin, bushy eyebrows and fiery orange eyes. He has long black hair that was tied in a ponytail. At his side is a Jian, a Chinese longsword. He dressed well and looked sophisticated. Ryu used [Analysis] on him.
[Name: Miura Hayato]
[Cultivation level: Foundation Establishment II]
"Sorry I'm late," Miura said. "Had to clean up a demon nest."
Then his gaze locked onto Ryu.
"So this is the bastard?" His lip curled. "The white hair gave it away."
Ryu instinctively touched his head, as if to hide it. Miura blinked, surprised. "Smart little thing."
Naitou's cheeks flushed faintly, but she maintained her composure.
Then unexpectedly, Miura crouched and held out his palm. Ryu slapped it softly.
Miura smirked. "Weird kid."
The next sibling arrived shortly after. She was medium height and solidly-built, she had brown skin with dull, dark blue eyes and an angular face. She arrived on a majestic chariot pulled by fiery demonic horses.
"I see you've learnt the family technique so soon" Lady Wuying said as the girl walked in. Ryu repeated [Analysis] on her.
[Name: Soma Hayato]
[Cultivation level: Qi Condensation VI]
Soma's eyes widened as she saw Ryu.
She bent down beside Ryu. "He kind of looks like me." She gave his cheek a light pat as he sucked his finger.
Ryu stared at her. He didn't know what to think. Back on Earth, affection was rare. Here, even a pat on the head meant more than it should.
'Being a baby has its perks. Just don't get used to them.'
Soon more nobles started pouring into the Pagoda. They all dressed in darker colours and looked like sophisticated gentlemen. This was looking more like a burial, than a gathering.
Soon the youngest sibling arrived, she was short and athletically built. She was fair skinned with dark brown eyes. angular eyebrows and a rounded jaw. She has straight, copper hair lightly streaked with shades of cherry blossom pink. She looked around 10 years old. Ryu used [Analysis] on her and read her stats.
[Name: Hozumi Hayato]
[Cultivation level: Qi Condensation I]
She however paid no attention to Ryu and ran to her mother as Lady Wuying scooped her up and lifted her up in the air.
"If my hands weren't so tiny, I'd flip her off," Ryu thought bitterly.
As everyone settled, Matsura rose to address the gathering. His voice cut through the room like a blade.
"I welcome you all," he said. "As you know, time is cruel to the flesh. My health wanes."
A hush fell. The bones of the table creaked.
"It is time to prepare for what lies ahead. Naitou, step forward."
She obeyed, every eye tracking her like a hawk's prey. When they saw Ryu in her arms, a collective gasp filled the room.
"I hereby announce," Matsura said, "that Naitou Yuhan will become my second wife."
The chandelier above swayed violently.
A faint crackle filled the air, purple lightning, arcing in Wuying's eyes. Her smile never changed.
"So this is how it begins." Ryu thought.
"Father!" Miura stepped forward. "You would elevate a concubine? This is absurd!"
Matsura didn't even look at him. He raised one hand. Miura was flung across the room, smashing through a pillar before vanishing into the darkness. Somewhere in the distance, a splash echoed. It was either the lake, or it was blood.
The nobles gasped, Lady Wuying still sat there unbothered, her eyes crackling with lightning.
Ryu said something incomprehensible out loud with his eyes widened. Miura groaned in pain as the force from the throw had cracked the pillar.
'Note to self: Never get on dads' bad side,' he thought.
"The wedding ceremony will take place in a few months," Matsura declared, gesturing for Naitou to sit beside him. "And now, let us dine."
A moment passed. Then the servants moved. Dishes were placed on the table. Wine was poured. The nobles laughed—too loud, too fast. But no one looked away from Naitou.
Or her child.
Ryu sat in his mother's arms, small and silent.
But in the depths of his mind, a new System message bloomed:
[Main Quest Updated]
Title: Survive the Storm
Objective: Outlast Geng Wuying's Wrath.
Duration: Unknown
Failure Consequence: [Death]
Ryu's lips curled into something that almost resembled a smile.
"Let the games begin."