Skill

"This skill containes the true missing part of the Heavenly Go. The seven twists of the Chen family." Seeing her disciple gasp, she continued. "I obtained this through special means and must remain a secret even from the elders of the martial hall. I'll let you memorize this, but only in my presence."

Opening the pages and exchanging insights of the art. They sat down in meditation together for a while, until Huangfu Jings master interrupted. "You should now be able to see why having a boyfriend is not a good idea. As the first true practitioner of the complete Heavenly Go supported by the entirely of the martial hall in addition to the entirety of our insights."

Both pausing and sighing for different reasons, her master continued. "Though I understand your feelings, so I've called in a favor. One of the five holders of the alliances top-tier qigongs is looking for a disciple. I've contacted them to personally test your little boyfriend if he's worthy of inheriting his mantle."

Huangfu Jing widening her eyes in shock and hope. "Really?!"

Chuckling lightly at her reaction, "yes but the cost is great. If he is deemed worthy, you're in luck. He will move in the martial and likewise become a direct disciple, with the halls full support while simultaneously strengthening the relationship between the saint and martial hall further."

Huangfu Jing was practically jumping from joy. Knowing that if she was worthy to become the direct disciple of not only the martial hall but also an inheritor of one of the only five top-tier qigongs, than Ren would have no trouble also being worthy

Her master continued. "But if he's unworthy… we would have wasted a Demi-god's time and the price to pay would be great. I will take the burden of this price if it comes to it, but I expect your utmost dedication to the art and for you to break off your relationship with him."

Clarifying further. "You can still be friends, but no relationships that distract you from your purpose anymore."

Sending a strike to Rens chin, he dodged quickly taking advantage of an opening disabling her movements.

"Arg, how do you always win?!" She questions in defeat. Everytime they spared together even tough Ren would allow the fight to seem fair and forlonged he'd always win like it was nothing.

Shrugging. "Just practice." He responded.

Earning a disgruntled sigh from Huangfu Jing. 

"Okay, we've been sparing for a few hours already, I'm gonna get off for the day. Tomorrow we can spar some more, but see you in the sanctuary a week from now." He replied signing off.

The week passed like normal, with social spars with Huangfu Jing and cultivation.

Stretching his arms, last night Ren made a great breakthrough in his qigong allowing him to cultivate when he slept without any side effects of waking up tired or sacrificing his cultivation's effectiveness.

Making his way to the teleporter, into the sanctuary and reaching the gate of the shelter he had to wait abit for Huangfu Jing to arrive.

With a brief greeting they rode off on her mount in Rens designated direction.

Taking half a week on the sacred-blood mount they arrived at the base of the mountain.

Dismounting the beast soul, they began walking through the mountain range fully alert. "So you know where we are?" Ren asked with a smirk.

"Huh, what do you mean?" Huangfu Jing asked in confusion.

Chuckling a little. "We are entering a nesting zone."

"A what?!" She responded in exasperation.

Nesting zones were hot spots sacred-blood creatures, far away from shelters. A paradise for beasts where nests are formed by the creatures to give birth to their leaders.

These places were never explored due to their immense danger, forsaken by humanity.

Sensing her panic, he stepped in to clarify. "It's safe, I was here earlier to scout the area out."

Not feeling relieved by his words, instead angry. "What?! Your came here alone?! Do you know how dangerous it is!"

Chuckling again at her worries, he spoke a little philosophy. "Hah, everything here is dangerous inside and outside the sanctuary. The more danger you face and come out alive the greater you become. If your sacred by the potential danger you can leave. I'm not dumb I won't do things I'm not confident in or haven't thunk abit about."

Still panicked, but wanting to place her trust in Ren, she was conflicted.

Pulling her into his embrace he whispered comforting words till she calmed down and followed his lead.

 Entering the mountain range again, he summoned the nightmare-cat beast soul pet in combat mode. 

Trailing them in the shadows away from sight with its remarkable concealing capabilities. The super beast soul pet stalked the surrounding awaiting commands from its master.

Dispatching weak but aggressive monsters easily, it only took an hour to run into a sacred-blood raccoon the size of a lion.

Glancing at Huangfu Jing, she looked back noding and gaining a confident and focused look.

She dashed into battle, summoning her beast souls she quickly dispatched the sacred-blood creature evading its powerful blows and effortlessly targeting the creature's vital points.

It quickly fell, losing its life. They took a break, preparing the food for a quick meal and jerky for later.

They continued their journey running into many sacred-blood creatures, with Huangfu Jing dispatching them all with little difficulty.

They eventually settled on a cliff for shelter, eating dinner about to go to sleep. Huangfu Jing couldn't help but ask. "How many sacred-blood genopoints do you even need?"

"Hmmm, none." He responded with a glance at her.

A bit dumbatruck, "then why haven't you evolved yet."

"What's the rush?" He shrugged not willing to talk about super creatures.

Still not understanding, she didn't pursue the reason with Rens vague responses.

Thinking about it over the night, she could only conclude that he wanted to spend time with her. Looking at him in a new light and feeling incredibly warm, she felt that he really cared about her.

The next day they traverse the terrain before reaching one of the few landmarks Ren had noted as a residence of a super creature. 

With its odd rock formations, they gained a vantage point and observed the area for the creature of interest, while preparing camp and conversing.

"Which military academy are you joining next year?" Huangfu Jing asked in interest.