He suddenly regained awareness, though his thoughts were hazy. Exhaustion filled his body as it took him a moment to recollect things. They had been caught in rapids. They were thrown around even as he struggled to escape.
Then where were they now? He seemed to be on a bed. The last thing he remembered was a blue fairy? No, a woman in a blue dress though she was very beautiful.
Wait, his thoughts were interrupted were was Bibi Dong? He turned his head to see her next to him. She was sleeping contentedly, a peaceful look on her face. The sight brought him a sense of relief.
He leaned back against the bed. It was not the best bed ever. But it was a bed all the same and it was glorious. Thinking that he closed his eyes and rested. He just simply did not want to move.
Tang Yuan found his period of rest lasted for a while. It was a peaceful time. The chance to just lean back and relax. Even if he knew that he shouldn't.
That ended as the door to the room was opened. Tang Yuan's eyes opened in slight surprised alarm. Trying to move to check who it was. "Aha," a grunt of pain left his mouth as he tried to move quickly. His body had some bruises alright.
"Be careful, your injuries are still fresh," said the one who had just entered. Her voice was gently chiding him. He could hear her as she moved closer to the bed.
Turning his head to look at her, he was surprised at the sight of her. "You are?" It seemed to be a question, him asking her name. Yet even before she answered, he knew who she was.
The young woman placed a basket beside the bed. Smiling gently at him as she sat on the bed. "My name is Ah Yin. Don't worry you should be safe here." The words held a comforting air to them.
Tang Yuan was surprised, no shocked to meet this woman. If he wasn't so tired and drained hiding might have been harder. But this week had just been filled with encounters. What was a transformed 100,000-year-old soul beast added to the mix?
Who also became his nephew's wife, and mother of the works' protagonist. He was being facetious he knew, but it wasn't wrong. Still, he closed his eyes a faint headache in his mind. Though that might just be his injuries.
"Are you okay? Have your injuries worsened?" the now-identified Ah Yin asked in concern. She kept her voice low, for Bibi Dong.
Tang Yuan opened his eyes glancing at her. "My head is hurting a bit. Otherwise, I'm not so bad. I assume I can thank you for that." Tang Yuan decided to treat her as a normal individual for now. Especially as they seemed indebted to her.
"I found you and your friend on the beach. Both of you were worse for wear, you especially," she said, with some curiosity leaking from her. No doubt wondering about the circumstances.
"I am Tang Yuan, and she is Bibi Dong," he said first recognising the first part of her statement.
Ah Yin's smile grew a bit. "It's nice to meet you Tang Yuan. Can I ask how you two ended up there?" she asked with some concern.
"We were on a ship that began sinking. So we had no choice but to brave the water, but we encountered rapids," he explained part of their troubles.
Ah Yin gained a look of recognition at that "That explains your injuries. Did you slam into the rocks?" She had seen that his body was rather bruised. She reached for something from the basket "Do you feel well enough to eat?"
Tang Yuan moved a bit to sit up. Slight aches and pains acted up as he did so. Still, he sat up putting his back against the bed's frame. "I'm not that injured," he told the woman as he settled himself. Pausing as he noticed the look on her face.
"You are injured, and shouldn't move so much. What if you worsen your injuries?" she asked her concern obvious. Especially considering they had only just made acquaintance with each other.
Tang Yuan could practically sense this woman's gentle compassion. "I'm a soul master, my body can handle this much. Once more my injuries aren't so serious as that," he assured the kind soul.
At his words, Ah Yin had a look of enlightenment. Her face colored slightly for a moment. "Ah, I was using a normal hu-person's example. But I suppose your circumstances are a bit different from that." She suddenly seemed a bit awkward looking away.
Tang Yuan found himself amused. "Have you stepped away from other soul masters? Also, may I ask your age?" It would make sense to him. Though she didn't seem unaware or inexperienced in human interaction.
Ah Yin's face colored at the statement. "Is it that obvious? I have remained in this village cultivating for a while. That just seemed like the best thing for me." That way she interacted with humans, but not soul masters. It slowed her cultivation slightly, and it couldn't last forever.
"Oh, a free cultivator living in seclusion. I suppose resources might be a problem then," he said as he took fruit from her. Even though he knew that wasn't so troublesome. At least in terms of mimicry environments.
"Not so much, I manage to get by." Ah Yin spoke in response to that question. All she needed was a patch of her kin. They were always eager to support her cultivation.
Tang Yuan allowed the conversation to taper off as he ate. He had obtained a better understanding of her. Seemingly her compassion and kindness were far from feigned. Likely a major part of her nature in fact.
She had adapted to human living in a village. Yet she still lacked skill in misdirection. She was a bit too earnest, not used to lying. That was his first impression at least.
The silence lasted as Tang Yuan ate from the basket. Mostly fruit and some bitter herbal medicine as well. The medicine made him curious "Does this village have an herbalist?" Tang Yuan found himself curious about that.
"I know a bit about herbs. It should help you heal." Ah Yin said with honest Humility.
Tang Yuan wondered what a bit meant. Considering she was a powerful ruler of plants it was likely a lot. Though how well that translated into making medicine. He was tempted to quiz her on particular plants.
"Ah, what happened to me?" a confused voice spoke from beside him. Bibi Dong had woken up and was understandably confused.
Tang Yuan placed a hand on her shoulder. As he and their newfound savior told her of matters. All the while she nibbled on food from the basket.
The three of them talked for a while. Only stopping when the time to rest had come. Unfortunately, Tang Yuan and Bibi Dong had taken over the bed. Nor did Ah Yin intend to take it back. Not while they were injured at least.
"Then either we have you use a bag from our belts. Or you squeeze in with Dong'er for the night. I would lose sleep knowing our saviour was bereft of a bed." Tang Yuan told her what he believed she should choose. Though he couldn't force her, he could add a bit of manipulation.
Bibi Dong wasted not a second before speaking up. "Yuan's right Sister Yin. You may have saved our lives. After all who knows what might have happened if you hadn't come." Her voice was a bit bleak as she considered it. Someone else could have met them.
Seeing that both of her guests agreed on it. Along with Tang Yuan's comment adding more pressure. "Very well then I will trust you two," she said as she walked to the other side.
Slipping under the cover with Bibi Dong the two pressed together a bit. Tang Yuan moved a bit closer to the edge. Giving them more space to make use of. The three of them kept silent as they tried to sleep.
Tang Yuan found sleep incredibly hard. In this bed was a transformed Hundred-Thousand-Year soul beast. Such a temptation was enough to whip the entire continent into a frenzy.
She would be found when a Titled Douluo spotted her. One would come with a Senior looking for them no doubt. But this woman granted them help in their hour of need. It wasn't wrong to say that she likely saved their lives. Whether from beasts, humans, or merely the elements. What a mess, the thought occurred as he fell asleep.
Guanling Douluo moved along the fast-moving river. It was a series of rapids. The possibility that the children had taken that path. No he felt that was the path he should take.
He activated his soul bone once more. His gaze peered at the two of them from far away. With two together it was more effective. Yet they had moved so far away from the ship's original location somehow.
His gaze fell upon the two of them. As he did he found some relief at the sight of them. "A house, so they have found succor. Either a village, or a hermit living in seclusion." he knew the former was simpler.
Still, his gaze fell on the young girl next to them. She seemed older than his charges by a few years. Definitely a soul master, one likely living in seclusion. He felt some gratitude to her and her possible family.
He turned his gaze away from his sight. Now he knew what he needed to find along the river. Either it was a village or a hermitage. As he drew closer his soul bone's ability would definitely improve.
Sadly he knew he would need to rest soon, he'd used his bone a bit too much. His mental stamina was beginning to suffer from it. He would need to meditate for a bit. Thankfully they were not in immediate danger.
Tang Yuan woke once more in the soft bed. Even as his mind was hazy he was well rested. He noticed the girls had already gotten up. So he followed their example rising from the bed. It was not a bad sleep, even if he had to keep himself to a little space.
Tang Yuan sat on the bed considering matters. They had Ah Yin, the Blue Silver Emperor a 100,000-year soul beast. She had likely already been transformed for nearly a decade.
If he were to consider his timeline. Tang Hao and Tang Xiao met her when the former was 35 or so. At 44 he would become a Titled Douluo. It was still a full 19 years until the event that would see the Clear Sky Sect enter seclusion. Yet now he a member of the sect had encountered her here.
It was rather suspicious all things considered. He had never bought the whole everything was a conspiracy. At least not everything, everything. Though LOTM had certainly made him more paranoid in the matter.
If it were Dalu 2 and he was associated with Huo Yuhao. Well, that would be different. Though considering he was an outsider, perhaps attention had turned to him. After all Tang San had also been reborn in his clan as well.
Maybe rather than a conscious act he should consider it a chance. Yes the plane had granted him fortune, and he had earned more. So this meeting somehow tied into that fortune. Thinking about it would get him nowhere yet, and there was still Ah Yin.
She was a soul beast with soul bone and soul ring. Anyone might feel greed at the thought. He was no exception in fact, a hundred-thousand-year soul bone. That was quite a treasure, and yet dam.
Ah Yin had likely saved their lives and provided help. He owed her his life and his friend's life. His gratitude far outweighed his greed in this case. It was a bit troublesome, but he did not want to have her death on his conscience.
That meant he needed to scare her away before his allies arrived. Mention a few things such as a Titled Douluo coming for them. If he did so he could let his conscience be clear.
Tang Yuan moved from the bed his decision settling. In the end, even in video games he was the type to go for good endings. Now this was real life and an actual life was on the line. Debt, the weight of a life, and his own admiration colored his decision.
First, he moved to a door in the bedroom. He was about to open it, but paused. Straining his ears to confirm something. He heard faint splashes of water from within. Immediately he headed to the other door, that explained where at least one girl went.
Stepping from the room Tang Yuan began his exploration of the house. The first room was a living room he supposed rectangular in shape. A few wooden chairs were set up as seating. In a corner was a bookshelf one shelf was sparsely filled. The other shelves had bottles lining them.
The room's hearth was the most eye-catching feature. It was built into the wall as a fireplace. Taking up more than a third of the wall. Beside it were shelves of spices, metal utensils, and cooking instruments. The other side had wood likely for fuel.
His gaze fell on two doors in this living/kitchen space. Choosing one at random he found himself in a different space. He was behind a wooden counter, shelves lined the wall. The shelves were filled with what seemed like herbs and mixtures.
It seemed that this house was a small Apothecary. Maybe also a bit of a spice trade as well. Ah Yin was originally a plant alongside her medicinal skills it made sense.
In his previous world, he had heard folk healers were common. With apothecaries being rarer usually appearing in larger villages. So was this a larger village, or maybe it was by chance?
Tang Yuan was tempted to look through the herbs. Though how many of them he would recognise was the question. Before he could consider that she stepped into the room as well. As his gaze fell on her he was taken aback.
Ah Yin was dressed in a modestly simple blue dress with a slight floral pattern. Her blue hair was still slightly damp. She had an aura that was subtle but also enrapturing.
Tang Yuan felt he could imagine her as a runaway princess. She truly was a beautiful girl, or young woman. He felt her current body should be only a few years older than he was. Though she was like most soul masters being more mature than her age. His gaze strayed down for only a moment.
Tang Yuan realized his gaze had almost strayed too much. He returned his gaze to her own. "Good morning Ah Yin," he greeted her with a hint of sheepishness. Aware he had gawked at her for a moment.
"Good morning Brother Yuan." Ah Yin greeted him back. Not saying anything about his gaze. "How are your injuries," she was already moving closer to him. Gaze full of concern for an injured person.
Tang Yuan smiled a bit at that concern. "I should have healed mostly. Still a bit sore, but only a bit." He assessed his own state after a few moments.
Ah Yin felt glad her patient had mostly recovered. Though that begged the question. "What will you do now? Try to return to your clan, or head to a larger settlement?" she subtly probed of him.
Tang Yuan turned to examine an herb on display. Hiding the smile on his face. She wasn't quite subtle enough, even without knowledge of canon. Perhaps she intended to follow them, but wanted to understand the risks. Though she did follow two Soul Sage brothers around.
"We could probably just stay here. I have no doubt they will find us in a few days a week at most. Bibi Dong's Spirit Hall is quite powerful and far-reaching, after all." using the question to drop a few hints. He wondered if she would grasp them
Ah Yin felt some joy at that statement. She had enjoyed interacting with Bibi Dong yesterday. Tang Yuan seemed an interesting person as well. It seemed they were part of powerful factions. Only a week at most to interact with them, and decide.
Tang Yuan decided to speak up "So you are an herbalist or apothecary?" he was curious how she began as such. He didn't remember any mention of it in canon. Another reason not to take it as absolute.
"Oh that, there was originally an elderly woman here. She provided shelter to me, and I learned from her. I have some talent for herbs and remedies." She spoke humbly about her abilities.
Tang Yuan wondered what she considered to be only some talent. He glanced at the shelves. "Oh is that so. My clan has ties to a clan of alchemists so I know a bit. Sadly my talent in that path is limited." he mused out loud. He knew he was far better suited to blacksmithing anyway.
"A clan of alchemists, I wouldn't compare myself to that level," she spoke humbly. Though she had come to enjoy this work. Perhaps she should step in that direction in time.
Ah Yin took a moment to consider. "I've heard a bit from Sister Dong. Could you tell me about the world you've seen or learned?" she asked looking at him eyes full of anticipation.
Tang Yuan smiled at her. "I can do that for you. It's the least I can do to repay you for saving us." Saying that he considered where he should start. What topic to discuss, should he avoid soul beast deaths? Or maybe it would be best to tell her.
Tang Yuan finally began to speak "Well my home was deep in the mountains.." he decided to tell her about the start.
Their talk had gone on for quite a while. Tang Yuan had enjoyed reminiscing about old memories. He also let more hidden warnings slip. It had been a bit since he could slow down a bit.
The doors of the apothecary swung open causing them to pause. Their gazes both turned to the door. It would seem the first customer of the day had arrived.
He was large and broad with a well-muscled physique. Brownish hair and an overall tough look. His clothing was also a bit rough, with several places having noticeable repairs. Based on his appearance he might have been in his thirties or so.
The man glanced around the shop. His gaze fell on Ah Yin quickly, his gaze softening as he did. Before looking at him with a suppressed glare for a few moments. Returning his gaze to Ah Yin
Tang Yuan could sense the hostility in that look. Though this guy tried to hide it. Looks like someone had his attention on Ah Yin. This might be troublesome then. Hopefully it doesn't follow that old trope with a jealous man after a woman.
Ah Yin looks at the man with recognition "Mr. Han, welcome to my shop. Mr. Han this is Tang Yuan. Brother Yuan, this is Mr. Han he's one of the village hunters." She introduced them to each other. Not fully understanding the tension though not ignorant of it either.
Tang Yuan noticed that the so-named Mr. Han's gained a frown. A frown that grew every time Ah Yin called him brother. Yeah, this was going to be a bit of trouble.
The hunter kept his frown even as he tried to hide his fallen mood. "It's nice to meet you Tang Yuan," he said with a slightly false civility. "I'm glad you and your friend are okay. I don't think Ah Yin's home has much space. I can ask around for a bed or two," his words seemed to be doing a favor.
His real objective was to get him out of this house. Meaning away from Ah Yin. Honestly, that was okay with him. He had planned to set up a makeshift bed for tonight.
"It was fine last night actually." Tang Yuan looked at the woman in shock. "We were able to squeeze into my bed," Ah Yin's words held an innocence to them despite how they sounded.
Tang Yuan pursed his lips at the possible miscommunication. Of course she would be inexperienced in this. "Sister Yin your words could be misinterpreted. Though I suppose it is the truth." Honestly, she was simply being blunt about it.
Han's face scrunched up as if he swallowed something bitter. Then it vanished as he likely realized the truth. "I see then. I think I will need Beast Repellent, the normal medicine, and the paralytic." He abruptly changed the subject his voice tight.
Ah Yin nodded as her face grew thoughtful. She moved taking glass containers from the shelf. Placing them on the counter. "That's the medicine and repellent. Give me a minute to obtain the paralytic," she said exiting the room.
Han's eyes strayed to her as she walked away. His gaze lingered especially on her legs and bottom. It was a lustful gaze with a degree of hunger as well.
Tang Yuan narrowed his eyes as he noticed the hungry gaze. Hitting the ground with his foot in a very noticeable way. Drawing Han's attention, and a glare from the hunter. Better than letting him stare like a hungry wolf.
Tang Yuan returned the glare with one of his own. He had no business if he was going to make moves on her. But looking at his new friend like a piece of meat. That was a no.
Han stepped forward more hostility exuding from him now. "So then Tang Yuan was it. I am Han Lee, a veteran hunter of this village. Ah Yin's a nice woman don't take advantage. I trust you understand me, kid." He attempted intimidation his hand closing in on Tang Yuan.
It was actually not bad if his target wasn't a soul master. Nor did he care for his hints, or intimidation attempt. He had only met Ah Yin less than a full day ago, yet he called her friend. Perhaps that was simply her charm.
Before Han Lee's hand could touch his shoulder he grabbed his wrist. It was likely intended to show off strength. Instead, Tang Yuan squeezed the wrist with a portion of his strength. "I understand, but I will have to object."
Han Lee grunted as the kid squeezed his wrist. He tried to wrench it away, but couldn't. This kid was more than a head shorter than him, and much thinner. How was he this strong? The squeezing was actually starting to pinch now.
Tang Yuan let the man go after a few moments. Immediately watching as he jerked his arm back like he had been burned. A look of newfound wariness was on the man's face.
It was at that moment Ah Yin walked back into the room. She immediately picked up that the tension had increased. Her gaze fell on the two present. Trying to determine the cause and source of this atmosphere.
Just behind Ah Yin came Bibi Dong. She entered the room noticing the same tension. Her gaze immediately locked onto Han Lee with a glare. Perhaps out of trust in her friend. Though she might have supported Tang Yuan even if he were at fault.
Han Lee's gaze turned to the girls. First to the familiar Ah Yin, before pausing at the sight of Bibi Dong. His eyes examined her lust shining in his eyes. Inwardly he thought "I never thought I would meet someone who could rival Ah Yin." He was surprised at that fact.
Bibi Dong's glare immediately turned into a cold scathing look. Her hostility began to leak out of her. "I suggest you remove your gaze. Unless you want to lose your eyes," she practically hissed her threat/promise.
Han Lee backed away this time from fear. He immediately scrambled to the counter placing money down. Taking the three things he ordered not trying for conversation. He had the feeling of being under the gaze of a bloodthirsty beast. The hunter practically ran out the door with his purchase.
Tang Yuan felt slightly smug at the sight. His friend could be rather threatening, and a part of him whispered rather attractive. He didn't acknowledge that part of him.
Bibi Dong huffed at the fleeing pervert. She had been tempted to just beat the man. Turning her gaze to her friend and new friend. She found that the latter had a slightly confused and stern gaze. "I'm assuming that man placed his dirty gaze on Ah Yin."
Tang Yuan nodded at her in affirmation. His gaze fell on Ah Yin who didn't completely understand. "I suppose we should speak with Sister Yin," he reminded his friend.
Bibi Dong nodded moving towards Ah Yin. "Come on Sister Yin, let's explain a few things. It's best that you understand this, as every girl should." She had some aversion to having to do this. But leaving her friend unaware might only hurt her later. At least if she was this innocent.
The three of them returned to the living room for a long conversation. A likely uncomfortable awkward conversation.
They had traveled far from the city now. His men were still in confused disarray from the sudden departure. The fools unlike him hadn't picked up on the way the winds blew. He had no desire to get mixed into whatever that tyrant's goals were.
That bastard Zheng and his schemes. He had no delusion that his blood tie would save him in this desertion. They wouldn't have saved him in this scheme either. Better to take this risk. Not that high-and-mighty man would bother with him.
"Boss we should arrive near the town by next dawn. It might have much in the way of loot. But raiding it should be a good way to distress the men." spoke a bulky man his camel coming closer. He offered the suggestion to the man.
On the lead largest camel the man called "Boss" considered. He could see logic in his second's words. At least someone besides himself had some smarts. Indeed booze and women would certainly ease his men's dissatisfaction.
"Very well, men we will rest here," he called out to his weary men. Everyone stopped in swift order. Hundreds of gazes turned to his form atop his camel.
"My second informs me of a village a distance from us. We will arrive tomorrow after a few hours' rest. Then at night we get to let loose my friends, my warriors." The boss waved a sword in the air to emphasize. A savage grin on his face.
The men hearing their leader's plans roared with joy. Both at the prospect of resting. But even more so at the thought of raiding a village.