Chapter 207: The Fourth Battalion

“Aren’t you taking me in as your woman?”

Wait a minute! What is she talking about? What’s wrong with her? Did I clearly imply that I would marry her? What on earth is she talking about? How did she get to that thinking? I thought that she was quirky… but I wasn’t expecting anything like that at all.

“W-w-what are you talking about, Zenith?” I tried to force myself to smile since even I had no idea what was going on. As for Natalia, well, let’s just say that she was utterly speechless. I can’t blame her though. I’ve never seen anyone open and aggressively claim someone like that.

“Isn’t that why you wanted me to be your disciple? To make me your betrothed?” Zenith asked.

I mean… she’s not wrong, but I’m not that kind of a Sect Master. I acknowledged her talents and skills, that’s all there is to it. If there’s more, then why would I openly admit it? Wouldn’t that be crazy?

“Mmm, we’ll get to that later, Zenith. But frankly, I only wanted to recruit you as my disciple because you’re one of the most talented cultivators I met. I really just want you to be my disciple.”

“Really?” Zenith sighed as she fondled both her breasts in front of me. I am not really knowledgeable about the sizes of that certain body part of a lady but I can definitely say that hers was large. I mean, even if I use my hands, I wouldn’t be able to cover half of the surface area of her buns. Just saying. 

“Are you sure you don’t want this?” Zenith asked, pouting. “I can always attend to you every time you ask if you take my hand in marriage.” 

That’s a very tempting proposition, to say the least, but right now, my focus is not expanding my imaginary harem, but rather, saving the whole world. This type of a side quest is just a distraction that I can’t afford to bite onto. Of course, I want to touch it! Now’s not the time, however. 

“Yongrui, you’ve grown so much!” Hui-ying commented as she chuckled in my head. 

<Notice: The System agrees. You have matured by a considerable amount, Yongrui> 

“You two!” I blushed as I hid my face behind my arms. I didn’t know what to say since they know me from the inside and out.

Now that I think about it, when I first woke up as a rabid human with consciousness, my first and foremost goal is to protect those who were dear to me like my disciples whom I left alone before I completely turned into an infected. But throughout the weeks I spent roaming around the Lower Plane and meeting different people, my goal changed into preserving everyone’s lives even if it means risking mine. I did have a dream of living out my life as best as I can and that included romance but after all those near-death encounters, I realized that romance is not actually the end… it’s just a means to an end. So what if I get the best life I could have? If I don’t save the world from the Black Spirit, I wouldn’t be able to live in peace which is exactly the opposite of what I dreamed of. 

The quote ‘with great power comes great responsibility’ can’t get any truer. In every sense of the word, that quote wholly applies to me. I was given a second chance to live, and not only that, I was given an incredible power to change the fate of mankind. Right now, romance shouldn’t be the priority. Zenith could be one of the most talented, most gifted, and one of the most attractive ladies I met… but I shouldn’t succumb to the temptation that is her. 

After… after everything’s over then perhaps I’ll think about it. But man, those badonkers are huge! I’m not going to lie. 

“Zenith, I… you know what, after I’m done with saving the Middle Plane, then we can talk about this. I’m not saying I”m going to say yes, nor am I saying that I’ll say no either. Just… the thing is, I have to focus on saving the Middle Plane for now before I could get a break. The way things are right now, I think my head is thinking about a lot of things… and my decisions might be a little muddled. Simply put, I can’t really give you a sincere answer at the moment. You’re attractive and talented, and if you feel this way even after I saved the whole of Middle Plane, then I will consider… ” I bit my lips, trying to cook up more explanations that would be more acceptable for her. 

“And also! It will be advantageous for you as well. If you become my disciple, you’ll be able to watch me from up close. You’ll also be spending a lot of time with me, getting to know me in the process. Who knows if you’ll find some things that you dislike and I like. You’ll also have more time to think about getting married to me… what do you think?” 

“But… we can know each other more if we become more intimate… or so that’s what I heard from my mother… ” She looked up, probably trying to come up with an answer that would tempt me more? Who knows. 

“Sigh~ very well, Yongrui, I will accept your conditions. But don’t think that I’ll give up on you! Even if you already have a wife by your side, I’m going to be your first!” She cupped her hands respectfully while saying that. Those two gestures had two different meanings but oh well… at least she won’t cause me trouble for now. 

WHAT? I should have rejected her? Why?!

“A wife? what do you mean a wife?” 

“That beautiful girl… isn’t she your wife?” Zenith pointed at Natalia. 

What on I mean sure, if she were to be my wife then I’m all for it… but no! We’re not yet married! What is this girl on about? First, she thought that becoming my disciple would guarantee her marriage towards me… and now she concluded that Natalia is my wife?!

“W-w-what are you talking about? Me? Sect Master’s wife?! Eh?!” Natalia clutched her cheeks, her face reddening. I could’ve sworn I saw smoke coming out of her head. 

Still, Zenith is really interesting. Who would’ve thought that she could make Natalia react like that. With the two of them together as my disciples, what kind of scenes would I see every day? Wait, I’m getting a little bit sidetracked here.

“Um, Yongrui… excuse me.” Luxor cleared his throat, then, he walked towards me. “I hope you will put a stoppage on this conversation for now. I still have a lot of things to show you before the night ripens.” 

I nodded. 

Zenith and Natalia both shut their mouths as they stole glances towards me. They were probably hoping that I would say something to resume the conversation but just as Luxor told us, we still have a lot of things to do before the night ends. Right now, time is of the essence. We can’t afford to waste precious seconds…

Then, what were those matches about? But then again, Luxor did want to test out my abilities. It wasn’t a waste of time… that is, until after the conversation about disciples and marriage were brought up. 

“Please think about it, Zenith. I will be awaiting your answer.” I called out to her before following Luxor who already started walking. 

“Wait! I’ll do it!” Zenith shouted, grabbing my right arm whereas Natalia was linked on my left arm. There were sparks flying from both their eyes but I decided to ignore them. There’s no point in fighting when Natalia was the first one to catch my heart’s attention. Zenith may have the badonkers, but I’ve known Natalia for a longer time. 

…..

After walking for a few minutes, we got to the troops section of the settlement where everyone who joined the army is staying. Technically, they’re still in the same shelter as their parents and relatives but they weren’t allowed to venture towards any section of the Settlement unless they ask permission or they have a mission connected to that certain portion of the Settlement. Just like in any other world, they’re being separated from their families and trained to the point where they can be an invaluable member of the army. And we’re talking about cultivators here who are in the Heavenly Plain Realm at most. These are some of the strongest cultivators in the settlement. 

“Greetings! Settlement Leader!” One of the commanders cupped his hands towards us. “Attention!” He screamed at his men. 

No matter what they were doing, they immediately stood up, faced us, and greeted. “Greetings Settlement Leader!” 

“Yongrui, this here is the fourth battalion. They’re one of the newest battalions that I’ve formed. They may be the weakest battalion for now but their passion in defeating the Black Spirit Sect is genuine.” Luxor related. “From now on, you’ll be leading this battalion and preparing them for the war. I’ll be expecting great things from you, Yongrui.” 

“Wait what?!”

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