(AKJ) Chapter 90 - Cultivation Doctor?

Molvograd, Molkovia, Earth.

Demian's P.O.V.

A few hours later, the alluring sounds that were previously resounding in the room finally stopped, leaving only two sets of tired breathing. “We should get up, Love.” Demian exclaimed tiredly. “Mmmhh...” Seraphine grunted, half-asleep. Sensing her lack of motivation, he knew he would have to be the responsible adult today. Letting out a sigh, he moved her toned body gently from his muscular chest to the mattress and stood up slowly. While stretching his body, a small yawn escaped him from having just finished an almost all-night-long dual cultivation session. As usual, it felt more like a mental fatigue than a physical one. Whatever the case, he could already tell that his ‘mental’ energy was coming back quickly as seconds went by.

Scratching his cheek, he then turned toward Sera’s naked figure. The contrast between her magnificent curvy body and the drool slowly dripping from one side of her lips brought a smile to his face. “Alright, lazy bum. It’s time to get up.” He declared softly. His words seemed to pull her consciousness back from dreamland. At least partially. Lifting her eyelids with difficulty, she replied groggily. “Five... More minutes...” Before she fell back into slumber. ‘I think the side-effects of Dual Cultivation are stronger for her than for me... It‘s probably because she’s only got access to my Perks through the Soul Bond and not ‘directly’ like me...’ He pondered briefly before deciding to let the woman sleep longer.

“Sleep well, Love.” He whispered gently, bending his body and kissing her on her forehead. While straightening his back, he licked the fragrant sweat on his lips and mumbled. “I should clean you up a bit...” With a quick thought, he used his Water Elemental energy to delicately wash her whole body from her delicate toes to her silky purple hair until she was ‘sparkling’ clean. He also gave the same treatment to the sheet beneath her body and himself before collecting the grime into a small marble that was still floating by his head and throwing it in the shower through the open bathroom door. ‘My control over my own Water Element Energy has increased so much! Now, I don’t need to rigidly follow established Spells... Although I can tell that not using a proper Spell decreases the resulting power...’

Shoving that thought to the side, he grabbed some clean clothes from his wardrobes and went to the suite’s main room where Adeliya, Brynhild, Sergei, and Ling were chatting together. “Mornin’!” He said, grinning. The four returned the greeting before going back to their conversation without anyone bothering to ask about Seraphine. ‘I don’t know if I should be relieved that they all know why she isn’t here or embarrassed.’ He contemplated with amusement. Unlike the other four who were on the couches, he went to the dinner table and ate a hearty breakfast in silence, although with his ears directed on their conversation. Once done, he then went to sit by Adeliya’s side on the massive couch and, after catching a lull in the verbal exchange, he asked. “So today’s the big day for Roman, right?”

Nodding his head, Sergei responded. “Yes. He‘ll have to endure his Lightning Tribulation this afternoon and the four of you must witness it. It‘ll be a great help for the four of you when your time comes to do the same.” Feeling thoughtful, Demian questioned hesitantly. “Teacher... Do you think he’ll be able to pass it successfully?” Before Sergei could answer, however, Ling exclaimed while waving away his doubts. “Don’t worry, kiddo! With the few pills I gave him and the Cultivation pointers your teacher imparted to him, he already finished refining his Flesh, Organs, and Bones with Spiritual Energy last night. With how much weaker the Lightning Tribulation is in the Origin Islands, he’ll definitely be fine. Although he’ll also get less benefits as a result...” Those last few words were said in a low tone, but with everyone around being Cultivators, it was the same as if she said them normally.

Despite the story between himself and his father, he still felt slightly anxious. After all, from what his teacher explained a few days ago, Lightning Tribulations were no joke, killing a high number of Cultivators and leaving only a few successfully reaching the next Rank. It was such a scary ‘test’ from the World/Heaven/Universe that most people who reached the Peak of their Rank willingly never went through the Tribulation, stagnating at that Level for the rest of their lives. ‘From Teacher’s description, the Foundation Lightning Tribulation should be relatively easier though... Still...’ He contemplated with a slight frown on his face.

His worries seemed to be obvious to the experienced older man as a reassuring smile swiftly appeared on his face while he suggested. “Why don’t I lend Roman a few Low Tier 2 Defensive Gear? I wouldn’t mind lending him more powerful ones, but unlike you three geniuses, the man wouldn’t be able to use them. Even those weak Low Tier 2 gear will cost him a massive amount of Spiritual Energy to use.” Those words removed a small weight the young man was not even aware he previously carried, prompting him to nod and declare firmly. “Thank you, Teacher. I owe you one for this.” Chuckling at his gratitude, he replied playfully. “It’s nothing. Just a few toys wasting away in my Void Ring.” Despite his dismissive words, Demian still felt grateful. After all, it may be nothing to a powerful Cultivator such as him, but to Roman, it may be the deciding factor between success and failure. Or more specifically, between living and dying.

Shaking his head, the young man was about to retort but was suddenly interrupted by Ling who exclaimed. “Stop being wishy-washy with your Teacher. Do you really think he chose you as a student to get some benefit from you? Don’t be dumb!” She knocked him on his head with enough force to bend metal, but that only ended up making him feel some slight pain. Rubbing his head, he felt speechless at how violent the woman was, a feeling that seemed to be shared by his teacher if the twitch of his lips was any indication. “Is he your student or is he my student, Wife?” His question made her giggle briefly, after which she took his arm in hers and replied with a playful smile. “It’s just that the two of you are so similar that I’m sure you’d waste time going back and forth so I decided it’d be better to cut to the chase. Did I make a mistake, Darling?” That last question was asked while her face sported an (obviously fake) innocent expression.

Narrowing his eyes in her direction, Sergei responded with his own question. “Do you really think that making that adorable face can change my mind about what you’ve just done?” Pausing for a second, his serious expression suddenly melted and turned into a loving expression. “Then you’d be correct.” The two then chuckled together while staring into each other’s eyes, eliciting a few chuckles from the other three looking at their display of affection. ‘I wonder if I act as stupidly adorable when I’m with Sera...’ He contemplated before his train of thought was interrupted by Ling who suddenly turned toward him and asked curiously. “By the way, why do you care so much about Roman? Didn’t he abandon you with sister Liya when you were a baby?”

With a wry smile on his face, he responded. “You’re really not tactful, Aunt Ling.” Shaking his head, Sergei said. “I apologize about my Wife, Demian. She‘s been acting like that since we married.” With a dismissive gesture, she corrected. “I’m not tactless. I just don’t like wasting time with things that can be resolved with a few words.” Staring into Demian’s eyes, she declared seriously. “Remember this lesson well, kid. It’ll help you a lot in your Cultivation Path. For people you care about, the more truthful you are, the simpler and easier your relationship becomes. The caveat is that you need to be able to accept receiving that truth from someone else, as biased as it may be.” Staring into the depths of her eyes, the young man noticed some complicated emotions belying her seemingly carefree attitude, while a sliver of his mind noted the contemplative look on Adeliya’s and Brynhild’s faces. ‘She’s definitely someone with a story.’ he realized before stating out loud. “I understand.” Pausing for a second, he added, feeling confused. “It’s not that I don’t want to answer you, though. It’s just that I don’t understand what I’m feeling. On the one hand, I’m disappointed in the man and don’t want to see his face ever again. But on the other hand, I’ve got that feeling where I... I don’t want him to be hurt...” Shaking his head, he added. “Sorry if I don’t make sense but my mind is just a mess.”

Nodding her head, Ling commented. “It usually happens when family is involved. Especially when they‘ve betrayed you in one way or another...” The sliver of pain in her voice as her words left her lips made him thoughtful. Immediately, Sergei grabbed one of her hands and squeezed it gently while using a loving smile to melt her cold expression which turned her frown into a radiant smile. “I’m okay, Darling.” She whispered gently. To which he nodded and softly grunted. “Mmh.” After a few seconds of silence, Sergei turned back toward Demian and declared. “Back to your father’s Lightning Tribulation. We’ll stay until the end and once he’s done, we’ll depart for our destination. We’ve already stayed too long in this barren place.” Nodding his head, the young man said. “Sure. Do you mind if I talk a bit with Roman before we leave? There’s something I want to ask him but I’d rather wait until after he passes his Tribulation.” With a calm smile on his face, the older man replied. “Of course. Take the time you need. After all, you might not see him for a very long time after we leave this place.”

Cocking his brow at what he implied, Demian just responded with a simple ‘Okay’ before the two experienced cultivators gave the other three-pointers on their respective cultivation, something they were direly missing, despite having the help of Brynhild’s incomplete bloodline memories. Naturally, it was more akin to general knowledge, coupled with some precise advice on what they could have done better during their fight against the Danilov Cultivators. The couple gave them some hints, while the other three had to find their own mistakes and how to resolve them, which was a useful skill for any decent Cultivator. Even Adeliya was included. Although for her it was mostly teaching her how to fight against Chi Gathering Cultivators instead of Foundation Building ones.

“So, if I understood correctly, my Mid-Earth Talent barely brings my combat power to the Above Average Grade, right?” Adeliya asked Ling with some disappointment audible in her voice. The latter then responded with a nod and an explanation. “Exactly. But don’t feel down about it, sister Liya. There’s a reason why the word average is used. The overwhelming majority of Cultivators are average, thus the name. The fact that you can fight above your level, even if it’s just one or two Minor levels above yours is already exceptional. Plus, your foundation is objectively a mess, so once that’s fixed, you’ll probably reach the Genius Grade easily. I’m not sure about the Great Genius Grade though...”

Shaking her head, Adeliya muttered. “So, I’ll still be the weakest...” Feeling her discomfort, Demian grabbed her hand in his and squeezed it gently while wearing a warm smile. “Don’t beat yourself up, Liya. Fighting is just one aspect of Cultivation. I’m sure you’ll find something else that suits you perfectly.” His gentle words seemed to alleviate her frustration slightly, but he could tell she was still not sure of what path she should take. ‘I get it, though. With Brynhild being considered a Genius Grade since she can fight one Major Level above her own and myself being a Great Genius Grade since I can fight two Major Levels above my own even before sorting out our foundation, plus our crazy cultivation speed, she’s definitely feeling the pressure.’ He thought briefly before Sergei suddenly declared. “Demian is right, Miss Adeliya. Although I can’t deny the importance of knowing how to defend yourself, professions are a major thing in the Cultivation World. Speaking of which, Doctors also exist as a profession for Cultivators. It’s a complex one, certainly, but it might suit you considering your previous job.”

A glint of interest appeared in the redhead’s eyes who smiled at the man and said. “Since Ling calls me sister, you should call that as well, Mister Sergei. There’s no need to be too formal with me.” Nodding his head, he then replied with a calm smile. “As long as you call me brother, I’ll drop the formalities.” Noting the relaxed smile on her face, Demian knew that her anxiety had lessened significantly, making him let out a discreet sigh of relief. ‘I really don’t like when the women I love feel down like that.’ He pondered briefly before noticing that the redhead had seemingly forgotten that his hand was still holding hers. ‘Her hand is really soft... Even more than Seraphine’s.’ He exclaimed inwardly with amazement while listening to her asking more questions. “Could you tell me a bit more about the Doctor’s profession?”

Chuckling at her enthusiasm, Ling started to explain. “None of us follow that path, so we can only share our general understanding and nothing too specific, even if my current profession has some ‘topics’ in common with that one.” Nodding her head, Adeliya replied. “It’s fine. Any information is welcome.” The Asian woman grabbed her cup of coffee set on the table and took a few sips before setting it back down on the table and explaining. “You have to understand that the Cultivation World has always been influenced by the Mortal World. Or the opposite, depending on your point of view. Whatever the case, a lot of Mortal Professions can be found in the Cultivation World, usually in a more complex form. As for ‘Cultivation’ Doctors, the main things you need are a deep knowledge of Cultivation, Physiology, Alchemy and Poison.” Pausing for a second, she added. “Among those, there are sub-topics like...”

As the older woman started sharing everything she knew about the Doctor’s profession, Demian’s focus turned completely on her words to the point that he subconsciously started to gently stroke his Aunt’s hand, probably because of how frequently he did the same with Seraphine. Unexpectedly, the redhead did nothing to protest or retrieve her hand. Instead, she just blushed and exclaimed with her voice slightly wavering. “Th-that sounds interesting. I think I’ll give it a go once we reach that ‘mysterious’ place.” An amused smile appeared on both Sergei’s and Ling’s faces, although the blue-eyed young man was not sure if it was from the playful jab in her words or the woman’s desperate attempt to act oblivious to his slightly inappropriate gesture. Since she was not against it though, Demian feigned ignorance and kept his gentle ministrations going once he realized what he was doing.

However, he was not able to enjoy the moment for too long as the sound of light footsteps reached their ears, prompting Adeliya to quickly retrieve her hand from his grasp while her previous ‘poker face’ crumbled, turning into an embarrassed expression instantly. “Mornin’!” The ‘unknown’ person exclaimed sleepily before Demian felt a soft body fall onto his lap. “I’m starving! Isn’t it lunchtime already?” Seraphine’s carefree attitude, even with Sergei and Ling present, made him chuckle softly. He did notice that the beautiful Dark Elf became comfortable with the older couple very quickly during the last week, even if he could tell that she had not completely let down her guard. “It should be, yeah. Let’s just order something to eat, alright?” He asked while swiftly snaking one arm behind her back and one under her knees before lifting her in a princess carry while standing up himself.

The others quickly followed the young couple and each sat in their respective seats with Seraphine sitting on Demian’s left and Adeliya sitting by her side. What amused him was the knowing smile the redhead’s youngest daughter directed at her mother which seemed to amplify the awkwardness the older woman was experiencing. Shaking his head, the young man wisely decided to ignore the two’s shenanigans and instead used his Water Elemental Energy to grab the tablet used for ordering food from the small table. Around 15 minutes later, the dishes arrived and the group of six strikingly different men and women began eating harmoniously, with some of them (Seraphine) occasionally teasing others (Adeliya), making the atmosphere more relaxed before the main event of the day.

‘Once Roman passes his Tribulation, I’ll ask him about what Danilov meant...’ He decided inwardly while enjoying the sumptuous meal in front of his eyes.