Chapter 2: Ch 2 Lost in reading, A hot aunt.
Shen Fei, after gathering his thoughts, dressed in a finely tailored robe, adjusted his cuffs, and stepped out of his room with a composed air. His destination was the family library—a place he had rarely, if ever, visited.
As he walked along the ornate halls toward the library, the servants and members of the Sacred Family he passed greeted him with utmost respect.
"Greetings, young master," a maid said with a polite bow.
"Good afternoon, young patriarch," another family member said, his voice cautious yet reverent.
Shen Fei nodded in acknowledgment, a subtle and measured response. This understated courtesy surprised those he passed. Shen Fei had a reputation for arrogance and disdain, rarely dignifying anyone with even a glance. His sudden change in demeanor left many astonished, their whispers trailing behind him.
"Did he just nod at me?"
"He's never responded before. What's going on?"
Ignoring the murmurs, Shen Fei continued, his strides steady and purposeful, until he reached the grand doors of the library. Towering and intricately carved, the doors bore the crest of the Sacred Family—a testament to the library's importance. Standing guard was an elder of the family, a Black Gold Rank Demon Spiritualist, whose presence alone emphasized the value of the treasures within.
"Young patriarch," the elder greeted, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "How may I assist you today?"
Shen Fei's expression remained calm as he waved a hand dismissively. "No need. I'm just here to browse."
The elder blinked, momentarily taken aback. Shen Fei, in a library? The thought seemed inconceivable. He bowed slightly and stepped aside, though his mind churned with disbelief.
'Is the sun rising from the west today? This lustful good-for-nothing actually came to the library?' the elder mused as he resumed his post.
Inside, Shen Fei paused, momentarily overwhelmed by the grandeur of the library. Shelves upon shelves stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, laden with countless tomes. The scent of aged parchment and leather bindings filled the air, mingling with a faint, almost sacred quiet. Some books bore the wear of centuries, their spines cracked and faded, while others gleamed as though newly penned.
'The Sacred Family's collection is impressive,' Shen Fei thought, his eyes scanning the towering shelves. 'Though by comparison, the Holy Orchid Institute's library is said to be even grander, with more than a thousand shelves. Unfortunately, most of its contents are written in ancient languages, and their knowledge is lost to time. But here... most of these texts are readable in the current tongue. Fascinating.'
His fingers trailed along the books until he selected a few volumes—histories of Glory City, treatises on demon spirits, and manuals on body training. Carrying the books to a quiet corner, he placed them neatly on a table before settling into a chair. He opened the first book and began reading.
Within moments, his innate talent, "God Rewards Hard Work," activated. Notifications appeared in his mind as he absorbed the contents.
[Reading +1]
[Historical Knowledge +1]
[Reading +1]
[Historical Knowledge +1]
Time slipped away unnoticed. His reading speed increased exponentially, his mind processing the information with astonishing clarity. It was as though the very essence of the books' knowledge flowed directly into his consciousness. Details about the history of the Divine Continent, ancient powers, and long-forgotten hierarchies emerged in his mind, far beyond what was written on the pages.
Shen Fei found himself utterly engrossed, the thrill of discovery igniting a passion he had never felt before.
Hours passed. The elder stationed at the library door grew uneasy.
'It's been six hours, and the young patriarch hasn't come out. Could something have happened? If anything goes wrong, the patriarch will hold me responsible.'
With growing apprehension, he entered the library to check on Shen Fei. The sight that greeted him was unexpected. Shen Fei sat amidst a sea of books, some stacked neatly, others scattered haphazardly across the table and floor. His eyes were glued to a book, his hands flipping through the pages at an almost inhuman speed.
"Young patriarch!" the elder called out, his voice laced with both concern and confusion.
Shen Fei blinked, snapping out of his focused state. He turned toward the elder, his expression distant as though still half-immersed in the knowledge he had been consuming. "What is it?" he asked, his tone calm but slightly distracted.
The elder hesitated, his gaze sweeping over the disarray. Internally, he cursed Shen Fei's reputation.
'This wretched brat... Is he pretending? There are no girls here to impress! Everyone knows you for what you are. Do you think flipping pages like that makes you look scholarly?'
Outwardly, however, the elder maintained a respectful tone. "Young patriarch, it's already dinner time. The patriarch might be expecting you."
Shen Fei stared at him for a long moment, his blood-red eyes sharp and penetrating. Then, with a slight nod, he rose from his seat.
"Understood," he said simply, striding toward the door.
As Shen Fei left the library, the elder let out a quiet sigh of relief, shaking his head as he returned to his post. 'What on earth is going on with this kid? First the library, now this... Has he really changed, or is this just another one of his stunts?'
Unbeknownst to him, Shen Fei's lips curled into a faint smile as he walked down the corridor. The thrill of learning and the surge of power it brought had sparked a transformation within him that he knew would soon astonish everyone.
As Shen Fei entered the dining hall, he was met with an imposing scene of elegance and authority. At the head of the long, polished table sat Shen Hong, the patriarch of the Sacred Family, his every movement calm and deliberate as he dined. Beside him sat Shen Xiu, Shen Fei's aunt, whose striking presence made her the center of attention even in silence. Across the table, Shen Yue, Shen Fei's younger brother, barely spared him a glance before focusing on his meal.
Shen Fei walked toward the table with an air of nonchalance, taking the seat next to Shen Xiu. As he settled in, Shen Xiu turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his with a glare so sharp it could have sliced through steel. Her disgust was palpable, but she quickly returned her focus to her food, choosing to ignore him.
The reason for her hostility was no secret. A month ago, the original Shen Fei, drunk and consumed by his lust, had attempted to force himself on her. Her response had been swift and brutal, leaving him bedridden for a week. The humiliation still lingered in the air whenever they crossed paths.
'Damn, she's so hot. Sexy like a fox,' Shen Fei thought, his eyes wandering over her hot figure. His father and brother remained engrossed in their meals, oblivious to his gaze, but Shen Xiu was not so easily fooled. She noticed his glances.
Her fiery red hair framed a face that was both dangerously beautiful and meticulously sculpted, like a masterpiece crafted by divine hands. Her lips, crimson and inviting, contrasted sharply with the icy disdain in her fox-like eyes. Her figure was flawless—curves in all the right places, big breasts, a narrow waist, a finely shaped ass, and an allure that seemed almost otherworldly.
Shen Fei's gaze dipped to her attire. The revealing cut of her clothes exposed the smooth curves of her side breasts and a deep, tantalizing cleavage that seemed to invite attention. But before he could indulge further, Shen Xiu's eyes snapped toward him, her glare burning with unspoken fury. Shen Fei quickly averted his gaze, feigning interest in his meal.
'No wonder the original Shen Fei couldn't resist her. Damn Vixen, flaunting herself like this, then acting all righteous. Just wait, you'll beg for mercy while moaning under me soon enough,' Shen Fei thought, forcing his emotions back under control as he began to eat.
The silence at the table was interrupted by Shen Hong's deep, authoritative voice. "When do your holidays end?" he asked, setting his chopsticks down and looking directly at Shen Fei.
Swallowing his food, Shen Fei replied with measured calm, "Holy Orchid Institute has granted us a two-month holiday. Only one month has passed."
Shen Hong's expression hardened, his tone laced with disappointment. "Two years in the Genius Class, countless elixirs consumed, and yet you remain at the peak of Bronze Rank. Trash. How could someone like me, Shen Hong, produce such a worthless son?"
The harsh words struck like a blade, but Shen Fei kept his face neutral. Before he could respond, Shen Xiu let out a soft, derisive laugh. She set down her utensils gracefully and turned to Shen Fei with a smirk.
"Dear nephew," she began, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "if only you spent as much effort cultivating as you do chasing after innocent girls, you might already be a Gold Rank Demon Spiritualist. Perhaps you'd even surpass me, given your so-called talent. Isn't that right?" Her eyes sparkled with malice, her words calculated to wound.
Shen Fei's mind roiled with anger. 'Damn bitch. Soon, the only thing coming out of that smug mouth will be moans,' he cursed inwardly. Outwardly, he maintained his composure and addressed Shen Hong. "I understand, Father. I will try harder," he said, his tone steady and respectful, despite the burning anger beneath the surface.
Shen Hong shook his head, his disappointment evident as he stood. "I will enter seclusion tomorrow. If you need anything, speak to Head Elder Shen Ming." Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the dining hall, his robes billowing behind him.
Shen Xiu snorted, her disdain clear, and rose gracefully from her seat. "Humph," was all she said before walking away, her movements exuding elegance and confidence.
Shen Fei glanced at Shen Yue, who gave him a mocking smile before returning to his meal. Choosing to ignore him, Shen Fei focused on his food, his thoughts racing.
'Shen Yue is only eleven years old. The novel's plot starts when he and Nie Li are thirteen. That gives me two extra years to grow stronger and... fuck more girls.' A smirk played on Shen Fei's lips as the thought amused him, fueling his resolve.
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Please advise on this chapter. Point out any mistakes you found or any ideas for improvement.
Hope you keep supporting my new work!
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