"How dare a trash like you become the second disciple of the sect master?!"

"Yeah, I'm sure that senior brother Liu lost a lot of face because of you!"

"Get out you trash!"

Once again Nan XiSheng was being bullied by he sect disciples who use Zero's name as an excuse for beating him.

That somewhat helped him accumulate more hatred from the protagonist.

'005, How much progress have I made so far?'

[Ehh, lemme check. Ooohhh~ good job, host has already achieved 35% completion in the mission!]

'Wow, time sure flies by. I thought that 11 years would be a very long time, but unexpectedly I found it very short'

[... Host is probably the only one who would find it like that]

'Okay, so what's the next major event?'

[Host has already been bullying the protagonist for a year, and although he didn't accumulate as much resentment as I originally thought, it's good enough. The next event is the most crucial one for the whole entire plot. It's the scene where you push Nan XiSheng down a valley and he awakens his bloodline.]

'Ahh.. so the day has finally arrived, huh? When is it happening?'

[Tomorrow ^-^]

'...'

[^-^]

'DON'T TOMORROW ME! I HAVEN'T FORGIVEN YOU FOR REMINDING ME 3 FRICKING MINUTES BEFORE TRAGEDY STRUCK LAST TIME IN THE PHOENIX TERRITORY, BUT ARE YOU SERIOUSLY GIVING ME A ONE DAY HEADS UP BEFORE THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF THE ENTIRE PLOT?!'

[H-host~ don't be mad. I mean, at least you have a whole entire day to prepare, right?]

'There's something called mentally prepared. One day isn't enough! Plus, I've grown pretty fond of that little bun throughout the past year... this is hard on me too!'

[... What? Host has a good impression of the protagonist?]

'I mean, he's just so adorable! Kinda like the kids at the orphanage...'

[Host, you must complete your mission, or else you will be obliterated. I won't restrict you from having fun, but you must always remember what your original objective is]

'... Haaaahh... I know'

[Host, isn't it enough that you always leave food outside the door of Nan XiSheng's shack when he doesn't have enough? You also indirectly prevent him from being bullied as much. If you keep going, then the plot will fall apart.]

'He just... reminds me of how I was back then. But I had second sister. He doesn't have anyone'

[Host! Remember, he is the protagonist! He will have tons of golden fingers and build a harem later on! And he will be the one who slaughters you in the future. Wake up from your fancy delusions!]

'Alright, I get it. Tomorrow, right? I... just want to do a few more things before I commit an unforgivable sin'

[What thing?]

'You'll see'

"Hey, you guys should stop beating him. The poor kid's already half dead." I said in a leisurely tone

"Yes, senior brother!"

"Anything you say!"

"Hmph! Brat, you should thank our senior brother for being merciful and letting you off."

The disheveled youth stood up and looked at me with resentment in his eyes while he spat out, "I don't need your pity"

"It's not pity, I just don't want us geniuses to waste any more precious time one you. Go back, now."

'Tsk, again? Seriously, I don't get him. He always prevents me from getting beaten, but he still spouts out these venomous words. He's never consistent with his actions and always does the opposite of everything he says. I really don't get Senior Brother Liu...' thought Nan XiSheng inwardly, but when he recalled the scene of this senior brother bringing him medicinal herbs and food everyday, his heart couldn't help but waver. 

Yes, Nan XiSheng wasn't stupid. He could tell the idiot named Zero who took no precautions or even tried to hide his aura when delivering food was the one who helped him all the time. 

Why? That was the question plaguing him for the past year. When he first noticed this odd senior brother bringing him things, he thought everything was poisoned, but after a while, he realized that this senior brother of his truly wanted to help him.

But the only problem was that Zero never admitted to anything and always acted arrogant and haughty, which left Nan XiSheng confused.

To trust, or not to trust?

Since he felt as if he was wasting all his brain cells from thinking about this matter, Nan XiSheng decided to think about later. 

As he looked at the back of the retreating figure who was supposedly his Senior Brother Liu, and odd expression crept up his face.

"Hmm? Xiao Xi? What are you doing here?" A melodic voice came ringing from behind Nan XiSheng

He turned around and saw the familiar senior sister that always took good care of him.

And of course, this senior sister just had to be Shi LanHua, Zero's second sister. 

I mean, she couldn't help it! Nan XiSheng was such an adorable little bun that even Zero admitted it! Plus, this little bun reminded her of when Zero was younger, so she instantly took a liking to him.

As expected, Nan XiSheng's expression softened when he saw the only person in the sect that treated him nicely publicly. 

"Senior Sister Shi, I was just playing with Senior Brother Liu earlier!"

Just from mentioning Zero, Shi LanHua's expression visibly softened.

It wasn't the first time this happened, which led to Nan XiSheng wondering if the rumors of them dating were actually true. Why else would Shi LanHua look as if she were thinking about her most important treasure whenever Zero was mentioned?

"It's nice to see you two getting along, after all, your senior brother is a very nice person."

"Hmm? Does Senior Sister Shi know Senior Brother Liu?"

"Yeah, of course I do, why wouldn't I?" (implying that they were siblings so of course they knew each other)

"Oh, I see. Yeah, it'd be really strange if senior sister didn't know him, huh?" (implying that they were dating so it's only natural to know each other)

"You two seem to have a nice relationship as well, hehe"

"Well... I guess..? Does senior sister like senior brother?"

"Why, of course I do!"

"Oh... just, don't get deceived by him. If senior brother ever betrays you, come look for me and I'll get revenge for you!"

"Ayyy, Xiao Xi, your senior brother will never hurt me. Don't listen to those rumors. My Junior Brother Liu has the biggest heart anyone can find."

'Biggest heart.. huh? Despicable..' Nan XiSheng wondered "Okay, I'm sure we will be very good friends in the future!"

"Alright, it's already getting late, you should go back and go to sleep! I'll be on my way, bye Xiao Xi!"

"Bye Bye Senior Sister Shi!"

Just like that, the conversation between Shi LanHua and Nan XiSheng ended. When the protagonist got home, he saw a basket and some medicine laying by his doorstep as usual, but the fragrance coming out of the basket seemed to be.. different from usual?

When he uncovered the lid, there was a big red lobster inside along with some rice. It looked super mouthwatering, especially with the creamy juice dripping from the sides of the lobster.

'Why is it different from usual? Why... do I have a bad feeling that something big is about to happen?' thought Nan XiSheng

He subconsciously looked towards the place that Zero was hiding and a sigh escaped from his lips.

'I hope... I can trust him... I want to, but I really can't resent senior brother...'

- - -

'005, he's looking this way. Don't tell me he's already found out my hiding spot!'

005 looked at the.. muddy pit its host was lying in and facepalmed. Even worse, he didn't even cover up his aura!

"Senior Brother Liu? What are you doing here?" Nan XiSheng pretended to be surprised as he said those lines

"W-what a coincidence! I just happened to be... on a walk because I... lost my cat..? No wait.. what's it got to do with you!?"

[...]

"..."

Both the system and Nan XiSheng thought at the same time 'How sad.. my host/senior brother can't even make up a decent lie without stuttering. Your face literally displays "I am lying, don't believe me" and everyone in the damn sect knows that you hate pets the most...'

Nan XiSheng couldn't help but think this naive version of his senior brother was really cute.

"Oh, I'm sorry, but I haven't seen your cat. Would you like me to help you fin---"

*Rooaaarrr*

Both of them whipped their heads towards the source of the shout and saw a winged tiger standing there, both of its red eyes glowing with obsession, which Nan XiSheng thought was "killing intent".

"What the hell?! What's a spirit division leveled winged tiger doing here?"

The protagonist's heart clenched as the terrifying beast came towards their direction

'That's it, we're both dead..' was the last thought Nan XiSheng had before a charming male voice came from beside him.

"Bao Zi! There you were! I was looking everywhere for you!"

"Meow~"

As the protagonist watched the "heartwarming reunion" of these two idiots, he had a really strange expression on his face as he thought 'What the hell, he actually lost his cat? And who the hell names their pet Meat Bun (Bao Zi)?!?!'

"Well, I've got to go little bu--- I mean you trash!"

"..." Just say it. You were totally going to say little bun, weren't you!? 

Nan XiSheng felt as if the cold, aloof and arrogant image he had of his senior brother was slowly collapsing and being replaced with this imbecile. 

'I just want to live in peace and become strong enough so I can take revenge on those who hurt me and repay the people who helped me, but why has everything took a 180 degrees turn from my initial plan?'

- - - - - - - - - -

[Host, was that all you wanted to do?]

'Yeah, I was hoping to cheer up the mood a little for my little bun before I have to go and do... that'

[... Alright. Your choice, I just hope you don't regret it, okay?]

'Don't worry, I won't'

[Go to sleep. We have a long day ahead of us, so make sure to mentally prepare yourself for this.]

'Mhm, thanks 005. G'night'

[Good Night. Sweet Dreams]

Little did Zero know, the future him would want to go back in time and give himself a big slap on both cheeks while yelling, "Are you freaking brain dead?! Don't do such useless stuff when you don't need to! Look what you've done! This big wolf in sheep's clothing is sticking to you like glue QAQ"

- - - - - - - - - -

*Chirp Chirp*

Zero slowly opened up his eyes and yawned. He got out of bed and put on his usual white and blue robe, indicating he's a personal succeeding disciple.

He arrived in front of a mirror and examined himself. After taking a deep breath Zero consoled himself by saying, "Don't worry, you can do this. Nan XiSheng has a protagonist's halo after all, so he's not going to die."

Yup, you guessed right. Today's the day where Zero is going to go and commit "attempted murder" on Nan XiSheng.

Taking one last look at the somewhat grand, yet lonely room, Zero turned around and walked towards the place that'll lead to his doom.

Since he was flying on his sword, it only took him around 5 minutes to get to the meeting area and he waited another hour for everyone to arrive.

Led by "Senior Brother Liu", a batch of inner disciples are dispatched to go and hunt in the forbidden forest.

It may be called the forbidden forest, but different areas have different difficulty levels. For example, the area near the former phoenix territory was filled with top grade spiritual beasts that could even kill a legendary beast. However, the part of the forest that is near the Celestial Sect is relatively safe and free from harm. At the most, there is a very minimal amount of Nascent Soul stage spirit beasts. Very minimal as in no more than 3-4.

So as long as this group doesn't encounter any of those, they're all perfectly fine. Of course, the sect isn't stupid enough to forget about preparing backup plans and precautions to ensure the safety of those who are to roam into the wild. 

Everyone who goes carries a teleportation talisman that'll instantly teleport you back to the sect if anything happens and they also gave everyone a protective talisman that carries a one time usage for protecting any attack that is from Nascent Soul or under.

Since everyone arrived, Zero went over the rules with everyone and repeatedly told them to not wander around and remain by his side.

Perhaps it was due to the infamous reputation that Zero has in the sect, but everyone kept on nodding their heads up and down non-stop showing that they 100% won't disobey his orders.

"Very well. Since you all know how to behave during this expedition, let us begin our journey. The purpose of this training session is exactly as its name states. You are to train yourselves by engaging in combat with different spiritual beasts and gain battle experience, or else all of you are going to be frozen like cowards when we arrive in an actual battlefield. It's not enough just to have a high realm, you have to be able to project and make the best use of your power in an actual fight, or someone of a lower real who has more experience than you could easily kill you."

"Yes Senior Brother Liu, we understand!

"According to my radar tool, the nearest beast is... 100 meters to our right and it's a Foundation Building realm beast. As almost all of you are at the Foundation Building realm..." Zero paused and sneered while looking towards Nan XiSheng. Many people understood his actions and followed along by chuckling or whispering to each other. Underneath his sleeves, Nan Xisheng clutched his hands and lowered his head, blocking the expression on his face from the others. Satisfied with the response, Zero continued to speak, "Do your best to combine your efforts and take down that beast, understood? Teamwork is also a very crucial aspect when fighting. If you're all over the place, you're bound to lose, even if your opponent is weaker than you. It's like putting a dumbass pro wrestler in front of a strategic advanced wrestler."

"Senior brother.. what's a pro wrestler?"

"... A-Anyways, the beast is right in front of you, so focus on that. This beast is called the Hundred Snake-Scorpion, its movements are as agile and fast as a snake and the tail is like that of a deadly scorpion. You MUST remember to dodge the tail, no matter what. Even if it touches you a little, weaklings like you will be dead in a matter of seconds. Let me warn you, do not underestimate the speed of these creatures. They'll stalk you like a prey and at the exact moment you leave an opening, it'll strike at lightning speed and deliver the final blow. So unless any of you are looking to die today, don't do something stupid. Although I may not be able to save you if you mess up really bad, I can just say that I'll try my best. NEVER hesitate to use your talismans. They're there for you to use, so don't even think about hoarding or collecting them for further usage next time."

"This junior understands!" They all said at the same time

"Then what are you guys standing here for? I'm not the enemy, he is! Go, it's already approaching us! Now that I had a closer view on it, this beast seems to be at the peak of Foundation Building, so it's very dangerous!"

The inner disciples quickly turned around and faced the 10m tall Hundred Snake-Scorpion in front of us.

They got into the practiced formation and started to unleash continuous attacks onto the beast. It wailed in pain as it entered and enraged stage and started to go on a rampage. There was someone who accidentally go too close to the beast and was annihilated on the spot without even being able to let out a cry.

Now, you may ask why this beast isn't heavily attracted to Zero like all the other ones? Well, he hadn't been doing nothing for the past few years when waiting for Nan XiSheng's arrival. Zero found a way to control the "scent" he was constantly emitting, though he can only block out the "scent" for 7-10 beasts at the very most. 

"Quick, we're already down one! Use your long ranged attacks and don't get too close to it, unless you're fully confident that you can take an attack head on!", Zero yelled

Struck by a sudden realization, all of the cultivators backed away as far as possible and started to use their element(s) and hurl attacks on it. 

'Take an attack head on?! Are you kidding me? We're not body cultivators and even if we were, that thing could cut down all the surrounding trees with one swoop of its tail! We'd die!' they though

Those who had defense type spiritual roots like the metal attribute created shields to protect those who were attacking.

The Snake-Scorpion swung its heavy tailed everywhere and it toppled over all of the nearby trees. Just as they were in despair and thinking that they were about to die, Zero ran to the front with his sword. As is a deity was descending, he slashed down on the monster's humongous tail and with one fell swoop, he cut it off.

Narrowly avoiding death, the rest of the cultivators took this chance to finish off the half-dead beast. 

At long last, they managed to defeat the Hundred Snake-Scorpion after an hour. The disciples all cheered for their victory and Zero stored the big body of the 10 meter tall beast into the storage pouch given to him by the sect leader.

The eyes of these disciples were now filled with reverence and respect as they gazed upon their cold and aloof senior brother. Who cares if the other part is an arrogant b**ch in the face of death? As long as they're powerful, that's all that matters.

Many were enlightened in this battle, including the protagonist, Nan XiSheng, so they sat down to absorb all the knowledge they gained from the hard-fought battle.

Those who weren't were asked to guard the entrance to the cave, just in case.

The cave that they found was relatively large and the group of cultivators were able to set up a few tents inside. Since the tents were reinforced by the sect leader himself, no one needed to worry about their safety in the middle of the night. They also had a spacial array drawn on it, so 6 disciples were able to fit in with quite a bit of room to spare.

Since 2 died in the battle, the original 34 people were cut down to 32 and they had 6 tents so they got into groups of 6 with only Zero and Nan XiSheng remaining. No one wanted to sleep in the same tent as the rumored trash of the sect and everyone wanted their benefactor, Zero, to sleep in the largest space without having excess disturbances.

So, that's how our ML and MC ended up in the same tent.