TALES OF DEMON AND GODS : FAN FICTION

Inside the grand study room of the Nie Mansion, the soft glow of sunlight shone through the glass walls, illuminating countless scrolls, parchment, and ancient texts. The scent of ink and old paper filled the air as Nie Li sat behind his ornate wooden desk, methodically flipping through various documents.

His eyes skimmed over each inscription carefully, adjusting calculations in his mind. The recent spirit energy flow models were nearing completion, and soon, he would finalize the Ten Thousands Beast Array project for the Winged Dragon Family.

It had been two months since he began constructing defensive and energy-amplifying arrays for the major powers in Glory City. His work with the Alchemy Association, Divine Family, Huyan Family, and the City Lord's Mansion had already been completed. The final stage of his grand plan was in motion.

Nie Li soon picked up another parchment, his sharp gaze scanning the list of teacher candidates and elite class student recommendations sent by various noble families.

The construction of Glory Academy was progressing smoothly, with vast resources continuously being poured into it. For the teacher positions, even Glory Rank and Black Gold Rank experts had applied, including several heads of noble families eager to secure a foothold in the academy.

Among the applicants, the Heavenly Marks Family Head had also submitted a request for a teaching position, but Nie Li rejected it outright. He had already granted his family additional student seats, and he had no intention of favoring them further. His vision for Glory Academy was merit-based, and he would not allow nepotism to interfere with its foundation.

Initially, the response toward joining the academy had been lukewarm. Despite the promising powerful array formations that fortified the academy, and safe guard its personnels including their familes, other major organizations, except for the Sacred Family, would also have access to similar protections thanks to Nie Li's efforts.

However, everything changed when news of lost-in-time elixirs spread across Glory City. The revelation sent shockwaves through the elite circles.

Samples of these ancient elixirs had been made available at the Alchemy Association, and those who had the opportunity to test them were left in utter disbelief. Their effects far surpassed anything seen in the current era. Upon realizing their worth, massive orders flooded in from all major families and organizations, but to their frustration, the elixirs were not for open sale.

According to Yang Xin, Alchemy Association Director and the head of the Alchemy Department at Glory Academy, these elixirs were incredibly difficult to produce requiring careful handling by experience alchemist.

The limited production lead to its availability strictly limited to students, teachers, and employees of the academy. Even among them, purchases could only be made using merit points, ensuring that only the most dedicated and deserving individuals could access them. If someone wished to purchase elixirs for resale, they would be required to pay five times the standard merit points. Additionally, special cultivation chambers within the academy required these exclusive elixirs, and anyone wishing to take them outside the academy needed to pay the same fivefold price.

As a result, the situation had completely reversed—instead of struggling to recruit personnel, Glory Academy was now overwhelmed with applicants. The demand had grown so exponentially that many powerful individuals were now competing for a chance to become part of the institution, solidifying Nie Li's academy as the undisputed center of learning and cultivation in Glory City.

'There is still a few months before first batch is enrolled, I'll think about which teachers to choose later.' Nie Li thought and just as he was about to reach for another scroll, the study door burst open with a loud BAM!

"Nie Li, you won't believe it!"

A loud, excited voice filled the room as Lu Piao stormed inside, his face full of energy. Du Ze, ever the calm and composed one, followed behind him with a resigned sigh, closing the door behind them.

Nie Li didn't even look up from his work. Only these two, Nie Yu and his parents are allowed to make chaos in this mansion, even his usually loyal and strict servant would ignore their antics.

He had long gotten used to the chaotic energy of these two.

"Lu Piao, you're too loud," Du Ze muttered, shaking his head. "This is a study room, not a training field."

Lu Piao, ignoring him completely, grinned and declared, "I just sparred with a One-Star Silver Rank, and guess what? I defeated him in five moves!"

Du Ze scoffed. "That's because he was a just a beginner while you are a shameless Two-Star Silver Rank. Nie Yu would have beaten him in three moves. "

Lu Piao's face froze. "What if he's weaker than me, he used his demon spirit while I haven't even merged with any demon spirit because of Nie Li not allowing us. And don't talk about Nie Yu."

Du Ze sighed, arms crossed. "Nie Yu is now a Five-Star Bronze Rank and can easily defeat opponent stronger than her. At this rate, she'll surpass you soon."

Lu Piao looked genuinely horrified. "That little girl is a monster…"

Nie Li finally looked up, a small smirk playing on his lips,"Du Ze, Lu Piao, you're finally here. Where is Nie Yu?" he asked, placing the scroll he was holding onto the table.

"She went with your parents to the orphanage," Du Ze replied. "She's really happy these days. Apparently, she loves having more playmates."

Nie Li nodded, his expression softening slightly.

"That's good. Kids should enjoy their childhood… Unlike you guys."

His voice trailed off slightly, filled with unspoken emotions. Nie Li's rise in Glory City had been nothing short of legendary over the past two months.

His efforts had not only strengthened the city's defenses, but his actions outside of battle against Abyss Demon had also made a lasting impact.

The orphanage he founded was now thriving, becoming a safe haven for abandoned children. His parents and Nie Yu frequently visited, bringing food, sweets, and toys. It was one of the happiest places in Glory City.

His prestige had skyrocketed, making him respected by both nobles and commoners. Even the elders of major families now viewed him as one of the cornerstones of Glory City's future.

His compassion and generosity toward orphans and commoners had won over the hearts of many, solidifying his status as one of the most beloved figures in the city.

Yet, he himself had no time for such peace.

Lu Piao groaned, stretching his arms. "You know, we are of marriageable age, yet here we are, working all the time. My father keeps nagging me to find a wife, but I don't want to get married yet!"

Nie Li chuckled thinking,'That's true. In the cultivation world, thirteen is already considered adulthood.'

Du Ze smirked. "Maybe you should marry a strong cultivator, Lu Piao. You'll need a powerful wife to protect you at this rate."

Lu Piao glared at him. "Shut up, Du Ze. I am a genius you know, who else in Glory City is a Two-Star Silver Rank Demon Spiritualist at my age?"

"With how many resources Nie Li has invested in us, even a pig would be a silver rank by now. From what I know, Xiao Nin'ger is currently a Two-Star Silver Rank as well, and she doesn't have the resources we have. You cannot let this great favour be wasted." Du Ze said crossing his arms, both he and Lu Piao enjoy many benefits, a better meditation techniques, better training environment, advanced superior elixir and Spirit Gathering Array.

Du Ze always wants to train and forces Lu Piao to also train because he wants to become useful to Nie Li as soon as possible. Its because of his relentless hardwork that he is currently Glory City strongest genius surpassing Xiao Nin'ger, at Three-Star Silver Rank.

"Shut up man, do you ever think about anything else? There is nothing wrong with having some fun once in a while." Lu Piao said frustrated.

Nie Li, shaking his head in amusement, stood up, brushing off the dust from his robe.

"Alright, enough. We're heading to the Heavenly Sacred Border now."

Lu Piao blinked in happiness. "Huh? Finally?"

Nie Li nodded. "Xiao Ning'er will be waiting for us there. She will guide us inside, and after we're done, I'll visit her family to construct their array."

Du Ze raised an eyebrow. "You've been working non-stop these past few months. Finally, after this, you'll be free to focus on your own cultivation."

Lu Piao grinned. "Yeah! Otherwise, I might surpass you soon, Nie Li!"

Nie Li and Du Ze glanced at him sideways, amused.

"You? Surpass Nie Li? You wouldn't last a single round against him." Said Du Ze as he smirked. Although he doesn't even know Nie Li's true cultivation, but he's well aware that Nie Li is far stronger than them.

Lu Piao pouted. "One day, I'll prove you wrong!"

Nie Li patted his shoulder, laughing. "Don't worry about me. I'm close to breaking through. Who knows? I might even reach the next level today."

"Lets go."

As they exited the study room and walked through the Nie Mansion corridors, Du Ze walked near Nie Li and spoke in a serious tone.

"Nie Li," he said quietly, "you've been going out a lot lately. You need to be careful."

Nie Li smiled at his friend's concern,"You don't need to worry," he reassured him. "The Alchemy Association has provided me with two Black Gold Rank bodyguards."

Du Ze nodded, but Nie Li continued,"Not to mention, experts from multiple families—Divine Family, Huyan Family, and even the City Lord Mansion—are all ensuring my safety."

Lu Piao whistled. "Damn. You might just be the safest person in all of Glory City."

Nie Li laughed. "Exactly. Even without those bodyguards, very few people can make a move against me."

As Nie Li and his group made their way outside, two shadows followed them. Nie Li sensed them quickly but kept going, they were the two experts from Alchemy association.

Despite the influence and admiration he had gained, Nie Li's approach had been pragmatic and distant.

He would arrive, set up inscription pillars, complete the array, and leave never staying outside for long. He had no interest in political games or forming alliances.

His scholarly, mysterious, and eccentric reputation only continued to grow. People admired him, but they also found him difficult to understand.

And that was exactly how Nie Li wanted it. He wasn't here to play social games. He was here to reshape Glory City's fate.

Soon the three of them stepped outside the gates of Holy Orchid Academy, the golden sunlight bathed Glory City in a warm glow.