The Urban Dao Child

Yang Dao and Athena spend their night sitting on the roof, casually talking and gazing at the stars. The range of their topics covered, from trivia to cultivation, from food to politics. The person, who was monitoring them in secret, Steward Jill and Attendant Hailey (Servant of Olympus House) were both amused and surprised. 

Well, they did not expect the children to be so developed, mentally. Okay, it was just Yang Dao, who surprised them. He would patiently explain the aspects of cultivation to Athena, and then like a child, tease the latter as well. His views were practical with a modest tinge of idealism. 

Hailey said to Jill using telepathic communication, "Young Master Yang sure is a genius. I would never have dreamt that such a person would exist. His age and his wisdom do not match at all." 

Jill replied, "My interaction with Young Master has been brief, however, from the tales I have heard from Madam Yue Yun, Young Master has been outstanding since the time he was a few months old." 

Hailey nodded in understanding, as the two continued to monitor the youths. The curtain of night was shredded by a leak in the horizon as the sun came up. Yang Dao and Athena returned to their rooms and after they freshened up, the two people then went to the training field. Yang Dao would never miss his practice session in the morning, this was his discipline. 

His arrival at the field attracted a lot of attention. The skills he showcased a day before were playing in the minds of the young people like a movie loop. They all wished to be like him, heroic and unfretted. Soon, the word about his arrival was spread throughout the planet and even the youngsters who missed the show at the arena yesterday came to see this 'Jade Sword Demon'. 

Yang Dao greeted a few of those who came to talk to him and after exchanging pleasantries they all went away, but not without paying attention to the Dao Child. Yang Dao was not shy either, he just ignored the people and waited for Athena and Yue Jing to come over.

The two ladies arrived soon. Yue Jing attracted a lot of awe and silly smiles as she walked over in her emerald hanfu. Yang Dao said, "Beauty Jing, the people seem to have taken a liking to you. Shall we find a good match for you?" 

Yue Jing pinched his ear and said, "Brat, teasing your big sister as soon as you get a fiancee. Humph, I have no intention of getting married so soon." 

Yang Dao winced and said, "You know I have a reputation to maintain here? Can you spare me? I will not tease you before we go back to the sect." 

Yue Jing sighed and left him alone. Athena said, "Dao, how about we spar? I have never exchanged blows against you." S

She was genuinely curious about Yang Dao's skills. The boy did not mind and nodded in agreement. The couple walked a few steps away from Yue Jing and they took out their swords. Yang Dao still held fire feather in his hand and stood straight. However, Athena was surprised, she mumbled, "Such a basic stance, yet I cannot find an opening." 

She had also noticed that Yang Dao's temperament has undergone such a drastic change that she almost wailed. His eyes had become sharp and cold. Just when she was in a dilemma, the boy said, "Do not let this aura affect you. Calm down. If my gaze intimidates you, then look at my forehead. Calm down first and then follow your instincts." 

He guided the girl patiently and when the others saw the two sparing they were gradually attracted. Yang Dao was guiding Athena through his swordplay and the growth was visible to the people with every single store and slash. They could not believe how was this young kid pulling Athena along his pace and sharpening her skills. 

Aries, who did not know when appeared behind Yue Jing and asked, "What is going on?" 

Yue Jing did not turn around and said, "Dao is guiding her, he is allowing her to attack him by exposing loopholes and while he counters her, he attacks the weakest point in her stance and attack."

Aries nodded and said, "This method is very effective in training and lectures, but how did this kid master it?" 

Yue Jing said, "He learned from Granny Yue Yun. She taught him with this technique." 

Aries nodded and gradually became lost in watching the two people in front of him dancing with a sword in hand. The clashing of blades gave off a light ting sound. The scene in front really looked like a dance. 

A dance of swords. Athena was like a doll led by Yang Dao, and the boy was very careful in his attacks. Never did he use too much strength to push her away harshly. His push was more like a lure for Athena to reach him even faster. They moved gracefully. An hour passed before Athena stopped attacking and said, "I concede." 

Yang Dao nodded and then other people came up to ask him for advice, the boy was not scared or tired, and patiently advised them all. He established a good rapport with the people of the Olympus Family. The elders were quite supportive of him now. The immortal cultivators all cared for talented people only when they were to side with them. 

Yang Dao had become such a talent for them. He was now the prospective son-in-law of their family. They would not hesitate in supporting him. Well, only if they knew Yang Dao was not keen on helping them fight their wars, if they had one, that is. 

...

After a day passed, Elder Jing said to Troy Olympus, while they were having dinner, "Master Olympus, we would like to leave your abode tomorrow." 

The man was surprised and asked, "Why so soon? The children can spend a few more days, can they not?"

Elder Jing shook her head and said, "The Pentagonal Sect Tournament is five months away, and we need to train Dao. This child will be our trump card this time. Time is of the essence. This time the tournament is special." 

Troy Olympus sensed something and raised his head in astonishment, and said, "This time, the winner will get to compete with the demon cultivation sect, Red Moon?" 

Elder Jing nodded and said, "This competition holds a significant value and you know that." 

Troy nodded and said, "Very well, you all shall leave tomorrow."