Brat Tamer

The Nine Heavens symbolize the element of metal, which is strong and active. The Nine Heavens are the direction from which troops can be deployed and arrayed. She is also the progenitor of military strategy and War Goddess in the mythology of the Nine Provinces.

At this moment, Kevin understood, a slight smile appearing on his lips, as the memories from the history book gradually came to life.

The Records of the Grand Historian, Annals of Yin, states. "Yin Qi, whose mother was Jian Di, You Song Clan and the second wife of Emperor Ku. The three of them were bathing when they saw a black bird drop its egg. Jian Di took it and swallowed it, and thus became pregnant and gave birth to Qi. When Qi grew up, he assisted Yu in controlling the floods and made great contributions. He was enfeoffed in Shang and given the Zi Clan."

After the establishment of the Shang Dynasty, the people worshipped the Black Bird and established the Nine Heavens Schicksal Nine Heavens Xuannü as the main deity. The Black Bird was ordained by Heaven to descend and give birth to the Shang Dynasty, and she was the mother of the Shang Dynasty.

This is probably the role Fu Hua played during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. As for the later Battle of the Investiture of the Gods in which King Wu's campaign against Zhou, it represents the separation between humans and gods.

The stories of "Phoenix cries over Mount Qi" and "Jiang Shang bestowing titles upon gods on behalf of Heaven" are probably just another muddled mess.

The story dates back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. In 551 BC, Vermillion Bird defeated the monster "Qiong Qi" in the Northern Wilderness and saved Xiao Yun, who was exhausted from the battle.

In 549 BC, Xiao Yun ascended Mount Tai Xu. More than a decade later, Xiao Yun left Mount Taixu and never again dressed in red.

She traveled the world with a sword called "Ruo Shui," teaching swordsmanship and Daoist principles to the world. She was one of the founders of Taoism, and the Huang-Lao School of Thought came to light from then on.

Later, Xiao Yun returned to Taixu at the age of 100, died, and was buried by Vermillion Bird under the pine tree on the mountaintop. Even a great man like him could not escape the sculpting of time.

Perhaps, the passing of this old friend ultimately severed the connection between [god] and man, after which Fu Hua secluded herself on Mount Tai Xu for a thousand years without ever appearing.

It wasn't until 1400 AD, due to the frequent occurrence of Honkai disasters, that Fu Hua, as the Immortal Vermillion Bird, traveled throughout the Shenzhou and spread the method of controlling Honkai energy, namely martial arts.

However, fate is fickle Fu Hua still cannot fathom the ways of the world and the hearts of men.

In 1476 AD, a fire broke out on Mount Tai Xu, Fu Hua was murdered by seven of his disciples.

Around 1496 AD, Vermillion Bird was critically injured and dying on Sky Dome Peak, losing most of her power and immortality.

In order to protect Shenzhou, she made a deal with Otto, the Bishop of Schicksal, to become Valkyrie under his command and changed her name to Fu Hua.

Even then, she still remembered her promise to Cang Xuan, vowing to Guardian God Shenzhou, which is why she came up with the name "Fu Hua".

I have kept my promise to you for the rest of my life!

You ultimately kept your promise to her...

For some reason, Kevin's eyes welled up with tears; this epic myth had moved him deeply.

Are you sleepy?

The commander smiled gently and turned his head to inquire.

"Hmm... some..."

Fu Hua's eyes were filled with confusion again, and before that glint of light was covered, she subconsciously nodded slightly.

"Okay, go to sleep, sleep a little longer..."

"This time, I'll be guarding..."

That enigmatic pause calmed Fu Hua, who turned to the side and gently closed her eyes.

Kevin gently smoothed Fu Hua's slightly disheveled long hair, his right hand repeatedly trying to press down and smooth the marks between her brows, but ultimately he did not give up on this impolite gesture.

This time, he not only pieced together Fu Hua's entire story, but also gained another insight.

The words of that [World Serpent] cannot be entirely trusted...

At present, at least one thing is certain: the blood of the Yanhuang people definitely flows in my veins.

Otherwise, it's impossible to explain why he was so interested in Fu Hua's past; that deep-seated resonance was so irresistible.

As for my true identity, it doesn't matter. I'm lucky to have been promoted to your ally...

You've carried the burden for so long; now it's your turn to stand behind me... my dear comrade...

After a night of chatting, Kevin felt relaxed and leaned back on the bench, as steady as a rock, letting Fu Hua sleep soundly with her head on his shoulder.

Around eight or nine o'clock in the morning, voices began to rise. Kevin had no choice but to pick up Fu Hua, who showed no signs of waking up, and carry her slowly and steadily until he placed her on the bed. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

However, as soon as Kevin stepped outside, he bumped into Cecilia was dressed in military uniform.

"The supplies here have been almost completely looted, so our mission is to find a safe route to the B-17 military fortress. Time is of the essence, and I have a favor to ask of you."

"Irene... ran away in a huff after finding out I was leaving again. Could you please help me comfort her..."

Cecilia gazed at the convoy in the distance, ready to depart, her eyes overflowing with guilt and anxiety.

The terrain of Siberia has undergone tremendous changes. Not only are there unpredictable Spatial Storm along the way, but it's also possible for monsters from the SCP Foundation's files to suddenly appear.

Therefore, the exploratory operation is of paramount importance.

Given that it's uncertain whether Otto has escaped the Space Prison, Cecilia leading the team is the safest decision.

Moreover, with three unstable factors in the town —Irene, Fu Hua, and Zhenming— Kevin bears a heavy responsibility in maintaining stability.

The commander, of course, could not refuse and could only watch Cecilia and the others depart.

Then, the commander first offered a ten-minute French kiss to soothe Ouma Mana's resentful emotions, and then skillfully set up defenses.

With everything arranged, it was time to find the "younger sister" who had stormed out in a huff.

Soon, Kevin, who had already become familiar with a certain little girl, arrived at the third place where Irene often frequented—the riverbank where residents fetched water—and saw his sister being surrounded by a group of mischievous children from afar.

"Don't be so stingy, we can just have Cecilia's Mother send another one..."

A tall, muscular boy with curly brown hair, sniffling, snatched the brown bear plush toy from Irene's hands and tossed it behind him.

A few equally old, mischievous boys nearby jumped up and caught the ball, playing a game of passing it around.

Of the orphans Cecilia adopted, a few were willing to stand up, but after being punched a few times by the tall, brown-haired boy, they became docile.

Moreover, Irene's aloof personality and the special treatment she received from Cecilia greatly displeased many other children, so most of them chose to remain indifferent.

"Give it back! That's what Mother gave me! You're not allowed to call it that!"

Irene's face was tense as she stubbornly tried to take back what was rightfully hers, despite being pushed and shoved by the group of naughty boys.

However, this arrogant declaration somewhat angered the brown-haired bad boy, who shoved Irene to the ground, his eyes full of disdain.

"Mother... you call me 'Mother' so affectionately, but you're still a wild child just like us!"

"Cecilia, this belongs to everyone, why Mother you taking it all for yourself!"

"With that perpetually deadpan expression, Cecilia's Mother will throw you away one day and pick another one from among us obedient children to adopt!"

Irene struggled to her feet, stubbornly clutching the brown bear plush toy, trying her best to reclaim what belonged to her.

The brown-haired bad boy sneered and maliciously let go, sending Irene and the brown bear doll crashing heavily into the dirt once again.

Cecilia left without crying; she was bullied by these children time and time again without crying...

This time, however, she cried, heartbroken. The mud-covered teddy bear was like herself, destined to be abandoned sooner or later...

P. S.: Fu Hua's character design is now complete. Some controversial events will be glossed over.

I'm totally shipping this couple, they're so cute!

Chapter 366, Section 383: The Terminator of the Bratty Kids

Just as the brown-haired bad boy was about to make another sarcastic remark, he noticed a silver-haired young man dressed in winter clothes standing in front of him.

Before the brat could even speak, a sharp pain shot through his left cheek. The violent force slapped him to the ground, and with a metallic taste in his mouth, he spat out two baby teeth mixed with blood, his cheek bulging out immediately.

"Do you know you were wrong?"

Kevin smiled and squatted down, casually asking while resting his chin on his hand.

"You! I'm going to tell Cecilia's Mother that you bullied..."

However, before he could finish his blustering words, the brown-haired brat was slapped to the ground again, his mouth full of dirt.

"Do you know you were wrong?"

Kevin continued to ask with a smile, slapping the brown-haired brat again while his gentle gaze swept over the children behind him who were quietly making their way to the edge of the woods.

"If any of you think you don't need to go back to the orphanage, then leave. I promise I won't retaliate against Andrei, Valeri, Yevgeny... those little brats..."

Every clear name called out sent chills down the spines of the children who were initially preparing to run away, making them stand obediently like wooden stakes.

Under this brutal torture, the brown-haired boy, who had originally planned to stand his ground and then seek revenge, had his cheeks bulge out after being slapped more than a dozen times, and couldn't help but burst into tears.

"Do you know you were wrong?"

Kevin's question, which sounded like a spell, made the brown-haired boy nod frantically and give a hurried, vague reply.

"Too slow! Do you know you're wrong?"

However, he was met with another heavy slap.

"I know I was wrong, please let me go..."

The brown-haired boy answered, his voice trembling with tears and snot streaming down his face.

"Too much talking! Do you know you're wrong?" Then, another slap landed.

"I shouldn't have bullied Irene..."

"No! Do you know you're wrong?"

"I shouldn't have thrown the teddy bear..."

"No! Do you know you're wrong?"

"I..."

The brown-haired boy gave more than a dozen different answers, but without exception, he was slapped each time, and the same standard question, "Do you know you were wrong?" was uttered repeatedly.

Later on, Kevin became so used to slapping the boy that he didn't even bother to ask questions. But when the boy didn't give an answer, he simply shook his head and slapped him back.

When the brown-haired boy's cheeks swelled up to the size of steamed buns, and he couldn't even open his eyes, he broke down in tears.

"I... I don't know..."

"What a coincidence, I didn't know either..." Kevin replied casually with a smile.

"You!"

The brown-haired boy felt his blood rush to his head, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.

The children present were all silent with fear. They never expected that this seemingly lazy older brother had a devilish face hidden beneath his mask.

Do we need a reason to beat you up?

"Do we need it? I don't think so..."

Kevin picked at his ear, then innocently spread his hands, his smile both gentle and cruel.

"Come on, those who just started the fight, come out and stand on both sides. I don't need to invite you, do I?"

The remaining accomplices turned pale instantly, trembling as they obeyed, daring not to utter the slightest objection or disobedience.

"That's a good girl. If you like to use your hands, I'll grant your wish..."

"Starting now, slap the other person ten times. Whoever slaps the hardest gets to finish and rests. The rest of you take turns. If you don't slap, it doesn't count..."

Kevin broke off a branch to use as a pointer and smiled as he surveyed the two groups of children.

"How about I personally demonstrate for the last couple to take action?"

No sooner had the devil finished speaking than a fat boy, his eyes flashing with malice, struck first, knocking the skinny man opposite him off balance.

"You son of a bitch! I'll fight you to the death!"

The skinny man rolled over and, with a fierce half-hit, half-scratched motion, left five bloody marks on the fat man's right cheek.

Immediately, their bickering became the spark that ignited the fuse, and the crisp "crackling" sounds continued incessantly.

Half an hour later, all the participants had turned into swollen-cheeked pigs and stood timidly in front of Kevin.

"I don't care what Cecilia's attitude is. Go ahead and complain if you want, just be prepared for retaliation."

Kevin paced back and forth in front of the group of obedient little lambs, and casually pulled along Irene, who looked utterly unwilling.

"This girl is my sister, only I can bully her. If anyone tries to touch her again..."

The commander didn't finish his sentence, but the children, having learned from past mistakes and understanding the severity of the consequences, nodded repeatedly like chickens pecking at rice.

"Get out! Take this guy I personally trained with you... You owe your current enjoyment to him..."

"Oh, and those good kids who didn't participate will each get a piece of cake tonight..."

After the group of children, terrified, dragged the brown-haired boy away, Irene broke free from Kevin's arm and squatted alone by the riverbank, stubbornly washing the mud off the little bear.