North of Glory City
The land of Glory City is rather wide. Aside from the two most prosperous cities within, there is six more subsidiary cities. From the Holy Orchid Institute to Nie Li’s house, even with carriage, he would not arrive until two days later.
Nie Li belongs to a clan called the Heavenly Marks Family. The family resides in a valley with a vast land, however, the resources here are very poor. Therefore, the family relies on farming and harvesting mountain herbs for a living. Fortunately, the distance here to the military and the defensive wall is quite close, therefore, it’s still rather safe. Generally, there wouldn’t be any attacks from demon beasts. Although the Heavenly Marks is an Aristocratic family, only the House Master of the Heavenly Marks Family has the title of Count. This means that if the House Master were to pass away, and none of the younger generations have been able to obtain any title, the Heavenly Marks Family wouldn’t be as it is anymore.
As one of the most declined Aristocratic families, the Heavenly Marks Family’s castle is very worn and old. The outer wall has been extremely damaged, however, the family does not have any money to repair it.
Just outside the castle, one can see a large patch of farming field with people planting and farming various crops. When they saw Nie Li walking from far away, the clansmen took the initiative to say hello.
“Nie Li, you’re back?”
The clansmen that are responsible for farming don’t have any high position within the clan, and Nie Li’s father is one of them.
Although the Heavenly Marks Family is declining, the population of the family is still high. This area alone has thousands of households, which also means that the population is roughly five-six thousand members.
Within the Heavenly Marks Family, there are a total of twenty-six kids attending the Holy Orchid Institute, with Nie Li being one of them. However, Nie Li’s character was rather reclusive, therefore, it was less likely he would have contact with other kids. The other kids are all in the Intermediate class and Senior class, therefore their vacation is released later. It would probably be one or two more days before they are home.
“Big Brother Nie Li, you’re back!”
A barefooted small girl cheerfully ran towards Nie Li. Her hair is tied in pigtails, with cheeks as red as apples, looking extremely cute.
Her name is Nie Yu, his uncle’s daughter.
Nie Li’s father, Nie Ming, has only one brother. Their status within the Heavenly Marks Family is very low. They would usually rely on farming to feed themselves. Fortunately, only one third of the harvest is required to be submitted to the family, the rest can be kept for themselves. Since the school fees are now going to be paid by Nie Li, they could live a little more comfortably.
With a family of five-six thousand people, a total of sixty members are Bronze rank Fighters, six are Silver rank Fighters, two are Silver rank Demon Spiritualists and one Gold rank Demon Spiritualist. This is the strength of Heavenly Marks Family.
The strongest in the Heavenly Marks Family is the Patriarch (House Master), Nie Hai. He’s a 1-star Gold rank Demon Spiritualist, his position within the family is the highest. Thereafter, two 1-star Gold rank Fighters and one 3-star Gold rank Fighter.
(TLN: The raw is switching between Patriarch and House Master/Family Master to refer as Nie Hai, but from now I’ll use Patriarch to refer him.)
Usually, the Patriarch is hardly seen. He would normally appear at ceremonies only.
Nie Li rubbed Nie Yu’s head, he is still able to dote Nie Yu, and smilingly said, “Is Xiao Yu obedient at home?”
“En, Xiao Yu has been very obedient!” said Nie Yu, nodding her head,