Chapter 39: Disciplining the Child

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana was slightly taken aback, then subtly turned her head, twirling a strand of hair with her fingers while casually humming:

"Since you've said that... then tell me now what exactly you've seen of my future."

As she said this, Qiyana's eyes also revealed great interest.

After all, who wouldn't want to know what they'll be like in the future?

Upon hearing Qiyana's question, Tarin pointed around and said:

"I have no problem saying what I want to say, but can you accept Nidalee and Neeko hearing it too?"

Upon hearing this, Qiyana glanced at Nidalee, who looked completely indifferent, and Neeko, who was standing to the side with a curious expression, before pursing her lips and saying:

"Nedley is your subordinate, and Neeko has also sensed a part of my Shuma... Let's just say it directly, since it's all in the future anyway."

And didn't you say that when it's seen again in the future, it will have already changed?

Qiyana remembered what Tarin had said.

After all, Tarin is arguably the person Qiyana has encountered so far who she cares about the most.

And more importantly, Qiyana could sense that Tarin always seemed somewhat worried and wary when he spoke to her…

If that were all, it wouldn't be so bad. After all, there are plenty of people in Ixora who don't like Qiyana, and Qiyana is used to it by now.

But ironically... Tarin wasn't worried or wary about her identity or abilities; in fact, he gave Qiyana a sense of recognition, acceptance, and love that she hadn't even received from her parents.

Now it seems that the reason stems from what Tallinn saw about his own future.

In the future that Tallinn saw... it was clear that he was not someone who could be easily approached?

Qiyana remained curious.

Upon hearing Qiyana's words, Tarin nodded in agreement.

He then briefly recounted how Qiyana broke her older sister's leg but still couldn't gain her approval, how she deliberately exposed the border village to the Piltover settlers in order to achieve her own goals, how she secretly led a group to massacre Piltover miners in order to escalate the conflict, and how she secretly prepared to overthrow the millennia-old traditions of Ixtal.

Although Tallinn tried to keep his explanation brief and concise.

However, after hearing Tarin's words, Nidalee couldn't help but raise her eyebrows, seemingly surprised that Qiyana would do so many filthy things in the future.

Neeko's mouth dropped open in astonishment. She then cautiously shrank behind Tarin, nervously watching Qiyana, as if afraid that she would be captured by Qiyana at any moment and kept in a cage like a pet.

After hearing Tarin's story, Qiyana fell silent for a moment, then leaned back in her chair somewhat sullenly and said:

"If the future is really as you say... or if the future you see is really like this, it's no wonder you're so nervous."

"The future will have already been changed by the time it is seen again." Tallinn shook his head and said, "It is wrong of me to have prejudices against you now because of the futures I have seen."

"Hmph, you know that's good. I forgive you." Qiyana raised her chin, then looked at Tarin with interest in her eyes and asked:

"So, if I hadn't passed your tests, what were you going to do? Kill me? Or run away?"

"That's not necessarily true," Tallinn said, shaking his head.

"If that's the case, I'll make sure Nico leaves. You can't find her with your abilities. Once I've dealt with Isuokon's matter, I'll take Nico away and never come back here."

Even if Qiyana couldn't control her greed and wanted to maliciously use Neeko, Tarin wouldn't say anything and would just kill Qiyana...

Nico's abilities do indeed easily evoke many associations, and using tests of human nature to conduct entrapment is unacceptable.

And Tarin's expectations and cooperation with Qiyana...

Even without Neeko, it wouldn't matter, because the cooperation between Tarin and Qiyana stems from the intelligence, knowledge, information, connections, and identities that each of them possesses; Neeko is merely an add-on.

However... by then, Tarin had lost the idea of ​​a deeper collaboration with Qiyana.

Once the matter with Ixtal is over, all that will be left is to pretend to be brothers and part ways.

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana couldn't help but let out a cold snort:

"What do you mean I can't find Neeko with my abilities? I am the great Qiyana!"

"...But never mind, your concerns are valid, I forgive you."

Is this the key point?

Qiyana clearly didn't care what Tarin did afterward; she was only disgusted that Tarin dared to question her character.

However, Qiyana could understand, since Neeko's abilities could indeed easily attract the covetous eyes of those with ulterior motives.

Now that things were clear, Qiyana decided not to dwell on it and instead focused her attention on the important matter at hand.

"So... what are you planning to do now? Or rather, what are you planning for me to do?"

"Not those broad things that old woman Lupe mentioned when she was around, but rather what you want me to do, and how you want to help me?"

"I also have many new ideas about you," Tallinn said.

"We can talk about it slowly and discuss it together... As for now, the first thing we need to do is to summarize and reproduce life energy in the form of primordial axioms."

"Yeah, that's definitely challenging!"

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana nodded in deep agreement.

Although it was only her first time experiencing it, Qiyana could sense the potential of life energy.

This is not a single elemental magic, but the energy of life itself.

Although Qiyana cannot yet be considered the most powerful elemental mage in all of Ixtal, she has still accumulated a profound understanding of the elements, far surpassing that of ordinary Yontarians, thanks to her amazing talent.

Putting aside everything else, the coordinated resonance of the four primordial axioms that Qiyana used in her duel with Tarin is a technique that ordinary Yuntars could not comprehend.

This powerful force stems from its accumulated knowledge within the framework of the Primordial Axioms.

That's precisely why Qiyana understands this so well. Compared to single elemental magic, this life energy, which is widely present in the bodies of all things, has a much wider range of applications and potential.

After all, a person can lack the talent for a certain elemental magic, but they cannot lack life.

And where there is life, there is the ability to condense life energy.

When life energy is truly summarized into a life axiom that everyone can learn... Qiyana eagerly anticipates the astonished and incredulous reactions of her parents and sisters.

I'm going to show off and slap people in the face!

Qiyana's resolve was unwavering.

Seeing Qiyana's serious and energetic demeanor, Tarin nodded and then added:

"By the way, I've also taken on a student here with a unique talent. He's from Ixtal and very gifted. If you have time, could you give him some pointers? You might gain something new from it."

"Other students?" Upon hearing this, Qiyana frowned slightly.

In Qiyana's view, since Tarin is her teacher—even if only in name, but as the teacher of the great Qiyana, then naturally, having only her as a student is enough.

But thinking about it carefully, being valued by Tallinn might mean he will achieve great things in the future?

Even if she's not as good as Qiyana.

Thinking this, Qiyana said listlessly, "Alright... I'll reluctantly look after her then. Well, for your sake."

"Thank you~" Tallinn shrugged casually.

Qiyana was angry, feeling that Tarin should have thanked her more solemnly for her kindness, but feeling Tarin's gaze, Qiyana subconsciously looked away and decided to forgive this small rudeness.

Watching Talin's enthusiastic discussion with Qiyana, Neeko blinked and then tiptoed away, trying to sneak away.

He didn't attempt to transform. After all, Tarin could sense the Shuma, and the Shuma fluctuations during a transformation would be easily detected by Tarin...

Although I know Tarlin did it for Neeko's own good, Neeko already knows she was wrong! So even if she sneaks away, it shouldn't be a problem, right?

Thinking this to herself, Nicole had only taken a few steps.

Nearby, Tarin, who was exchanging ideas with Qiyana about life energy and primordial axioms, reached out and grabbed Neeko's tail.

Suddenly having her tail grabbed, Nico, who was meticulously planning to slip away silently, couldn't help but let out a soft "Eek!" as if she'd been fertilized.

Standing frozen in place for a moment, Neeko initially hoped that Tarlin might show leniency, considering she had already admitted her mistake. But as it turned out, Neeko was clearly overthinking it.

Several seconds passed, but Tarin showed no sign of letting go. In fact, Nico could feel Tarin's cold gaze.

With a tearless expression on her face, Nico said pitifully, "Tallinn is so easy to throw away, Nico knows it's wrong, whether it's Nico or not..."

"Knowing you've made a mistake and still running away, that's an even bigger crime." Tarin said firmly, then turned his gaze to Qiyana and said:

"I was disciplining my child, could I please pause for a moment?"

"This..." Upon hearing this, Qiyana also looked at Neeko, and sensing Neeko's plea for help, she smiled slightly.

"Of course, no problem!"

Upon hearing that Tarin was going to discipline the child, Qiyana said she had no problem with it at all, and was even quite interested.

Born into the royal court and ranked last, Qiyana rarely receives attention from outsiders.

Although in theory young girls often receive the most love from their parents, unfortunately...

Because of her personality, Qiyana did not receive love from her parents, Prince Yuen, and it can be said that she did not receive much real "teaching" from childhood.

Is this how you discipline a child?

Others might have experienced this firsthand, but it was the first time Qiyana had ever seen it, so how could she not be interested?

Even though I haven't experienced it myself, it's still good to see what others have gone through.

as well as……

Although Qiyana didn't say it, she could sense it to some extent.

Nidalee comes from a pack of beastmen and has no contact with the Ixtals. Neeko comes from the Misttails and is naive and innocent, having just entered human society.

And Tallinn...

Although it sounds strange, they are more like the patriarch than the leader of the two of them or the master of the beasts.

For example, right now, they are still teaching Nico how to better understand humans.

This is a good way to understand Tallinn's character.

Kiana thought to herself—through the way they were educated, she could see some of Tarlin's character.

Although Qiyana knew very well that Tarin was not the true patriarch, but was helping them as a friend.

Perhaps... there's also myself?

Thinking this, Qiyana silently raised the corners of her mouth, forming a beautiful curve.

Do I develop a dependency on Tallinn as if it were the patriarch of the family?

ridiculous!

I am the chosen one of Ixtal! How could Tarlin possibly treat me like a child?!

Thinking this, Qiyana gave Tarin a satisfied look—Qiana could sense that Tarin still respected her and was willing to admit his mistakes.

And, most importantly, Tarin knew of Qiyana's extraordinary talent!

This is very important!

Knowing Qiyana's greatness and genius, how could anyone dare to treat her like a child?!

Qiyana wore a proud smile.

Seeing Qiyana glance at him inexplicably, then chuckle to herself, and then laugh proudly for no apparent reason, Tarin was completely baffled.

These symptoms... Child psychology didn't mention them!

However, Tarin didn't think too much about it. After all, Qiyana was Ixtal's biggest problem child, and there were still many problems with her that hadn't been resolved. He could explain them to her slowly in the future, deal with them little by little, and develop her properly.

Right now, the most important thing is to teach Nico a lesson.

Neeko's abilities are too powerful. To use them recklessly without knowing how to conceal them is like a child carrying gold through a bustling market—a commoner is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.

At least until Nico understands the wickedness of human nature, she needs to learn a lesson and curb her overactive and restless curiosity.

Sure enough, with a wave of his hand, Nico cried out "Oh no!" before being caught by Tarin, who placed her across his lap, pried open her tail, and turned her into a perky drum.

Without saying a word, he immediately struck down with his palm.

With a soft "smack," though not loud, it still brought tears to Nico's eyes.

"I poked it! Neeko poked it! Tallinn doesn't want Neeko anymore!"

Nicole pleaded.

Tallinn remained silent, only educating the children.

Although it hurt a lot, Neeko could sense that Tarin really meant well and wanted to teach her a lesson.

Although Tarlin never advocated corporal punishment, Nico's situation was so special that she needed to be taught a lesson immediately about what she could and could not do.

Begging for mercy was useless, she couldn't win a fight, and she couldn't escape. Nicole had no choice but to find a solution on her own.

In a flash of inspiration, Neeko immediately realized that Qiyana's buttocks were big and plump, so if she transformed into Qiyana's shape, the flesh would cushion the pain and make it less painful!