They stayed up for a bit and once more Mr Ming embellished on his tales of grandeur and brilliance. Though unlike the other times he spoke, he had Tafari's unending attention.

There was no more room for his usual rolling of the eyes as he listened. He was enthralled by every single detail and action he did. Not daring to miss one word of old man Ming's delivery.

He had always respected Old Man Ming but now it had reached another level. When has he ever thought he would see someone kill four as if taking out the trash? At the age of 10, it can be said that Mr Ming became his idol.

After a couple hours of unending tales by Old man Ming, Tafari final set off to his room in the attic. "It was indeed an intriguing day," he thought as he took his steps to the room.

He sat on the bed and took out his bag that had accompanied him on his journey throughout the day. In his bag, he found what he had been looking for. There he saw a thick journal which he had been given by senior Grace.

" If old man Ming is this awesome and he is but a mere mortal, how wonderous would it be to be a cultivator".Excitement kept boiling over in him as he thought.

After a while, he calmed himself down and finally opened the thick journal. Inside he saw some writing and begun reading the contents. Written inside were :

{A life in servitude of a cultivator by Duo Fang}

Today marks a grand day in my life as I have been selected to be one of 20 in service of a prestigious cultivator. She has promised to pay us in gold coins for every year of service that we bestow. The joy I feel is overwhelming at the moment and no words could be found to describe the unbridled pride that has filled my bones.

She is unworldly in appearance as beautiful seem underwhelming of a description. Where ever she walks she provides an extra ray of well-needed sunshine and seemingly acts as one with the elements around. I sneak glances at her but I do not dare to let my eyes linger for too long.

On this day we finally leave the mortal city for a place I do not know. Is it sad that every since I have seen this beauty I would follow her as far as the eyes could see? I know there is no chance for us but a heart can wonder right?.

Months have gone by and we have finally arrived at our destination. It is a small manor within a sect known as the Mist of life. The sect can be said to be hundreds of miles long and thousands upon thousands of manor as small as master's can be seen.

Suddenly all of us mortal were shocked by a sight that impacted us to the core. In the sky, there stood a man proudly looking down on us minor ants.

This was the moment we finally heard our masters name. " Junior Mei how beautiful you are today. I must ask though why did you choose mortal servants instead of some new recruits."

" Is that not putting yourself through unnecessary labour. I know of some new promising recruits. How about discarding yourself of these pitiful burdens" He continued as he scanned all 20 of us.

Rage swept over my entire being after hearing those words and like a raging beast I wished nothing more than to tear up his flesh. Suddenly though, I felt a pain in my gut and my eyes were struggling to remain conscious.

As I hit the floor my eyes looked up only to see the culprit in my injuries looking down on me

" A mere dog dares to have killing intent towards me" He stated as scorn was displayed all over his face.

" Senior brother Carlos please hold your anger. I prefer mortals because they add more of a personal touch to the way of doing things without relying on worldly qi. Please accept my apologies" Master Mei bowed.

" Ok Junior sister I'll let it rest if so be the case. Although it seems your pups need a bit more home training. Bug be sure to contain your thoughts or they might just lead to your death" He stated as he looked on me in derision.

At that moment I felt lower than I ever felt before. My gut was filled with pain but it did not compare to the blow that my pride suffers.

"How could I walk around as a man after all that had just happened. Is this the way we mortals are seen? is this really what I left my city for?" I questioned myself on that day as my lowest point was reached.

A couple months after my master entered the sect's annual tournament. I remembered how excited she seemed. She told us that if she had happened to do well, she would move into an even bigger manner than the one we were in.

All of us servants were excited about the possible move but I was more excited for my master more than anything. Isn't it pitiful for a toad to lust after a swan? I do not care, however, as my heart has not given up on the thought.

I watch as Master practised diligently each day. As she practised Carlos came by in the guise of giving pointers. I hate him with every fibre of my being but I can only hide.

She smiles none ending everytime he appears as she played in her hair. Sigh...how many times can one man heart be broken I wonder. I have been counting and adding today it is 276 times. For every addition, it seems a string on my heart has been plucked and torn.

After the tournament master comes back disappointed. She says she did not make it into the top 100 and acts strongly as she held back the tears. In my mind, I'm consoling her while she is in my arms and wiping her tears with my fingers. Then planting a kiss on her forehead just to reassure her that she is the best in my eyes.

It is only a dream as I see Carlos showing up and holding her tight. I want to be happy for her but I just can't seem to let thoughts of us go. I know it is pitiful but even a toad can have dreams right...?