At the dining hall, the whole spread of scrumptious meals were served neatly on the table.
Little Ling sat at the other end of the dining table, using a makeshift chair that was made for him so he can reach the food by himself.
Cao Zhao couldn't be more proud of his son, at the age of one year old little Ling had shown promising future, even just from a glance, his son already looked so matured.
However, this also made him concerned about Ling's mental growth as a kid. He wants him to grow as a normal person like other kids at his age.
"Little Ling," said Cao Zhao, lowering his chopstick onto its *Kuazi Zuo
(*TL Note: Chopstick Pillow)
"My son, you have grown by leaps and bounds in one year. You have also shown promising talent in the future. Therefore, I've put together your *Zhuazhou next week. The officials, and many of our relatives in this country have also been invited along with their family members. Perhaps, you can make some friends later."
(TL Note: Zhuazhou: One-year-old catch. A ritual for a child on their very first birthday party)
Ling Zhao rested his hands on the arm chair, replying to his father with a sprinkle of sarcastic tone. "Oh? Friends? That's very lovely to hear, father. It would be a pleasure to have someone that I can rely on, or to betray depending on the situation. At least, that's what I have read in the book thus far."
'This kid is certainly a genius, and very terrifying at that. I have to be able to guide him at an early age before he turns against this sect someday.' Cao Zhao thought inwardly to himself.
"That's very true, indeed. However, a friend for a lifetime is hard to come by and far more valuable than a mountain of gold. I hope you'll find yours at some point in your life."
Cao Zhao drank the tea to calm himself. Speaking to a mere child made an unsettling feeling inside his heart, as if he was talking to a Sage Realm Cultivator.
"Rest assured, father. I will look forward to my birthday party to broaden my knowledge and wisdom by meeting with a lot of people."
"Very well… it's settled then."
Ling glanced at Xiao Wu, her expression shows that she feels both accomplished and sad at the same time.
She was the one who always took care of Ling when the rest of the world was unknown to him.
And yet, it was very brief. Soon, as his name had officially been recorded in the Zhao Sect ancestry book, her service would no longer be needed.
Meanwhile, Ling also always had this inkling that Xiao Wu was not an ordinary human. He wants to know more about her.
"With one condition," Ling paused his father for a moment.
"What is it, my son? A gift? Sure… you name anything that you want and I shall give it to you."
Without further thoughts, Ling spoke his wish. "I want Xiao Wu to be assigned as my private maid, and she'll only belong to me. Not to you, or this sect but only mine alone."
Cao Zhao coughed on his own drink, he even almost spilled his meals.
The maids quickly rushed towards him, cleaning the table and letting him drink a cup of fresh water.
A one year old kid wanting a private maid for himself? Who in the world thought about it? Even the vilest, lustful cultivator in the entire continent doesn't have such demand in their early age.
Cao Zhao glared towards Xiao Wu, as if to scrutinize her. In his thoughts, Xiao Wu must be the one who taught little Ling such things.
Ling raised his hand before his father lashed towards her, and he said; "You are the one who said it by yourself: a friend for a lifetime is hard to come by and far more valuable than a mountain of gold." Therefore, I want her to be my very first friend before anyone that might come through the front door at my birthday party."
Cao Zhao was speechless when his son used his own words against him. If it had come from another person's mouth, Cao Zhao would have erupted already.
"Very well… I will grant your wish." said Cao Zhao, he continued his meal with a complexed face."
"Thank you, father."
***
After days of preparation, Little Ling's first year birthday party was held at the main hall of the pavilion.
The Zhao Sect's disciples, the relatives and many state's officials attend this event to congratulate Ling.
"Welcome, welcome! Please come in!" Cao Zhao welcomed the guests at the front door
As the guests started to arrive, Ling's father greeted each of them warmly, and Ling was passed around from person to person, all of whom cooed and gushed over how adorable he was.
Ling himself was annoyed by their flattery. However, he behaved really well and acted like a normal one-year-old child.
The main hall was filled with joyous atmosphere, they laughed and cheered at their respective tables while enjoying the neverending meals that kept flowing from the kitchen.
Before long, the party reached its climax when the servants brought a small table that was filled with various items.
There was a pen and paper, a small wooden stick that used to measure things, an abacus that was made from shiny pearls, a cultivation book and lastly, a small blade.
Ling had to choose one of these items or several items at once. From there, his father could foretell his future career.
A pen and paper means that Ling has an interest in becoming a scholar. The wooden ruler means that he would become an architect. If he chose the abacus, he had inkling to become a person who was well versed in calculation and mathematics.
Lastly, the cultivation book and the small blade would indicate that Ling would be a cultivator. Cutting his ties with worldly desires and embark on a treacherous journey to attain immortality.
The audience held their breath as little Ling cautiously chose the items in front of him.