It's been four years since Wang Mei Lin became the disciple of Zhao Sect to make amends for her mistake that put Ling Zhao in danger due to her own clumsiness.
If it wasn't for Ling and his servant, Xiao Wu, she would've drowned in the pond and died.
During this time, she trained her body and soul really hard and was able to reach the First Stage Body Foundation at 9 years old.
She was considered a talented disciple among the others in her age group. However, her talent was overshadowed by Ling's extraordinary prowess, he was truly a genius cultivator that Zhao Sect ever had in hundred years, if not thousands.
Ling's extraordinary growth was truly something else. He was able to form his Dantian and reached the First Stage Body Foundation when he was five years old.
When word got out about his peerless talent, Cao Zhao insisted that Ling must take the Soul Aptitude test in the Kowloon Capital City and register Ling as a cultivator.
He also wants Ling to be enrolled in Royal Academy. Having an officials degree from the kingdom would also bring a lot of merits later on.
It was the rule of the Kowloon Kingdom where every cultivator must be registered as early as possible to maintain the balance between commoners and cultivators.
Ling strongly disagreed with this rule, it totally doesn't make sense for him and against his ideology whereas every cultivator was free to go wherever and whenever they want without any restriction from any party, even from the kingdom.
He vented his frustration by throwing flat pebbles at the pool when the sun was about to set.
Xiao Wu stood by his side, she was a type of person with a few words. In times like this, she usually comforts the young master by brushing his long hair from behind.
But she held herself from doing so since the air around Ling was somewhat different than his usual tantrums.
"Registering to the kingdom my ass! Those pigs who are so-called as Royal Families and Nobles are just wanting to control us by signing our names under their pocket!"
Ling says, throwing a stone until it skips across the pond.
Ling lay down on the grass. pondering about his future. It was true that the higher he gets, the higher he would likely be used by various parties, he doesn't want his previous path to be repeated in this second life.
Being used by the higher ups and tossed away when he's no longer needed.
"Should I just pretend to be an idiot and live a normal life while cultivating in seclusion?" He thought inwardly.
However, he also had the complexity as the Young Master of a renowned sect. His rebellion against the kingdom will only bring calamity to Zhao Sect, especially when he's still a mere kid that has no power.
"Xiao Wu… You usually have profound advice regarding this kind of problem. Let me hear it."
"It's not my place to say something that might affect your judgments. However, by registering your name to the kingdom, you'll have the privileges to study abroad and gain access to vast knowledge and wisdom from all across the land."
Ling sat up right, his eyes filled with determination and unyielding will. The kingdom may have his name under their watch, but not with his body and soul.
He's the only master of his own rights, and no one shall rob them from him ever again.
As his eyes dazed to the serenity of the sunset, a loud calling voice came from the pavilion's direction.
"Young Master Ling! Where are you?" Mei Lin spread her sight near and far to locate him. "Ah! There you are! It's almost time for dinner! Great Uncle Cao is waiting for you!"
Ling awakened from his daze, "Already this late? Sigh…"
With lazy steps, he went to the pavilion with Mei Lin and Xiao Wu on either side, tugging both of his hands.
***
At the middle of the supper, Ling paused his meal to speak up his mind to his father.
"Father, there's something I need to tell you." Ling says. "I've made up my mind and I will register my name to the kingdom and have my Soul Aptitude being appraised."
Cao Zhao brightened upon hearing it. "Really?! Oh, thanks heavens! I am glad that you finally listen to your father for once!"
"Yes… Although it will be very bothersome, it will be worthwhile for my own merits and broadens my knowledge and wisdom."
"If that's so, you will depart for the Capital City the day after tomorrow!"
"Eh? You are not coming?"
Cao Zhao was disappointed in himself. Due to the high demand of the Beast Cores, he had to go back and forth to the forest in order to fill the quota.
"Forgive your father little Ling. However, I will catch you up after I finish with the work."
Ling roughly knew what Zhao Sect was in charge of maintaining the balance between the wilderness and the human settlement.
However, he never saw Cao Zhao bringing a sword or any kind of weapon, the fact that his second father was a fierceful warrior was quite hard to imagine since he always showed his soft side towards Ling.
"I understand, father. I will be expecting you at the Soul Aptitude test."
"Of course, my son. I will see you there."
***
Two days later, the whole convoy of horse carriages that consisted of Elite Inner Disciples of Zhao Sect had assembled at the courtyard.
The leader of this convoy was a fair young man with a scar across his left eye, he wore an eyepatch to cover his hollowed eye socket, waiting patiently on the driver's seat of the carriage.
Soonly enough, little Ling and his loyal servant stepped out along with Xiao Wu and Mei Lin.
Cao Zhao appeared last to bid them a farewell.
"Sect Leader! We are ready to go!" The leader of the convoy slid down, kneeling before Cao Zhao.
"Good… please take care and keep vigilant for any dangers that might be laid ahead. I trust my son in your capable hands, Ho Rong."
"Rest assured, Sect Leader!"
Cao Zhao nodded, he turned to Ling and gave him final words before they embarked on their journey.
"Be careful and be wary to not offend anyone once you arrived at the capital city, you understand?"
"Yes, father."
With that said, the convoy that consisted of three carriages and dozens of fierce warriors took off to the winding roads down to the valley.