For five months, his elder sister had remained by their side, while Hao continued his monotonous existence. At times, he felt annoyed by her presence, yet he also found comfort in her company.
It made life more interesting, especially since no one else interacted with him. In this castle, only the maids, guards, and family members were allowed.
He absorbed fragments of information but remained clueless about how he ended up in this unfamiliar world. He yearned to ask many questions but still hesitated to voice them for now.
The time came for Fang Xiao to depart, as she had received instructions to return to the sect for a mission.
With a hint of uncertainty, she said, ''Little brother, I hope to come to see you often.'' She wasn't sure herself, given her busy schedule with cultivation.
Hao looked at her and smiled, saying, ''Big Sister, take care.'' His language was a bit shaky, but it improved over the months.
Being addressed as ''Big Sister'' brought a smile to Fang Xiao's face. As she reached out to pinch his cheeks, he swiftly shielded his head and averted his gaze, vividly recalling the discomfort from the last encounter.
Amused by his reaction, she chuckled softly, realizing that she needed to be more gentle with him.
''By the way, Mother, are you planning on entering closed cultivation to recover?'' Fang Xiao's expression held concern as she glanced at her mom, well aware that the pregnancy had taken a toll on her and affected her cultivation.
''Sadly, I have to, yes. After you leave, I will go into closed cultivation,'' she said sadly, turning to look at Hao.
"Sorry, Hao, you will be under Lin Niang's care for the next 14 years. Try not to give her too much trouble," his mom stated.
Hao had already deduced that his sister was a 500-year-old monster, and by connecting the dots, he realized his mother's and father's ages were even more advanced.
He learned that the world he arrived in was a cultivation world. The day he learned this, he froze, his mind started racing with the information he had and the novels he had read back on Earth, making unsettling connections.
''Yes, Mother,'' he replied, making her smile.
''Hao, if you need anything important, you can ask Lin Niang. She has been our steward for years, and we trust her,'' Fang Xiong said, nodding toward her, and she smiled in response.
Over the next four years, Fang Hao improved his language skills and learned to read. He often wondered what was happening back on Earth, waking up at night thinking of Natasha, his fiancée, and the lives of his parents.
He pondered what had transpired after his passing on Earth. What happened to his old body? Was it laid to rest? Did they mourn? He sincerely hoped that no misfortune had befallen them.
Lin Niang, who started as a nanny, gradually took on the role of a teacher as she shared various information with Hao. However, there were certain subjects she refused to discuss.
''What about cultivation ranks?'' This topic had been on his mind for a while, and he finally decided to seek answers.
''Young Master Hao, I am not allowed to answer this. Your father will teach you, just as he did with your sister when she turned ten,'' Lin Niang said, shaking her head and denying him a response.
"Why? What about the world we're in?" She looked closely at Hao, her expression changing as she caught onto his question.
''Because Lord Fang Xiong commanded so. As for the world, what exactly do you mean?'' This time she looked at him in the eyes.
"The area we're in," Hao clarified, altering the question to prevent any confusion.
''We are in the city of Cloudsoar. It was named by your father, who is the Lord of this place, because of the clouds in the surrounding area,'' Lin Niang explained while pointing out the window at the white clouds.
''Cloudsoar?'' Hao mumbled, processing the information. ''What's around it?''
"It's a medium-sized city, encircled by many small mortal kingdoms and wild monster lands. A sect holds sway over the territory, and your father was a disciple who later became an elder before retiring. He desired to establish a clan with your mother," Lin Niang added.
''How strong is he?'' Hao looked at Lin Niang with anticipation.
''You can't ask stuff like that,'' she shook her head, deflecting the question, and changed the subject back to teaching him.
Hours passed, and Hao grew tired. He wanted a bit of a break. ''Lin Niang, can we go down to the city?'' he asked, expecting her to say no, but this time she nodded.
''It should be alright if we go. I will get the guards to escort us,'' she said, and with that, she left, leaving Hao feeling excited about the prospect of exploring the city of Cloudsoar.
They gathered at the front of the castle with a team of guards. Hao turned to Niang, who nodded in approval. ''Young Master Hao,'' the head guard walked over with a smile, positioning himself next to Hao.
''Can we go?'' Hao asked with excitement. This would be the first time he would leave the mountain and explore the city.
''Sure, here, get on,'' the guard laughed and summoned a small flying boat, gesturing for Hao, Niang, and the rest to step on it.
''Wow, it's actually flying?'' Hao was impressed as he inspected the flying boat, looking around in awe. The guard felt a sense of pride, knowing that it was Hao's first time on a flying artifact. After all, this was the city lord's son they were escorting.
"Let's go," the guard said as the ship descended slowly, allowing Hao to look around. They crossed the layer of clouds, and soon the massive city of Cloudsoar came into sight. ''This, this is huge!''
Hao was speechless about the size of the city. It was the biggest city he had ever seen, and his eyes couldn't fully take it in.
Turning his gaze back to the mountain, Hao noticed that it was indeed at the centre of the city, with a massive castle atop it.
Further down the mountain, there were numerous smaller manors and buildings, some partially concealed by mist, forming a beautiful and impressive scene.
They landed in an empty plaza, and the head guard stored the ship in his space ring before asking Hao where he wanted to go.
''Anywhere, I want to see the city,'' he replied eagerly, looking forward to exploring the mysteries it held.
''Your Master, let's go have something to eat then?''Lin Niang suggested with a smile.
''Sure,'' nodding, he accepted her idea, and they left the area.
As they ventured further into the city, the bustling streets came alive with people, various stalls, and vibrant voices. ''Grade 8 sword, 5 stones, get it fast!!'' shouted a vendor selling swords among many other items.