Fang Hao lay in bed, his eyes slowly opening to the sight of the familiar ceiling. He felt a bit disoriented. The fight had been intense, the most challenging he had ever faced, and this was just the beginning.
Recalling the Array Master's symbol at the talent marble and the oath he had taken, he couldn't help but feel a sense of irony.
It seemed like a joke now, as if things were that simple. Doubt crept into his mind. Could he really achieve greatness? Could he truly reach the pinnacle?
Ren Lang, the prisoner he had killed, was just an ordinary cultivator who hadn't even broken through to the next realm. How many billions, if not trillions, of lives existed on this planet?
In that life-and-death moment, he had taken a risk, a gamble with uncertain odds. What if the array diagram had failed? What if Ren Lang possessed greater power and the barrier hadn't held? Reflecting on his miscalculations, he recognized the need for more experience.
Drawing a deep breath, he made a mental commitment that once he reached the sect, he would focus on honing his skills in arrays and dedicate himself to his first intensive cultivation session.
"Hao, are you getting up?" His mother's voice reached him, accompanied by a gentle smile that indicated she knew he was awake.
"Mother, did I do well?" he inquired, his thoughts returning to the recent fight.
"Yes, you did exceptionally well. Don't pay attention to that grumpy man," she replied, referring to her husband with a hint of playfulness.
"I see..." Fang Hao rose from the bed and stretched his body before asking a question that had been on his mind for a while.
"Mom, both you and Dad have lived for such a long time. Why did you decide to have my sister and me?" He was curious about why his powerful parents, who spent most of their time in closed cultivation, had chosen to have children.
Fang Jing's expression briefly shifted before she fell silent. Taking a seat on the bed, she began to speak, her long black hair twisting between her fingers. "Hao, you should understand that we care deeply for you, just as much as we do for our cultivation."
"As for your father and me, we initially came together for mutual benefit, but over time, our feelings for each other evolved. They've endured even after so many years," she added, a hint of nostalgia colouring her voice as she reminisced about her earlier years.
"But also, we were isolated from others. Cultivating with circles of more than 200 years each time takes a toll on your mind and spirit," Fang Jing continued.
"You gradually become more detached, and the motivation to advance diminishes as exhaustion sets in. Having someone there to offer support makes a difference. That's how we transitioned from a mere deal to becoming a family," she explained, her smile reflecting the journey they had undertaken.
"When you reach our realms, you'll understand more. For the time being, head to the dining area and savor some tea. We will enjoy..." Fang Jing's aura momentarily became erratic as she received an urgent message from her husband.
The room seemed to chill as a aura leak occurred. She quickly corrected herself and continued with a hastened tone, "Your father and I will join you shortly. You have two days before you depart for the sect."
With those words, she rose from the bed and swiftly left the room to make arrangements.
His mother's words stayed with him, but he didn't fully understand them. The room felt colder after her sudden change in aura. He could tell that something had happened, something that made her lose control for a moment.
Shoving them to the back of his thoughts, he readied himself and headed to the dining area to enjoy the last days before embarking on his own journey, far from the protective embrace of his family.
"Little Hao!" His master's friendly wave caught his attention as he entered the room.
"Mast... Madam Rui," he quickly corrected himself.
However, his attempt only earned him a frown from her. "Call me Elder Sister Rui. 'Madam' makes me feel ancient," she stated, her eyes fixed on him as if daring him to slip up again.
Internally, he was taken aback, thinking, 'Aren't you an old lady?!' Taking a seat, he helped himself to a cup of tea from the tray and muttered his thoughts under his breath before taking a sip.
Sipping it, he found himself at a loss for words. "My tea tastes like trash compared to this," he thought, savouring the exquisite flavor that highlighted his own deficiencies. His comment drew a chuckle from Yu Rui.
Where is father?" he asked, only to be answered by a voice next to him, "Younger brother Hao, he is on his way, should be here in a bit."
Jumping up in fright, Fang Hao was taken aback to find Yang Jun seated right beside him, his arrival having gone unnoticed.
"When did you get here?" Hao inquired.
"Just now," Yang Jun replied casually, and then he took a closer look at Hao. "You're about to join the sect. Want me to take you there?" he offered.
Fang Hao and both Yu Rui jumped up in alarm, their voices almost synchronized, "NO!" It was as if they were strongly rejecting the idea of such a proposition.
Furrowing his brow, Yang Jun glanced at Yu Rui with a puzzled expression, silently questioning her.
"Fellow Daoist Yang Jun, you have the responsibility of overseeing the formation and your own cultivation, remember?" Yu Rui intervened, attempting to salvage the situation by providing an explanation.
"I see, your words make sense," Yang Jun responded with a nod, his apologetic gaze shifting towards Hao as if he had unintentionally let him down.
"Sorry, little brother," Yang Jun offered sincerely, prompting a swift reply from Hao, "It's fine, don't worry about it, elder brother," the latter retorted, accompanied by a fake sad expression.
Observing the expression on Hao's face, Yang Jun felt sad. Deep in thought, he lowered his head before resolutely standing up, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.
Next, Yang Jun produced an ordinary-looking longsword and began channelling his spiritual power into it. A gentle glow enveloped the blade as he infused it with something more profound, setting off vibrations that rippled through the air.
The room seemed to quiver with intense and focused energy, causing Hao's complexion to pale as a sense of familiarity washed over him. "Not again," he muttered under his breath, prompting him to hastily seek refuge. In response to his instinct, Yu Rui swiftly pulled him behind her, forming a protective barrier.
The power emanating from the sword continued to surge as if a razor-sharp intent was slicing through the air, resulting in a distinctive buzzing noise. Even behind the protective shield, a dizzying sensation washed over Hao. Eventually, the energy subsided, leaving Yang Jun visibly fatigued, his face dampened with sweat.
Observing the sword he had crafted, Yang Jun nodded with evident satisfaction before passing it over to Hao. As Hao reached out to catch it, his former master intercepted the sword, her hand skillfully catching the weapon mid-air.
"What are you doing, Surname Yang?!" Yu Rui's voice lacked any friendly tone, her expression turning serious.
"It's a gift," Yang Jun stated simply, taking a sip of his tea.
"A gift? You call this a gift?" Her anger flared, causing her to rise from her seat.
"Yes, it's a gift for him, an insurance. What's wrong with that?" Yang Jun retorted, his response tinged with a hint of threat.
"Surname Yang, you should be well aware that Lord and Mistress do not permit such actions," Yu Rui asserted firmly, emphasizing the forbidden nature of his gift.
"They won't find out, or are you planning to betray me?" Yang Jun's aura began to surge, a hint of threat lacing his words, leaving Fang Hao perplexed.
"What's the matter, Sister Yu Rui? Don't tell me you believe I'm foolish. I may not be the sharpest, but when it comes to cultivation, I am a top talent. Do you think I can't perceive that he lacks any talent for the sword Dao?" An invisible pressure radiated from Yang Jun, causing her to fall silent.
"Just give it to him. The Mistress and Lord are outside the mountain barrier, and they haven't noticed anything. I'm the one controlling it," he stated confidently, having made the necessary preparations beforehand. He then turned to Fang Hao.
"Brother Hao, remember, this is a gift from an elder brother to welcome you to cultivation and also as an apology for injuring you and causing you problems," he said, taking a seat and resuming his tea.
"Elder Sister Rui, is the sword dangerous?" Hao inquired, observing Yu Rui as she held the sword. It appeared ordinary to him.
"Yes, it's an item you shouldn't possess, but..." Yu Rui hesitated, studying his expression before deciding. She carefully passed the sword to Hao.
"Don't reveal it to anyone, not even your family. Understand?" She emphasized her point, aligning herself with Yang's perspective, and handed the sword over.
"Okay, how powerful is it?" Curiosity about the sword's capabilities prompted Hao to run his fingers along its surface.
"Very powerful. You should only use it when you're faced with a situation that seems insurmountable, and you can only use it once," Yu Rui explained, emphasizing the gravity of the seemingly ordinary sword.
"Quickly put it away, they're coming back," Yang Jun abruptly stood up, a hint of panic in his expression. Fang Hao noticed the urgency but also sensed no ill intent. Trusting their words, he swiftly stored the sword.
After a few minutes, his father and mother joined them, and the family dinner commenced. Enjoying the delectable spiritual meat and vegetables, Fang Hao relished the meal, his hand gently rubbing his satisfied stomach. It had been five years since he began the pill diet, and this special feast was a one-time celebration to mark his upcoming journey.
The following day was spent in relaxation. Fang Hao perched atop the mountain, gazing at the serene clouds and the distant city below. He engaged in conversations with Elder Sister Yu Rui about cultivation, seeking inner peace and calming his heart after the intense battle.
Finally, the moment to depart for the sect had arrived.