"We..." she choked on her words. She didn't know what to say to him now. How could a fifteen-year-old understand this?
Looking at his mother's conflicted face, how could he not understand what was on her mind? He sighed and said, "Mother, I'm also planning to go to the Qi portal to awaken my martial spirit."
Rowena gazed at her son's face. "Okay," she understood that her son was attempting to help her conceal her emotions. She felt grateful for his understanding.
Even though she really didn't want to leave him, her condition could change at any time. Initially, she wanted to figure out what her problem was.
To do that, she had to go to that place. Taking him with her would hinder his growth, something she never wanted to see.
"I will take you to the Qi portal," she said, concealing her inner turmoil behind a smile.
"Mother, I am grown up now. I can go there alone," Asher said with a smile.
Observing the smiles on his sister and nephew's faces, a smile appeared on Reynard's own face. If possible, he wanted to live the rest of his life like this.
However, he knew that he couldn't; even if he wanted it, they would never allow that.
"Oliver Blazeburn, wait for me. After fifty years, I am returning to heaven. I will take everything that my sister and I deserve," His eyes flashed with a blood-red color.
"..."
"Ash, I'm going to teach you a disguising technique now. I believe that with the skills I've taught you before, you'll be able to escape from the dangers in this forest," Reynard said in a serious tone, calling Asher over to him.
"Yes, uncle," he said, aware of the high value of the skills his uncle had taught him. One of the reasons he quickly reached the Qi refining peak stage was because of these skills.
A white light flashed from Reynard's eyes and submerged into Asher's forehead. This was how he taught skills – a feat achievable only by a person with a high spiritual sense.
As Asher examined the skill in his mind, he was surprised. This was called the Disguise spell, a rather casual name just like his uncle's character.
What intrigued him was the realization that he could transform into anything he imagined with this skill.
He could disguise his cultivation as being two times higher than his actual level. This would be invaluable in helping him escape from dire situations.
"But remember, if your opponent is more than five levels higher than you, they could easily break your disguise," he warned, observing the stunned expression on Asher's face.
He didn't want his nephew to become overly dependent on this disguise.
"At the end of the day, strength determines everything," he said with a sigh, giving a slight pat on Asher's shoulder before walking towards their home.
"Ash, remember this: if you can't beat someone, don't be brave. You must escape. Revenge can wait, but if life is gone..." his voice echoed in Asher's ears.
"I know," Asher muttered as he watched his uncle walk away. The thought of leaving his mother and uncle made him feel sad.
However, he understood that one must be prepared to face departures, as they often lead to future reunions.
"..."
Next day
Asher gazed at his mother's sleeping face. Bowing his head slightly, he whispered, "Mother, take care."
He despised saying goodbyes. If he waited until she woke up to bid her farewell, he didn't know how to handle such emotions. What he disliked and feared the most were departures.
Walking outside the village gate, he glanced back at the place he had called home for twelve years.
This was the first place he had lived after arriving in this world. Many of his cherished memories were tied to this place.
"Farewell," he whispered, and then he walked ahead without looking back. Ahead lay many wonders waiting for him and countless answers he needed to discover.
He vowed to cherish the life he had lived in this village. "Mother, we will meet again," he murmured softly, a sense of determination in his heart.
"..."
"He's long gone," Reynard said in a quiet voice, looking at Rowena, who stood near the window, gazing ahead with a vacant expression.
"Sister, this is life. We can't hold onto everything forever," he sighed, a note of resignation in his voice.
"Brother, can I see him again?" she whispered, a tear rolling down from her eyes.
"Who knows," his voice trailed off as both of them disappeared from that place.
The once lively village had now turned into ruins, and a single raindrop fell from the sky, reflecting its loneliness.
"..."
"This darn bear is so tough. How am I supposed to eat it now?" Asher muttered in a low voice, looking at the bear he had killed. He had spent hours setting traps, and this was what he ended up with.
"Anyway, let's roast it now," Asher said, slicing tender parts from the bear's body. He retrieved a pot from his spatial ring; his mother had organized everything for him in there the previous day.
"I think I can reach Skyrise City in one day," Asher muttered while eating the roasted meat. "But why is this meat black?" He looked at the burnt meat in his hand, feeling slightly disappointed.
He decided to learn how to cook so that he could enjoy better meals.
Humming a little tune, he continued his journey. His uncle had informed him that the most powerful monster in this forest was only at the Qi refining middle stage, so he wasn't concerned about his safety.
He took out a letter from his pocket. This was given by his uncle yesterday night. His uncle told him that this was with him from childhood.
When Asher opened the letter, it was only with a symbol of a sword. His brows frowned in doubt.
'What does this mean?' he trailed his hands on the letter. After trying many times, he didn't understood anything. So he just chose to forget about it.