Liu Yiyi flipped out of the window, gracefully leaping onto the back of the giant eagle. The eagle was enormous and majestic, its feathers gleaming coldly in the moonlight, its eyes sharp and penetrating, as if it could see through the darkness.
She extended her hand, smiling at Jiang Ming, "Don't worry, I'll hold onto you."
Jiang Ming took a deep breath. Despite the fear welling up inside him, he decided to trust Liu Yiyi. He tightly grasped her hand and cautiously climbed onto the eagle's back. As he finally settled in, the eagle gave a slight shake and flapped its wings gently, making him feel uneasy.
"Hold on tight, Jiang Ming," Liu Yiyi said softly.
Jiang Ming, trembling, wrapped his arms around Liu Yiyi's waist. The eagle spread its massive wings, let out a clear cry, and soared into the sky. Jiang Ming felt a strong sense of weightlessness, his heart leaping to his throat. He instinctively closed his eyes, holding on to Liu Yiyi tightly, fearing he might fall.
As the eagle flew higher and higher, Jiang Ming gradually adapted to this strange sensation. He slowly opened his eyes, mustering the courage to look down. The city's lights below resembled scattered stars, stretching out beneath them. Skyscrapers, streets, and cars all seemed so small and beautiful.
Jiang Ming's initial fear gradually turned into amazement and excitement. He had never imagined he would one day view the city from such a perspective. The night wind howled past, bringing a refreshing chill, making him feel as if he were in a dream.
Liu Yiyi patted the hands around her waist, "If you're not scared to death, say something. I told you I'd take you to the Exorcist Association tomorrow, but you insisted on going now."
"What's the big deal? I'm not afraid of heights, but... hey... slow down, slow down, not so fast."
The eagle suddenly sped up, its wings flapping forcefully as it accelerated forward. Jiang Ming was caught off guard, his body lurching backward, almost sliding off the eagle's back.
"Ah—!" Jiang Ming exclaimed, feeling as if his heart would leap out of his chest. His legs went weak, and his hands involuntarily loosened from Liu Yiyi's waist. In this critical moment, Liu Yiyi quickly reacted, gripping his wrist tightly to steady him.
"Eagle, don't tease him. Slow down a bit," Liu Yiyi shouted, her voice somewhat muffled by the wind.
Jiang Ming fought to suppress his fear, once again holding onto Liu Yiyi's waist tightly. He could feel his heart pounding like a drum in his chest, the wind roaring in his ears, leaving his mind blank. Despite his fear, he tried to calm himself, adjusting his breathing and steadying his posture.
"Grandpa seems to be in critical condition. He wants me to bring you back quickly," the eagle said.
Liu Yiyi's body tensed at those words. Her face instantly turned pale, her eyes shimmering with tears. Though she tried to remain composed, her shock and sorrow were unmistakable. Her lips trembled slightly as if she were suppressing an emotional outburst.
"Grandpa..." Liu Yiyi whispered, her voice filled with endless pain and concern. She bit her lip, striving to control her emotions, but a tear still escaped from the corner of her eye.
The eagle flew faster and faster, the wind slicing Jiang Ming's face like knives. He glanced down and saw the city's lights below merging into blurred streaks, rapidly receding. At that moment, he realized he was flying at an unimaginable speed, his tension and fear intensifying.
The eagle carried Jiang Ming and Liu Yiyi, finally arriving at a tall mountain near a county in Donghai City. The mountain, far from the bustling city, was nestled in a quiet, mountainous area. It took about an hour to drive from Donghai City center. The mountain was towering, with peaks piercing the clouds, shrouded in mist halfway up, giving it a fairyland-like feel.
The locals called this mountain "Dragon Hidden Mountain." The terrain was steep, ancient trees towered, and lush vegetation covered the entire mountain, making it look vibrant. A clear stream flowed through the mountain, its gentle babble adding a touch of vitality to the serene forest.
The eagle circled above Dragon Hidden Mountain, confirming the landing spot. Then, it spread its wings and began a gradual descent. Jiang Ming felt a surge of weightlessness, holding tightly to Liu Yiyi. The eagle's wings sliced through the air, producing a low hum that, along with the surrounding wind, seemed to play a natural symphony.
In the depths of the valley, a palace-like structure was faintly visible. The building was entirely made of wood, ancient and solemn, nestled in the lush forest. From above, the building's size resembled that of a school, sprawling and well-arranged.
The eagle flapped its wings lightly, landing steadily on the open space in front of the building. Jiang Ming and Liu Yiyi dismounted from the eagle. As soon as Jiang Ming's feet touched the ground, he realized his legs were still weak. He took a deep breath, calming his emotions, and looked around.
The building was surrounded by verdant forest, its wooden roof glistening coldly in the moonlight. The complex included a tall main hall and numerous small wooden houses, arranged neatly. The courtyard was filled with various exotic flowers and plants, exuding a faint fragrance. A winding path meandered through the courtyard, leading to the main hall, giving the place a serene and mysterious aura.
Liu Yiyi led Jiang Ming to her grandfather's residence. Many association members stood outside, conversing in low voices, their expressions solemn and worried. Seeing Liu Yiyi approach, they made way for her but continued to cast complex glances at Jiang Ming.
Inside the room, Liu Yiyi's grandfather lay on the bed, connected to a ventilator and IV drip, surrounded by family members. Her parents, uncles, elder brothers, and cousins stood by his side, their expressions grave.
"Grandpa, I'm here," Liu Yiyi said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of choking.
Hearing Liu Yiyi's voice, her grandfather slowly opened his eyes and showed a gratified smile. He laboriously removed the ventilator, his breathing becoming rapid and weak. The family members exclaimed in dissuasion, but he persisted, gesturing for everyone to be quiet.
"Yiyi, come here," her grandfather said in a hoarse voice.
Liu Yiyi walked to the bedside and held her grandfather's hand, tears welling up in her eyes. Her grandfather looked at her lovingly, his eyes filled with warmth and care.
"Grandpa doesn't have much time left, there are things I must make clear," he said, his gaze suddenly falling on Jiang Ming, a flicker of shock and confusion passing through his eyes.
"Who is this?" her grandfather's eyes were fixed on Jiang Ming, as if seeing a long-lost acquaintance.
"Grandpa, this is Jiang Ming," Liu Yiyi explained, "I found him while on a mission in Donghai City. He's a half-demon."
Upon hearing this, a glimmer appeared in her grandfather's eyes. He signaled for Jiang Ming to come closer, scrutinizing him for a moment, a look of incredulity appearing on his face.
"Jiang Ming, who is your father?" her grandfather asked softly.
Jiang Ming, somewhat nervous, replied, "I've never met my biological parents. I've lived with my adoptive parents all my life."
"Does your body heal very quickly after being injured?"
Jiang Ming nodded silently. With this confirmation, her grandfather's gaze became more resolute. He turned to look at the surrounding family members, his voice weak but filled with authority.
"Everyone, I have decided to pass the position of President of the Exorcist Association to Jiang Ming." Her grandfather's words exploded like a bomb in the room, causing an uproar.
The family members expressed shock and opposition, looking at Jiang Ming in disbelief. Some began to persuade her grandfather to retract his decision, arguing that Jiang Ming was an outsider, inexperienced, and unable to bear such a heavy responsibility.
However, her grandfather remained resolute. "This is my decision. I trust Jiang Ming's abilities. Yiyi, you will assist him from now on."
Liu Yiyi, like the rest of the family, was shocked when she heard her grandfather wanted to pass the position of President to Jiang Ming. But on second thought, her grandfather must have his reasons for doing so, and she chose to trust him.
"Grandpa, I will do my best to assist Jiang Ming."
"I... I'm just an outsider, visiting here for the first time. All of this is so unfamiliar to me," Jiang Ming said. He couldn't understand why her grandfather would choose him, a newcomer who knew nothing about the inner workings of the association, to take on such an important role.
Liu Yiyi turned to Jiang Ming, tears in her eyes, pleading, "Jiang Ming, Grandpa's decision is well-considered. Please accept this responsibility. It's Grandpa's wish and our hope."
Jiang Ming felt a deep inner conflict, but remembering that Liu Yiyi had saved his life, he decided to help.
Jiang Ming looked at her grandfather and felt the loving and trusting gaze, as if transmitting an invisible strength to him. He took a deep breath, feeling a newfound determination and courage welling up inside him.
"I accept," Jiang Ming finally said, his voice weak but filled with resolve.
As Jiang Ming signed his name on the document, a satisfied smile appeared on her grandfather's face. His eyes became gentle and serene, as if he had finally fulfilled his heart's desire. He closed his eyes lightly, his breathing gradually weakening until it finally ceased.
"Grandpa!" Liu Yiyi cried out, unable to hold back her tears. She held her grandfather's hand, feeling the last bit of warmth leaving him. The other family members also gathered around, the room filled with an atmosphere of sorrow and grief.
Jiang Ming stood aside, feeling a heavy burden settle on his heart. He looked at her grandfather's peaceful face, his heart filled with complex emotions. Although he had not known her grandfather for long, the trust and responsibility entrusted to him weighed heavily.