The sun seems to be up and shining readily inviting for the final day of the convoy. All the selected candidates seem to spend time with their respective families and friends while packing their belongings for this long and arduous journey.
Ming Shin noticed the heavy atmosphere at the table "I know mother. Father has already informed me. I have not been selected but, next time after five years, I'm going to improve myself so much that, there would be no room for rejection" his will was firm.
Seeing that there was no notion of any depression Ming Rui just nodded her head in satisfaction and said " That said, this time I have been chosen as a follower for the young miss of the Ye clan ".
'Is it her?' He remembered seeing a pair of curious eyes in the convoy at the village entrance on the first day. He took some time to digest what he heard and asked " Did you agree or were made to agree?".
She wanted to lie and say it was okay but, Ming Jian briefly explained what happened in the past. Ming Shin was shocked to hear something so big going on " Err..wait doesn't that Ye Gu or someone know that mother is married? Why did he..?". He still could not find words to describe such absurdity.
Ming Jian sighed at his plight " Shin 'er, this world id based upon whose fist is strong. There are many such people who covet things and try to get whatever they desire if they are strong".
"But, why?"
"Good and evil people. This is something that has been haunting humanity since creation. You can only find your own answer to it" the former replied.
"My son, promise me, no matter how strong you are, even if you are in a position to dictate a life and death of anyone, you should show kindness to innocent people" Ming Rui was adamant and teary eyed.
"And utterly merciless to your enemies" Ming Jian added.
Ming Shin gave a nod but his struggling expression indicated that he was thinking about good and evil. His father smacked his head " What are you thinking about? You are still a kid. You need to travel and rack up more experience to even think about those " and reprimanded.
"Ow Ow Ow" the former rubbed his head while Ming Rui took him into her arms. I don't know how long it will take until I hug my son again she sighed.
"Mm ? Why are you suddenly peak nine warrior?" Ming Rui asked.
Ming Jian looked over while the latter replied " I don't know, I was only in the eight realm yesterday and until today morning I saw that my breakthrough was very smooth and cool feeling is gone".
"Anyway, the fruit has been of great help to your mother. With it we can be a bit more relieved that she can protect herself after going to the Ye clan" Ming Jian was relieved.
"Yes, it's thanks to my son for being so lucky" she was proud and ruffled his hair.
"Eh? that reminds me, I went to get a lucky charm but I could not give you one" he was remorseful.
"Haha why do I need anything else? You are my lucky charm" she looked at her son lovingly.
"Hehe, look father. I am mother's lucky charm" Ming Shin pointed out.
Ming Jian just turned his head aside and ignore to which the mother and son duo laughed.
It is already afternoon and Ning Shu has come to pick up Ming Rui to Ye Ling's stay since it was time. Watching the three, she was surprised that the boy broke up to three levels and he is peak nine warrior already.
If this is surprising then when she looked at Ming Rui, she almost stumbled and fell down. Wasn't she only Qi transformation yesterday? How did she break so many levels overnight? It took even me three years to breakthrough from transformation to condensation realm.
She looked at Ming Jian and thought 'She might already be Qi condensation earlier was probably hidden by some means by this man'. She still had some misgivings about that day.
"You have arrived. Now, I shall leave her care to you as Miss Ye's follower" Ming Jian was straightforward.
"Y-Yes" she was already sweating in his presence while Ming Shin looked over curiously 'What a beautiful lady? But she is nowhere near mom'.
Feeling the impudent gaze of the kid, although she wanted to reprimand him, she controlled herself "Ming Rui, let's get your belongings and we shall leave soon with the convoy".
She nodded her head and went in to carry her belongings in a bad. The family of three indulged in a warm hug and the big and small Ming looked as she left with Ning Shu.
Ming Shin was fighting to not let his tears slip while his father placed his big hand on his head. Ming Rui had returned to her icy demeanor which surprised even Ning Shu to be wary of her. 'What's this? She feels completely different than when she is with her family'.
She lead Ming Rui to where the Ye's troupe stayed. After some brief introduction and gathering, it was time to leave. Ming Shin also came to bid farewell to his friends Tai, Bai and Zhang siblings.
" Sister Xue, I heard that you are also one of the followers along with my mother to that Ye Ling girl. Please take care of her" Ming Shin requested.
"Of course Xiao Shin, she is also my teacher. More like, become stronger and meet us soon" Tai Xue softly affirmed.
"That's a promise" his tone was serious. He then gave a nod to Tai Xun and Zhang siblings. After bidding farewell to Bai sheng, he teased Bai Mei " Mei Mei sister, I will miss you. I will grow stronger and come see you soon".
"Fufu, I'm waiting for you Xiao Shin" she teased him. Tai Xue just felt a little pang and quickly asked everyone to board the convoy after hearing the signal.
Huge commotion was raised in the whole village as the convoy started to take off. Ming Rui waved her hand to her family and convoy moved ahead and soon became small in the eyes of Min Shin.
His determination even rose to become stronger, more stronger, more more stronger so that he did not need to face such farewells again.
The convoy has left, but the villagers are still immersed in the celebrations. They were all discuss about various novelties and things they have heard from the convoy members these days.
In half a day, there were hundreds of stories and rumors floating across the three villages. Some said that there were fairies spotted flying in the air in Henji while others said they saw a man with ten arms fought a war with the town and was defeated.
There were even rumors of people coming from the dead after they consumed a miracle medicine from the pill master. People boasted as if they witnessed things themselves.
Ming Jian has gathered together with the officials to count various profits and deduce various news received from the officials. One such severe news received was the monster beasts seems to be agitated in the past year according to the scout from Henji.
Many people have gone missing and no actual news has been out recently of their actions. This lead to them believing that the monsters attack in the coming three years is going to be very severe and drastic measures need to be taken place to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.
Most of this news has been reported by Mu Shen whose village has the lowest strength to cope with the danger. Ming Jian who was seated behind them contemplated that not everything might be true and some of it might be a ploy secretly arranged by the Rin clan to assert their authority.
While Rin clan definitely played their hands through Ping Lao, never did they expect that both them and Ming Jian could not be any farther from the truth.
Night soon fell and everyone dispersed back to their villages in huge swathes while passing these gossips and discussions while women were mostly discussing about various ornaments and beauty creams of the town.
Ming Shin also went back to Juuko along with his father in the carriage. Ming Jian wanted to explore the path to the cave as he did not go to the lonely home so soon. He knew that both of them needed some distraction right now. 'Home would not be the same without her' he sighed.
Reaching near the Juuko tree, there were some people sighted praying as soon as they came back. They avoided them silently in the darkness and Ming Jian jumped up together with his son.
Ming Shin tried to find his way back to the black tunnel, but could not find it. Last time, it was Xiao Lan who guided him and now he is still not awake and sleeping in his hair. After some searching and through some marks, he was able to reach the place but there was no opening there.
Even by tapping it, it wasn't hollow by any means and the thick trunk otherwise depicted the vitality. Ming Jian was thoughtful 'Forget it, it is probably his chance. Let him find it later again when he becomes strong'.