Yang Feng stood still, his gaze lingering on Ming Ling as the spiritual master descended the hill and disappeared into the distance, carried away by the wind and his graceful crystalline eagle. The silence that followed felt almost oppressive, as if the very air was waiting for him to make a decision. He glanced at the closed door of his small, humble home, where his father had retreated only moments ago. The memory of Bai Feng's tearful reaction to the revelation of Yang Feng's spiritual beast still played vividly in his mind.
"A wolf," Yang Feng whispered, almost to himself. His thoughts swirled in confusion as he tried to understand why his father had reacted so strongly. Was there something special about having a wolf as a spiritual beast? His father had always been a quiet man, someone who lived simply and never spoke of the greater mysteries of the world. And yet, that single moment had cracked open a part of Bai Feng's past that Yang Feng had never seen.
As he stood on the small hill overlooking the village, Yang Feng couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted in the course of his life. He had lived here, in this tiny village, with his father for as long as he could remember. But now, for the first time, the possibility of leaving—of embarking on a path that could take him far beyond these hills—loomed before him.
He considered the offer Ming Ling had made. Joining the Spiritual Academy. The words echoed in his mind, bringing with them both fear and excitement. The academy was a place where spiritual masters were made, where knowledge was passed down, and power was cultivated. Could it be the key to unlocking the questions that had haunted him since his awakening? The image of the upper realms, hazy yet ever-present in his mind, flashed before him. His memories of that life, distant and fragmented, held secrets that needed uncovering.
Yang Feng sighed, turning back to the small hut. His father, Bai Feng, had urged him to go, despite the emotional turmoil it had caused. What could Bai Feng have known that was so important? Why had he been so adamant about Yang Feng following his path?
For a moment, Yang Feng considered staying behind, living the quiet life he had always known. But deep down, he knew that was no longer an option. There were too many questions that needed answers. If he stayed here, he would always be left wondering—about his past, about his future, about his purpose.
"If there's anywhere that can help me find the truth... it's the Spiritual Academy," he murmured to himself. The academy was a place of power and knowledge, a place where those with spiritual beasts could rise to greatness. He had heard the stories, but now it was becoming real. Perhaps there, in the halls of the academy, he would find someone who could tell him more about the upper realms. Maybe someone knew of the immortals, the celestials, or even the Azure Domain.
Yang Feng clenched his fists, feeling the resolve grow within him. "I'll join the academy. No matter what." He had made his decision. If the academy held even a fraction of the answers he sought, it was worth the journey. He would go, not just for the power it promised but for the chance to discover who he truly was and why his past life's memories had returned to him.
The day passed in a blur after that. Yang Feng spent the remaining hours packing what little he had—a few simple clothes, some tools for the journey, and the memories of the life he was leaving behind. The sun set over the hills, casting long shadows across the village as the sky deepened into hues of orange and purple. The village was quiet now, save for the occasional sound of crickets and the rustling of the wind through the trees.
Yang Feng sat by the window of his small home, staring out at the darkening sky. Tomorrow, everything would change. Tomorrow, he would leave the only home he had ever known. He glanced at the wooden floor, worn from years of use, and his eyes drifted toward the faint light coming from beneath the door. His father was still awake. He wondered if Bai Feng would say anything more before he left.
But no sound came. Only the soft breathing from the other room.
Yang Feng closed his eyes, allowing sleep to take him as the night settled over the village.
The next morning, the village square was alive with quiet anticipation. A soft golden light bathed the village, the sun peeking over the horizon and casting a warm glow across the landscape. Yang Feng stood in the center of the square, his heart pounding in his chest as he took in the sight before him. The villagers had gathered, many of them standing to see off the boy who was leaving for a destiny far beyond their quiet lives. Children, especially, looked at him with wide eyes, whispering among themselves about the spiritual master who had come to take him away.
Behind him, Ming Ling stood tall, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the square. His crystalline eagle perched nearby, its ethereal beauty drawing gasps of awe from the onlookers. The beast's wings shimmered in the sunlight, casting reflections across the cobblestone streets.
Yang Feng's gaze swept across the faces of the villagers. Miss Xu was among them, standing quietly with the village elder at her side. Both of them waved to him, their faces filled with encouragement and a tinge of sadness. The village elder stepped forward, giving Yang Feng a firm nod.
"You've grown strong, Yang Feng," the elder said, his voice steady. "I know the academy will teach you well. Your father would be proud."
Yang Feng nodded in return, though a lump formed in his throat. He glanced around one last time, taking in every detail of the village square—the place where he had spent so many days of his life. It felt strange to be leaving it all behind, yet he knew this was the right path.
Just as he was about to turn away, his eyes drifted up toward the hill where his home stood. The small house that he and Bai Feng had shared seemed to stand alone, apart from everything else. He could picture his father inside, quietly going about his morning routine, pretending that this was just another ordinary day. Yang Feng narrowed his eyes, feeling a pang of sadness in his chest.
"This is goodbye, Father," he thought, staring at the distant hill. He wanted to say something more, but the words wouldn't come. He hoped, wherever Bai Feng was in that moment, that he understood. With one last look, Yang Feng turned away from the hill, setting his gaze forward.
Ming Ling approached from behind, his robe fluttering softly in the morning breeze. He summoned his spiritual beast with a single motion, and the massive eagle spread its wings, ready for flight. The villagers gasped in awe once more as the majestic creature lowered itself to allow Yang Feng to climb aboard.
"Are you ready?" Ming Ling asked, his voice calm and patient.
Yang Feng took a deep breath, glancing back at the village one final time. His eyes lingered on the people who had been part of his life, the hills and trees that had been his world. He was leaving it all behind now, stepping into a future that was uncertain, yet filled with potential.
"Yes," Yang Feng said, his voice steady. "I'm ready."
With that, he mounted the crystalline eagle, its surface cool and smooth beneath him. Ming Ling climbed up beside him, and with a single command, the eagle took to the skies. The wind rushed past Yang Feng's face as they ascended, lifting them higher and higher above the village. He looked down, watching as the small cluster of houses grew smaller and smaller, until they were nothing more than specks in the distance.
The horizon stretched out before him, vast and open, filled with the promise of adventure. Yang Feng's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, but he knew there was no turning back now. His journey had begun..