"No," the old man replied, his face a map of deep wrinkles, frowning as he looked at his grandson.
"Grandpa! But why? Don't you want me to get stronger?" Wei Yu sulked, his voice thick with frustration.
The old man's heart ached as he met his grandson's tear-filled eyes. Oh, dear Wei Yu... if only you understood...
"Grandpa just doesn't want A'Yu to leave him. After all, he only has A'Yu with him," he said, his voice softening despite the obvious lie.
Wei Yu felt a surge of anger. Why wouldn't his grandpa agree? It was just a simple request! He promised to visit twice a month.
Just then, a striking cultivator entered, his elegant white robes billowing as he moved with grace. He cupped his hands and bowed deeply. It was none other than Yu Chen, come to plead on Wei Yu's behalf.
"This junior respectfully requests that you allow Wei Yu to join the sect. I will take full responsibility for him and guide him," Yu Chen stated earnestly.
The old man studied the handsome cultivator, letting out a long sigh.
"Fine! But he must visit me at least four times a month!" he grumbled, his voice rising as he shooed them out of the room. "AND DON'T THINK OF COMING BACK UNTIL YOU REACH THE LATE STAGE OF QI GATHERING!" His voice echoed down the hall, filled with both exasperation and love.
***
As Wei Yu stepped into the bustling courtyard, excitement crackled in the air. Cultivators, clad in various robes, gathered around, their chatter echoing off the stone walls. Word of his admission had spread like wildfire.
"Look, it's Wei Yu!" someone exclaimed, pointing.
Ling Xiao, tall and confident with a mischievous grin, elbowed his way through the crowd. "Did you really just join the sect? That's amazing! You'll be training alongside us now!"
Wei Yu beamed, feeling the warmth of acceptance wash over him. "Yeah! Yu Chen said he'd mentor me!"
"Great choice," Ling Xiao replied, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I can't wait to show you around! We'll spar together, and I'll teach you a few tricks. Just don't cry when I beat you!"
The group laughed, and Wei Yu felt a sense of belonging. However, before they could delve deeper into plans, Yu Chen raised a hand. "Let's not get too carried away. We have a journey through the forest ahead of us to reach the sect so that he can officially become a disciple. Stay alert."
As they set off, the atmosphere shifted. The forest loomed ahead, dense and shadowy. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating an enchanting yet eerie glow. The group moved cautiously, their eyes scanning the underbrush.
"Did you hear about the Blood Demon Clan?" one of the younger cultivators whispered. "They say there are four types of demons: Shadowfangs, Bloodrunners, Soulbinders, and Nightstalkers. Each one more dangerous than the last."
"Shadowfangs," Ling Xiao explained, his voice low, "are stealthy and quick, able to blend into the darkness. Bloodrunners have incredible speed and can drain life energy. Soulbinders can manipulate emotions and thoughts, while Nightstalkers... well, they're a mix of all three, and they thrive in chaos."
Wei Yu swallowed hard. "Are they really that scary?"
Ling Xiao shrugged. "We'll be fine as long as we stick together. Just remember what I taught you: stay calm, and trust your instincts."
Suddenly, a rustle broke the tension. Before they could react, five figures emerged from the shadows, each exuding a malevolent aura. The Blood Demon Clan had ambushed them.
"Hand over the boy!" one of the demons snarled, revealing fangs glistening in the dim light. "We have business with mixed blood."
"Mixed blood?" Wei Yu echoed, confused.
"Stay behind me!" Yu Chen commanded, stepping protectively in front of Wei Yu.
As the demons lunged, one targeted Wei Yu, razor-sharp claws aimed directly at him. Panic surged through Wei Yu, but he gripped his wooden sword, the only weapon he had. He faced the attacker with determination.
"Get away from him!" Yu Chen shouted, moving to intercept.
But the demon laughed, sensing the boy's fear. "This one has mixed blood, doesn't he? Just a child, but still..."
Before the demon could finish, Yu Chen, with a fluid motion, dispatched the attacker with a swift strike, silencing him forever. "We don't have time for games," he growled, turning to face the remaining demons.
Wei Yu watched how bravely Yu Chen fought with the demons. But many were struggling. No matter how strong Yu Chen was, he was still only a Golden stage cultivator and lacked experience. Which resulted him being injured too. Wei yu saw how all the cultivators fought along side with sheer determination, how they trust each other and how powerful they were.... HE WANTED TO HELP! He jumped into the battle feild and fought a demon that Ling Xiao was facing.
Together, they faced the remaining demons. Wei Yu, his heart pounding, drew strength from his friends. With a deep breath, he swung his wooden sword, connecting with a demon's arm and forcing it back.
"Good job, A'Yu!" Ling Xiao encouraged, deflecting a blow meant for him. "You're stronger than you think!"
As the battle raged, Wei Yu realized he was more than just a child. He was part of something bigger, fighting alongside friends who believed in him. With each strike, he felt his confidence grow, a fire igniting within him.
But as the last demon fell, Wei Yu couldn't shake the words that had been left unspoken. Mixed blood? What did it mean? He glanced at Yu Chen, he could not figure out what the other party was thinking, and wondered what secrets lay hidden in his past?
"Come on everyone! Lets move before backup arrives!" Yu Chen screamed. His smile had been lost and he seemed very serious. Being on guard every single second. But he couldn't help but wonder what the demon meant? Mixed blood? Wei Yu? Sure that kid can pick up things really fast but that doesn't meant that he's the mixed blood child of the demon king. Right?
Wei Yu was equally confused as Yu Chen. Not being aware of his past, he was devastated. Ling Xiao beside him saw his tension and jokingly poked at the center of his eyebrows.
" Hey Wei Yu, What'cha thinkin'?"
"Senior brother Ling....can i ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"What's a mixed blood?" Wei Yu asked without batting an eye.
Ling Xiao previous care free mood came to an end. It seemed that he was not willing to tell in the fear of scaring Wei Yu. But he quickly regained his composure and his silly mood, smiling at Wei Yu.
"Dear shidi, why do you want to know? Could it be-You're a mixed blood too?Hmm?"
Wei Yu's eyes widened. He was not sure about this theory, but what if he was? in that case how would everyone treat him? How would his grandpa treat him? Senior brother Ling and the rest of the cultivators? And most importantly, How would Immortal gege look at him?
"Ah no no no, me? pfft! How could I possibly?"
Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes. This shidi was very easy to tease.
'' Really Shidi? You seem pretty suspicious." Ling Xiao stated.
Before Wei Yu could answer, Ling Xiao burst into laughter, tears at the corners of his eyes. Due to the commotion many people were looking at them. But none could see Wei Yu's face because it was a moonless night.
"Senior brother I will appreciate if you close your mouth!"
"Hahahaha- okay I will tell you but remember to not wet the bed after hearing he story."
Wei Yu got annoyed and whispered under his breath. "I'm not like you."
"Okay so it's like this-"
Wei Yu eagerly become alert and attentively listened.