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After leaving the mansion, Wu Ming and Wu Chen were guided by a guard to their new accommodation. The house wasn't as grand as a mansion nor as cozy as a cottage—it was modest yet sufficient, with a small garden on the side.
Wu Ming thanked the guard before stepping inside. The place was neat and well-organized, clearly prepared for guests. Wu Ming smiled and turned to Wu Chen. "Xiao Chen, go take a bath. You'll feel refreshed."
"Ayo, Brother Ming! I'm so tired, I just want to sleep," Wu Chen pouted, his expression weary.
Wu Ming chuckled, already prepared for this. "Xiao Chen, take a medicinal bath. Trust me, you'll feel better. And while you do that, I'll make something tasty for you." His lips curled into a mischievous smile, knowing food was the key to persuading the boy.
Wu Chen's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Oh! Fine. But I want chicken!" he demanded, crossing his arms.
"Alright, alright, chicken it is. Now go." Wu Ming waved him off, hiding a grin.
As Wu Chen disappeared into the bathroom, Wu Ming heard a knock on the door. Opening it, he found a guard holding several bags filled with fruits, vegetables, and other essentials. After thanking him, Wu Ming brought the items inside, sorted them into containers, and tidied the kitchen. Soon, the aroma of roasted chicken and freshly steamed vegetables filled the house.
When Wu Chen returned to the kitchen, his face was fresh, and he looked more awake. The enticing fragrance of food brought a contented smile to his lips.
"Ming Gege, what are you making?" he asked, his excitement evident.
"Roasted chicken, rice, and steamed vegetables," Wu Ming announced, clapping his hands as he finished plating. They both sat at the table and enjoyed their meal, the warm food lifting their spirits.
After dinner, Wu Ming's tone grew serious as he looked at Wu Chen with concern. "Xiao Chen, tomorrow they'll take you to the training center for the awakening ceremony. Are you ready?"
Wu Chen's face lit up with determination. "Yes! Yes, Ming Gege! Xiao Chen is ready. I'll become strong and tame Valezar. Hooray!" He ran around the room, cheering.
Wu Ming smiled faintly but couldn't hide the trace of worry in his eyes. 'I hope you can awaken this time,' he thought, silently praying for his younger brother's success.
Once Wu Chen was asleep, Wu Ming slipped out of the house, carefully locking the door behind him. He walked briskly through the dimly lit streets to an alchemy store, where he purchased two pills—one to aid in awakening and the other to rejuvenate mana. On his way back, he also bought a bottle of fine liquor for himself.
Back at the house, Wu Ming soaked herbs in water for Wu Chen's bath the next morning. Sitting in the garden under the starry sky, he sipped the liquor, his thoughts heavy with memories. The weight of his losses pressed down on him—his village, his home, his master and madam—all gone. Only Wu Chen and the jade pendant around his neck remained. Tears streamed down his face as he gazed at the sky, lost in despair until sleep claimed him.
The morning sun broke through the horizon, its warm rays waking him from his slumber in the garden. Startled, Wu Ming hurried inside and woke Wu Chen. After giving him a medicinal bath with the soaked herbs, Wu Ming handed him the awakening pill.
"Take this, Xiao Chen. It'll help you," he said, watching the boy with a mix of hope and nervousness.
Wu Chen stepped into the garden, looking up at the sky. "Mama, Papa... Xiao Chen will awaken today, I promise. I'll become the best beast tamer," he whispered, tears slipping down his cheeks. Wiping them away, he walked with Wu Ming to the training center.
"It's your big day, Xiao Chen," Wu Ming said, his voice firm but gentle. "Do your best."
The arena buzzed with excitement as the entire village gathered for the awakening ceremony. One by one, children stepped onto the rune-inscribed platform. Those with sufficient mana awakened their beast partners or spiritual powers, while others left with heavy hearts. Success or failure, the ceremony determined their fate.
When it was Xiao Chen's turn, the crowd murmured, mocking the boy from a strange village. Unfazed, Wu Chen met Wu Ming's reassuring gaze, then stepped onto the platform. Closing his eyes, he focused, channeling his mana into the runes.
Mana, the lifeblood of awakening, flowed sluggishly. The runes remained dim, and whispers filled the crowd. The master and chief exchanged disapproving glances, shaking their heads.
"I want to try again!" Wu Chen pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.
Chief Lao, a stern Level-3 Spiritual Master, shook his head. "No, boy. The rules allow only one attempt. Win or lose, it's your destiny."
Crushed, Wu Chen lowered his head and walked back to Wu Ming, his fists clenched. Wu Ming knelt beside him, trying to console him. "It's okay, Xiao Chen. We'll try again another time."
As they prepared to leave, Master Lao approached. "What is your name, young man?" he asked, stroking his beard.
"I am Wu Ming, and this is my younger brother, Wu Chen. Leader Zhao kindly helped us settle here," Wu Ming replied, bowing respectfully.
Master Lao nodded in recognition. "Ah, Leader Zhao's friend. Bring the boy to the academy tomorrow at 8 a.m. I'll help him activate his mana."
Hope flickered in Wu Ming's heart. "Thank you, Master Lao!" he said, his face lighting up.
But Wu Chen couldn't share his brother's joy. Disappointment weighed heavily on him. He spent the day sulking in a corner, even ignoring Wu Ming's efforts to cheer him up with desserts. Heartbroken but understanding, Wu Ming gave him space to process his feelings.
By morning, Wu Chen rose, his spirit battered but not broken. After a light breakfast, he dressed and left for the training center, ready to face the challenges ahead.
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