The next morning, when I woke up, Dugu Xin had already left. On the table by my bed, he left a neatly folded note. As I unfolded it, I couldn't help but smile. The note was filled with silly but heartwarming advice: reminders not to skip meals, to get enough sleep because, as he put it, I was "in an important growing process." He even apologized for missing my upcoming seventh birthday and any birthdays after that for a while. He promised to bring me a present when he returned. His words were simple, but they carried the weight of his love and care. It wasn't just a note; it was a piece of him, and I held it close.
3 Months Later
Time flew by, and three months passed in the blink of an eye. My cultivation was progressing at an incredible pace. By the end of that time, I broke through another rank, reaching rank 54. This speed was nothing short of miraculous. But for me, it wasn't enough. I was hungry for more, driven by the desire to grow stronger faster.
Living with Grandpa during those three months was a unique experience. Without Uncle Xin around, the house felt quieter, almost serene. Grandpa, despite his gruff exterior, showed a softer side I hadn't seen before. We developed a routine. Mornings were for training; he would oversee my practice, pointing out flaws and offering advice that only someone of his experience could provide. Afternoons were spent cultivating, with him often sitting nearby, silently meditating or working on his poisons. Evenings, however, were the most special.
After dinner, we would sit together on the veranda, sipping tea and talking. Grandpa shared stories from his youth, tales of battles fought and lessons learned. He even told me about Uncle Xin's childhood, how he had struggled with the poison in his body and how proud Grandpa was of the man he had become. These moments made me appreciate him even more. He wasn't just my mentor; he was my family.
One evening, as we sat on the veranda overlooking the vast estate, I decided to broach the subject that had been on my mind for weeks.
"Grandpa," I began, my tone serious. "I want to train in the forest alone. I need to push myself harder, face real challenges, and grow stronger. Staying here won't let me reach my full potential."
Grandpa's brows furrowed as he turned to me. "Bei, you're only seven years old. Do you realize how dangerous it is out there? I'm not questioning your power, but…"
"But you are," I interrupted gently. "And I understand. But I've faced danger before, and I've come out stronger each time. I'll stay in cities from time to time to rest and recover. I won't be reckless."
For a long moment, he said nothing, his sharp eyes studying me. Finally, he sighed, a mix of pride and reluctance in his expression.
"Fine," he relented. "But take this." He handed me a pouch brimming with gold coins. "Enough money for 10 years. You shouldn't have to worry about anything while you're out there."
I stared at the pouch, my eyes widening. "Grandpa, this is too much! I'll be back in a few months after I reach rank 60."
He waved off my protest with a gruff laugh. "Nonsense. No grandson of mine will live like a peasant, no matter how short the time. Take it, and use it wisely."
His words touched something deep within me. Memories of my past life, of struggling to make ends meet, flashed through my mind. His generosity filled my heart with gratitude.
"Thank you, Grandpa," I said earnestly. "I won't let you down."
The next morning, we stood at the gates of the estate, ready to part ways. Grandpa was heading off to scout for the perfect location for my future academy, while I was setting out to train. He looked at me one last time, his expression a mixture of pride and worry.
"Take care of yourself, Bei," he said, his voice softer than usual. "And remember, you can always come back."
I nodded with a determined smile on my face. "I will."