The days following our family trip were quiet, filled with training and spars. But my thoughts were consumed by the realization of how little time I had left to prepare for the storm that would inevitably come. The birth of Tang San was only a few years away, and with it, the chaos between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan. The pieces of the chessboard were already shifting, and if I wanted to carve my place in this world, I had to act decisively and quickly.
One morning I gathered everyone in the courtyard. Grandpa, Liu Erlong, and Dugu Xin stood there, curious but apprehensive. Even little Dugu Yan seemed unusually attentive, though she remained in her father's arms.
"I'm leaving," I announced, my voice steady but firm. "For at least two years, maybe longer."
The words hung in the air like a heavy fog. Grandpa frowned, his usual calm expression tinged with concern. Liu Erlong crossed her arms, her fiery gaze locking onto mine, while Dugu Xin's face was unreadable.
"Leaving?" Liu Erlong asked, her tone sharp. "What do you mean, leaving? Where are you going?"
"I have my reasons," I replied. "There's a lot I need to accomplish, and staying here won't cut it. Soon there will be a conflict between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan and the entire continent will feel it. I need to be ready for that."
Liu Erlong looked at me and asked, "How do you know all that?"
Before I could make something up, Dugu Xin interrupted us and said: "Bei has been sharing stuff like this since he learned how to speak, we have learned not to question him. It's weird and a little unsettling, but it is what it is. We knew he wasn't a normal kid since the day Dad found him in the forest when he was six months old."
That new piece of information seemed to surprise her. She didn't know I was adopted. She probably thought I was the son of another Dugu Bo's child, but was too shy to ask.
Grandpa's eyes narrowed, he didn't seem to care about the conflict between those great forces of the continent, just about my safety. "And what exactly are you planning to do during these two years?"
"Train," I said simply. "In a special location that will allow me to grow stronger than ever, or die trying."
The shock on their faces was palpable. Grandpa's composure faltered, and even Dugu Xin's stoic demeanor cracked.
"I know what I'm doing," I said, meeting their gaze. "The skills I'll gain there are worth the risk. If I'm going to survive the chaos that's coming, I need to master every advantage I can get."
Grandpa sighed, rubbing his temples. He seemed to want to say something, but I interrupted him.
I said firmly. "Don't worry about me, I will return! But before I leave, I have one last favor to ask of you, Grandpa."
He straightened, his expression almost unreadable, but I noticed obvious concern in it. "What is it?"
"I need you to gather information about Sea God Island," I said. "Specifically, I need a way to get there. Whether it's pirates, sailors, or mercenaries, I don't care. I need someone who can navigate the seas and take me there when the time comes."
Grandpa raised an eyebrow. "Sea God Island? That's a dangerous place. Spirit Masters from the continent aren't exactly welcome there, they don't like the Spirit Hall."
"Which is why you'll need to make it clear you're not affiliated with Spirit Hall," I said. "Your connections and reputation should help. I'll deal with the rest when I return."
Liu Erlong's expression darkened. "And what about the Clear Sky Clan? You mentioned the conflict with Spirit Hall. Are we just going to ignore it?"
"Yes," I said bluntly. "The Clear Sky Clan will likely abandon the smaller clans under their protection to save themselves. Cowards like them aren't worth our time or energy."
Her eyes blazed, but before she could argue, I added, "We have a family to protect. We can't afford to throw our lives away for conflicts that don't concern us."
That seemed to calm her, though her expression remained fierce. Grandpa nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful.
"You've thought this through," he said. "Very well. I'll do as you ask. But Bei, promise me one thing: don't let your ambition blind you to the dangers ahead."
I smiled faintly. "I'll be careful, Grandpa. You know me."
"That's precisely why I'm worried," he muttered under his breath.
The next morning, I left before anyone else woke up. My Ruyi Treasure Bag was packed with enough food for two years and my heart was steady. I took one last look at the academy and then turned away.
Slaughter City awaited me.