The Midnight Awakening
The tranquil silence of the night was shattered—not by loud noises, but by a disquieting shift in the air. Hóng Hǎiyáng stirred in his sleep, a faint prickling at the edge of his consciousness pulling him from his dreams. A strange unease crept over him, like the chill of a sudden gust of wind.
Then it began—a sound so faint it could have been a trick of his imagination. Soft, rhythmic, and eerie, like whispers carried on the night breeze. But as his senses sharpened, he realized it wasn't just one sound. It was the distant rumble of beasts, their growls and cries weaving into an unsettling chorus.
His eyes fluttered open, and the dim light of the moon streaming through the window cast long, wavering shadows across the room.
For a moment, he lay still, trying to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. That's when he heard it—a subtle clash, like blades meeting in a silent duel.
Before he could sit up fully, a familiar presence materialized beside him. BǎoBǎo stood there, his humanoid Doberman form imposing in the dim light. The glint of his sharp eyes conveyed a message before he even spoke.
"Master," BǎoBǎo said telepathically, his voice calm yet commanding. "There's no need to worry. I've placed a strong barrier around your room. Nothing from outside can harm you. Stay here and rest."
Hǎiyáng blinked, still groggy, but nodded. He trusted BǎoBǎo implicitly. As he watched, BǎoBǎo turned and strode toward the window, his movements fluid and deliberate.
Then came the sound.
A single, sharp clap.
It was no ordinary sound—it was thunderous, reverberating through the night like an ancient command. The very air seemed to ripple with its force. Hǎiyáng, now fully awake, stumbled to the window and peered outside.
In the moonlit courtyard, two shadowy figures stood frozen, their movements halted mid-action. Between them lay the faint glow of ethereal energy, a remnant of their interrupted clash. The figures turned their heads toward the source of the sound: BǎoBǎo, standing tall and unyielding at the edge of the barrier.
The two figures, both clad in black from head to toe, dropped to their knees simultaneously. Their voices rang out in unison, filled with deference.
"Young Master!" Both figures shouted almost at the same time.
A Meeting of Shadows
Hǎiyáng frowned, his confusion deepening. He stepped outside cautiously, BǎoBǎo remaining close behind him. As he approached, the two figures kept their heads bowed, their masked faces tilted downward.
But the tension was far from resolved. As if ignited by some unseen spark, the two figures began arguing, their voices sharp and heated.
"Young Master belongs to the Xiǎo family!" one declared, his tone forceful.
"Ridiculous!" the other retorted. "He is the heir of the ancient and noble Hóng family!"
The argument escalated, each figure growing louder and more insistent, their words overlapping in a chaotic cacophony.
"Enough!" Hǎiyáng snapped, his voice cutting through the noise. The figures fell silent, their heads still bowed. He pointed to the one on the left. "You. You must be from the Xiǎo family. Which uncle or auntie sent you here?"
The man in black lifted his head slightly, his voice steady but reverent. "Young Master, I was sent by your grandfather, Xiǎo Jiàn."
Hǎiyáng's expression darkened. The name was both familiar and distant, like a fragment from a forgotten memory. "Grandfather?" he repeated, his voice laced with skepticism. "Where has he been all these years? Does he decide to care now that I'm famous?"
The Xiǎo envoy's posture stiffened slightly. "The grandmaster has always cared for you, Young Master. He was investigating the events surrounding your parents' deaths. That's why—"
"Enough," Hǎiyáng interrupted, his tone cold. "I'll deal with you later." He turned his attention to the second figure. "And you. Who sent you?"
The Hóng envoy straightened, his presence radiating pride. "Young Master, I was sent by your grandfather, Hóng Zǔjūn, the head of the Hóng family. My mission is to protect you."
For a moment, Hǎiyáng was taken aback. "Hóng family? My grandfather?"
"Yes, Young Master. The Hóng family just know about you when you use our family name. The reason you can read in the letter."
The first envoy's head shot up, his eyes narrowing. "Hóng family? This is absurd! The young master is a Xiǎo!"
The tension in the courtyard thickened as the two envoys glared at each other, their animosity palpable.
"Enough of this nonsense," Hǎiyáng said, raising a hand. He pointed to the Xiǎo envoy. "Leave us for now. Wait outside the barrier."
The man hesitated, but a sharp glance from BǎoBǎo sent him retreating into the shadows.
Revelation: The New Young Master Hóng
Hǎiyáng turned to the Hóng envoy, his gaze piercing. "Are you sure I'm your young master? Prove it. What is my mother's name?"
The man in black did not falter. "Your mother's name was Hóng Yuán. She was the beloved daughter of our grandmaster, Hóng Zǔjūn. Your father was Xiǎo Chéng, a hero of Snow Water City."
The mention of his parents sent a flicker of emotion across Hǎiyáng's face, but he quickly masked it. "Do you have proof?"
The envoy stepped forward, producing a token. Its intricate design glinted faintly in the moonlight, the emblem of the Hóng family unmistakable. He handed it to BǎoBǎo, who examined it before passing it to Hǎiyáng.
"My mother didn't give me a token," Hǎiyáng said quietly. He reached for the necklace around his neck, pulling it out for the envoy to see. The Hóng emblem engraved on the pendant matched the token perfectly.
"This necklace," Hǎiyáng murmured. "She gave me this before she..."
The envoy nodded. "That necklace belonged to Lady Hóng Yuán. It is a symbol of her love and a mark of your lineage."
Hǎiyáng's grip on the necklace tightened. His voice grew colder, tinged with anger. "If I truly belong to the Hóng family, why didn't they come for me? Why did they let me suffer alone after my mother died?"
The envoy bowed deeply. "Young Master, all your questions are answered in this letter." He handed an envelope to BǎoBǎo, who placed it carefully in Hǎiyáng's hands.
The enConfrontation with the Xiǎo Envoy
voy continued, producing a black-gold card. "Additionally, the grandmaster has sent this. It grants you access to all Hóng family merchants. Whatever you need, wherever you are, simply present this card, and it will be provided to you free of charge. You are the young master of our family's vast empire."
Hǎiyáng took the card, his expression unreadable. "Fine. You may leave. Let me process this."
The envoy bowed again before vanishing into the shadows.
Confrontation with the Xiǎo Envoy
The Xiǎo envoy returned, bowing as he approached. "Young Master—"
"Stop," Hǎiyáng said sharply. "Show me your face."
The figure hesitated before removing her mask, revealing a woman with sharp features and a composed demeanor.
"Woman ? Protector ?"
"My name is Mìmì," she said. "I serve your grandfather, Xiǎo Jiàn."
Hǎiyáng's eyes narrowed. "Why has my grandfather sent you? Does he want me back in the Xiǎo family?"
"No," Mìmì replied firmly. "The grandmaster does not wish to force you into anything. He sent me only to deliver these." She placed a set of books and a token on the table.
"These are the Xiǎo family's water-based martial arts techniques—attacking, defense, escape, and healing. The token signifies your status as a member of the Xiǎo family."
Hǎiyáng's gaze lingered on the books but ignored the token entirely.
"Anything else?" he asked coldly.
Mìmì hesitated before answering. "The grandmaster only wishes to support you from afar. Within the water zone, you may summon a Xiǎo envoy using the token. Outside, you will have a shadow protector."
Hǎiyáng's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained distant. "Very well. Send my regards to him."
Mìmì bowed deeply before retreating into the shadows.
"To my beloved grandson, Hóng Hǎiyáng,
Greetings, young master of the Hóng family.
It brings immense joy and pride to finally write this letter to you, though it pains me to know that I have been absent for so long in your life. Please forgive this old man for appearing only now, but the circumstances of the past forced my hand. Let me share with you the truth of why it took so long for your family to find you.
During the war many years ago, your mother, Hóng Yuán, made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our family's legacy. At the time, the Hóng clan was under attack, betrayed by the treacherous Huáng family, who had allied themselves with an evil sect. Their goal was to annihilate us and steal the secrets of our bloodline.
In those dark days, the Huáng family's betrayal led to the loss of many of our kin—especially the young. Infants and children were mercilessly targeted, their unique bloodlines severed before they could blossom. The Hóng clan was nearly wiped out. Your mother, in her wisdom and love for you, invoked a rare and powerful incantation to hide the unique scent of your Hóng blood.
She made a difficult choice: to entrust your safety to the Xiǎo family and mask your identity to ensure that no one—not even our allies—would know your true heritage. With the Xiǎo name shielding you, she fought valiantly to protect you. But the betrayal cut deeper than any blade. Both your parents fell, their bodies discovered at the bottom of a ravine. And you... you were declared lost, presumed to have perished alongside them.
When I arrived to pay my respects at their funeral, I begged to know if my daughter had left behind a child. They said there was none. I searched, Hǎiyáng. For years, I searched. But the trail had gone cold, and the war demanded my focus.
I had to protect what was left of the Hóng family and stop the evil sect from spreading its darkness further.
But now, by the grace of fate, you have returned to us. My grandson—my flesh and blood—you are alive. And now, you are recognized as the rightful young master of the Hóng family.
From this day forward, you are the second owner of all Hóng family merchant stores. These stores span every zone: water, fire, land, desert, and even the mysterious sky. They are yours to command, and their resources are at your disposal.
To ensure your comfort, I have arranged for someone to manage your living situation.
How could the young master of the Hóng family reside in another clan's building? A villa befitting your status is being prepared. Soon, you will live under the banner of the Hóng name, where you belong.
Hǎiyáng, I am also sending someone to stand by your side—a protector and a mentor. Her name is Hóng Liánhuā. She is one of the most skilled warriors in our family and a master of both martial arts and business strategy. She will teach you the ways of the Hóng clan, ensuring that you are prepared to embrace your heritage fully. Be kind to her, as she will be both your guardian and your guide.
Lastly, I have enclosed a black gold card. This card grants you access to any Hóng merchant store. Whatever you need, wherever you are, present this card, and it shall be provided to you without question. You are not only my grandson but also the rightful heir to the wealth and honor of our family.
My dear Hǎiyáng, I know this is a lot to take in, and I do not expect you to embrace everything at once. But know this: you are not alone. You are loved, cherished, and celebrated. And one day, when you are ready, I hope to welcome you to the capital city. There, we will dine together as family, and I will share more of the stories and traditions of the Hóng clan.
Take care, my precious grandson.
I am waiting for the day we meet face-to-face.
With love and pride, Your grandfather, Hóng Zǔjūn
Hóng Hǎiyáng sat still, his fingers trembling slightly as he folded the letter from Hóng Zǔjūn and placed it beside the black-gold card on the desk. The words lingered in his mind, filling him with an unfamiliar warmth.
WANTED ?
For the first time in his life, he felt wanted—truly wanted. Not for his achievements, not as a tool for someone else's gain, but simply for who he was.
Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision. He blinked them away quickly, his heart aching with a mix of joy and sorrow. Memories of his life with the Xiǎo family flashed through his mind like jagged shards of glass. No matter how hard he had tried to prove himself, he had been invisible. Dismissed. Cast aside.
Even when he had achieved the impossible—becoming the youngest Beastmaster, ranking first in the city's exams, and earning scholarships—he had never been acknowledged for himself. The moment he became famous, they suddenly wanted him back, but not out of love. It was greed, pure and simple.
Can I trust this?
The doubt gnawed at him. What if the Hóng family turned out to be the same? What if he wasn't good enough? What if he failed and was abandoned again? The thought made his chest tighten, and for a moment, he considered throwing away the card and the letter.
But then he looked at the necklace around his neck. The faint glint of the Hóng emblem reminded him of his mother—her smile, her gentle hands, her whispered promises to protect him.
*No. This is different.*
He inhaled deeply, steadying himself. He couldn't let fear dictate his life. If the Hóng family wanted to claim him, he would give them a chance. But he would do it on his terms.
"BǎoBǎo," he said softly, his voice carrying a newfound determination.
"Yes, Master?"
"Summon the protector. I want to meet her."
Hǎiyáng studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Hóng Huā, let my grandfather know that I still use the name of Xiǎo for my government ID card. When I already master all the skills of Hóng by the time my age is around 18, I am ready to carry the name publicly."
Hóng Huā's expression didn't waver. She bowed her head. "Understood, Young Master."
She straightened, and with a graceful motion, summoned her magical beast. A swirling glow of crimson and gold filled the room as a magnificent fire pigeon materialized beside her.
The fire pigeon was unlike anything Hǎiyáng had ever seen. Its plumage shimmered like molten lava, each feather tipped with golden light. Its eyes, bright as burning coals, glowed with an intelligence that felt almost human. When it spread its wings, faint embers scattered through the air, filling the room with a gentle warmth.
Hǎiyáng couldn't help but stare in awe. "It's beautiful," he murmured.
Hóng Huā smiled faintly. "Thank you, Young Master. This is Fèng Huǒ, my fire pigeon. She is not only my companion but also a messenger of the Hóng family."
As if understanding the praise, the fire pigeon cooed softly, its voice resonating like the gentle crackle of a campfire. It flapped its wings once, and a smaller pigeon, translucent and glowing like a tiny ember, emerged from its chest. The smaller pigeon let out a melodic chirp before flying out of the window, carrying Hóng Huā's message to the Hóng family.
Hóng Huā turned back to Hǎiyáng, her gaze steady. "Is there anything else you require, Young Master?"
Hǎiyáng hesitated for a moment. "Don't call me 'Master' in public," he said finally. "Call me Yáng Yáng, like everyone else does."
Hóng Huā bowed slightly. "Understood, Yáng Yáng. Is there anything else?"
He nodded toward the stack of books on his desk. "I want to learn the Hóng family's martial arts skills. Can you arrange that?"
"Of course, Yáng Yáng. But we will need a secluded place for your training to ensure no one spies on your progress."
"Good," Hǎiyáng said. "Also, I want to master the Xiǎo family's skills as well. I think it's better to have both."
Hóng Huā's lips curled into a faint smile. "Wise choice, Yáng Yáng. I have no doubt you can master the arts of both clans."
He tilted his head slightly. "Where do you live?"
"I go wherever you go, Yáng Yáng," she replied. "I can sleep on trees, rooftops, or anywhere else that is convenient."
Hǎiyáng fell silent, his thoughts swirling. The idea of someone always shadowing him was both comforting and unsettling. Finally, he sighed. "Alright. Dismiss for now. I'll think about everything and let you know."
Hóng Huā bowed deeply before vanishing into the shadows, leaving behind only the faint scent of smoke and embers.
Scene: A New Plan
The room grew quiet once more, and Hǎiyáng sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the pile of responsibilities that now lay before him. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly.
Moments later, a knock at the door startled him.
"Come in," he called.
The door creaked open, and BǎoBǎo stepped inside, his demeanor calm and composed. "Master, breakfast is ready. You need to eat before the hospital opens."
Hǎiyáng nodded, following BǎoBǎo downstairs to the small kitchen. The table was set simply, with steamed buns, porridge, and pickled vegetables. As he ate, BǎoBǎo spoke slowly, his tone measured.
"Master, we should start preparing for the Eastern Beast Fighting School near the Sunken Reefs. There are only two months left."
Hǎiyáng paused mid-bite, considering the timeline. "You're right," he said finally. "I'll need to train myself and you as well. On top of that, Mǔmǔ needs to reach level 30 and evolve into her humanoid form. She'll need proper etiquette training, too."
BǎoBǎo nodded thoughtfully. "Mǔmǔ's evolution will require dungeon training. We can use the evenings for that, after your hospital work is done."
Hǎiyáng leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "There's so much to do. Train two martial arts styles, evolve Mǔmǔ, and teach Xiǎolóng proper summoning etiquette. It's overwhelming."
"Take it one step at a time, Master," BǎoBǎo said reassuringly. "Xiǎolóng can train with me during the day. You can focus on your skills and the hospital during the day, then train with Mǔmǔ in the evenings."
Hǎiyáng finished his breakfast and nodded. "That sounds manageable. Let's stick to that plan for now."
-------------------------------------End of Chapter 7-------------------------------