Part 1: An Invitation to the Store
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the hospital as Hóng Hǎiyáng organized medical tools for the day. He was growing accustomed to this routine—a mix of hospital work and personal training in the quiet hours of the evening. But today, his rhythm was interrupted by a sudden visitor.
BǎoBǎo stood at the door with a formal letter in hand, his usually sharp demeanor softened by a hint of curiosity. "Master, this arrived for you," he said, handing over the envelope.
Hǎiyáng tore open the seal and quickly scanned the contents. It was an invitation—formal, elegant, and bearing the emblem of the Hóng family.
"It's from Hóng Qiàn Lì," BǎoBǎo noted. "Your aunt. She requests your presence at Bái Yuán Shēng Hù Zhě Shāngdiàn."
Hǎiyáng frowned, his mind racing. He hadn't fully processed the sudden arrival of this new family, let alone the implications of their power and influence. "Why meet at that store ?" But curiosity won over hesitation.
"Fine," he said after a moment. "Let's go."
Part 2: The Store That Changed Everything
Hóng Hǎiyáng hesitated at the grand entrance of Bái Yuán Shēng Hù Zhě Shāngdiàn. The building loomed before him, far grander and more opulent than he remembered. The last time he'd been here, it was just another bustling store. Now, it felt like an empire.
BǎoBǎo walked beside him, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings.
Hǎiyáng turned to his loyal Doberman beast. "This is the store where I bought you, BǎoBǎo," he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Yes, Master," BǎoBǎo said calmly, his tone filled with pride. "I think this store is yours. I checked it before we go"
"What?" Hǎiyáng blinked in shock. "Mine? This entire store?"
"Yes, Master," BǎoBǎo confirmed.
The weight of the revelation hit him like a tidal wave. This store, which once seemed like a simple place for necessities, was a cornerstone of his family's vast empire.
As he stepped inside, he was immediately struck by its grandeur. The building towered above its surroundings, a testament to both wealth and prestige. As he stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. The air buzzed with respect and reverence as employees and customers alike paused to bow or nod in acknowledgment.
"Welcome, Young Master!" a voice called out, warm and full of pride.
A tall, elegant woman then approached him with tears glistening in her eyes.
"Welcome home, Young Master," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I am Hóng Qiàn Lì, your aunt."
Hǎiyáng froze. "My aunt?" he whispered.
Qiàn Lì nodded, struggling to maintain her composure. "You remind me so much of your mother," she said, her voice breaking. "You have her eyes, her smile, her strength."
Tears streamed down her face as she continued, "It's been so many years since we lost her, but seeing you—it's like she's still here with us."
Hǎiyáng's heart ached at her sincerity. He had spent so many years feeling unwanted, yet here was a stranger shedding tears over his existence.
"This is Hóng Wēnshì, your second grandpa," Qiàn Lì said, gesturing to the dignified man beside her.
Wēnshì nodded with a warm smile. "Welcome, Young Master," he said. "It's an honor to meet you."
Wēnshì nodded with a warm smile. "Welcome, Young Master," he said. "It's an honor to meet you."
Hǎiyáng squinted. "Wait—you were the one who tested my beast during the second evaluation!"
Wēnshì chuckled. "Indeed, and I remember the commotion you caused. Your schoolmates doubted the scoring pillar's accuracy, even asked you to duel, convinced it couldn't register an SSS-level beast. But I knew otherwise."
As they walked through the store, Qiàn Lì introduced him to the key staff, including the receptionist, Měilì, and the security head, Zhào Gāng.
Zhào Gāng stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Young Master," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "I owe you an apology. My behavior during your previous visits was unacceptable. Please forgive me."
Hǎiyáng nodded coolly. "Just don't let it happen again," he said, his tone firm but forgiving.
Qiàn Lì then explained the breadth of the Hóng family's empire. From beast food and beverages to pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals; from wild beast hunting zones to grooming services and evolution consultancy—the Hóng family dominated every aspect of the beast industry.
As the day wore on, they visited various facilities, each one more impressive than the last. By evening, Hǎiyáng was utterly exhausted, his mind swimming with new information.
Part 2: Saying Goodbye to the Xuě Family
The next morning, Hǎiyáng stood in the Xuě family's main hall, ready to share his decision. Xuě Shā, Xuě Jīn Mán, and Xuě jīnyú listened intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
"I've decided to move out," Hǎiyáng said, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat.
Xuě Jīn Mán nodded, his face softening with understanding. "It's a natural step," he said gently. "Every child must find their own path."
Xuě Shā, however, struggled to mask his emotions. He reached into his robe and produced a golden token engraved with the Xuě family crest. "Take this," he said, his voice gruff. "It's the Xuě gold token. Use it whenever you need help. We are family now."
Hǎiyáng accepted the token with trembling hands. "Thank you," he whispered. "For everything."
His gaze swept the room, lingering on each of them. "I owe you more than I can ever repay. You took me in when I was nothing—when I didn't even know I was a tamer. Every opportunity I've had, every success I've achieved, it's because of you."
"Good luck," she said coolly, her voice devoid of emotion, turning on her heel and walking away.
Hǎiyáng's heart ached at her detached demeanor, but he forced a smile. "Thank you," he said.
Xuě Jīn Mán and Xuě Shā accompanied him to the gate, their presence a silent testament to their unwavering support. As he walked away, Hǎiyáng turned back briefly, his heart heavy with gratitude and sorrow.
"I'll still be at the hospital," he called out loudly as if to someone inside the house. "You can find me there anytime."
Xuě Jīn Mán then also left home.
Xuě Shā looks to the sky and then to his daugher's window "She must be crying now. I shall let her reflect on her own feeling. Love should be chased."
Xuě Shā is indeed correct. In her room, Xuě Fú Fèn's composure cracked. Her chest tightening with an unfamiliar ache.
"Stupid boy," she muttered, her voice wavering. "What's so special about him anyway?"
She tried to convince herself that his departure meant nothing, yet her actions betrayed her feelings. She bumped into furniture, dropped her brush, and found herself daydreaming about his awkward smile.
Xuě Jīn Mán and Xuě Shā accompanied him to the gate, their presence a silent testament to their unwavering support. As he walked away, Hǎiyáng turned back briefly, his heart heavy with gratitude and sorrow.
"I'll still be at the hospital," he called out loudly as if to someone inside the house. "You can find me there anytime."
Xuě Jīn Mán then also left home.
Xuě Shā looks to the sky and then to his daugher's window "She must be crying now. I shall let her reflect on her own feeling. Love should be chased."
Xuě Shā is indeed correct. In her room, Xuě Fú Fèn's composure cracked. Her chest tightening with an unfamiliar ache.
"Stupid boy," she muttered, her voice wavering. "What's so special about him anyway?"
She tried to convince herself that his departure meant nothing, yet her actions betrayed her feelings. She bumped into furniture, dropped her brush, and found herself daydreaming about his awkward smile.
With a frustrated sigh, she threw herself onto her bed. "I don't care," she whispered, as tears silently streaked her face.
Outside, Xuě Shā whispers,"May fate bring you together again. Every meeting has a parting, but as long as they are soulmate, they will eventually become one.
"Ying Er, your daugher is starting to grow-up. We will be more busy now"
Part 3: Moving to the Villa
The next morning, Hǎiyáng arrived at the villa with BǎoBǎo by his side. Qiàn Lì and Hóng Wēnshì were already there, overseeing the final preparations.
"This is your home now," Qiàn Lì said, handing him the keys.
The villa was everything he had imagined and more. Nestled near a river and surrounded by lush forest, it was both serene and secluded. The spacious training hall and private quarters were perfect for his needs.
"Thank you," Hǎiyáng said, his voice filled with quiet gratitude.
Qiàn Lì smiled. "Use this space wisely," she said. "You have much to learn and even more to accomplish. However, we shall go back to the store now. It is a busy Monday."
Once Hǎiyáng settled in, the Hóng family's security team set to work. Magical barriers were erected around the villa, ensuring that no intruders could enter undetected. Surveillance spells were cast, and hidden alarms were installed to protect against both human and beast threats.
Zhào Gāng supervised the process, his expression stern. "No one gets in or out without permission," he declared proudly. He deliberately volunteered to be the supervisor as atonement for his mistakes.
BǎoBǎo checked the final evaluation, his sharp eyes missing nothing. "This should suffice," he said telepathically. "But remember, Master—true security lies in your own strength."
Hǎiyáng nodded. "I'll train harder," he promised.
That night, Hǎiyáng lay in his new room, his mind racing. The events of the day had left him both exhausted and exhilarated. The villa felt both strange and comforting—a symbol of his new identity and independence.
As he drifted to sleep, the sound of the nearby river lulled him into a peaceful slumber.
Part 4: The First Breakfast in the Villa
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Hǎiyáng's new villa. The dining hall buzzed with activity as maids set the table under BǎoBǎo's watchful eye. Plates of freshly grilled fish, steaming buns, and fragrant rice filled the air with mouthwatering aromas.
Hǎiyáng sat at the head of the table, marveling at the feast.
"Master," BǎoBǎo said, placing a plate before him. "This is your first breakfast in your new home. Everything has been prepared to your preferences."
Before Hǎiyáng could respond, a flash of blue light filled the room. Xiǎolóng materialized, his nose twitching furiously.
"Fish!" he exclaimed, his excitement unmistakable.
Not to be outdone, Mǔmǔ emerged from her summoning space, her translucent tentacles glowing faintly as she floated toward the table.
"Fish!" she echoed, her voice bubbling with delight.
The room erupted in laughter as the beasts joined the meal with unbridled enthusiasm.
Hóng Huā, Hǎiyáng's personal bodyguard, entered the room with her red pigeon perched gracefully on her shoulder.
"Good morning, Young Master," she said, bowing deeply.
Hǎiyáng smiled. "Please, join us," he said, gesturing to the table.
The red pigeon flapped its wings, its feathers shimmering like embers. Its fiery elegance captivated everyone in the room.
"Your pigeon," Hǎiyáng said, his voice filled with awe. "It's stunning."
"Thank you, Young Master," Hóng Huā replied, stroking the pigeon's feathers.
Part 5: The First Lesson
After breakfast, Hǎiyáng retreated to the training hall, clutching the book of Xiǎo skills that Mìmì had given him. The intricate illustrations and detailed instructions brought back memories of his father's teachings.
He decided to begin with the Water Escaping skill, a technique essential for emergencies. The beginner level required him to transform into water and slip through narrow gaps.
Hǎiyáng focused intently, his body shimmering as he attempted the transformation. But something went wrong. His form became unstable, and his head got stuck in a hole in the training room's wall.
"Help!" he cried, his voice muffled.
BǎoBǎo and Hóng Huā rushed to his side, their faces a mix of concern and amusement.
"Hold still, Master," BǎoBǎo said, grabbing a nearby tool. Together, they dug around the hole until Hǎiyáng was freed.
"Perhaps we should start with smaller gaps," Hóng Huā suggested, her tone gentle but teasing.
Hǎiyáng sighed, rubbing his head. "I'll get it eventually," he muttered, his determination unshaken.
The lesson continued, with Hǎiyáng making gradual progress. By the end of the day, he had managed to partially transform and move through a small opening. Though exhausted, he felt a sense of accomplishment.
Part 6: The Mastery of Skills
The room was silent except for the rhythmic sound of water dripping from the ceiling to the stone basin below. Hóng Hǎiyáng stood in the center of his private training hall, sweat dripping down his forehead as his hands moved fluidly through the air. The dimly lit room suddenly came alive as water surged from every corner, gathering in waves that twisted and spiraled like serpents under his control.
With a sharp movement, the water exploded outward, crashing into the walls with deafening force. He breathed heavily, a triumphant smirk curling his lips.
"You've done it, Master," BǎoBǎo said, his arms crossed as he observed his master's progress. "The Hóng Attacking Skill—Flood Surge—is now at your command. With it, you can summon and weaponize water from nearly any source."
Hǎiyáng nodded but didn't stop. He transitioned into his next skill, a technique that required absolute focus. His body began to shimmer, melting into a transparent, liquid form.
Slowly, he slid across the floor, slipping through narrow gaps and cracks. In seconds, he reappeared on the other side of the hall, whole and unharmed.
The Xiao family's Water Escaping Skill was no longer a challenge for him. He could now transform into water and merge seamlessly with larger bodies of water, whether a river, lake, or sea. It was a skill his late father had once started teaching him, but mastering it now gave him a bittersweet sense of accomplishment.
"BǎoBǎo, I'm ready," he said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions within.
"Good," his Doberman protector replied. "Because you'll need these skills for what's coming next."
-------------------------------End of Chapter 12------------------------------------