When Tianyu first began training with Qian Renxue, they were in a room filled with lavish decorations that hinted at the noble status of its owner. Inside the room, two people were present. One of them, the owner of the room, was seated in a chair, while the other knelt on the floor.
The identity of the seated figure was indeed extraordinary—he was the emperor of the Xing Luo Empire, one of the four great empires on the continent, Xu Jiawei. The man kneeling before him was Yu Shang, the one who had fought and been defeated by Tianyu the day before.
"So, what about that boy? Have you tested him?" Xu Jiawei asked.
Yu Shang lowered his head further, cold sweat dripping from his temples. Xu Jiawei's voice was calm, but it carried an undeniable weight.
"Your Majesty," Yu Shang replied softly, his tone filled with reverence. "I tested him as ordered. He... is extraordinary."
Xu Jiawei tapped the armrest of his chair slowly with his fingers, his gaze sharp like an eagle assessing its prey.
"Explain."
Yu Shang then recounted the battle between himself and Tianyu, carefully omitting the fact that he had injured Tianyu during the fight and even harbored murderous intent toward him. Though he did not know who Tianyu truly was, he had personally witnessed the terrifying talent the boy possessed.
With a mere cultivation level of 20, he had defeated a Spirit King. This was astonishing—something Yu Shang had never seen or heard of in his entire life.
After listening to Yu Shang's account, Xu Jiawei leaned back slightly in his chair. A faint smile formed on his lips.
"Interesting," he murmured. "A boy with a cultivation level of 20 who can defeat a Spirit King. Even you, whom I trained personally, were rendered powerless by him."
Yu Shang possessed a Martial Soul perfectly suited for infiltration, assassination, and other shadowy missions, so of course, Xu Jiawei had personally trained someone like him.
Moreover, Xu Jiawei was also considering another fact that made him even more (intrigued). Tianyu was born with an innate spirit power exceeding level ten. This meant he was a chosen one—an heir to a god.
Yu Shang held his breath, bowing even deeper. "Additionally, though the boy is somewhat arrogant and provoked me during the fight, he also has a kind heart. I could sense that if he had used his first spirit ability earlier, I—who underestimated him—would have suffered severe injuries, or worse, died if struck by that attack. Yet he held back, and even when he was about to use it, he warned me first."
Xu Jiawei chuckled softly, his voice deep and resonant. "Good. I appreciate your honesty."
He tapped the armrest once more, the sound tense in the vast room.
"In one month, send a message to Xu Jiujiu. Tell her to return to the palace and bring the boy with her."
Yu Shang bowed deeply. "Understood, Your Majesty."
Xu Jiawei turned his gaze back to the garden, his voice low but clear.
"Leave."
"Yes!" Yu Shang immediately rose, bowed once more, then retreated cautiously before finally turning and exiting the room.
After Yu Shang's departure, Xu Jiawei slowly stood from his chair. His imperial robe draped heavily over the marble floor, adding to his imposing presence. He walked toward the large window overlooking the palace garden.
"I wonder… what kind of ripples that boy will create on this continent."
One month later, Tianyu was training in the backyard pavilion under Qian Renxue's supervision. Suddenly, however, Qian Renxue vanished from her spot. Before Tianyu could even question it, a woman's voice sounded behind him.
"Tianyu, have you finished your training?"
Tianyu turned to see the speaker—none other than Xu Jiujiu. No wonder Qian Renxue had left without a word; someone had come to visit.
Tianyu halted his training and exhaled briefly before fully turning to face Xu Jiujiu. His expression was slightly surprised, but he quickly smiled warmly.
"Sister Jiujiu? What brings you here?" he asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Xu Jiujiu smiled gracefully and extended her hand. On her palm lay a delicate silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant made of bluish jade. The gem emitted a faint glow, as if infused with misty spiritual energy.
"Your mother contacted me earlier using this necklace I gave her," she said softly. "She said she misses you and wants to hear about your journey."
"Mom?!"
Tianyu's eyes widened. His hands trembled as he took the necklace. It had been months since he left home, and now his mother was reaching out—through Xu Jiujiu, no less.
"How do I use it?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
Xu Jiujiu stepped closer, her slender fingers fastening the necklace around his neck. "Just channel your spirit energy into it," she whispered.
Once secured, the crescent pendant glowed softly. Suddenly, a warm, familiar voice echoed in his ears.
"Tianyu... My son... Are you alright?"
His breath hitched. "Mom... I'm fine," he replied, struggling to keep his voice steady. "I... I'm sorry I haven't contacted you. I've been busy training."
From the other side, a stifled sob could be heard. "It's okay, my child. As long as you're healthy. Don't push yourself too hard. Eat well, rest properly. That's all I ask."
Tianyu lowered his head. His chest tightened with sudden longing. Tears welled in his eyes, but he held them back—determined not to embarrass himself in front of Xu Jiujiu.
"Okay, Mom. I promise." He took a deep breath. "I... miss your cooking."
Xu Jiujiu gracefully gave them space, stepping back under the shade of a cherry blossom tree, allowing Tianyu to speak longer.
The conversation flowed in waves—sometimes smooth, sometimes interrupted by silence. Tianyu's voice occasionally cracked or strained as he tried to sound strong for his mother.
Gradually, the pendant's glow dimmed. His mother's voice faded away.
"Goodbye, my son... Take care over there."
"You too, Mom."
The necklace was now silent again. Tianyu clutched it tightly, as if afraid it would vanish if he let go.