After spending much time exploring the last two mountains near the village and successfully mapping them without any significant obstacles, Arthur decided to return to Saint Village to rest for a while—while also training his newfound abilities, gained from an unexpected encounter!
The evening sun dipped low on the western horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Arthur and Jing Liu walked along the narrow path leading back to Saint Village, their backpacks filled with the spoils of their journey. Arthur's small feet stepped steadily over the rocky ground, while Jing Liu occasionally glanced back to ensure their woven cage of pets was secure.
"Hey, do you think we should bring something for Uncle Jack?! Like a cat or a rabbit to keep?!" Jing Liu asked, matching his pace with Arthur's. "Since we'll be leaving for the Academy in Nuoding City in two months!"
Arthur paused briefly, his blue eyes scanning the map in his hand. "Hmm... not a bad idea," he murmured. "Maybe we should just catch one cat and two rabbits that seem tame!"
They changed direction toward an area teeming with wild rabbits and cats. Jing Liu patiently approached a gray cat cleaning its paws beneath a tree. "Look, it's not running away!" he whispered proudly as the cat allowed him to stroke its soft fur.
Meanwhile, Arthur found a pair of plump white rabbits nibbling on grass. "These are perfect!" he said, gently lifting one. The rabbit merely sniffed his hand curiously.
"Alright, this is enough!" Arthur declared, standing up and wiping sweat from his brow. "Let's head back before dark. We should also bring some han fruits for the villagers!"
As they passed through the village gate, the aroma of home-cooked food greeted them. Smoke curled from the chimneys of wooden houses, and the cheerful sounds of children playing echoed in the distance.
"Hey, Arthur! You're back?!" called one of the villagers, waving. "Your uncle was really worried about you!"
An auntie carrying a basket of dried han fruits added, "Yes, he's been waiting at the village gate every evening. You should go see him now!"
With quick steps, Arthur and Jing Liu headed to Uncle Jack's house. Before they could even knock, the door creaked open.
"Uncle, we're home!" they shouted in unison.
Uncle Jack immediately pulled them into a tight embrace. The scent of garlic and spices clung to his clothes. "Hah! I thought you two were never coming back!" he said hoarsely. "What were you doing out in the wild for so long?!"
Jing Liu, his cheek still squished against Uncle Jack's chest, replied in a muffled voice, "So many exciting things, Uncle! We saw meadows, swamps, mountains...!"
Uncle Jack released them and gently pinched Jing Liu's cheek. "You've become livelier now!" he said with a smile.
After a delicious dinner prepared by Uncle Jack, they sat on the porch, enjoying the cool night air. The flickering oil lamp illuminated the map Uncle Jack was examining.
"Arthur," he muttered as he traced the lines on the map, "for a six-year-old, you've already accomplished extraordinary things!"
Above them, stars twinkled like scattered jewels across the night sky. The two children exchanged glances, both brimming with anticipation for the new adventure ahead.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye. This morning, just as the sun rose, Arthur and Jing Liu stood at the village gate with their packed bags.
"So today we're really going to the Academy?!" Jing Liu said, gazing at the road leading to Nuoding City.
Arthur nodded, his eyes shining. "Let's begin our new adventure!"
"Hey, you two, don't just stand there! Hurry up and get on the carriage!" Uncle Jack shouted.
"Yes, Uncle, sorry, hehehe!" Jing Liu giggled, tugging Arthur toward the horse-drawn carriage.
"Hah... time is unpredictable. Sometimes it flies, and sometimes it crawls. I can't believe you're already leaving for the Academy! But I know you'll overcome any challenges the future brings!" Uncle Jack said softly, yet with unwavering confidence.
"Uncle, even though we won't see each other often anymore, we'll visit you again during our end-of-term break!" Arthur said.
"Yeah, Uncle! Don't be too sad. Even if we can't stay with you, you still have Tom, your cat, to keep you company!" Jing Liu added.
"Well, no time for sadness! You two need to adapt quickly to your new environment!"
After their conversation, time seemed to slip away unnoticed, and soon the gates of Nuoding City came into view. However, since they were heading to the Academy, their carriage had to be left at a storage facility. Finally, the three of them walked toward the Academy's grand entrance.
"Hey, who are you? Do you have business here?" the gatekeeper asked politely.
"Yes, I'm here to enroll them as part-time students at the Academy," Uncle Jack said, handing over the recommendation letter from "Soul Granmaster "Su Jin and the introductory letters from Saint Village and Hope Village for Arthur and Jing Liu.
"Alright, let's check... These documents are genuine! And their innate spiritual energy levels are incredible—rank 6 and 7! That's extremely rare in this region! And you're not even from noble families... This is like a blessing!" the gatekeeper exclaimed in awe.
"Thank you for the praise, but can we go in and register now?" Arthur asked, slightly taken aback by the gatekeeper's unexpectedly enthusiastic demeanor.
"Oh, right, sorry! You may enter, but your guardian cannot accompany you further. As for the location of Headmaster office, you'll find it by following the floor plan a few meters inside," the gatekeeper explained, pointing to a signboard.
"Alright, Uncle Jack, thank you for taking such good care of us. Now we'll learn to take care of ourselves... And don't forget to take care of your health too!" Arthur said, his eyes glistening as he looked at Uncle Jack.
"No need for thanks... You two are the greatest blessings in my life," Uncle Jack replied, hugging them both tightly.
After a moment, Arthur and Jing Liu stepped through the Academy gates, waving one last time at Uncle Jack before disappearing from sight.
"Hah... They've grown up so fast. I hope they'll make good friends here," Uncle Jack murmured as he walked away from the Academy gates, shaded by passing clouds and serenaded by birdsong. Arthur and Jing Liu's academy life had officially begun!
TO BE CONTINUED...