The next morning, Xiao Hai woke up with a long yawn, stretching lazily. Last night's sleep had been unusually comfortable, and he knew why. Confessing everything to his mother had lifted the weight that had been pressing on his heart. Without that hidden burden, his rest had been deep and peaceful.
"Anyway, let's get ready… that old man could show up any moment," he muttered groggily, rubbing his eyes.
Still half-asleep, he pushed open the door and stepped out of his room. But the moment he entered the main hall, his drowsiness vanished.
Sitting at ease on a chair, sipping tea as if it were his own home, was Jia Xing Tian himself.
Xiao Hai froze in shock. He hadn't expected the old man to come directly to his house so early in the morning. A shiver ran through him as he thought—if he hadn't spoken to his mother last night, this visit would have caused a real storm. For once, he truly felt relieved at his decision.
Jia Xing Tian set his teacup down and glanced at Xiao Hai with a faint smile. His expression was calm, yet there was a sharpness in his eyes. Today, he wasn't here for Xiao Hai alone—he had come to meet Xiao Hai's only family, his mother.
Jia Xing Tian had originally come to inform Xiao Hai's mother of his decision. But after speaking with her, he couldn't help but feel a deep difference between the royal family he served and this seemingly small Xiao Family.
These people carried an unshakable determination—never doubting their own blood, never wavering once they made a choice. Xiao Hai's mother was even more extraordinary. She had said plainly that there was no need to worry about her son, and that Jia Xing Tian should only intervene if Xiao Hai truly reached the point where he could no longer hold on.
For a moment, Jia Xing Tian was left astonished. Such words… coming from a mother?
When he asked her why, her reply was simple: as a mother, she too wanted her son to grow into a strong person.
Hearing this, Jia Xing Tian no longer pressed the matter. He understood. This was not mere trust—it was the resolve of a mother, willing to endure worry and pain for the sake of her child's future. A resolve as firm as steel, yet born entirely out of love.
"Greetings, Grandfather. How come you are here so early?" Xiao Hai greeted politely, though a trace of surprise lingered in his voice.
Jia Xing Tian, who had been lost in thought, turned his gaze toward Xiao Hai. The boy still looked a little drowsy, not fully awake yet. With a faint smile, the elder replied, "Nothing much. I simply came to meet your mother. After all, I've never had the chance to meet your parents before. So, I thought I'd take this opportunity."
Then his expression shifted slightly as he asked, "Go get ready quickly. Also, did you prepare everything you'll need?"
Xiao Hai froze. His mind went blank for a moment. Yesterday, he hadn't given this matter a single thought. Now, with Jia Xing Tian standing right here, there was no time to prepare properly.
The Magical Beast Mountain Range was no playground—it was a place where danger lurked in every shadow. He wasn't going there to hunt for coin, but to temper himself. For such a journey, things like dried rations, medicines, and emergency supplies were essential. Not to mention weapons.
Though Xiao Hai wasn't particularly skilled in swordsmanship or spear arts, he could still wield them if necessary. But more importantly, he was truly proficient in archery. Without proper preparation, venturing into the mountains would be nothing short of reckless.
Seeing Xiao Hai's stunned expression, Jia Xing Tian let out a long sigh.
"Heh, young people these days! Always wanting to do something terrifying, yet not even prepared for it," he said with a mix of helplessness and annoyance.
"Alright, I already understand you didn't prepare anything. Don't worry—I've made preparations for you," Jia Xing Tian continued, his tone carrying a hint of irritation, though his eyes revealed a trace of concern.
When Xiao Hai heard that everything had already been prepared, his heart warmed, and gratitude shone in his eyes. He quickly bowed his head slightly in thanks, then rushed off to get ready.
After washing his face and steadying his spirit, he changed into simple training clothes and returned to the main hall, standing straight before Jia Xing Tian.
Seeing the plain yet practical attire, Jia Xing Tian gave a small nod of approval. With a wave of his hand, he took out two sets of black robes and matching masks from his storage ring, handing one to Xiao Hai.
Without asking unnecessary questions, Xiao Hai immediately donned the robe and mask, concealing both his figure and face. The heavy fabric carried a faint chill, as if meant to sever his identity from the outside world.
After that, contrary to Xiao Hai's expectations, Jia Xing Tian didn't summon a flying beast or display his strength openly. Instead, he led him to the family's stable and carefully chose two sturdy horses.
Watching the elder's actions, Xiao Hai quickly understood—this was to keep a low profile. In the Magical Beast Mountain Range, unnecessary attention could be more dangerous than any beast.
Without asking a word, Xiao Hai stepped forward, took hold of the reins, and mounted one of the horses. His movements were calm, showing tacit acceptance of Jia Xing Tian's intentions.
Mounting their horses, the two of them began their journey toward the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
As soon as Xiao Hai passed beyond the gates of Wu Tan City, a strange calmness settled in his heart. It was a feeling he had never experienced before—like stepping into a wider world. His gaze wandered across the vast green plains, where clusters of trees swayed gently in the breeze and low earthen mounds dotted the landscape. The cries of birds echoed overhead, while nimble deer leapt gracefully in the distance, adding a vibrant touch to the beauty of nature.
Immersed in the tranquil scenery, Xiao Hai felt as if his heart was being washed clean. But just as he was lost in the moment, Jia Xing Tian's voice brought him back to reality.
"Heh, so you're like this? Understandable," the old man said with a knowing smile. "After all, geniuses like you will never settle in one place. Every true genius has a dream burning in their heart. Yet, they all share one trait—they cannot stand feeling restricted."
His voice grew softer, tinged with a trace of regret. "I was also like that in my youth. But when I finally realized the weight of responsibility, I chose to settle down… and from that day on, I could no longer break through on my own path."
Hearing Jia Xing Tian's words, Xiao Hai suddenly understood the true reason behind his decision. From childhood until now, he had never once set foot beyond the walls of Wu Tan City. In his previous life, he had grown used to staying in one place, bound by routine and limits. But even then, a quiet longing had always existed deep within him—a desire to see the vast world beyond.
Now, with this step onto the path of cultivation, that long-buried desire finally stirred. It bloomed within his heart like a flower awakening after a long winter, filling him with both anticipation and resolve.
Nodding silently in acknowledgment, Xiao Hai tightened his grip on the reins. Side by side, the two riders urged their horses forward, speeding up their pace to reach the Magical Beast Mountain Range before long.