Xin Li, Yun Yuan, and Pang Bo ultimately accepted the unspoken invitation to stop by Green Leaf Village. The glow of dusk slowly descended, dyeing the leaves in dramatic shades of red.
Chen Huang led the way, his steps now carrying purpose. No longer relaxed, they were filled with responsibility. He had to ensure that these honorable guests—regardless of the misunderstanding that had occurred—would harbor not even the slightest doubt about his good intentions. This was a matter of honor, and a guarantee that he himself would not become a source of trouble.
Time crawled by, measured by the shifting shadows on the forest floor, until they finally arrived at the tranquil village. Chen Huang guided them toward the village chief's house, a place that felt to him like a sanctuary.
Upon arrival, he pushed open the old wooden door. Inside, Wang Nan sat on a low stool, fully focused on the blade in his hands. He was sharpening a knife, the friction of metal against whetstone producing a rhythmic, ancient hiss—a sound of preparation, as though he were honing fate itself. Shock was evident on the old village chief's face, the wrinkles on his skin deepening as he realized Chen Huang had brought three young cultivators with him.
"Grandfather, I'm home," Chen Huang said briefly.
Wang Nan responded with nothing more than a warm smile, one that eased the tension among the newcomers. Chen Huang then recounted what had happened—a rather long story born of misunderstanding.
"And that's why they'll be staying the night," Chen Huang explained, his tone asking for permission.
Xin Li immediately offered a salute. Her beautiful hands came together in front of her chest, fingers aligned perfectly. She bowed slightly, her movement graceful and sincere, conveying gratitude and apology.
"Sorry for the trouble."
Pang Bo and Yun Yuan, though stiffer in manner, followed her gesture. With that, Wang Nan nodded, and the exhausting day ended in comfortable silence.
Morning arrived with rare gentleness. As the sun began to rise, its pale light crept in and illuminated the living room. Xin Li and her companions were already prepared. Their black robes were neat, signaling an inevitable departure.
Before they left, however, Xin Li separated herself from the group. She walked toward Chen Huang, who was sitting near Wang Nan, who had once again begun sharpening his knife—a meaningful morning ritual. Chen Huang sat casually, gazing into the distance, lost in thought.
"Chen Huang," she called.
Her voice was soft, yet clear enough to draw attention.
Chen Huang turned his head with a measured motion. At the same time, Wang Nan raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze filled with quiet curiosity.
"What is it?" Chen Huang asked, his voice carrying the calm of early morning.
Xin Li stood before him, her posture straight, though a faint tremor ran through her shoulders. She locked eyes with him.
"The answer to what I asked you before—what do you think?"
Chen Huang recalled the question, one that now felt profoundly important: Would you join the Sky Cloud Sect?
"Will you come with us?" Xin Li asked again, her tone slightly more urgent this time.
Chen Huang shifted his gaze away from Xin Li and toward Wang Nan seated beside him. His eyes seemed to seek the permission he had long awaited. Wang Nan merely smiled faintly, a smile filled with deep understanding, as if he had already read the destiny Chen Huang desired.
Without a word, Wang Nan rose from his seat. His movements were slow, imbued with the dignity of an elder. He walked to an old table in the corner of the room and opened a hidden wooden box. Inside lay a set of new clothes, neatly folded, and a simple yet elegant ring.
Wang Nan tossed both items to Chen Huang. The motion was unhurried but resolute, like releasing a bird whose time had come to fly.
"Take them. Chen Huang… become a cultivator. I look forward to your success."
Hearing this unexpected blessing, Chen Huang was deeply moved. His throat tightened. Wang Nan, who had always been the anchor keeping him in the village, now became his strongest push forward. Chen Huang took the clothes and the ring, holding them tightly, as if gripping permission to live his own life. Then he turned toward Xin Li.
"Alright. I'll go with you," he said, his voice filled with renewed determination.
Chen Huang turned back to Wang Nan for a formal farewell. He brought his hands together in front of his chest, the movement precise and respectful. Then he bowed deeply, a gesture symbolizing sincerity and boundless gratitude.
"In this life, I will never forget the kindness of Grandpa Wang, who protected me and accepted me when everyone else abandoned me."
Wang Nan stepped forward, ending the bow. His rough hands—those of an honest village chief—rested on Chen Huang's shoulder, a touch full of affection and pride.
"That's enough. This has been your wish for a long time. How could I keep refusing you?"
That morning ended with a quiet farewell. Chen Huang left the small hut, now wearing the clothes Wang Nan had given him—marking the beginning of a long journey that would one day be etched into history.
---
The farewells were over, and Chen Huang now found himself atop the back of an extraordinary living creature. It was a Tier-One Beast, a giant Blue Eagle, cloaked in deep blue feathers that shimmered beneath the morning sun. The beast had been tamed by Pang Bo and now served as a strong, efficient mount for their long journey.
A powerful wind rushed against Chen Huang's face, brushing his hair back. The sensation of being in the air, floating above the mortal world, was entirely new to him. He sat upright on the eagle's sturdy back, his heart pounding with pure excitement.
He was deeply impressed. He had never imagined he would truly ride a flying beast. His eyes shone with awe, as though every cloud and every mountain below was a miracle he had never seen before.
Beside him, Xin Li smiled softly, a smile that warmed the chill of the high-altitude air. Seeing Chen Huang behave like a child experiencing a new toy for the first time made her quietly amused by his innocent reaction.
Xin Li's movements, seated atop the eagle, were fluid. As the eagle occasionally swayed in flight, her hips gently shifted, and the curves of her chest moved softly in a natural rhythm. It was visible only because her black robe was relatively thick, lending an unintended charm to her elegance.
"These three… their strength is quite decent." In Chen Huang's mind, Yue Chan's voice sounded, gentle as a breeze against his inner ear. "All three understand how to control their Dou Qi, though they don't possess Dou Qi as refined as yours."
Chen Huang immediately confirmed Yue Chan's assessment. He focused his inner energy, subtly examining the Dou Qi flowing around Xin Li, Pang Bo, and Yun Yuan. The discovery surprised him slightly—but now he understood.
"Nine-Star Dou Zhi Qi Realm!" he exclaimed inwardly, a realization only Yue Chan could hear. "No wonder they're so strong."
Yue Chan replied in a reassuring tone, reinforcing Chen Huang's confidence.
"Correct. Their realm is above yours, but not their physical strength. Your body has been tempered by the All-Laws Breaking Technique. Ordinary physiques cannot possibly compare."
Time passed slowly beneath the vast blue sky. The sun began to tilt, casting beautiful orange light across the horizon ahead. The Blue Eagle started to descend gradually, gliding over a vast forest as it headed north.
Xin Li leaned forward slightly. Her slender, pristine fingers gently touched Chen Huang's shoulder, drawing his attention. She pointed ahead with a dramatic, excited gesture.
"Chen Huang, that is Shanghai City!" she said cheerfully.
Chen Huang followed her gaze. In the distance lay a sight that stole his breath. His heart pounded, his eyes widening in disbelief.
It was Shanghai City.
Towering structures rose like the crystalline fangs of dragons, forged from crystal and jade, stretching as far as the eye could see—a scene utterly different from the simplicity of Green Leaf Village.
"Whoaaa!" Chen Huang couldn't hide his shock. His mouth hung slightly open, and he nearly lost his balance trying to take in every detail.
"It's huge!"
Behind him, Yun Yuan, leaning against the saddle, merely shook her head. Letting out a soft breath, she touched her forehead with her index finger in an elegant gesture of exasperation.
"This guy… he's strong, but far too childish," she thought, her judgment tinged with mild annoyance and amusement.
Pang Bo, positioned at the front and controlling the eagle with beast-leather reins, spoke in a firm, controlled voice.
"We'll stop in this city to buy some supplies. Is that agreeable?"
Yun Yuan, ever pragmatic, answered first.
"Not bad. I suppose that's fine."
Chen Huang and Xin Li simply nodded in agreement.