After breakfast, the house was bustling with activity as everyone got ready for Su Mu's departure. Lingxi, trying to keep her composure but with a hint of sadness in her eyes, helped Su Mu with the last few things.
The journey to Monster City, where the university was, lay ahead for Su Mu. It felt like the start of a brand new chapter in her life.
As the final moments ticked by, Lingxi couldn't hide the sadness welling up. Her usual calm expression wavered slightly.
Su Mu noticed the change in her friend. She walked over, her own heart feeling heavy. "Lingxi," she said softly, "I'm going to miss you like crazy. Seriously." She paused, searching Lingxi's eyes. "But this isn't goodbye forever, right? We'll see each other again."
Lingxi managed a small, watery smile, nodding. "Of course, Miss, I'll be right here, waiting for you to come back". Her voice trembled just a bit. "Promise you'll be careful?"
"I promise," Su Mu said, pulling Lingxi into a tight hug. "You take care of things here, okay?"
Lingxi hugged back fiercely, burying her face in Su Mu's shoulder for a moment before pulling away, wiping quickly at her eyes.
Then came the goodbyes to her family. Su Mu hugged her father, Su Zihao, who stood tall and proud, though his eyes held a hint of worry. "Be strong, Mu'er. Learn well," he said gruffly but warmly.
Next was her mother, whose gentle embrace felt like a final comfort. "Oh, my dear girl," she whispered, stroking Su Mu's hair. "Remember what we talked about. Trust yourself, stay alert, and grow strong. We're so proud of you". She also reminded Su Mu that communication might be difficult due to the conditions outside the city, and resources might be limited.
Her little brother clung to her leg, tears in his eyes, making Su Mu's heart ache. "Don't go, Sister!" he cried. Su Mu knelt, hugging him tightly. "Hey, I'll be back before you know it. Be a good boy for Mama and Papa, okay?"
Finally, it was time. With one last lingering look exchanged with Lingxi, a look full of unspoken feelings and longing, Su Mu turned to leave.
Just before she stepped towards the carriage, her father stopped her. He pressed a small, plain wooden box into her hands. "Mu'er," he said, his voice low and serious, "don't open this. Not until you get to your uncle Ye Fan's house in Monster City. Understand?"
Su Mu looked from the box to her father's intense gaze, feeling the weight of his words. "I understand, Father." She clutched the box tightly, curiosity piqued, but she nodded obediently.
With final waves and tearful smiles, Su Mu stepped away from her home and family.
As the moment of departure neared, a resonant eagle's screech echoed from a distance, catching everyone's attention.
The sound grew louder, and soon, a majestic eagle soared into view, its wingspan casting a shadow over the surroundings.
It circled above Su Mu and her family, a regal presence in the sky.
Su Mu's father and mother exchanged knowing glances, a hint of recognition in their eyes.
Lingxi, too, seemed aware of the significance of the eagle's arrival.
The majestic bird descended gracefully, landing before Su Mu with an air of familiarity.
There was a familiar old man Grandpa Chen a friend of her grandfather on the top of the eagle, his white hair, like a cascade of moonlight, danced in the wind.
His silhouette was lean, yet there was an air of strength about him.
A long crimson coat draped around him, adorned with golden epaulets that glinted like ancient runes.
Beneath, he wore green trousers and sturdy black boots.
Her father stepped forward, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Uncle Chen, thanks for coming to escort Mu'er to the Monster Capital."
Grandpa Chen nodded in acknowledgment. "It's my pleasure, Su Zihao. Ensuring Mu'er's safe journey to Monster City."
Su Mu's mother approached, expressing gratitude. "Mr. Chen, we appreciate your assistance in safeguarding our daughter. Her safety means a lot to us."
Mr. Chen bowed slightly. "Rest assured, Lady Su. Mu'er will reach the Monster Capital without any trouble. I've been entrusted with this task by her grandfather."
Su Zihao and Grandpa Chen exchanged a few words, their conversation a mix of familiarity and respect.
The old friends shared a firm handshake before Grandpa Chen directed his attention to Su Mu.
"Mu'er, sit tight, and we'll reach the Monster City swiftly," Mr. Chen spoke with a warm and reassuring tone.
The eagle extended its large wing, forming a platform for Su Mu to step onto. Su Zihao turned to his daughter.
"Mu'er, this is the fastest and safest way to reach the Monster City. Uncle Chen will accompany you on this journey."
Su Mu, though initially surprised, expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Grandpa Chen. I appreciate your guidance on this journey."
With that, Su Mu settled in on the eagle's back, the atmosphere was both solemn and reassuring as Su Mu's family and Lingxi watched the departure.
Mr. Chen gestured for Su Mu to settle in, and with a graceful motion, the majestic eagle took to the sky.
Lingxi, along with Su Mu's family, watched as the eagle ascended, becoming a mere silhouette against the vast sky.
As they soared above the familiar landscapes, Su Mu glanced back one last time to see her family and Lingxi becoming smaller dots on the ground;
She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—excitement for the adventure ahead, nostalgia for the home she was leaving behind.
The eagle carried them toward the Monster City, marking the beginning of Su Mu's new chapter in the world of magic and mystery.
The journey on the eagle was an enchanting experience for Su Mu, offering a breathtaking view of the diverse landscapes below.
Forests stretched out like lush carpets, rivers sparkled under the sunlight, and mountains stood as majestic sentinels on the horizon.
The cool breeze tousled Su Mu's silver hair, creating a sense of freedom and connection with the vast world beneath.
Seated atop the eagle, Mr. Chen shared snippets of his adventurous tales, his voice carrying the echoes of countless encounters with magical phenomena on Blue Star.
His stories added a layer of mystique to the journey, enriching Su Mu's understanding of the magical realms she was now a part of.
As they approached the Monster Capital, its sprawling expanse unfolded before them.
Towering structures adorned with Spiritual formations created a mesmerizing skyline.
The city was a testament to the coexistence of humans and intelligent monster races, with districts seamlessly blending the architectural styles of both civilizations.
The streets were alive with the vibrant energy of diverse beings, each contributing to the unique tapestry of the Monster Capital.
Monster City, nestled on the southeast border of the Great Fire Empire, stood as a beacon between the realm of humans and the boundless, perilous forbidden area inhabited by demons and monstrous beasts.
The city bore witness to a covenant forged 300 years ago by the Second Emperor of Great Yan, an agreement with the overlord beasts in the forbidden area.
This pact ensured a delicate balance, preventing conflicts and fostering a unique bond between the two realms.
In the wake of the Spiritual power's revival over the last 500 years, a transformation occurred among the mutant beasts, giving rise to highly intelligent beings—demons.
These intelligent races speculated to originate from alternate spaces connected to Blue Star, formed ethnic groups, each possessing strengths comparable to high-level Spiritual Masters or Martial Artists and beyond.
Humans, in their limited understanding, labeled these beings as demons.