Three months passed swiftly after the awakening ceremony.
In that time, life in Holy Soul Village returned to its steady rhythm—plowing fields, tending livestock, and gathering around the hearth at night. Yet beneath the ordinary days, the villagers carried a spark of excitement. For the first time in generations, their home had produced not one but two children with soul power.
Every time Xiao Tian walked through the village, the elders nodded with pride, and children followed him, whispering about the future Spirit Master he would become. Tang San, as always, remained quiet, doing his chores, repairing tools beside his father, or occasionally helping Xiao Tian with irrigation or livestock when asked. Most villagers saw him as just a dutiful boy from a poor household, nothing more.
But Old Jack remembered the promise he made. When the time came, he would send both children to Notting City.
On the morning of their departure, the village gathered once more at the square. Old Jack stood at the front with his cane, his robe washed clean for the occasion. Xiao Tian and Tang San stood side by side, small bundles on their backs.
The villagers offered blessings, food, and clumsy advice. Laughter and encouragement filled the air, though most of it was directed at Xiao Tian. Tang San received only the occasional smile, but he accepted it calmly, as if used to being overlooked.
As the boys bowed farewell, Xiao Tian suddenly recalled that day three months ago, when Su Yuntao left the village.
Flashback
Su Yuntao had stood at the village entrance, his Spirit Hall badge glinting under the sun. His expression was impatient, as though eager to return to the city.
"You have two children with soul power," he told Old Jack. "By Spirit Hall rules, they can enroll at Notting City's primary academy. Whether they succeed or not will depend on themselves."
He glanced once more at Xiao Tian—Black Tiger—and then at Tang San—Blue Silver Grass. His lips curved in the faintest frown of doubt before he turned, robes fluttering as he left.
The villagers bowed respectfully, but as his figure vanished down the road, most quickly forgot him. For them, what mattered was not Spirit Hall's deacon but their own children's futures.
End of Flashback
The present returned with the sound of Old Jack's voice."Enough, everyone. It's time. If we wait any longer, we won't reach the city gates by dusk." The crowd parted reluctantly, making way for the three travelers.
The road stretched long ahead, winding through fields of gold and patches of wild forest. Merchants' carts rumbled past, pulled by weary oxen, while birdsong filled the air.
Xiao Tian walked with a spring in his step, eyes shining with curiosity. The city… finally. A place with markets, blacksmiths, tools… With the right ideas, I can build everything I need. No more waiting.
Beside him, Tang San walked quietly, steady as a shadow. His gaze was calm, but inside he carried questions—about his Blue Silver Grass, about his cultivation, and about the father who remained a mystery even in drunken silence.
Old Jack kept a steady pace ahead, leaning on his cane. Every now and then, he looked back at the boys. His eyes were filled with both pride and concern. "The world outside is not the same as our little village. Remember this: work hard, stay humble, and most of all—stay alive."
Both boys bowed their heads respectfully.
By dusk, the great walls of Notting City rose before them. Stone towers reached high into the evening sky, guards stood watch at the gates, and the noise of city life—vendors shouting, carts rolling, children laughing—washed over them like a tide.
Old Jack stopped, his voice trembling slightly. "This is as far as I go. From here, your paths belong to you."
"Grandpa Jack, thank you," Tang San said, bowing deeply.
"I won't forget this kindness," Xiao Tian added firmly, fists clenched.
The old man turned before his tears could show, waving a trembling hand as he began the long walk back home.
And so, side by side, the two boys stepped forward—through the gates of Notting City, toward a future that would test both their spirits in ways they could not yet imagine.