Just like that, Xiao Hai spent his entire morning and noon immersed in reading. By the time afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, he finally set the books aside. Coincidentally, the little snake had also woken up.
Glancing at the small creature struggling to move, Xiao Hai let out a teasing chuckle.
"So, you finally woke up, huh? I almost died from boredom waiting for you."
The little snake raised its head and looked at him, its eyes faintly gleaming. It tried to crawl closer but failed, its body still wrapped tightly in cloth strips.
Shaking his head with a smile, Xiao Hai reached out and gently lifted it into his palm. The moment it nestled into his arm, the little snake stretched out its tongue and licked his finger.
"Heh, so you're hungry, huh?" Xiao Hai said softly, rubbing its head with his thumb. "Wait here. I think there's still some dried meat in the kitchen."
With that, he stood up and carried the little snake along as he walked toward the kitchen area.
Soon, he returned with a small plate—some dried meat for the snake, and two meat buns for himself.
"Why meat buns?" he muttered with a grin. "Because I'm hungry too, of course."
Placing a few strips of dried meat before the little snake, he tore into a bun himself.
"Here, eat this," Xiao Hai said as he nudged the food closer.
The little snake wasted no time, nibbling at the meat with surprising eagerness. Meanwhile, Xiao Hai finished both buns with satisfaction.
Leaning back in his chair, he patted his stomach and exhaled. His gaze drifted to the window, where the late afternoon sun was beginning to fade.
"What should I do now?" he mused aloud. "I'd planned to relax today, but half the day slipped away in those books. And now... I don't feel like cultivating either."
Suddenly, an idea flashed in his mind. Without giving it much thought, Xiao Hai scooped the little snake into his arms and dashed straight toward the Xiao Family's exit.
Two sturdy guards stood watch at the main gate. When they noticed Xiao Hai approaching at a run, both immediately straightened and greeted him with cupped hands.
Although Xiao Hai preferred to keep a low profile, word of his strength and peculiar habits had already spread. In a clan as large as the Xiao Family, silence could not conceal everything. By now, nearly everyone recognized him—even if he himself continued to act as if he were just another ordinary member.
When the two guards greeted him, Xiao Hai cupped his hands in return before hurrying past. His steps carried him swiftly through the winding streets until he finally arrived at the southern district of Wu Tan City, where a medium-sized market bustled with life.
Wu Tan City had several such marketplaces, each under the control of one power or another. This one, naturally, was managed by the Xiao family.
At the entrance, two more guards stood watch. Recognizing Xiao Hai, they straightened instantly, their gazes filled with a faint respect. He returned a simple nod before stepping inside.
The market was alive with noise and colour. The aroma of grilled meat mixed with the pungent smell of herbs, while vendors shouted their wares—medicinal roots, weapons, and even beast pelts. Mercenaries with weathered armor strolled past, laughing loudly as they haggled, while commoners moved carefully between stalls, clutching their coin pouches tightly.
He was here to meet his mother. After all, she was the one who managed the Xiao family's medicine store in this very marketplace.
Scanning the area, Xiao Hai quickly spotted two men patrolling nearby. Their sturdy builds, sharp gazes, and the subtle emblem stitched onto their tunics marked them as Xiao family guards responsible for maintaining order here.
With the little snake resting quietly in his arm, Xiao Hai walked toward them.
The two guards, noticing him approach, straightened at once. Their expressions shifted slightly—half respectful, half curious. After all, even if Xiao Hai preferred to stay low-key, his name had already spread throughout the family as the youth with unusual talent.
"Young Master Xiao Hai," one of the guards greeted, bowing slightly. "What brings you to the marketplace today?"
"Uncle, I'm here to meet my mother. Can you please take me there? Also, she works at the Xiao family's medicine store, her name is Xiao Qing," Xiao Hai said politely after approaching the guards.
He had always respected the guards. After all, they were the ones who stood at the front lines, bearing the brunt of danger should anything happen within the marketplace.
"No problem. Leave it to us, Young Master Xiao Hai," both guards replied in unison, thumping their chests with pride.
"Come this way, Young Master," one of them gestured.
As they walked through the bustling market, the guards took the chance to introduce the various places and stores along the way.
"That shop sells refined iron—mercenaries often come here for weapon repairs."
"And over there is the herb stall; though common, their stock is fresh, so pharmacists visit often."
"That lane leads to a small trading area where hunters sell beast hides and bones."
Xiao Hai listened quietly but attentively, making mental notes. Though he wasn't interested in shopping, knowledge of where things could be found might prove useful in the future.
The snake in his arms stirred slightly, raising its head for a moment before settling back down, as if curious about the noisy crowd.
Soon, they arrived in front of the medicine shop. The two guards came to a stop.
"Thank you, both uncles. If you have any health-related problem in the future, please come to me. I'll let mother treat you for free," Xiao Hai said earnestly, his face carrying a genuine smile.
"Haha, no need, Young Master. It is our duty to guide you here," both replied warmly, returning his smile before heading off to resume their patrol.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Hai turned toward the shop. The thought of seeing his mother in her workplace made him a little thrilled—like a child about to spring a surprise gift. He pushed open the wooden door, a small bell above it chiming softly.
The air inside was different from outside—cooler, tinged with the bitter-sweet aroma of dried herbs and medicinal roots. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of powder, bundles of leaves, and neatly tied packets.
Behind the counter, his mother, Xiao Qing, was carefully measuring out a bundle of herbs for a customer. Her expression was calm and focused, her slender hands moving with practiced precision. She looked completely different from at home—more dignified, like a true master of her craft.
For a moment, Xiao Hai simply stood at the entrance, watching her, his lips curving into a smile. He wondered how she would react once she noticed him—would she be startled? Overjoyed? Or gently scold him for running off on his own?