True Origins(2)

I felt his sighs begin to become contagious. From his earlier demonstration of loyalty, I knew he would never peacefully hand the Xuan Clan's treasure over to the enemy. "But what about you? The Spirit Hall will not let you escape either, right?"

Wang Haodie's humble demeanor disappeared completely, revealing his inborn arrogant attitude as he cockily smiled. "I do not need to run from three human Spirit Emperors. Although I am only a servant, I was Her Majesty's right-hand man. I am far stronger than anyone else at my level. It is only that I would be unable to protect both you and Mei'Er at the same time. This is why I need the both of you to escape to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."

Saying this, he pulled out a brown paper scroll. "I have managed to befriend a man named Xie Piao and have written a letter convincing him to let you stay with his family until I am able to return after Spirit Hall's pursuits. Take it. He is both righteous and loyal to the Heaven Dou Emperor, so he will not budge under the Spirit Hall's pressure."

After understanding that this was not a matter of life and death for him, I could breathe out i relief. After all, even though his identity is not the same, I cannot simply forget how I have treated him as my own grandfather for years now.

I asked him the critical question, however. "But how will I convince Meiqiu? She is always fiercely protective of us and can be very impetuous."

Haodie waved his hand confidently. "Do not worry, I plan on speaking to her myself. After all, like you, she has her own origins."

I was shocked. "She's not your granddaughter? Is she also..?"

He silently shook his head. "Actually, she was the child I had picked up from the forest. You would have forgotten due to the concussion you received, however I found her when we were escaping together. She was lying unconscious next to a dead Golden Three-Eyed Lion. I was always curious, but when she told me her spirit beast, I knew."

I gasped. "She's a Spirit Beast in human form!"

Very silently, I could hear a small creaking sound while the sound of my own surprise made me ignore it.

He nodded and resumed talking. "Which is why you need to take her away from here. If Spirit Hall finds out about her, she will not be able to live. Although you both are not my own grandchildren, I treat you both as if you were. Now, go to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. I will come to find you as soon as I can. Take the Empress' folding fan and my latest sword with you." He handed me the Black Xuan Fan as I call it and a plain-looking Chinese Jian that fit perfectly into the palm of my hand. It seems that he made preparations some time ago.

Haodie gently advised me. "It is best that you leave now, Prince Xuan. They will soon arrive."

I nodded, walking towards the door before pausing shortly. "Come back alive."

Hearing a strong 'Of course', I entirely left the room, not turning back.