Chapter 28: Setting Out for the Capital

At the western crossroads of Beikou Riverside Town, a bustling crowd had gathered.

Such a scene was unusual on a non-market day.

At the center of the crowd, Zhang Xiaoyu held her six-month-old daughter, Ling Si, her eyes reddened and tears falling continuously as she looked at Ling Yi, who stood before her with a packed bag.

Beside her, Ling Xiaoshan held onto Ling Shan, both father and son appearing reluctant to part.

Little Ling Shan sniffled occasionally, his eyes wide as he tried hard not to cry.

The family of five stood at the innermost circle, with Ling Changqing, Grandma Yan Hong, Uncle Zhang Dahe, Aunt Ling He, and cousin Zhang Lei standing slightly outside.

Further beyond were Third Grandpa Ling Changshui, cousin Ling Bai, and cousins from Ling Changxiu's family, including Ling Yi's cousin, Ye Hong, among other relatives from the Ling family's inner and extended circles.

"Ling Yi!"

At that moment, a slightly stiff and distant voice called out from a carriage stationed about ten meters away, "It's almost time. We need to leave now!"

"Alright! I'm coming!" Ling Yi responded loudly to the caller, then turned to gaze at his family members around him.

With a gentle tone, he said, "Dad, Mom, it's time for me to go. Don't worry, I can take care of myself."

Ling Xiaoshan opened his mouth, but eventually only raised a hand to ruffle Ling Yi's hair softly, saying quietly, "Take care of yourself out there."

"Mm-hmm, Xiao Yi has always been the best..." Zhang Xiaoyu murmured, burying her head into Ling Xiaoshan's embrace, her shoulders trembling with silent sobs as she held little Ling Si.

"Xiao Shan~" Ling Yi withdrew his gaze from his parents, turning towards Ling Shan and gently reminded, "Remember to help Mom take good care of your little sister~"

"Mm!" Ling Shan nodded vigorously, eyes rimmed red and voice thick with emotion.

"Lei, my brother~"

At the sound, Zhang Lei straightened up, stepping forward half a pace.

Ling Yi laughed and lightly struck his shoulder, saying, "Keep an eye on home, lend a hand to Ah Huang and Meow Meow for me, and don't forget to keep honing your skills. When I return, we'll go hunting in the old forest together again..."

"Rest assured, Ah Yi!" Zhang Lei responded, patting his chest with a resounding thump, his voice booming, "I will not let you down—not at all!"

Giving Zhang Lei's shoulder one last pat, Ling Yi glanced around, offering a warm smile to everyone present, conveying his calm and peaceful sentiment through his grin.

Lastly, he bent down, reaching out to ruffle the heads of Ah Huang and Meow Meow, exerting a gentle yet firm touch. These two little... no, by now, they should be called big fellows.

By now, six-year-old Ah Huang and Meow Meow had grown impressively large, with the former standing a meter tall at the shoulder and the latter, ninety centimeters. Their bodies were long and sleek, each over one and a half meters excluding tails, making them veritable giants among tabby cats and native dogs.

Over the past year, Ling Yi had adapted the spirit master's breathing techniques used in meditation, crafting versions suitable for cats and dogs, and taught them through hypnosis.

Thanks to the selfless contribution of hundreds of cats and dogs from Shanhai Village and the surrounding areas, the souls of Ah Huang and Meow Meow have now condensed with a hint of soul power, roughly equivalent to the human level of 0.1.

Though minute, this still signifies a qualitative leap.

Under Ling Yi's guidance, those animals involved in the experiments displayed various issues, yet fortunately, none were life-threatening.

Regrettably, while animal experiments can be conducted using cats and dogs from nearby villages, creating a meditation technique to allow Ling Yi's parents, grandparents, and other non-spirit-powered individuals to cultivate has proven challenging.

Techniques akin to 'Xuantian Gong' that enable ordinary people to cultivate are the true anomalies of the Douluo Continent.

This is a transformation from nothing to something, whereas hidden weapons are ultimately minor arts.

Ling Yi bid farewell to his relatives, adjusted the strap of the bag on his shoulder with his thumb, and stepped towards the carriage a dozen meters away.

"Master Jiang!" Ling Yi greeted with a smile.

"Don't forget the letter for you," Master Jiang reminded. "Your talent in forging is truly impressive, don't waste it—"

"Rest assured," Ling Yi patted his chest, "I definitely won't forget—"

"By the way, now that we're here, can you tell me what your relationship is with Old Master Jin Gang?"

"He is my master," replied Ling Yi.

Upon hearing Ling Yi's question, Master Jiang instinctively straightened his back a little, and said proudly, "Old Master is a blacksmith of the highest caliber. He is known alongside Master Li Qiang, who serves the court of the Shuimu Principality, and Master Fu Shan, who holds a position in the military. Together, they are acknowledged as the 'Three Great Blacksmiths' of the principality."

Hearing Master Jiang's words, a boy in his early teens who had just approached intending to urge them on, swallowed his own words. With a complex look, he regarded Master Jiang and Ling Yi, his mouth twitching before finally nodding at Master Jiang and saying to Ling Yi, "Let's get on the carriage. There's a mountain pass en route that might delay us a bit. If we leave now, we should be able to reach 'Muzhi City' before nightfall."

"Alright," Ling Yi replied with a nod and a smile. "Thank you, Young Master Ethan, for the trouble."

Ethan Pike waved off the formal address, "Stop calling me Young Master. You'll be joining the academy soon, so just call me Senior from here on out."

With that settled, and after Ling Yi agreed, Ethan Pike exchanged a few more pleasant words with Master Jiang, and the two bid each other farewell.

Soon enough, a modest carriage began its journey, swaying along the main road as it headed westward.

'Muzhi City' was located slightly southwest of Beikou River Town, at a distance of roughly one hundred forty li.

On the carriage, Ling Yi greeted Ethan Pike's cousins with a smile, showing no trace of resentment for their taking spots meant for work-study students in Beikou River Town last year.

It was the boy and girl of Ling Yi's age who, faced with his smile, seemed a little uncomfortable, only managing an awkward yet polite smile in return.

Last year, despite their family being able to afford the tuition, they still chose to occupy the work-study slots, sending the two of them to the [Green Leaf Junior Spirit Master Academy] in 'Muzhi City'.

In their year at the academy, everything they saw, heard, and experienced deeply made them realize how insignificant their status as young masters and misses of a small family in Beikou River Town was.

Now, seeing Ling Yi, whose social status was even lower than theirs, the two children, around seven years old, couldn't help but feel a bit of kinship with a fellow townsman when thinking about the academy environment.

Yet, the issue of the previous year's spots remained, leaving both parties, well, mainly those two, feeling somewhat at a loss.

On the other hand, Ethan Pike, a bit older, now in higher grades with spirit power approaching ten levels, was more focused on cultivation and the anticipation of his first spirit ring.

He, more than his cousins, came to understand that at the academy, in 'Muzhi City', and even in the [Shuimu Principality] and the Douluo Continent, one's own strength was paramount!

Watching as big and small in the carriage showed little interest in chatting, Ling Yi naturally didn't stick his nose where it wasn't wanted or try to make conversation.

After all, children should act like children.

At the same time, Ling Yi was also reflecting on the words Master Jiang had spoken before his departure.

Though it was just a simple phrase, it held a wealth of profound information within it.

Having experienced a farewell today, stepping out of his comfort zone, and heading towards an unknown destination, Ling Yi couldn't help but let his mind wander freely.

His thoughts, like a restless monkey, took off on a journey across the skies upon a somersault cloud.

(End of Chapter)