Chapter 27, Farewell

After what happened yesterday, Xiao Yang has been feeling uncomfortable ever since.  He had been called a dead star who brought calamity to the family  by his relatives and cousins. They had all been unconvinced of his innocence and it had caused him a lot of anxiety. 

The Shen family belong to the cat beastman race in the Tiger tribe. Their ancestors had transformed into a mighty white Tiger when he cultivated to the transformation rank. Their clan leader was the renowned and feared Thunderous God. His power could rival that of a god or even more than a demigod. The Shens were descendants of a legendary and powerful warrior clan. The people believed they inherited their ancestor's great power after undergoing a life of hardship.

When Shen Yang was born, his star had two colors: red and black which is considered a bad omen.  The clan elders had explained it as a sign that he would bring misfortune and death to their clan. Therefore, they asked his father to  have him killed so the bloodline can stop being tainted. However, despite not having killed him. The elders bandage their branch of the family. They didn't want to be associated with a child whose birth brought misfortune to their clan.   That was why Shen Yang's family left the beastman Continent and came to Fengwu City.

Although Xiao Yang was young, given how mad his family members were, and the hateful things they said to him all the time gives him the general idea of the situation. Ever since Xiao Yang was two years old, his family kept reminding him constantly about his terrible destiny.  

Which is why he becomes uncomfortable when his body is being mentioned. 

"Are you sure you want us to go back home?" Shen Yuan sat on the bed while rubbing his temples. 

"Yes. We've been here for a week already. It's time to go back." Xiao Yang answered.

Shen Yuan was worried that his brother might regret going home because of the events yesterday. He sighed heavily. "It was you that beg me to stay for a few more days. Are you afraid that Jing Xuan won't want to be friends with you anymore?"

Xiao Yang felt uneasy.  "He already thinks I'm disgusting like everyone else."  He muttered under his breath. 

Shen Yuan laughed bitterly. "I don't think so. Maybe you should explain the situation to him."

If it was any other time, Shen Yuan wouldn't have made his young brother make such a dangerous move.But since they came here, Xiao Yang has been truly happy.  In fact, he feels very at ease playing with Jingxuan. He wasn't as cautious as usual. Instead, he started getting used to the atmosphere.  Xiao Yan didn't know when he started smiling. His eyes light up like a new moon whenever he sees Jing Xuan. If there's an occasion that makes him really smile, then it's he's with Jing Xuan.

Shen Yuan felt that his younger brother's happiness was more important; therefore, he was willing to do anything to make it last.

"Forget it, I still want to go home."  Xiao Yang crossed his arms stubbornly. 

"Fine....." Since his brother insisted on leaving,  Shen Yuan could only let him have his way. "Wait, let me collect the blue spirit herb before we leave."  He stood up from the bed and went out.

Shen Yuan was surprised to see the person that was waiting at their door. "Jing Xuan?"

Jing Xuan gave him a polite nod and politely smiled. "Hello, Shen Yuan. I came to see Xiao Yang."

Shen Yuan's face softened.  "Wait here, let me call him."   With these words, Shen Yuan walked to the living room where Xiao Yang was lying down.  When Shen Yuan told him that Jing Xuan was there, he instantly sat upright excitedly.

  He quickly got off the bed and went outside. He tried to act indifferent but failed miserably at hiding his excitement as he walked faster towards. "Jingxuan, you're here."

"You left in a hurry yesterday and I didn't get the chance to talk to you. I apologize for my brother behavior, he was only concerned."  Jing Xuan apologized.

Xiao Yang shook his head. "No need to. You didn't do anything wrong!"   

"So, you're not angry?" Jing Xuan inquired nervously.

Xiao Yang nodded reassuringly. "Of course not, don't worry." He held the edge of his clothes nervously as he looked around awkwardly. "You... don't you mind?"

It took a while for Jing Xuan to understand what Xiao Yang meant. After he did, a bright grin formed on his lips. "Why would I mind? It's not your fault to begin with. Everyone has their own problems and secrets, I won't stay away from you for something you can't control."

"Thank you, Jing Xuan." A faint blush appeared on Xiao Yang's cheeks. "For letting me know before I leave." He smiled shyly while holding his hands together. He was relieved when Jing Xuan didn't seem disgusted by him.

"Leave? Are you going back to Fengwu City?"  Jing Xuan asked in surprise. 

"Yeah. My brother finished his quest a few days ago. It's time to leave." 

Jing Xuan looked thoughtful for a few minutes before saying. "Wait for me. Let me get you a going away present." He turned around and headed towards the gate. Xiao Yang just stood there staring at his back.

Jing Xuan ran back home. The distance between their homes was not too far nor too short. He arrived at their front yard in no time. Li Jain was standing at the door watching him enter through. 

"You're back early." Li Jain said.   

"Xiao Yang will be returning to Fengwu City today, so I came to get him a farewell gift."  Jing Xuan explained as he approached Li Jain. "Daddy, can you credit me one of your big jam jar? I'll paid you later."  Jing Xuan asked with his eyes looking expectantly at his father. His tone had changed to that of pleading, which could be interpreted as an adorable child asking for sweets.

 Li Jain smiled fondly and said, "Of course. It is no problem at all. But... how do you intend to pay me?"

Jing Xuan scratched his head, "Uh... uh..."

Li Jain laughed out loud, seeing how flustered his son became, "Here you go. Give this to him as a gift from me." He took out one big jar of jam and a small blue book , and placed them in Jing Xuan's hand.  

"Thanks, daddy." Jing Xuan took the items from his father, and immediately made his way towards Yang Xiao's house, eager to give the gifts to him.

..............

As Jing Xuan reached Xiao Yang's home, Xiao Yang was still standing where he left him.

"Xiao Yang!" Jing Xuan called out. Xiao Yang looked up when he heard his name being called, and greeted him with a smile.

"Welcome back, Xuan." He told him. 

"Here you go. This is my farewell gift to you. My dad said you can have this book as well."   Jing Xuan handed the items over to Xiao Yang, who took them with thanks. 

"Thank you, Xuan."

"You are welcome." Jing Xuan replied. "We will be moving to Qingyuan town the day after tomorrow. I heard that Qingyuan is the closest town to Fengwu City. You should come visit when you have time." He suggested.

"... Sure, I'd love it," Xiao Yang agreed, and nodded with a smile on his face. "But how  do I find you? Qingyuan town is quite big."  Xiao Yang inquired.

"When you heard about a famous restaurant called 'Spiritual Tanver', then it's my daddy who's getting on top of the world. You don't need to bother with finding us." Jing Xuan told Xiao Yang, with a hint of sarcasm.

"You're so sure the restaurant will be so famous?"  Xiao Yang asked, curious.

Jing Xuan nodded, "Of course I am, it's my father you're talking about." As he spoke,   a slight blush appeared on his face.  

"I'll definitely look for you when I hear about it." Xiao Yang was amuse

"Have a safe journey. Till we meet again." Jing Xuan waves goodbye to Xiao Yang before turning around and walking home.