Chapter 8: Returning home and Spirit hall. (remade)

Original word count = 896 on 6/27/2023

New word count = 1179 on 8/4/2023

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Much later

Xue Tie awakens in his own bed at home, he is confused at first until he remembers what he went through until he remembers what he last experienced was the trial grounds inside the underground hideout. He understands that he was brought home after he fell unconscious.

He gets up from his bed and exits his room after changing clothes, he sees it is dark out and that he has probably slept for roughly 6 hours which includes the trip back.

'How do you even leave that place? We were underground. I better get my own map,' Xue Tie thinks to himself.

He enters the living room and finds both his parents who ask.

"How are you feeling?" Xue Tie quickly responds.

"I feel great"

"What happened in the Trial grounds?" Xue Mao asks.

Xue Tie explains how each trial went but he lied about the 2nd trial, at least the details about Mohg himself and instead mentioned some sort of nightmare he had some time ago about turning to stone as he gets up from bed (true story). He then tried to explain that the 4th trial was both a reward and a test and the reward for that was a rare herb which explains his new level.

(Share your wacky little nightmares if you want. Or if your a lucid dreamer then you are welcome to showcase some super stories you still remember)

"Hmmmm" Xue Mao contemplates and asks one more question

"And what are your plans now?"

"I want to join the spirit hall. I feel like things are going to get shakin' up soon. Risk and reward going hand in hand"

"Ok"...."Dear!!?" Xue Lana, Xue Tie's mother raises her voice in objection but he stops her by saying

"Did you not hear his reasoning, it's sound. But also he has twin Martial spirits. Even a bunch of fools like them will appreciate his talent and not throw him out for any petty reasons" Xue Lana pouts in return.

"Don't look at me like that. It's our child's decision, a risky one, sure, but it belongs to him. He said it best, 'risk and reward go hand in hand'."

"But what will be said about his level 19 spirit power"

Xue Tie speaks up by saying, "I'll tell them that I have level 20 innate power"

'It is possible after all, Qian Xunji's and Bibi Dong's child was a level 20 Innate. I'll just have to pass myself off as the first instead of her.' Xue Tie thinks to himself smugly. His mother on the other hand has a questioning look that gives the impression of a deliverance of pain.

Xue Mao holds her back by saying

"It makes sense, an Innate level 20 is more believable than an Innate level 10 that rose to 19 in one week." Xue Lana calms down at this and looks her husband dead in the eye.

"But wouldn't innate level 19 be more believable than 20? It's not an even number like 20 but it's still an exceptional show of talent regardless" Xue Lana states and neither father son can deny this claim but Xue Tie responds.

"If i can't reach level 20 by the 7th day that i'm meeting them then i'll submit to saying im innate level 19 but we won't know if i can do it until i actually get to work on it" Xue Lana nods in agreement and tells Xue Mao.

"Then give him the cultivation manual already." Xue Mao laughs a bit as he lets his wife go and takes out a manual from his pocket. "I planned to give it to him earlier but he fell asleep after the trials''

Xue Tie comes forward to get the book and runs back to his room. Ignoring his hunger as he is motivated to try the premier Chinese method, Cultivation.

He spends the rest of the day and night and only stops to eat breakfast. He finds the feeling to be revolutionary, guiding his energy throughout his body, or rather the 'meridians'. As he trains, he finds another energy stored within him that begins accelerating his process. He can only assume that it's either the energy necklace-Clause, or the special effect of the herb he ate. He isn't an expert in Cultivation energies except what he knows are the obvious of frost and fire which would be, most likely hot and cold representing red and blue but blue can also mean water so it's diverse. Green would be nature but also poison.

The 7 day deadline quickly arrives. A young boy in casual clothing arrives at the Spirit Hall. He has neatly sorted dark red hair but dark brown eyes. He emanates an aura of confidence. Behind him are 2 adults. One is a pure red headed man in a business suit while the other is a black haired beauty in a dress. These are naturally Xue Tie and his parents. They have come to meet with Zhi Yun, the spirit hall representative who helped awaken all the youths in Sunset City this time around.

Zhi Yun is currently gathering a set of carriages destined to travel to Spirit City. One carriage has 2 of the 3 other youths that awakened. The 4th being Xue Tie himself. Zhi Yun turns around from organizing the other kids to see Xue Tie himself there. He even has a backpack with some extra clothes. His necklace-Clause and ring- Vim are in his pocket. Since he doesn't want to reveal these artifacts right away.

Zhi Yun looks at Xue Tie expectantly and asks.

"Are you…"

"Yes I have decided to join the Spirit Hall. " Zhi Yun's excitement is almost palpable from her smile while the two other (the last kid isn't joining spirit hall) kids have glum expressions since they seem to realize that they would be overshadowed by him. They were taught by their parents a bit how the world works and that more talented people are more valuable so if they wish to stand out, they must showcase their talent as best they can.

"Yes", Zhi Yun finally shouts and even goes so far as to allow Xue Tie to ride with her if he wants. Which he accepts to humor the Instructor. It also helps that he doesnt have to be stuffed into a tight space with the other kids who are giving him the stink eye or blowing raspberries at him.

After some minor prep is done, the carriages head off to Spirit City. Excitement on all faces. The 2 kids hope to grow strong.Zhi Yun hopes to get a promotion from bringing in good seeds while our MC has many hopes but one thought.

'Time to shake the world, first step, Spirit City'

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Author Note

The hatchling has left the nest, but who knows what troubles he may encounter.

Next time on SL: Divine Blood

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