[Windwillow village]

Within a few hours, their journey was complete. Wu Ming and Wu Chen reached Windwillow Village, descending from the majestic eagle that had carried them. Wu Ming, carrying the luggage on his back, held Wu Chen's small hand firmly as they entered the village. The weight of gazes followed them as they walked down the narrow streets.

Wu Ming greeted the villagers with a polite smile. Some responded with reserved nods, while others avoided eye contact altogether, their cold demeanor evident.

Pausing near a group of locals, Wu Ming approached one of them and asked, "Excuse me, sir. Could you kindly tell me where Mr. Zhao lives?"

The man glanced at Wu Ming but offered no reply, turning on his heel and walking away. The tension in the air was palpable, and sensing the unwelcoming atmosphere, Wu Ming chose to move on.

After wandering for a few more minutes, Wu Ming spotted an old beggar sitting by the roadside. Holding Wu Chen's hand tightly, he approached the man cautiously. Digging into his pocket, Wu Ming pulled out two coins and dropped them into the bowl in front of the beggar. Then, bending slightly, he asked, "Sir, do you know where Mr. Zhao lives?"

The beggar's eyes flicked up to meet Wu Ming's, then back down to the bowl, silently gesturing for more.

Wu Ming sighed and added another coin to the bowl.

The beggar nodded. "Go straight for three streets and take the left. There, you'll find an ironsmith's shop. From there, take the second left, and you'll see a mansion with the name 'Zhao Feng' on it."

Wu Ming thanked him and resumed walking, following the directions carefully.

"Tsk," Wu Chen clicked his tongue. "Ming Gege, I'm tired of all this walking! How much longer?"

"Ah, Xiao Chen," Wu Ming chuckled softly, "we're almost there. You're a strong boy; hold on for just a little while longer."

Soon, they reached the mansion described by the beggar. Wu Ming sighed in relief when he saw the large gate with the name "Zhao Feng" engraved on a metal plaque. At least the beggar hadn't misled them.

Pointing toward the mansion, Wu Ming smiled. "Look, Wu Chen, we're here. No more walking."

As they approached the gate, two guards stepped forward, blocking their path.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" one of the guards barked, his tone sharp and scrutinizing. He was clad in sturdy armor, his aura indicating that he was a primary-level beast tamer.

"Sir, I need to meet Mr. Zhao," Wu Ming said, forcing a polite smile. "I've traveled a long way, and it's urgent."

The guard's suspicious eyes scanned Wu Ming and Wu Chen from head to toe. "What business do you have with our leader? You don't look like you're from around here."

"You're right, sir," Wu Ming replied evenly, "we aren't residents of Windwillow Village. I'm here on behalf of my master, Wu Tian, who is an old friend of Mr. Zhao."

The second guard gestured to his companion, who nodded and went inside to verify the claim. The remaining guard kept a wary eye on Wu Ming and his luggage.

After a short wait, the guard returned. "The leader has agreed to see you. Follow me."

Ignoring the tension-filled glances, Wu Ming and Wu Chen stepped through the gate and into the grand estate. Inside, a middle-aged man sat on a luxurious couch. He wore an elegant black robe adorned with intricate beast-themed patterns, and a bow and quiver of arrows with embedded crystals rested by his side. The craftsmanship suggested high-ranking beast materials.

The man's aura radiated authority. It was clear he was a Primary-level Beast Monarch. Surrounding him were tamers of varying ranks, their stances alert and disciplined.

Wu Ming hesitated briefly, then smiled and stepped forward. "Greetings, Mr. Zhao. My name is Wu Ming, caretaker of the Wu family. This young boy here is Wu Chen, the son of my master, Wu Tian."

Mr. Zhao's stern expression softened into a warm smile. "Wu Tian, my dear friend and junior! It's been ages since I last saw him." He gestured for his attendants to leave, dismissing them with a wave.

Turning his gaze to Wu Chen, Mr. Zhao called out, "You! Little boy, come here."

Wu Chen hesitated, looking up at Wu Ming for reassurance. Wu Ming nodded, releasing the boy's hand.

The leader held Wu Chen by the shoulders and examined him closely. "Ha! Look at you. I can't believe you're Wu Tian's son." He gave the boy a friendly pat on the shoulder. "How is your father, little one?"

Wu Chen's small hands clenched into fists, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. He stood silently, his lips trembling as if unable to speak.

The smile faded from Mr. Zhao's face. His gaze shifted to Wu Ming. "What's going on? Why are you here? What happened to Wu Tian?"

Wu Ming's lips tightened as he took a deep breath. "Our village… it was massacred." His voice broke as he continued. "A group of rebellious tamers stormed in, searching for Valezar's spirit. They caused chaos, killing everyone in their path. My master and his wife… they died protecting us. They fought valiantly, but in the end…"

Wu Ming's voice faltered as tears rolled down his cheeks. "Before his last breath, my master entrusted me with Wu Chen. He asked me to protect him and bring him here to you. He said you would take care of us."

Mr. Zhao shot to his feet, his expression dark with fury. He slammed a fist into the wall, cracking the stone. "Ridiculous! Shameless bastards! Who gave them the audacity to slaughter so freely?"

Turning back to Wu Chen, his expression softened. The sight of the boy, standing silently with tear-streaked cheeks, seemed to pierce his heart.

Mr. Zhao slowly approached Wu Chen, kneeling to meet his gaze. Patting the boy's head gently, he said, his voice trembling, "Wu Chen, from now on, you're under my care. Don't worry. I'll avenge your parents. Those devils won't go unpunished."

Straightening, he addressed Wu Ming. "I'll arrange accommodations for both of you. Wu Chen will be enrolled in the training hall to grow strong, and I'll find work for you as well."

Then he glanced at Wu Chen with curiosity. "Strange… I can't sense your aura. What level are you at, boy?"

Wu Ming hesitated. "Sir, he… he hasn't awakened yet."

Mr. Zhao's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Tomorrow is the Awakening Ceremony. Let him participate."

Wu Ming nodded reluctantly. He knew the ceremony might bring more ridicule if Wu Chen failed to awaken again. But he also knew they had no other choice.

Calling for a guard, Mr. Zhao instructed, "Take them to their quarters, provide them with food and clothes, and show them around."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao," Wu Ming said with a deep bow. He turned to Wu Chen, and together, they followed the guard out of the room.

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