Volume One, Chapter Nine: The Ancestor Sent Someone-Os três filhos não são biológicos, e após renascer, por que não me vingar?(A primavera da pequena cidade)

To hurry home, the two dared not delay for a moment and ran swiftly across the wilderness. Although this area belonged to the Xuanyuan Sect, it was not entirely free of danger. It wasn’t that there were evil cultivators or demonic practitioners lurking about; even the low-level feral beasts here could cause serious trouble.

Nestled against the mountains, it was only natural for some beasts to suddenly emerge. Running through the night, Jingyue Han couldn’t help but think that if it had been a few days earlier, she would have already arrived home by now. But glancing beside her at Lan Gu, who was accompanying her, she felt it was all worth it.

Just then, Qingling Crane Jiang Heng circled down from the sky, and Luo Bo waved over. “Young master, a messenger from the patriarch has arrived, wishing to see you.”

“All right, understood!” Jiang Heng leapt down from the crane’s back.

Entering the room, he saw a young man seated at the head of the table. “Greetings, Senior!” Jiang Heng cupped his hands in salute.

Although the visitor was the patriarch’s disciple’s grandson, he was, after all, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, while Jiang Heng was only the patriarch’s eighth-generation descendant—a considerable gap. In his previous life, he had always believed himself to be the patriarch’s direct grandson. Though his cultivation was weaker, he thought he had the patriarch’s favor. Thus, he had been indifferent and aloof to others, ruining his reputation. After the patriarch’s passing, he lost all connection with the patriarch’s lineage. Without backing, Jingyue Han and Lan Gu dared to treat him with blatant disregard.

This time, he resolved to carefully maintain this relationship. Once he entered the Inner Sect, he would need their support to get by.

Li Zhaohui was somewhat surprised by Jiang Heng’s respectful demeanor. In past visits, he had not acted this way. Could it be that he had some request? With some doubt, Li Zhaohui smiled and said, “Brother Jiang, no need for such formality—we’re family. I came not only to deliver some items but also on behalf of our Grandmaster to check on you and see if you need anything.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Senior. I have caused the Grandmaster worry. Please tell him I acknowledge my mistakes and will strive to cultivate diligently, aiming to enter the Inner Sect as soon as possible,” Jiang Heng said sincerely.

Li Zhaohui was truly surprised. When did this boy become so sensible?

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This was undoubtedly a good thing; hopefully, it was not mere words. After setting down the gifts, Li Zhaohui prepared to leave. Declining Jiang Heng’s offer to escort him, he exited and gave Luo Bo a meaningful glance. Luo Bo understood and said to Jiang Heng, “Young master, please go inside first. I will see Senior Li off.”

The two slowly walked out. Li Zhaohui cast a soundproof barrier and asked, “Brother Jiang, why are you so different from before?”

Luo Bo laughed, “I find it strange too. Suddenly, in the last two days, he’s come to his senses and cut ties with that woman. He even told me they have completely separated and that I should ignore her from now on.”

“Perhaps she did something wrong,” Li Zhaohui nodded. “That’s good. The Grandmaster can rest easier. With your talent, Brother Jiang, there’s still hope to reach Foundation Establishment before thirty. The gifts I brought are modest, but if used by you, even ten or a hundred times more wouldn’t be too much. If they were to become a bridal gift for someone else, that would be disappointing.”

Luo Bo bowed deeply, “Thank you, Senior, on behalf of the young master. We will rely on you more in the future.”

“Don’t mention it. As long as he’s willing to improve, we’ll help as much as we can,” Li Zhaohui promised wholeheartedly.

The Grandmaster had only one direct descendant, so it was easy for everyone to offer support. But previously, Jiang Heng had been so disappointing that no one wanted to be taken advantage of. Now that he had changed, there was no issue.

Li Zhaohui then retrieved a top-grade magic armor from his storage pouch. “Give this to Brother Jiang to wear close to his body. The alchemy academy’s outdoor assessment is coming up; it’s always good to be well prepared.”

Overjoyed, Luo Bo gratefully accepted the armor. “Thank you, Senior.”

“That’s enough. You should go back now. I’m leaving!” Li Zhaohui summoned his spirit sword and flew away.

Luo Bo watched him depart, then returned happily. “Young master, look! Senior Li even gave you this!” He shook out the high-grade inner armor.

It was no small thing—a high-grade magical inner armor was valuable even for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, let alone a Qi Refining stage practitioner. This single piece alone was worth several hundred spirit stones, yet Li Zhaohui casually handed it over.

Jiang Heng sighed, “Senior Li is thoughtful.” This armor’s defense could withstand most attacks from second-tier beasts.

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The following days passed steadily until the outdoor assessment was near.

“Remember, although there are no mid- or high-level beasts on Wansen Mountain, ordinary beasts can still be deadly if you’re careless. So, travel in groups whenever possible. Before departure, everyone must sign a contract absolving the academy of responsibility for any incidents. Understood?” the lead instructor said coldly.

“Yes, understood!” the group answered in unison.

“Good. Prepare well tonight. Assemble at the academy gates tomorrow for departure. And remember, no contraband items allowed.”

This was an age-old regulation, and no one took it seriously. Though injuries from beasts happened each year, no one ever considered skipping the assessment.

After the instructor finished, the students began forming teams. Many had already arranged to travel together, but the rules stated that each team could have no more than five members to ensure individual growth.

Originally, Jingyue Han was to team up with Huimin Gong. Previously, they had always followed Jiang Heng. With him around, they never had to worry about food or lodging and could focus solely on gathering spiritual herbs and materials. Sometimes, if they couldn’t find the right species, Jiang Heng would share what he had to help them.

This year, seeing the crowd of people eager to join Jiang Heng’s group, the two women felt a pang of bitterness.

“If you hadn’t fallen out with Young Master Jiang, we could still be flying on his Qingling Crane to Wansen Mountain. Now, we have to spend money,” Huimin sighed, lamenting the good times that were gone.

Jingyue Han’s expression darkened further. “Without that butcher, I’d still be eating hairy boar meat! I’m at Qi Refining stage four; I don’t think I need him to even pass the assessment. Huimin, we can form our own team. We’re not necessarily worse than them. Do you have confidence?”

“Yes!” Huimin replied boldly but quickly added with hesitation, “Well, I do!”

Jingyue Han was exasperated—how could she be so lacking in spirit?