"System, do you know what that object was?" Luke asked, his heart racing with curiosity and a hint of concern.
His mind replayed the moment the object had hurtled toward him, its origin a mystery that gnawed at him.
[Ding~]
[The object that was thrown at the host was an Insight Crystal.]
"Insight Crystal? What's that?" Luke inquired, his interest piqued.
[Insight Crystals are rare artifacts that can store a cultivator's comprehension of a technique to a certain extent.]
[They are highly coveted by cultivators seeking to enhance their skills and abilities. However, they are exceedingly rare and valuable, with only low-level ones being created. The higher the technique or comprehension level, the greater the demand on the cultivator creating them. Thus, only low-level techniques can be inscribed.]
Luke's eyes widened in astonishment as the implications of the Insight Crystal sank in. He had bypassed the Entry level technique entirely, and now he understood why.
But who had thrown that Insight Crystal at him?
The realization struck him, whoever had cast that crystal must possess a level of authority and power that was beyond his comprehension.
The fact that he had never encountered anything like it in any book suggested that only high-level cultivators had access to such knowledge and resources.
'Well, good for me…'
A smile crept across Luke's face as he considered the possibilities. He had caught the attention of someone influential in the world. This could be the opportunity he needed to advance rapidly—or a deadly trap waiting to ensnare him.
After a long day, Luke felt utterly drained, especially after his experience in the Eternal Realm of Enlightenment. He longed for the comfort of home.
Though he wouldn't tire physically in that place, mentally, he craved a brief rest.
"Mom, we're back!" Leila shouted as they stepped into the house. The rich aroma of their mother's cooking wafted through the air, making Luke's stomach growl in anticipation. The warmth of home enveloped them, a stark contrast to the intensity of the dojo. Instantly, a wave of calm washed over him.
"How was your day?" their mother called from the kitchen, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.
"Pretty good!" Leila replied, her enthusiasm infectious. "You should have seen Luke! He was amazing!"
"??"
"Did something happen?" their mother asked, her gaze shifting to Luke, noticing the exhaustion etched on his face.
Luke hesitated, unsure of how to explain; he didn't want to worry her. But he had forgotten that Leila was there.
Before he could speak, Leila chimed in, "Luke got into a fight today."
Luke shot her a warning look, but it was too late.
Their mother's expression shifted to one of concern. "A fight? Are you okay, Luke?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. Luke sighed, realizing he couldn't keep the truth from her any longer.
"I'm fine, Mom. It wasn't a big deal, just a misunderstanding," he replied, attempting to downplay the situation.
But his mother saw through his facade. "I want to hear the whole story, young man," she said firmly, her eyes narrowing in a way that made Luke squirm.
He knew he was in for a lecture, but he also understood that he couldn't hide the truth any longer. Taking a deep breath, he began to recount the events of the day, feeling a sense of hopelessness as he watched his mother's worried expression morph into shock.
"So, you're already a Star Warrior?!" Sophia asked, disbelief coloring her voice, barely above a whisper. Luke nodded, a lump forming in his throat.
His mother had always harbored reservations about him becoming a warrior, hoping he would choose a different path than his father.
Sophia was deeply conflicted—her heart ached for her son's safety, haunted by the memory of how his father had perished as a Star Warrior. Yet, she had made a promise: if Luke could pass the Warrior Exam, she would support him.
Initially, she had thought Luke wouldn't succeed; after all, he wasn't a warrior and was still considered a normal person in her eyes. Without resources, how could anyone leap from an ordinary life to becoming a 1-Star Warrior in no time?
But now, faced with the undeniable truth that Luke had already achieved that milestone, she grappled with the difficult choice of either embracing his path or allowing her fears to hold him back.
Determined to follow his own destiny, Luke sought to reassure her, but deep down, he knew that earning her full trust would take time.
This moment marked a turning point—his family was forced to confront their emotions about his future, just as Luke took his first true step into the unknown.
"Mom, don't worry. You can trust Brother to stay out of trouble," Leila said with a reassuring smile.
She sensed their mother beginning to come to terms with Luke's decision, but she knew it would take more than just words to ease her worries.
Leila resolved to help her brother convince their mother for Luke to pursue his new path.
Together, they hoped to demonstrate to Sophia that Luke was making the right choices. Having lost her husband years ago, Sophia was terrified of the same fate befalling her son.
The thought of losing another loved one to danger or uncertainty was unbearable. As Luke and Leila tried to persuade her, Sophia felt a flicker of assurance that perhaps, just perhaps, Luke could navigate this path safely.
Deep down, she recognized the need to trust her children and support them in following their dreams, even if it meant confronting her own fears.
After a lengthy discussion, Luke and Leila finally managed to reassure her that he would be careful.
"Okay, I trust you, dear, but please try to stay safe and keep in touch as much as possible," Sophia said, her voice a blend of relief and lingering worry. She understood that she had to let go and allow her children to carve their own destinies, no matter how challenging it might be for her as a mother.
Warriors often embarked on long expeditions into the wilderness, sometimes disappearing for months without a trace.
If Luke succeeded in passing the Extreme Martial Dojo, he would undoubtedly venture into the wild.
With a heavy heart, Sophia embraced both her children, aware that they were growing up and becoming independent individuals. The warmth of their hug enveloped them, a bittersweet reminder of the bond they shared.
Luke felt a surge of determination; he would prove to his mother that he could handle the challenges ahead.
"Mom, I promise to be careful," he reassured her, his voice steady. "I'll always keep you updated on where I am and what I'm doing."
Sophia nodded, her heart still heavy but comforted by her son's words. She knew that the path of a warrior was fraught with danger, yet she also recognized the fire in Luke's eyes—the same fire that had once burned in his father.
As they pulled away from the embrace, Leila chimed in, "And I'll help him! We'll research everything we can about safe practices. I won't let anything happen to him."
Sophia smiled at her daughter's enthusiasm, grateful for the support they offered each other. "Thank you, Leila. I appreciate that."
The evening wore on, filled with laughter and stories, a welcome distraction from the weight of their earlier conversation. Luke felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Later that night, as he lay in bed, Luke reflected on the day's events. The Insight Crystal, the fight with Nolan, and his mother's reaction all swirled in his mind. He understood that the journey ahead would not be easy, but he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
With a deep breath, he closed his eyes, envisioning the path he would carve for himself in this world. The thought of becoming a true warrior filled him with excitement and resolve.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he allowed himself to dream of the possibilities that lay ahead.