The golden glow of Jin's breakthrough slowly faded, its radiance dissipating into the air like a fading dream. The ground around him still hummed with the lingering energy of his cultivation. As his transformation concluded, his grandfather, standing just a few feet away, couldn't help but smile. A sense of pride and relief washed over him as the corners of his lips lifted.
"You've completed your training and even broken through," the old man said, his voice filled with approval. He folded his arms and nodded to himself. "Well done, Jin. Now, let's return to the clan."
Without a word, the grandfather turned and summoned his flying sword. The sleek blade shimmered in the air before him. With a swift motion, he leaped onto it and soared effortlessly into the sky, the wind tugging at his robes.
"Come on," he called over his shoulder, his voice carrying through the air. "Let's go."
However, when the old man glanced back, he noticed something unusual. Jin remained rooted to the spot. His posture was relaxed, arms crossed, and his gaze fixed on the horizon. There was no urgency in his stance, no excitement to follow his grandfather.
Frowning, the elderly cultivator descended back toward the ground. His flying sword gently touched down, and he walked toward Jin, his steps deliberate and slow.
"What's the matter?" the grandfather asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Why aren't you coming? Don't tell me you're planning to stand here all day and stare at the view."
Jin turned his head slightly, a playful smirk curling on his lips. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he replied, his tone light and teasing, "I need a trip."
The old man blinked, taken aback. "A trip?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "What for?"
Jin tilted his head, adopting a mock-serious expression. "I just levelled up," he said casually. "You should treat me."
The words hung in the air as the grandfather processed them. After a moment, a small chuckle escaped him, though there was a hint of disbelief in his tone. "You levelled up, so I should treat you?" The old man scoffed, folding his arms. "What kind of logic is that? Shouldn't it be the other way around? You should be treating me, considering all the hard work I've put into raising you."
Jin leaned in closer, his grin widening as his eyes gleamed with playful intent. "Grandpa," he whispered dramatically, "you know why I broke through to the Golden Core realm, right?"
The grandfather's expression softened slightly, and he answered in a calm, matter-of-fact tone, "Because you want to be strong."
Jin placed a hand over his face with exaggerated emotion, as if overcome by a wave of deep feeling. "Nooo!" he wailed theatrically, "Is that all you think of me? Do you think I'm that shallow?"
The old man narrowed his eyes, clearly seeing through the over-the-top dramatics. "Here we go again with the theatrics," he muttered under his breath. "Fine, then, why did you work so hard? What's the real reason?"
Jin sniffled, wiping away an imaginary tear with his grandfather's sleeve. "For our clan, of course," he said, his voice rising in exaggerated sincerity.
The elderly cultivator halted, brow furrowing in confusion. "For the clan?" he asked, genuinely puzzled. "How does your becoming stronger help the clan?"
Jin stepped forward, his posture shifting to one of passionate determination. His voice grew louder, filled with youthful enthusiasm. Each word was punctuated with fervour as he spoke.
"Don't you see?" Jin exclaimed. "I'm the youngest Golden Core cultivator in history! That brings glory to our clan. People will talk about us. They'll say, 'Wow, the Xing clan produced such a genius!' And you-you're the clan leader! This will be a momentous occasion for everyone!"
The grandfather's eyes narrowed as he considered his grandson's words. The pride swelling in his chest was undeniable. Yes, Jin was right. His breakthrough would bring great honour to their clan. The boy had a point.
"And now," Jin continued, his voice dripping with mock indignation, "you want me to pay for my own celebration? How could you do that to me, Grandpa? My Dao heart might shatter from the disappointment!" He clasped his chest, his face contorting with exaggerated grief.
The grandfather sighed, exhaling deeply in resignation. "You crafty brat," he muttered, shaking his head. "Fine. What do you want?"
Jin's eyes sparkled with mischief, and he leaned in closer, his voice taking on a playful tone. "One million spiritual stones and a trip to the Imperial City."
The old man's eyes widened in disbelief, and he staggered back as if struck by lightning. "No!" he exclaimed, shaking his head furiously. "That's way too much!"
Jin clasped his hands together, contorting his face into an innocent expression as he pouted. "Please? Pretty please?" he asked, his voice dripping with charm.
The old man rubbed his forehead in frustration, realising that he had been outmanoeuvred by his clever grandson. With a long, resigned sigh, he nodded. "Fine. Let's go."
Summoning his flying sword once again, the blade gleamed under the starlight. "You coming with me, or are you flying on your own?"
Jin stepped beside him with a grin. "I'll go with you," he said, "Who knows? You might run off and leave me behind."
The two of them soared into the night sky, their figures disappearing into the distance. The air grew cool as they left the serene training grounds behind, the sparkling lights of the Imperial City glowing ahead.
Arrival at the Imperial City
The journey through the night sky was smooth, the wind rushing past Jin's face as they neared their destination. As they approached the Imperial City, a sprawling metropolis came into view—a sea of lights that glowed like countless stars scattered across the earth. Towering spires reached toward the heavens, their golden tips gleaming in the moonlight. Below, the streets bustled with life—people, carriages, and market stalls offering all manner of exotic goods.
"Wow," Jin whispered under his breath, his voice full of awe. "This place is beautiful."
His grandfather smiled, his face softening as he gazed down at the vibrant city below. "What do you want to eat?" he asked, his tone much more relaxed now.
"Sushi," Jin replied immediately, his stomach rumbling at the thought.
"Alright then," the grandfather agreed with a chuckle. "Sushi it is. But after dinner, I need to meet someone. Want to come along?"
Jin tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "Who are you meeting?"
"An old friend," the grandfather replied vaguely.
Jin raised an eyebrow, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Is she a lady? Should I tell Grandma?"
The old man's face flushed, and he quickly reached over to ruffle Jin's hair. "Shut it, brat!" he barked, flustered. "He's a man, not a woman."
"Alright, alright," Jin chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'll come."
After a hearty dinner, the two made their way through the bustling streets of the Imperial City. Their footsteps echoed on the stone pavement as they approached the imposing gates of the Nangoum Clan's stronghold. Two stern-faced guards stood watch.
"Halt! Outsiders are not allowed entry," one of the guards called, his voice firm.
The grandfather stepped forward, his expression turning serious. "Just a moment," he said. With a subtle gesture, he sent out a voice transmission using his soul energy. The air around him shimmered with power as the message reached the clan leader.
Inside the Nangoum Clan's courtyard, the clan leader, a middle-aged man dressed in fine robes, paused in his practice, the transmission interrupting his focus. He immediately stopped what he was doing, his eyes snapping open. A smile spread across his face as he hastily made his way to the gates.
"Old friend!" the clan leader exclaimed warmly as he saw his visitor. "How have you been? And who's this young one with you?"
The clan leader's eyes quickly fixed on Jin, and his surprise was palpable. "This boy… he's already at the Golden Core level?"
"Yes," the grandfather replied proudly. "He's my grandson. Isn't he great?"
The clan leader's gaze lingered on Jin for a moment, his mind racing. The boy was clearly talented and strikingly handsome. A thought crossed his mind, and a sly smile appeared on his face. A marriage alliance. My granddaughter, Nyra, is only three years older than him. They'd make a fine match.
As they walked deeper into the compound, Jin couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the grandeur of the Nangoum Clan's stronghold. The halls were immense, exuding wealth and power with every step they took.
"Grandpa," Jin asked, his curiosity piqued, "What was that technique you used to contact the clan leader?"
The grandfather, eager to share his knowledge, smiled. "It's called Voice Transmission. You need to be at least in the Nansen Soul Realm to learn it. It doesn't use spiritual energy—it uses soul energy."
As they reached the inner gates, the guards, recognising the clan leader, stepped aside to let them pass. Jin followed, stepping into the heart of the Nangoum Clan's stronghold, his mind racing with thoughts.
Just as he crossed the threshold, a sudden notification rang in his mind.
System Notification:
Ding! The host has entered the proximity of a Female Lead character.
Jin's eyes widened in surprise. Female lead?
System: Yes. Name: Nyra. Age: 8. Cultivation Level: 5th level Qi Refining Realm. Identity: Granddaughter of the Nangoum Clan Leader.
Jin blinked, his mind racing. Granddaughter of the clan leader?
System: Yes. She is one of the female leads of the protagonist.
Jin frowned. Is she important?
System: She is significant to the storyline. Her grandfather is planning to arrange a marriage between you two.
Jin recoiled inwardly. What?! I'm only five!
System: In the cultivation world, age is just a number. Power and potential matter more.