Chapter 4: The Cause of My Parents' Death
Seeing Director Zhao's firm attitude, the bishop had no choice but to leave helplessly.
In fact, he also clearly understood that Tianshui Academy, which advocates the extreme cultivation path, could indeed provide better cultivation resources for ice and water-type soul masters.
On the other side—
While Shui Bing'er and the others were resting, Xiao Han chatted with them.
"I might be leaving Tianshui City soon. It'll be even harder to see you all after that."
"What a pity. If only you were a girl, then you could stay at the academy with us."
Xiao Han looked down at himself and said with a mischievous smile:
"How about... I cut it off?"
"Eww! What are you talking about? That's so gross."
The girls instantly blushed.
Yu Hairou and Gu Qingbo poked Xiao Han's head hard on either side with their fingers.
"What on earth is going on inside that little head of yours?"
Although Lin Zhiruo did not allow Xiao Han to enter Tianshui Academy casually, he still snuck in whenever he got the chance.
Yu Hairou was nine and Gu Qingbo eight; they had known Xiao Han for a while. Even though they didn't meet often, they had a good relationship.
As they were playing around, Lin Zhiruo approached.
"Hello, Director Lin!"
Yu Hairou and Gu Qingbo immediately stood up straight and joined Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er.
Lin Zhiruo looked at Shui Yue'er and smiled:
"From now on, you'll be a part of Tianshui Academy too. You must train hard."
"Yes, Director Lin. I'll work hard."
Lin Zhiruo nodded, then turned to Xiao Han.
"Xiao Han, come with me."
Xiao Han looked a bit reluctant to leave the four girls in front of him.
"Goodbye, big sisters."
"Goodbye, Xiao Han."
Yu Hairou and Gu Qingbo also looked reluctant.
As they watched Xiao Han's figure disappear, Shui Yue'er said:
"Sis, although it's my first time meeting Xiao Han, he seems kinda fun."
"Yeah, just a little inappropriate."
Lin Zhiruo walked ahead, and Xiao Han followed closely behind.
"Mom, where are we going? Home?"
"To the director's office."
"For what?"
"You'll see when we get there."
Soon, they arrived at Director Zhao's office.
"Hello, Director Zhao."
"Xiao Han, you're here."
Director Zhao set aside her usual authoritative demeanor and looked like a kind old grandmother.
"Xiao Han, do you really want to study at our academy?"
"Of course! Can I?"
Director Zhao nodded.
"We've discussed your case and decided to make an exception and let you stay."
"Really?"
Xiao Han looked excited and glanced at Lin Zhiruo, who nodded at him.
"It's true, kid. You got your wish."
"Yay! That's great! Mom, I really didn't want to leave you."
Director Zhao chuckled.
"Xiao Han, you'll be registered at our academy. If you manage to get into the school's battle team later, you'll be a substitute."
"No problem at all!"
Xiao Han understood that the academy was doing this to minimize the impact of enrolling a boy.
"Xiao Han, let me warn you—after you join, you need to train hard. No more goofing around like before. Otherwise, I'll still kick you out, and no one can save you."
"Got it, Mom. Oh yeah, my soul power has already reached level 10. I can go hunt for a soul beast now, right?"
"What's the rush? I'll take you when the time comes."
"Shui Bing'er also just reached level 10."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she broke through just today."
Director Zhao and Lin Zhiruo exchanged smiles, clearly pleased.
"That child Bing'er is not only talented but also smart, hardworking, and calm. Her future accomplishments will definitely surpass ours."
"I agree."
"Zhiruo, once the enrollment is settled, take the two of them to the Frozen Forest to hunt soul beasts."
"Sure, I was thinking the same."
Xiao Han was very excited about getting his first soul ring.
That night, after dinner, Lin Zhiruo came to Xiao Han's room.
Starting tomorrow, Xiao Han would be living at the academy.
"Xiao Han, have you packed everything?"
"Yeah, I'm ready."
"These are two things your parents left behind. Now that you're a soul master, you'll be able to use them."
Lin Zhiruo handed him a box.
Xiao Han eagerly opened it.
Inside were two items.
One looked like a belt and emitted a faint chill.
The other was a short sword about thirty centimeters long, also radiating cold air.
"Mom, is this a soul device used for storage?"
"Yes. It's called the 'Snowfield Soul Sash.' It has a large storage space—even living things can be stored. Try it."
"Okay."
Xiao Han put on the Snowfield Soul Sash and immediately felt a cool sensation.
He tried placing a few items in and taking them out.
"Pretty handy."
Then he picked up the short sword and drew it from its scabbard.
The blade was as thin as ice crystal, and the dazzling cold light made it hard to keep his eyes open.
"This sword is made from Ice Marrow and Cold Iron—extremely sharp, capable of cutting through gold and stone."
"What a treasure."
Lin Zhiruo nodded, eyes slightly red.
Xiao Han joked:
"Mom, are you sad that I'm leaving for school tomorrow?"
"I'll be glad you're gone. It'll finally be peaceful around here."
"Then why are you crying?"
Lin Zhiruo sighed.
"These two items were originally prepared by your parents as a gift for your first birthday. But sadly, they…"
Xiao Han had no memory of his parents in this life. Everything he knew about them came from Lin Zhiruo.
"Mom, I'm grown up now and may become a powerful soul master in the future. Can you finally tell me how my parents died?"
Lin Zhiruo nodded.
"It's time you knew. Your parents and their team of ten encountered an extremely ferocious soul beast in the Frozen Forest. Only one managed to escape—a sensitive-attack type soul master with the ability to fly. The other nine were all killed by the beast."
"What kind of soul beast was it?"
"According to the survivor, it was a giant black tiger over eight meters long. Although massive, it
was incredibly fast. The survivor didn't even get a clear look before fleeing for their life."
(End of Chapter)