A Jun pondered silently, his thoughts unspoken. He lifted his gaze to meet his friends eyes, each one filled with concern for the nation and its people. Lan er wore a jealous expression, but A Jun sensed she was simply tired from the days events and needed rest. He remained seated with Liu Liu, who refused to move as the little fox still slept, preferring to stay by A Juns side ——. Speaking of which, Liu Liu was indeed quite heavy—so heavy that he couldnt be carried, making him immobile!
Of course, occasionally, Ah Jun himself wondered why Liu Liu was so close to him at first, as if he were one of his own. Thinking about it, it might be because he was born with a constitution that attracted strange beasts.
Yet good times are always short-lived, especially for Ah Jun. Thus, this poor child had to face the next challenge. —— After the Archery Festival, the young guardians were preparing for their own spiritual journeys. While most chose light and enjoyable paths, Ah Juns journey remained different.
For him, such a journey meant nothing, because he had an important task to complete —— After reading the schools travel guide and consulting various books and magazines about the pilgrimage, I concluded that... without exception, all the content was full of fun and temptation.
But these were things the child could only see, not think about, because they didnt fit his task —— So worries and anxiety began to set in. In the following days, Ah Jun began to look a little uneasy again. Fortunately, he thought of his new pen pal at this time and wrote her a letter.
The letter arrived promptly. Just as Ah Juns heart found solace, his master appeared before the child——. Understanding the boys troubles and their source of anxiety, the elder guided him into the study. The spacious, well-organized room always made Ah Jun feel both cautious and at ease whenever he entered.
The exquisite calligraphy on the wall of the study, "Diligence leads to clarity, tranquility leads to far-reaching", was the same admonition that Ah Jun had been exposed to since he was a child and was also the family motto of the Zhuge clan.
The elder approached the desk and laid out the carefully prepared spiritual journey plan for Ah Jun. Then, grandfather and grandson sat together in a rocking chair, basking in the sun and enjoying the gentle breeze. The elder patiently guided the child step by step through preparations, helping him embrace the challenges ahead.
Gradually, Ah Jun also became calm. After all, he was still a child. Without the timely help of adults, even the strongest heart had its weak moments.
The elders plan was meticulously detailed and logically structured, crystal clear to read—especially for a child as intelligent as him. Subsequently, Ah Jun obediently informed his master that he could ——. The elder remained silent, merely smiling as he gently patted the long-absent good boy before reluctantly departing the study to resume his meditation retreat.
While Ah Jun continued to sit in the rocking chair, studying the plan carefully under the warm sunlight of early winter. At this moment, the child felt full of confidence and was sure to complete the task.
In addition, the elder told the child that the planned pilgrimage would not only help him unlock the impatiens seal and fulfill his wish, but also make his body more stable.
Of course, its not that easy to achieve these two goals. Theres little childlike fun in the journey, and the process can be extremely difficult and challenging.
Therefore, Ah Jun had to stay fully alert to complete every step —— Fortunately, the child wasnt intimidated by this; instead, he became even more excited. Ah Jun knew all too well that becoming a Guardian was far more challenging than imagined—especially for someone like him with special circumstances! But now there was finally a solution, and it was a double-edged opportunity. This hard-won chance demanded careful handling!
So the next day, after telling his friends the good news, Ah Jun began to prepare for the trip. In the next few days, accompanied by his family, the child bought the necessary equipment, including:
1. A guide to a journey of spiritual practice. The guide contains not only all the information and notes about the journey, but also maps and encyclopedic knowledge.
2. A Travelers Camp Survival Kit. This comprehensive gear set provides children with essential warmth, comfort, and rest during outdoor adventures. It includes: a compact tent with spacious living quarters and home-like functionality, a large fridge stocked with unlimited food supplies (even without cooking skills, kids can enjoy snacks from the pantry), a semi-automatic campfire that generates both warmth and light while warding off wild animals, and lightweight, practical camping cookware. The kit also features other fun elements like a portable camping stove for picnics.
3. There are also protective equipment, not only the visor hat that can automatically protect children in windy and rainy weather, the travel boots with a layer of bulletproof material in the sole, but also clothes and trousers with self-cleaning function, temperature adjustment, sweat absorption and ventilation, and medical boxes customized by Shengyi clan and other thoughtful items.
...
However, when Ah Jun saw so many necessary items, he began to worry again —— There are so many, I cant take them. How can I bring them after buying them? But fortunately, the eldest sister told him not to worry and there would be a way out in two days.
At the graduation ceremony two days later, Ah Jun received a graduation gift from the school—a Nangong Family wristband——. This magical device could store all the essentials. By simply placing it on their hands, students could organize necessary items and retrieve them as needed. How convenient! As they say, "Old ginger still tastes spicy." The elder sister was absolutely right—Ah Jun realized they had been too limited in their experiences.
However, when the child came home, Qing curiously took Ah Juns graduation gift and borrowed it for two days, saying he would just play with it. The child readily agreed without a second thought, after all, there was nothing to be embarrassed about with family, though he had actually been eager to study it thoroughly while it was still hot.
But in fact, Qing herself had a bracelet, so borrowing Ah Juns was not for fun. On the surface, it was just a small trick to play with children, so as to take it for remodeling.
When Ah Jun got his wristband again, he was very happy. In addition to the original functions, the wristband also added a lot of high-tech —— such as map. Now through the wristband, it can be transformed into a holographic image, so that Ah Jun can visually see various landforms and intelligent housekeepers.
These, as Ah Jun immediately understood, were from the technology of the Nangong family.
In addition, as a small guardian, weapons and props for self-defense are also essential when they go out. In addition to their own weapons and various auxiliary supplies, they also need to be equipped with a cold weapon for close combat and a set of projectiles for long-range attack and defense.
This cold weapon is relatively small, portable, strong and sharp, usually only two choices: Qin sword and Tang knife. The projectile is more delicate than an offensive prop, but a work of art, and many guardians carry it as a bookmark.
However, children cannot choose their favorite styles —— The guardians signature projectile is called Golden Leaf Silver Flower. The boys version resembles golden leaves or flying daggers, while the girls are petal-shaped darts that assemble into an elegant silver flower.
This pairing has always been a tradition, but Ah Jun, as a boy, prefers to pick flowers, and more specifically, if the leaves are silver, that would be best.
Before embarking on their journey, all Little Guardians must complete their gear and supplies inventory – otherwise, the checkpoint at the city gate wouldnt have dared them to venture out. These essentials arent just any store can supply. Without access to school-designated shops, theyll need to head to Qiaojian Island on the eastern edge of the outer ring road.
It must be said that the quality of treasures there is generally excellent. However, luck plays a key role – you might spend a fortune on an average item, while those with good fortune could stumble upon premium pieces, much like opening a blind box. Of course, there are no free lunches here. The market operates on a commercial basis, and everyone makes a living from their craft.
Therefore, with the help of parents, almost all the little guardians will go to visit —— Craftsmen Island one after another with great interest. It is a national comprehensive industrial demonstration area integrating the design, development, production and sales of handicrafts, as well as a place with unique scenery, orderly, fair and open.
Of course, you can buy all kinds of things there, everything you can think of and cant think of, and the childrens exclusive weapons are also made there.
As for Ah Jun, he naturally wanted to take this opportunity to explore the area. He had always been fascinated by traditional craftsmanship, but unfortunately, due to his health condition, he needed to undergo another routine treatment before the trip, leaving him no time for sightseeing. Moreover, he didnt need to worry about the equipment, as his family had already prepared everything for him.
Two days before the trip, the elders, who had been in seclusion for a long time, gave the children enough energy again, but it was more like life extension than treatment.
Of course, Ah Jun also knew that this man, who seldom spoke and rarely saw him, but always helped him at the critical moment and when needed, his master, had been protecting him with his life.
Therefore, this made Ah Jun more determined. He told himself to avoid all distractions and concentrate on completing all tasks to help himself grow up and fulfill the expectations of his family, which was the best reward for his family.
The night before their departure, Ah Jun made a special trip to the grove to bid farewell to his mystical beast companions. As always, Xiao Bai appeared before them, looking even more haggard than usual —— but as the saying goes, "Isnt it delightful to have friends coming from afar?" The little fox sprang to life at the sight of his old friend, rubbing against Ah Juns chest and chatting with the kitten. Ah Jun felt both delighted and slightly melancholic, for at this moment in the past, he would have been cradling his beloved sleepy, adorable, and heavy fox cub in his arms.
Xiao Bai immediately picked up on Ah Juns thoughts and meowed loudly. Then the kitten ran to his ear and purrred softly. —— They seemed to be telling Ah Jun that Liu Liu hadnt been to the woods for a long time. Its normal not to see him, so dont be sad. Of course, theres no need to worry because the little fox is now very safe.
That night, however, Ah Jun couldnt sleep. He lay in bed lost in thought when the kitten appeared at his bedside, meowing affectionately as if inviting him to the rooftop to gaze at the stars and moon——! Ah! Brilliant! The starry sky sparked endless imagination. The full, round moon piqued his curiosity—what lay beyond its surface? Could there be a whole new world waiting to be discovered?
Tonight was another full moon night. Ah Jun admired the beautiful scenery while his kitten stayed by his side as usual. After a while, when the hour of Zi arrived, Ah Jun suddenly felt a bit better and started feeling sleepy. According to the health principles of the Holy Medical Clan, he needed to go to bed before 11 PM at the latest given his condition.
So, the boy decided to go back to bed to sleep, but the kitten did not follow, as if unwilling to go back, there barked at Ah Jun. Ah Jun was a little confused, what happened?
He muttered and came to the kitten, squatted down and asked. Of course, the kitten still meowed, and Ah Jun did not understand or guess, but at this time, the previous letter happened to have an echo.
Under the moonlight, a pair of small wings carried the unseen but spiritual friendship, with the full moons light, came to Ah Jun —— Oh, so this is the intention of the kitten, this premonition, is more accurate than Ah Jun.
Next, needless to say, Ah Jun can have a good dream again —— Even if the road ahead is very rough, but with the strength of family and friends, he feels that he can do anything and will be able to overcome difficulties and meet the rainbow.
The next morning, Ah Jun woke up early because he was both looking forward to and a little nervous today. —— As usual, he got up, washed up, sorted out...
However, today, the kitten got up very early. It seemed to know Ah Juns schedule and was afraid that he would run away. It followed him all the time and even came to the restaurant for breakfast together. The eldest brother-in-law also prepared breakfast for everyone as usual, but it seemed that his face looked a little wrong...
The child noticed carefully that her brother-in-law seemed a little sad, with wet eyes in his eyes, and sometimes even wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeve. Was he not feeling well somewhere?
After a while, the younger sister came to the restaurant to join her brother for breakfast. Soon, the elder sister also appeared and helped the senior to have breakfast with Ah Jun. She glanced at Yi with a resentful look and said he was too sentimental —— Well, okay!
My eldest sisters husband was really sad because his child was about to leave home and go on a trip alone. He was still sad for a long time after being counseled by Qing the previous night.
To be honest, Ah Jun was deeply grateful for his brother-in-laws care and attention since childhood. He had always been the one handling most household chores. But at this moment, he didnt dwell on it—today marked a long-awaited family reunion that should have brought joy. Soon, his brother-in-law temporarily set aside his sentimental side and joined the team.
After breakfast, the whole family accompanied Ah Jun for a leisurely walk to the gate of the city —— Before walking out of the door, the eldest sister Qing kept reminding Ah Jun whether he had forgotten anything and whether he had sorted everything out and taken it...
Then, the eldest brother carried the luggage, the eldest sister supported the elder, the youngest sister held the hand of the older brother, the kitten was on Ah Juns shoulder, and the whole family mobilized.
Todays street is very quiet, although there are still many people watching on the road, but most of them are silent or dare not look directly, the child felt very relaxed, it is true that many people are powerful.
To his surprise, there were people clapping and smiling from time to time... This was the first time that A-jun had ever seen such a beautiful scene, and he felt a little scared —— What happened today?
Suddenly, the child stopped and looked back at the family —— only to see that the elder touched the child and nodded with a smile, so Ah Jun understood.
—— What the hell! Whatever those people do, its always irrational.
At the city gate, Ah Jun stood motionless before his family, waving goodbye politely while clutching a heavy bundle in his other hand——. This was Mili Ta, a delicacy specially crafted by his younger sister for her brother. The new product was a dry snack formulated with Ah Juns dietary preferences under his brother-in-laws guidance. Free from additives, it was meticulously wrapped in high-tech vacuum-sealed bags that could remain fresh for years without spoilage. The bags even adjusted internal temperature according to ambient conditions, ensuring both safety and convenience.
The rest were all snacks, bento boxes and daily necessities that Yi had prepared for Ah Jun. The whole bag was filled with most of the wishes of her brother-in-law.
Additionally, Ah Jun now carried two special accessories at his waist—— The hidden weapon set was naturally his favorite. Though not silver, he couldnt resist taking one as a bookmark. As for the other cold weapon, it was rather unique—the Qing Blade, the personal dagger of his elder sister Qing.
The blade was as small as a regular knife, suitable for cold weapons. Of course, this was not to save money. After all, the A-Jun family could not care less about such a small amount of money. It was the eldest sisters wish.
At sunset, the breeze was gentle. At this time, Ah Juns brother-in-law could not keep his rationality and began to feel emotional again ——. Only to see Yi and his sister, one hand supporting the elder, the other hand wiping tears, muttering instructions for the children.
At this time, the kitten quietly hid in Ah Juns cloak, and then meowed softly, urging him to set out quickly.
This cloak was Ah Juns only personal gear he ever applied for, specifically designed for his spiritual journey. Hed been eyeing the uncles coat for ages. Now that it was on, he looked noticeably more stylish. Of course, the kid wasnt just imitating the uncles cool vibe – this outfit also helped him look less skinny and more masculine.
However, for the request of the kitten, Ah Jun did not move for a long time, but just stood in place, with an awkward smile —— because then another hand suddenly appeared in front of his eyes, it was the elder sister.
With lightning speed, Qingyan grabbed the kitten by the neck and carried her back. Though the little cat longed to explore the world with Ah Jun, her familys disapproval forced her to quietly follow him, eventually escaping without a trace. But as expected, Qingyans keen eyes couldnt be fooled.
Qing caught the kitten, sneezed, and waved her hand to indicate that Ah Jun could set out —— Then she helped the elder and carried the still defiant kitten back to the city, leaving her brother-in-law and sister alone in sorrow.
At this time, they were still waving to Ah Jun, and the child kept looking back every three steps —— He was reluctant to part with his family and his hometown where he had grown up since childhood, but reason told him that instead of lingering back and forth, it was better to return home in glory as soon as possible.
Then, Ah Jun firmly wiped away the tears in the corner of his eyes——. Before, he had always been more rational, but today he became particularly emotional. As the saying goes, "Those who stay close to vermilion will turn red." Maybe he was infected by his brother-in-law after spending a long time with him, just like his sister.
The child couldnt help turning his head again to look at his brother-in-law and sister, waving at them. Then he looked across the street at the small woods and found the little white lying on the top of a high cliff, and waved at it too.
Finally, he looked into the distance for a while at the big sister, the kitten, and his master.
At this time, Qingzheng was supporting the elder while sneezing and carrying the kitten —— She looked a little anxious. She kept asking the elder something in her mouth and looked back from time to time. She waved her hand to urge Ah Jun to start his journey as it was getting late.
This time, Ah Jun did not wave his hand again. He just nodded firmly to his elder sister and the elder, then quickly turned his head and began his own journey of cultivation.
"Master... is it ok for Xiao Jun to act like this?"
"No matter... we always have to go through the wind and rain, just like the flowers in the greenhouse, we will eventually face it!"
"But... this childs journey of study is not an ordinary journey, its clearly a training, and its so dangerous..."
"Cough!"
"—— You feel the same way... otherwise, Ill find Xiao Jun back. At least here, hes safe and we can protect him!"
"Qing-er... can we really protect him all our lives? You know, as the son of destiny, the burden on his shoulders is not something you or I can mediate —— otherwise, there would be no need for this!"
"Master! Yes, I know that —— But Xiao Jun has never been out of our sight since he was little. Hes still young and now going out alone. Are you really so reassured? —— What if he encounters strange beasts or villains on the road... Oh no, if the monster finds him... That would be disastrous! —— No, I must call him back."
"—— Hold on! You are too sentimental. Why are you in such a hurry? —— Dont worry, I have ordered Ai to follow secretly."
"Oh! Yes, thats good... Master, you said it earlier!"
"You, my boy, are still so impulsive!"
"Oh, you dont worry about that —— And I heard the Spirit test is not easy to pass. Xiao Jun has to pass all of them. How can that be possible? —— Yes! No, I have to..."
"—— No, this is the present. He must complete the task independently. —— You know, if a fledgling eagle wants to fly, it needs the help of its wings to learn to soar... This is the key point, which not only relates to Juners body and mind, but also determines the future of the entire Suoluo continent!"
"However, Master... I heard Ai mention that most of the messengers of the Holy Realm are not very friendly —— What if something goes wrong with Xiao Jun? Will they let him go?"
"—— Remember the ancient Chu-Han War? For this child, every subsequent challenge is a do-or-die battle with no other options. —— As for us, all we can do is choose to believe in him... As for others, I dont know and cant judge, but Juner will definitely make it!"