The Next Morning
Elder Feng Lu,
Elder Li Tianlong,
Elder Wu Shen,
Elder Ziyan,
Elder Tan Si,
Elder Mu Ziyan,
and Elder Jiang
summoned all disciples of the Eternal Flame Sect to the Grand Hall.
The atmosphere was solemn and heavy.
"We have gathered you all here today because of important news," Elder Mu Ziyan began.
"Stop," Elder Feng Lu interrupted coldly. "You are too slow."
He stepped forward, his voice firm and authoritative.
"The Sect Master has ascended to the upper realms."
The hall instantly erupted.
"What?!"
"The Patriarch ascended?!"
"That fast?!"
"Silence!" Elder Feng Lu shouted.
His sharp gaze swept across the hall, suppressing everyone at once.
"This matter must never leave the sect. Anyone who dares spread this information will be punished severely."
The disciples felt a chill run down their spines. They swallowed hard and nodded in unison.
Meanwhile , Wang Residence.
Madam Wang Xinyi was playing with baby Wang Fang in the courtyard.
She clapped her hands happily and began singing a childish tune.
"Pa~ pa~ pa~ pa~ po~ po~ po~"
Wang Fang stared at her blankly.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Xinyi laughed.
"Come on, smile for your mother, my little boy~"
Inside, Wang Fang was screaming.
What kind of life is this…
I was a grown man!
Why am I being tortured like this?!
Xinyi continued happily, completely unaware.
Suddenly,
Pfff.
A sound echoed.
A terrible smell spread through the air.
Xinyi froze. Slowly, her expression darkened.
"You farted…" she said slowly, "…on your own mother?"
But Wang Fang felt something entirely different.
…That was satisfying.
He smiled.
Xinyi's eyes widened. "You smiled?!"
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "So you did it on purpose?"
Wang Fang instantly wiped the smile off his face.
Xinyi burst into laughter. "You naughty child!"
She turned around for just a moment,
And Wang Fang slowly pushed himself up.
I have to start walking as soon as possible, he thought seriously.
Only then can I act freely… and maybe even start cultivating.
Before he could take another step,
Xinyi turned back, gasped, and rushed over.
"You can stand already?!" she cried in joy.
She lifted him into her arms, brushing his hair back gently.
"My lovely child…"
Sudden Attack
"Madam Xinyi!"
A shout came from outside.
She turned toward the door,
Clang!
A sword shot through the air, aimed directly at her.
Xinyi reacted instantly and dodged, the blade grazing past her sleeve.
Another figure rushed in, charging straight toward Wang Fang.
Xinyi moved faster.
She stepped forward and struck with her palm.
Bang!
The attacker was forced backward violently. That single strike carried the power of a late-stage Qi Condensation cultivator.
"Who are you?!" Xinyi demanded sharply.
The man said nothing.
Instead, he rapidly formed hand seals.
"Silent Step… Shadow Illusion."
His figure blurred and vanished.
Xinyi's heart skipped a beat.
The next instant,
The assassin reappeared behind Wang Fang, sword flashing toward his neck.
Slash!
Blood sprayed.
But it was not Wang Fang.
Elder Wu Shen appeared like a ghost, his blade already moving. The assassin's neck was severed in one clean strike.
The body collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
"Madam, you must leave immediately," Elder Wu Shen said urgently.
"Take the Young Master and go far away. Hide until we come for you."
"What? Why?" Xinyi asked, panic rising.
"Madam Wang Xinyi," Elder Wu Shen said firmly, "please do not worry. Go, now."
Xinyi tightened her grip around Wang Fang. Anger flashed through her eyes, followed by firm determination