Wang Fang fell silent, his thoughts heavy.
A long time… I'll be leaving Mother for a very long time.
He clenched his fists.
In that case… Granny, he said softly.
Old Lady Shen looked at him. Yes?"
Please… let me at least bow to my mother before I leave.
Old Lady Shen studied his face, then sighed lightly. Alright, she said. But make it quick."
Thank you, Granny."
Wang Fang immediately turned and ran, his feet barely touching the ground as he rushed back toward home.
At Doctor Lu Cheng's Courtyard
Old Lady Shen headed in a different direction and soon arrived at a familiar courtyard.
"Ah, Old Lady Shen!" Doctor Lu Cheng exclaimed when he saw her. "It's already been three days."
He quickly brought out a pot of Spirit Tea.
"Please, have some."
Old Lady Shen accepted it with a nod. "Thank you."
She took a sip and smiled faintly.
This tea nourishes the spirit well."
Doctor Lu Cheng laughed. "You flatter me."
Then he hesitated and said with a teasing tone,
"You didn't come to look for Wang Fang again, did you? He's not with me this time, and I didn't send him into the forest either."
Old Lady Shen waved her hand.
Calm down. It's not like I bully you."
Haha…" Lu Cheng laughed awkwardly. "Then what brings you here today?"
Old Lady Shen's expression slowly turned serious.
Meanwhile.
Mother!"
Wang Fang rushed into the house.
His mother lay weakly on the bed. Hearing his voice, she turned her head and smiled faintly.
"My child… what is it?
Wang Fang stepped forward and knelt.
Mother, he said firmly, lowering his head, "I will not waste this opportunity you gave me. I will meet your expectations and make you proud."
She struggled to sit up and held his hands tightly.
"My child," she said softly, this journey is meant to let you experience life. One day… I may not be by your side to watch you anymore."
"Mother, Wang Fang began, but she gently stopped him.
"Listen, she said. "After you reach the Qi Gathering Realm, the ring you carry will open. Inside are the Eternal Flame techniques… and other things a cultivator needs."
Wang Fang's breath trembled.
"I don't want to lock your path," she continued. "So go. Walk your own road."
Tears welled in Wang Fang's eyes.
"Mother… please take your medicine properly," he said. "Wait for my return."
She nodded with a weak smile.
Wang Fang stood, bowed deeply one last time, and turned away.
The moment he left.
cough.
Blood spilled from her lips.
She wiped it weakly and whispered,
"The pill… no longer works.
Tears rolled down her face.
"I don't think I have more than two months left…
She clenched the blanket, crying silently.
"If you return and I'm already gone… you will still meet your father one day. That will be enough for me."
Departure
When Wang Fang returned, Old Lady Shen was already waiting.
"Are you satisfied now? she asked.
Yes, Granny."
His eyes suddenly lit up.
Granny… you brought real swords?"
Yes," Old Lady Shen replied calmly.
Wang Fang's heart raced.
A real sword… not a training one.
He whispered excitedly,
"It's not every day I get to use a real sword.
Then some suddenly came to is mind.
''huh" granny wasn't with the swords before.
Then he noticed Doctor Lu Cheng standing nearby.
"Oh," Wang Fang realized, smiling. "So that's where the swords came from."
Lu Cheng laughed loudly.
"When you come back, don't forget to bring me some tier 3 beast, or higher,
Wang Fang smiled.