Dai Huabin had no idea that just a moment ago, he had taken a walk before the gates of hell. Even less did he know what kind of astonishing power and secrets were hidden within the body of this younger brother, whom he viewed as a piece of trash to be bullied at will. At this moment, seeing that Dai Yuhao had not only failed to shrink back in fear but was instead meeting his gaze with those calm eyes... A surge of anger rose in his heart, instantly transforming into a feeling of being "offended."
How did a piece of trash who didn't even have a Spirit dare to look at him like that?! Almost subconsciously, he took another half-step forward and even, as if seeking death, extended a finger to poke forcefully at Dai Yuhao's chest.
"What? Judging by that look in your eyes, you're not satisfied? Or... do you want to hit me? Hmm?" He deliberately drew out the last word, filled with mockery. "Come on! Let me see what a piece of trash like you can do besides staring!"
Dai Yuhao remained silent, his mind racing as he wondered whether Dai Huabin's visit was a whim or ordered by the Duchess. Regardless of the possibility, he had made up his mind: he had to take his mother and leave the White Tiger Duke's Mansion as soon as possible! Seeing Dai Yuhao remain as unresponsive as a block of wood despite such provocation, Dai Huabin felt a wave of boredom. Accustomed to his high status, he could do as he pleased in the Duke's mansion; he never needed a valid reason to bully someone, only his mood.
He stepped back half a pace and casually waved his hand toward the four lackeys behind him. "Come, give him a lesson he won't forget!"
To leave the Duke's mansion safely with his mother, Dai Yuhao suppressed the urge to kill. But endurance certainly did not mean taking a beating for no reason before leaving! Looking at the four lackeys with their sinister expressions, Dai Yuhao's face didn't change at all. With a slight thought, a Mental Shock as condensed as a needle silently pierced into the mind of Dai Huabin, who was standing with his arms crossed and an expectant look on his face!
Dai Yuhao deliberately controlled the intensity so it wouldn't damage his soul or leave any detectable traces. However, the instantaneous sharp pain and intense dizziness were enough to make Dai Huabin lose all ability to move or think!
"Ouch!"
The triumphant expression on Dai Huabin's face suddenly contorted! He let out a short, shrill scream, his hands suddenly clutching his head. The intense stinging and sudden vertigo made his legs go weak. He collapsed to the ground, curling into a ball and groaning in pain, large beads of cold sweat instantly breaking out on his forehead. The four lackeys who were about to pounce on Dai Yuhao instantly froze mid-motion!
The sneers on their faces froze, replaced by expressions of shock and panic! They instinctively turned back to look at their "master" behind them. The four of them no longer cared about Dai Yuhao and hurriedly surrounded Dai Huabin, at a complete loss. At this moment, Dai Huabin felt as if countless needles were stabbing his brain; his vision went dark, and his ears rang.
"Take... take me back! Quick!" He forced out a few words through gritted teeth, his voice weak and trembling. The four of them scrambled to help the limp Dai Huabin up. One carried him on his back while the other three guarded him. They didn't spare another glance at Dai Yuhao as they hurriedly fled the dilapidated courtyard.
Dai Huabin's appearance was merely a small interlude for Dai Yuhao. As the sun slowly sank behind the high western walls, the small courtyard gradually grew dark. Just like countless nights before, Huo Yuner only returned to the courtyard after the sky had turned completely pitch black, dragging her exhausted body. Her steps were heavier than usual, and her face looked even paler in the gloom.
Today in the laundry room, she had already learned the result of her son's Spirit Awakening from the whispers of others. No Spirit, no spirit power; he could only be an ordinary person from now on. She walked into the house and, without even sitting down to take a breath, went straight to the simple stove in the corner to silently start the fire, wash the rice, and prepare dinner. Half an hour later, mother and son sat across from each other at the only small table, eating quietly.
Afraid of upsetting her son, Huo Yuner didn't mention anything about Spirits, only occasionally stealing glances to observe his expression. Dai Yuhao's expression was calm, but this calmness made Huo Yuner even more uneasy, fearing the child was suppressing immense disappointment and pain deep in his heart. The silent dinner ended in a stifling atmosphere.
Just as Huo Yuner was about to get up to clear the dishes, Dai Yuhao suddenly reached out and gently tugged at her sleeve. He looked up, his clear eyes appearing exceptionally bright under the lamp. Gone was the ignorance of a child, replaced by a seriousness that surpassed his age.
"Mother, let's... leave the Duke's mansion."
Only yesterday, Dai Yuhao had tentatively asked his mother if she had ever thought about leaving. Back then, his tone was inquisitive, but now it was completely different—it was decisive, as if a choice had already been made! Huo Yuner was stunned by her son's sudden firm stance. Her first thought was that the blow of his failed Spirit Awakening today was too much for him, and he was speaking impulsively. A wave of bitterness and pity surged in her heart. She was about to speak when she suddenly froze!
She saw a deep and noble purple glow flash without warning beneath her son's feet! Immediately after, a solid purple ring suddenly rose from the soles of Dai Yuhao's feet, rhythmically moving up and down his body.
"This... this is...?!"
Huo Yuner's eyes widened abruptly, her pupils contracting sharply from extreme shock! Even though she was just an ordinary person without any spirit power, she recognized at a glance that this was definitely a spirit ring—the most direct symbol of a Spirit Master's power! Furthermore, the color of this spirit ring was purple! It was a 1,000 year spirit ring!
In an instant, she was completely dazed, her thoughts falling into a chaotic void! Hadn't her son just undergone his Spirit Awakening today? Hadn't they said he failed to awaken a Spirit or spirit power? But now, what was this appearing before her eyes? A 1,000 year purple spirit ring was encircling her only 6 year old son! This... how could this be happening?!
At this moment, Huo Yuner's mind was in such a mess that she couldn't utter a single word. She just stared with wide eyes, her gaze locked firmly onto her son.
"Mother," Dai Yuhao's voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear in the quiet little house. "I did awaken a Spirit. I have Innate Full Spirit Power. Furthermore, I've already successfully attached my first spirit ring—a 1,000 year spirit ring. So, I am now a true Spirit Master."
Dai Yuhao didn't explain the incredible process of going from "no Spirit" to becoming a Spirit Master with a 1,000 year spirit ring in a single day. For this involved secrets like time travel, the Spirit Pagoda, and unyielding soul spirits that were far beyond Huo Yuner's comprehension; telling her would only confuse her more. Seeing the shock in his mother's eyes begin to slowly fade, Dai Yuhao continued.
"Mother." He leaned forward, his tone becoming more earnest. "Look, I'm a Spirit Master now. I have the ability to earn money. We don't have to stay in this place anymore, living at the mercy of others and in constant fear. We can leave the Duke's mansion and go outside to live a peaceful and stable life."
Leave? Is the outside world really that good? Could a widow and her son really establish themselves? The shock in Huo Yuner's eyes was gradually replaced by worry. Although she was an adult, she had grown up in the Duke's mansion and had little contact with the outside world; this was a fear of the unknown. Seeing his mother's hesitation, Dai Yuhao knew he needed to give her a reason why they must leave.
Dai Yuhao's expression turned solemn, and he lowered his voice. "Mother, there's a reason I didn't reveal my talent at the awakening ceremony. Do you remember... what happened 3 years ago?"
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