After staying with Master Li for most of the morning,Xuan Luohas a much deeper understanding ofjiang hus different Clans and the power that they hold. But hehasnt made up his mind yet. Although he made a promise to Master Li, it doesnt mean he has to make his decision so soon.

Master Li did not say anything else for the rest of the day, which causedXuan Luoto feel a little uneasy.

But since Master Li didnt say anything, perhaps it wasnt the right time yet. Hence, hedid not dwell on it too much.

When he got home,Guan Shan Juewas already awake. Seeing his Stepfather dragging his old body to do chores,Xuan Luos eyes watered; his tears silently rolled down his cheeks.

Stepfather, let me do it..Xuan Luochoked with emotions. He ran to him, grabbingGuan Shan Jues creased hands; taking the cloth from him.

Stepfather, go sit down. I can do everything here!Xuan LuoledGuan Shan Jueto a chair nearby. Then he tidied up the restaurant, wiped the tables and chairs, and placed everything in the right spot. At that moment,Xuan Luoacted like how a son should act -he helped his family share the burden.

Looking atXuan Luo,Guan Shan Juefeels a type of love he could not explain.Guan Shan Juehas no child of his own, so he seesXuan Luoas his child in every way.

*cough*Guan Shan Juecould not hold in his cough.Xuan Luowas very worried and quickly stopped what he was doing. He rushes toGuan Shan Jues side and lightly pats his Stepfathers back.

Are you alright, Stepfather?Xuan Luoasked with concern. He could tellGuan Shan Juehas loved him all these years; and its because of his unconditional love that has led him to speak again. WhenXuan Luofirst metGuan Shan Jue, he could not speak.

Im finemuch better.. saidGuan Shan Jue. He smiled.Guan Shan Jueis simply a kind hearted man who generally never gets angry. He is a very approachable type of person.

Xuan Luocannot recall his past. All the memories that had occurred before he was eight years old were locked up by him. Those memories were like a curse. Each time he thought about it, he would feel a sense of dread for some reason. As a result, locking them up was the best way to stop the fear.

Slowly, afterXuan Luolocked up his memory, he began to adapt to his new home. He had his Stepfather andBai Tian. Everything was great.

SeeingXuan Luo,Guan Shan Juecould not hide his smile. His smile is very kind and calming. It is a very heartwarming moment.

SeeingGuan Shan Jue,Xuan Luois more determined to learn Martial Arts than ever before. He will not allow anyone close to him to ever suffer again. Not even a bit. Heclenched his fists.

Suddenly,Xuan Luorecalled and agreed with what Master Li had said. Its true, in this world, strength is an asset. Although living a simple life is good, it is way too boring. Thus, his mindset is slowly evolving.

Stepfather, do you think I ought to go see the world?Xuan Luohas an idea of what he wants. He is ready to discuss it withGuan Shan Jue. Yet, at the same time, if he were to leave on his own,Guan Shan Juewould be alone. He doesnt want to hurt his Stepfather either, but in order to protect him, the only way is to get stronger.

Hearing those words,Guan Shan Jues heart thumped.Xuan Luos existence is made his home finally felt like home.

Youre already old enough to make your own choices. You still have to ask me?Guan Shan Juepretends to roll his eyes atXuan Luo; and laughed.

Haha. I know..

-

Xuan Luois the decisive type. Once he has made up his mind, he will not waver. Therefore, since he has decided what to do, he went to findBai Tianto tell him the news.

Hey! What are you doing? He is curious as he seesBai Tiansitting in the main hall.

I heard about your Stepfather! How is he?Bai TianaskedXuan Luo. He found out what happened through the villagers. At first, he was very nervous. But when he heard thatXuan Luototally destroyed the guy, he was ecstatic. Its obvious that their friendship is very strong.

Hes healing quite well!Xuan Luosmiled, and went in further depth.

SeeingXuan Luos expression,Bai Tiangrinned. Seeing howXuan Luos eyes darkened,Bai Tianlightly shoves his chest. Wow, now thats something new! When did you become so powerful, huh? You were able to defeat the man? I heard from the villagers that the man is really strong!?! Be honest with me, when did you become so powerful?

Xuan Luo doesnt know what to say. Its not that he wants to keep the cave story a secret. But each time he is about to say it, the thoughts suddenly disappear; as if it has never happened.

You must not have practiced Master Lis Martial Arts hard enough. If you did, you could do it too!Xuan Luocrosses his arms across his chest, pretending to think deeply.

Its not thatXuan Luowanted to make things up. But in reality, he really could not think of another way to explain himself.

Bai Tiansomewhat believesXuan Luo. After all, Master Li is the only person who knows Martial Arts in the town. It was rumoured that Master Li can defeat a tiger with one hand; hence, he has no choice but to believe.

Haha. Why were you looking for me?Bai Tianasked him straight up.

Xuan Luosmacked his head, Oh my goodness. All your fault! I almost forgot what I came to say!

Master Li thinks I have a talent in Martial Arts. He told me to find a legit teacher to learn from. I was wondering if you would be interested. Maybe we can go togetherXuan Luohesitated.

Haha! Thats great! But at our current state, would a Clan accept us? And how much do you know about the Clans? AndBai Tianasked a couple more questions in a row, and all of them had a point.

Xuan Luois speechless. He didnt expectBai Tianto ask so many questions. Aside from the first few, he has no idea about the rest.

Since he has thick skin,Xuan LuotoldBai Tianeverything he has learned from Master Li. As for the other questions, he hastily went through them

-

Xuan Luo. Based on what you said, lets go together then! How can I say no to my best friend? Lets go!Bai Tiandid not even think about it. He agreed onceXuan Luowas finished talking.

-

Time passed by very quickly. A few months has passed. During these few months, wheneverXuan Luohad time, he would meditate and practice thexin fa. Every day, he would feel thenei liincreasing in his core. There were moments when he felt like it would spill out.

As always, afterXuan Luohas finished his tasks, he went straight to his room to meditate. Thexin faslowly appeared in his mind, and at the same time, a warm current spreads throughout his body. After awhile, it would stop at the core.

But today was different. Thexin fawent throughXuan Luos body, but the core did not absorb thenei li. In the end, thenei liremained in thejing mai. Thenei liscattered throughoutXuan Luos body, but he didnt feel unwell. Instead, he felt very good. Its as if every cell in his body was jumping for joy.

After practicing,Xuan Luothought back to what had happened, but couldnt figure it out.

Xuan Luogot up. Based on his routine, he would lift a stone brick a hundred times. The stone brick is very heavy. Master Li was the one who suggested him to lift it. By lifting the stone brick, it would increase his strength. Thus,Xuan Luosomehow found a stone brick, and by the time he was twelve, he already possessed the strength of several hundredjin.

He lifts and lifts. But herealized something was wrong. He puts down the stone brick and is deep in thought.

Back then, even with all his strength, he could only lift the stone block a hundred times. But today, he was able to lift it 300 times!?Xuan Luois puzzled. Although it is a good thing, it seems so odd.

Actually, it is thenei lifrom thejing maithat has transformedXuan Luos body. The reason why he did not feel anything is because it didnt happen overnight. His body has been changing slowly ever since he had started practicing thexin fa.

SinceXuan Luocouldnt figure it out, he decided to leave it. After all, its a good thing, so why should he worry?

Todays practice was finally over.Xuan Luolooks up at the sky, his eyes are filled with sorrow. But it cannot be helped. Whats to come, will come!