A translucent liquid emerged from Uncle Hu’s body. It gave off a soft golden glow as it wrapped the dust covering the middle-aged figure. When it finished entangling with all the dust particles, the energy gently peeled off the dust layer from the old servant. The golden Qi dispersed the dust back onto the courtyard's sandy ground and swiftly returned to its original place in Uncle Hu’s Golden Core. The middle-aged figure opened his eyes and held a steady gaze as he calmly replied.
"That's right, young master. It's been a while since I've been able to move around like this. I owe a great debt to the great Immortal."
Ye Fan nodded vigorously. Letting go of his nose, he patted his chest with his left hand and made a righteous declaration.
"Master's indeed the greatest. We should go thank him."
Uncle Hu shook the dust off his black iron staff before revealing a genial smile.
"Nice try, young master. But, I won't play any favorites for this trial. The great Immortal waits for you at the end."
Ye Fan displayed a face of mock grievance for a split second before bursting into laughter.
"You truly hold my master in high esteem, Uncle Hu!"
Still holding his smile, Uncle Hu gave a sharp response.
"I only give what is due. Both the wise and the strong deserve respect. Your Master is both. Do you not hold the same opinion, young master?"
The youth seemed unfazed by middle-aged figure’s loaded response and smiled. His reply was swift and lacked hesitation.
"It was just a joke, Uncle Hu! I just wanted to see your true thoughts."
The old servant’s expression grew slightly gloomy at those words. Although it may not have been the young boy’s intention, the last sentence caused Uncle Hu immense inner turmoil.
"I've been by your side your whole life, young master. Did you really have to test me like that?"
Ye Fan laughed nervously at those words. The youth’s intelligence coupled with his familiarity with the old servant allowed for him to quickly catch onto his mistake. He cast his glance to the side and quickly replied with his slumped posture displaying extreme remorse.
"I- I may have overstepped my bounds a bit. I apologize, Uncle Hu…"
His words trailed off at the end further emphasizing his deep-seated guilt. Uncle Hu walked over to the young boy and ruffled his hair. Although the boy’s words had truly hurt him, he wasn’t going to let that get in the way of their close relationship. He had stood by the boy’s mother’s side as her protector for many years and experienced many ups and downs. This coupled with the experience that he had raising his own children allowed for him to develop a firm but loving heart. Looking into his young master’s eyes, Uncle Hu embraced the boy and whispered in the boy's ear.
"As long as you have remorse, that's good. Acknowledging your mistakes is the beginning of learning."
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The young boy withdrew his sorrow. He inwardly let out a sigh of relief. Uncle Hu held a special place in his heart and he was genuinely happy that he was able to make his amends. The solemn atmosphere had made Ye Fan nervous so he let out a joke to lighten the mood.
"You're starting to sound like master, Uncle Hu."
"Thank you for the compliment young master, but I think we've been sidetracked for too long. Shall we begin your final trial?"
The boatman removed his embrace. Stepping back, the middle-aged figure stood up straight. He planted the iron rod into the sand with great strength causing a thin layer of dust to surge up into the air. At this moment, Uncle Hu displayed a heroic aura as he waited for Ye Fan's answer. Ye Fan admired the old servant for a few moments before getting on one knee and bowing. With a firm voice, he shouted his response.
"This lowly one receives the decree!"
Seeing Ye Fan's intentions, Uncle Hu played along. Pulling a blank scroll from his spatial artifact, he unfurled it and let it roll to his feet. The thin paper sheet rolled along the sandy ground, and small clouds of dust marked the parchment’s trail. The middle-aged man cleared his throat and made a loud declaration.
"The Great Immortal commands you to discover the secrets of the seven continents and reach the peak of the mortal realm. This task has no time limit, but the Great Immortal has no need for talentless and lazy disciples. Will you, Ye Fan, accept this decree and prove yourself?"
Ye Fan thumped his chest and gave a fist salute. Smiling gratefully at Uncle Hu, he gave his acceptance with a vivacious roar.
"This lowly one accepts the great Immortal's decree!"
Birds from the surrounding forest were startled and flapped their wings loudly in their escape. The forest canopy slightly swayed before returning to its previous tranquil state. Finished with their act, Uncle Hu reached out his free hand and helped the boy to his feet. Ye Fan gave his thanks to the old servant for playing along with a mischievous smile. The middle-aged figure gently smiled in reply before leaving the courtyard with Ye Fan close on his tail. Closing the gate and locking it, Ye Fan turned toward Uncle Hu and asked him a quick question.
“Shall I do the honors?”
“I don’t see why not, young master.”
Ye Fan held a wide grin as he tossed the key into the bushes. His master liked leaving opportunities up to chance and he would try his best to adopt that mindset as well. After all, it was this same doctrine that led them together.
* * *
A week had passed since the two had left the courtyard. They got by with washing themselves in the streams and rivers, but the dirt and grime couldn’t be fully removed without soap. The pair slowly trekked along the dirt path among the crowd of weary travelers. Multiple merchant caravans were headed towards the city to trade and knew the path clearly. Small groups and solo travelers tagged along at a distance. It wasn’t long before they came into view of the city walls. Ye Fan showed great joy at the towering black walls. Turning to his Uncle, he exclaimed excitedly.
“Uncle Hu, look! It’s the County capital.”
Similar joyful exclamations rang out from other groups. Many of them had never seen the towering black iron walls that predated the Chi Dynasty. This city marked the only pathway between the two large landmasses that made up the Dynasty. Its strategic position and history were vast, and its curiosities left no traveler unsatisfied. But, most importantly, it meant a room and hot food.
* * *
Within a decorated carriage flanked by twenty armed escorts, a pair of small purple eyes observed the world around him with great derision. A young voice commented with disgust as he watched the weary travelers through the parted window curtains. He couldn’t hold back voicing aloud his thoughts full of contempt.
“Peh. A bunch of country bumpkins.”
Pap! Pap!
The sound of paper hitting flesh caught the arrogant young boy’s attention. The other occupant of the carriage didn’t seem to share his views as a charming voice rebuked the child.
“You’re too harsh, Liu’er. Great Divide City is a remarkable landmark with a long history. The only reason why we aren't like them is that we were born here.”
The rebuke came from a handsome youth in the other seat. The youth seemed to be about fourteen years of age and held himself with a noble’s dignity. A slight smile could be seen displayed on his face. He held a closed folding fan, resting the top of the paper lightly on his chin. His long silky black hair hung down to his shoulders. Striking purple pupils eyed his younger brother with a firm but gentle gaze.
Moving away from the curtain, the boy named Liu’er sat down in his seat. He revealed a weird expression before letting out a deep breath. The boy looked to be the same age as Ye Fan. The arrogant child was a younger version of his older brother. Except, unlike his older brother, his undeveloped features were more on the cuter side. His gaze was cast down as he gave a sincere apology.
“Sorry, big brother…”
His eyes were wide and full of great sorrow as he stared at his brother across from him. This scene was like a puppy that had been caught doing something wrong and was rebuked by its owner. The handsome youth reached his free hand over and ruffled his younger brother’s hair. Liu’er revealed an expression of comfort and closed his eyes. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the handsome youth's touch. Revealing a gentle smile, the elder brother reminded Liu’er gently.
“Remember your origins. It is only through the generosity of the common people that the Mo family was able to get where it is today.”
"I understand, big brother!"