A_nobody
patreon
Chapter 6: Entering the City
🕑 Added 2024-10-02 15:34:22 +0000 UTCThe city was several hundred kilometers away from their settlement. For a high-level spirit master, it would take only half a day to arrive, but for a group of kids riding in a carriage, it would take three days.
Many of the children had never left their home before, so this trip was full of curiosity. They marveled at the flowers, trees, and passing carriages they encountered on the way.
Sometimes, they even spotted small spirit beasts, which intrigued them even more. To these kids, the beasts seemed no different from pets.
At night, they would circle the carriages and set up a large tent in the middle where everyone could rest. His father and uncle took turns keeping watch, always on high alert as if expecting some great danger.
After three days of travel, they finally arrived at the city. The towering city walls were a relief to everyone, especially the children, who were visibly exhausted from the journey.
At the city gate, the guards grew suspicious when they saw nine carriages filled with children, fearing it might be human traffickers. But as soon as they saw the family's emblem and sensed the spirit power of the group's leader, a high-ranking spirit master, they quickly allowed them to pass.
Once inside, instead of heading straight to an inn, the carriages meandered through the streets, turning left and right until they reached a large courtyard.
"Why aren't we staying at an inn?" he asked.
His mother smiled and replied, "Who said we were staying at an inn? Our family may be part of an external branch of a larger clan, but we are well-known for our skills. We have properties in every major city, including this one."
He was left speechless. It turned out that prominent families operated this way, even owning properties across various cities. He figured that their ability to sustain and even grow their influence over time must have depended on such strategies. After all, the clan wouldn't have survived by farming.
Then a thought occurred to him, and he quickly asked, "Do we have a house here in the city as well?"
His mother rolled her eyes. "Do you really think we need to buy one? With my status, if we need a place, we can easily arrange for it."
Feeling a bit embarrassed, he reminded himself that his mother had powerful connections, making acquiring land and homes a trivial matter in their world, where real estate wasn't governed by the same rules.
"Mum, you and Dad aren't getting any younger. Have you thought about setting aside something for the future?" he asked.
His mother smiled warmly. "Don't worry. When the time comes for you to settle down, we'll make sure you have everything you need to get married in style."
He sighed inwardly. That wasn't what he meant at all. He just wanted to know how much wealth they had saved up.
His father, suppressing a smile, watched the exchange without intervening.
After driving through the city for about ten minutes, they finally arrived at a large courtyard. Though slightly worn, it was clear that someone had been maintaining it regularly.
Once settled, they arranged everyone into rooms. Due to the limited space, most had to share rooms, but since the group was primarily children, it worked out. His uncle, however, seemed to have some other plan in mind.
After dinner, he returned to his room, lying in bed to think things over.
The first small task was done; they had arrived safely. There shouldn't be any immediate danger for the time being.
The next step was waiting for the events to unfold. When the conflict involving the higher-ranking masters occurred, it would signal that things were about to change, and a war was looming.
He felt powerless to change things for his clan, hoping instead that his grandfather and others would be able to minimize the damage. If they could make it to the city in time after the conflict, they might reduce the impact and avoid future trouble.
Now, he had to focus on his second goal. Once his martial soul awakened, he would have to find a way to access a crucial resource that could change his family's fate. If they could secure it before others, it would give them a significant advantage. If someone else had already taken it, then a new plan would be necessary.
According to the original novel, Dugu Yan should be around the same age as himself, and Dugu Yan's parents died from poisoning. We can determine whether Dugu Yan's parents are already dead to judge whether Dugu Bo has taken control of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. If Dugu Bo hasn't taken control yet, then we can occupy it first. If Dugu Bo has already taken control of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, then we will need to come up with another plan.
It can also be judged by whether Dugu Bo has become a Titled Douluo. If Dugu Bo has already reached the rank of Titled Douluo, it would indicate that he has indeed taken control of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and we will need to plan accordingly.
As he thought through these possibilities, sleep overtook him. Feeling safe for the first time in a while, he slept deeply.
Meanwhile, his parents quietly entered the room, his father about to speak before his mother stopped him.
She gently approached the bed, touched his sleeping face, adjusted his blanket, and then motioned for her husband to follow her out.
"Did you notice how peacefully he's sleeping tonight?" she asked once they were outside.
His father looked confused. "No, why?"
"Usually, he's tense even in his sleep, like he's constantly worried. But now, he's completely relaxed. It's a big change," she explained.
"I don't get it. Why would he be worried? Our family has a solid standing. He shouldn't have anything to fear," his father replied, a little baffled.
She sighed. "You wouldn't understand. But since he feels safe here, maybe we should consider staying longer."
"What? We can't do that. I'm the head of the family. How can I stay away from home for too long?"
"I don't care what title you hold. Nothing is more important than our son's well-being. Figure it out," she said firmly.
Seeing how serious she was, he quickly reassured her, "Alright, alright. I'll find a way."
