Volume One, Chapter Six: Parting Ways

The next morning, Jiang Mu woke up early, a habit he had developed over the years living with the Lin family. After all, his situation there was hardly better than that of a servant.

Pushing open the door, the morning light bathed him, and Jiang Mu stretched lazily, feeling an indescribable sense of comfort throughout his body.

He instinctively glanced down at the bead exposed outside his clothes. Although he had not yet embarked on the path of cultivation, he clearly sensed that his body had undergone some subtle changes overnight.

If it wasn’t due to his mental state, it must have been because of the bead!

While Jiang Mu was pondering this, Lin Guandong entered the courtyard holding a tray.

“Young master.”

Jiang Mu felt a certain fondness for the steward as well, smiling and nodding in greeting.

“Good morning, Uncle Dong.”

“Young master, these clothes were prepared for you by the master and mistress. You should change first. Once you’re ready, follow me to see the master; they are all waiting for you.”

Jiang Mu nodded, recalling last night’s conversation and feeling a rising excitement in his heart.

“All right, Uncle Dong, wait for me a moment.”

Taking the clothes from Lin Guandong, Jiang Mu turned back into his room.

Before long, dressed in new garments, Jiang Mu stepped out. Clad in a black robe, his tall, slender figure looked even more upright, and his entire aura underwent a dramatic transformation.

Lin Guandong couldn’t help but nod appreciatively at the renewed Jiang Mu. “Young master truly carries an imposing presence—worthy of being the heir of the Jiang family!”

Jiang Mu gave a wry smile, offering no further modesty, and said directly, “Uncle Dong, let’s go.”

The two immediately left the courtyard.

Walking through the village, Jiang Mu couldn’t help but marvel. In just one night, he had changed from a despised, abandoned child with nothing to the young master backed by a transcendent lineage. Such a transformation was truly beyond imagination—fate playing its tricks!

Would the Lin family regret their decisions now that they knew his true circumstances?

Lost in thought, Jiang Mu clenched his fists, as if solidifying a resolution.

Jiang Yuan’s courtyard was not far from his own, likely arranged intentionally.

Soon, led by Lin Guandong, Jiang Mu arrived at the main residence.

Just as they entered, familiar voices reached his ears—it was his six elder sisters.

“Xiao Mu is here! Come over quickly and let Fourth Sister hug you! If you don’t come, we won’t get to see you at all!”

Fourth Sister Jiang Mei pulled Jiang Mu into a tight embrace, affectionately cupping his face and planting a kiss, paying no mind to the rosy flush on her brother’s cheeks as she dragged him before the other sisters.

“Hey, Fourth Sister, Xiao Mu isn’t just your brother. If you hog him like this, what about the rest of us?”

“Well, you were all too slow. Now he’s mine!”

The sisters began playfully vying for Jiang Mu’s “affection.” He couldn’t get a word in, feeling like a little white rabbit doted upon by his elder sisters. His smile was bittersweet, unsure whether to feel happiness or helplessness.

Fortunately, not long after, the door to the main hall opened, and Jiang Yuan and Jiang Su emerged together.

Jiang Mei finally released Jiang Mu, and the siblings bowed in unison.

“Father, mother!”

Jiang Yuan nodded, eyes falling on Jiang Mu. He immediately noticed the pendant hanging around his neck and smiled with satisfaction.

“Mu’er, this is the Sacred Spirit Bead, an innate divine artifact. Wearing it long-term helps clear your meridians and stabilize your primal spirit, which benefits your cultivation. It also contains a fragment of my spiritual awareness that can shield you from fatal attacks. Remember, you must always keep it on you!”

Jiang Mu blinked in astonishment. An innate divine artifact—was it really given to him so casually? Wasn’t there a risk someone might try to steal it?

Jiang Yuan paid no mind to Jiang Mu’s reaction. Instead, he turned to the daughters and urged,

“Enough. Now that Mu’er has met you all, hurry back and focus on your duties. Each of you carries a heavy responsibility. Return when you have time.”

The sisters nodded and, though reluctant, said their goodbyes before departing one after another.

Watching his sisters’ retreating figures, Jiang Mu felt a pang of emotion. Though they had only known each other for a day, the bond of blood was undeniable.

“All right, Mu’er, your sisters each have their own paths to follow, and so do you. When your strength allows you to traverse the continent freely, you will naturally be able to reunite with them.”

“Father, I understand!”

“Good. Then come with me. Qianyun should be returning soon too.”

With that, Jiang Yuan led the way out. Jiang Su walked behind, holding her son’s arm and explaining,

“Qianyun is an orphan your third sister took in; she grew up with us and is like a half-sister to you. Since your third sister couldn’t come back this time, she sent Qianyun. She’s here not only to escort you to the sect but also to recruit some promising young talents for the sect.”

Hearing this, Jiang Mu finally understood the full situation. A certain name flashed through his mind involuntarily.

With Lin Xiao’s talent, would the third sister notice him? Could they become fellow disciples?

Lost in thought, they soon reached the village entrance, where Lin Guandong and a group of guards were already waiting. Upon seeing Jiang Yuan and the others, they immediately saluted.

“Greetings, master and mistress, young master!”

“Is Qianyun not here yet?” Jiang Yuan asked with some surprise.

Before Lin Guandong could answer, a massive strange beast appeared in sight. It resembled a great roc, but its feathers shimmered with seven colors.

The beast blotted out the sky, approaching from the horizon.

“Speak of the devil. Seems the girl didn’t waste any time.”

Undoubtedly, Qianyun was riding atop the beast.

Jiang Mu gazed dreamily at the creature in the sky, wondering when he himself might be able to command such a colossal beast as his mount.

Suddenly, something tugged at his pant leg. Looking down in confusion, he found a small dog wagging its tail at him.

The little dog whimpered softly. Instinctively, Jiang Mu crouched to pick it up. The dog immediately showered his hand with affectionate licks, prompting Jiang Mu to cuddle the little fellow with warmth.

Jiang Yuan chuckled wryly. “That little rascal is ungrateful. I’ve raised him for over ten years, and he’s never been this close to me. Well, take him with you this time.”

The dog seemed to understand and excitedly barked twice, leaving Jiang Mu somewhat puzzled. Looking at the small dog no larger than his two palms, it was hard to believe it was over ten years old.

But having such a companion wasn’t bad, so he didn’t question it further and turned his gaze back to the sky.

In just moments, the strange beast drew near.

With a heavy thud, it landed on the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

As the dust settled, Jiang Mu finally made out the figures atop the beast.

There were six or seven people!

Jiang Mu stared, his eyes instinctively drawn to a woman standing at the front.

She noticed him too, smiled, nodded, and then strode toward Jiang Yuan, kneeling to pay respects.

“Qianyun greets master, mistress, and young master!”