The village of Jade Creek was wrapped in a heavy shroud of anxiety. Two days had passed since Tianyu disappeared, and his absence weighed heavily on the hearts of his parents, Wen Qiang and Wen Mei. The forest that bordered their humble home, once a place of quiet solace, now seemed ominous, its shadows hiding secrets that gnawed at their peace.
Qiang paced near the treeline, his spear clutched tightly in his hand. His rugged face was lined with worry, the strength of his usually steady demeanor worn thin. Beside him, Wen Mei his wife , her lips moving silently in prayer.
"Do you think the boy is—" one of the villagers began hesitantly, only to be silenced by Qiang's sharp glare.
"My son is alive!" Qiang barked, his voice trembling with emotion. "We'll find him, no matter what it takes!"
The villagers exchanged uneasy glances but nodded in agreement, their fears subdued by the fiery determination of the boy's father.
Led by Qiang and Wen Mei, the villagers ventured deep into the woods, their torches flickering like stars swallowed by the darkness. They called Tianyu's name, their voices echoing through the trees, but no reply came. Hours passed, and the oppressive silence grew heavier, clawing at their hope.
Wen Mei's steps faltered, her tears finally breaking free. "Where are you, Yu'er? Please, answer us," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
As the sun began to set, casting the forest in hues of amber and shadow, a shout pierced the stillness. "Over here! I found him!"
The villagers converged on the clearing, their breaths quick and ragged. Wen Qiang and Wen Mei pushed through the crowd to the front, their hearts racing. Tianyu lay motionless at the base of a great oak, his clothes torn and bloodstained. Though his face was pale, his chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, proof that he was alive.
Wen Mei dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she cradled Tianyu's head. "Yu'er… my boy…"
Wen Qiang knelt beside her, his hand resting on Tianyu's shoulder. "What were you thinking?" he said, his voice a mix of anger and relief. "Do you have any idea how worried we've been?!"
Tianyu's eyelids fluttered open, his gaze hazy but searching for familiar faces. "Mother… Father…" he murmured weakly. "I'm sorry."
Qiang shook his head, brushing Tianyu's hair away from his face. "We'll talk about this later," he said gruffly. "For now, you're coming home. You're safe now."
The villagers looked on, their emotions a blend of relief and bewilderment. Whispers spread like wildfire.
"How did he survive?"
"The bandits—they were defeated. Could Tianyu have done it?"
"But he's just a child. How could he possibly…?"
Though the questions swirled around him, Tianyu remained silent. His strength, his connection to Ao Shun's legacy, was not something he could share. "I got lucky," he said softly, his voice barely reaching the ears of those closest to him.
Unknownst to the boy who is being cared by his loving parents
Far above the mortal realm, the **9th Heavenly Realm** was thrown into chaos. In a celestial chamber filled with light that danced like living flames, powerful cultivators gathered in frantic discussion. The awakening of Ao Shun's will had sent ripples through the heavens, disturbing even the most ancient powers.
An elder dressed in robes of golden silk stood at the center, his voice commanding attention. "The Dragon God's essence has stirred. This is no small matter. If his legacy returns, it could challenge the very balance of the heavens."
Another cultivator, younger but no less revered, stepped forward. "What signs should we look for? The Dragon God's presence could manifest anywhere."
The elder's gaze darkened. "Watch for anomalies—a surge in cultivation, mortals surpassing their limits. And if his name is spoken, it must be reported immediately."
In the depths of the celestial realm, Ao Shun's spirit watched silently from the confines of the ring now worn by Tianyu. *"You may search for me,"* the Dragon God mused. *"But you will not find me—not until I am ready to be found."*
In Jade Creek, life slowly began to return to normal, though Tianyu's disappearance and return left lingering unease. Wen Qiang and Wen Mei kept a close watch on their son, their worry manifesting in every little action.
"See?" Tianyu said one morning, stretching his still-healing muscles. "I'm fine, Mother. Really."
Wen Mei frowned, her eyes narrowing as she touched his cheek. "Fine? Yu'er, you were missing for two days! Do you know how much you scared us?"
Her voice softened as she held his hand tightly. "Promise me you'll stay close to the village. I don't want to lose you again."
Wen Qiang placed a firm hand on Tianyu's shoulder, his tone serious but affectionate. "Your mother's right. You're strong, but you're still just a boy. No more foolish stunts, alright?"
Tianyu nodded, hiding his frustration. His parents didn't understand the burden he carried—the legacy of Ao Shun, the power growing steadily within him. For their sake, he kept his secret, even as his cultivation advanced in private.
At night, Tianyu meditated under the stars, his Qi flowing with increasing precision. The ember within him had grown into a steady flame, pushing him into the **Spiritual Bloom Mid Stage**. Though his progress was remarkable, he kept it hidden, focusing on mastering control over his abilities.
The ring on his finger pulsed faintly, a silent guardian watching over his every move. Though Ao Shun's spirit remained quiet, his presence was undeniable, a constant reminder of the path that lay ahead.
Excitement began to ripple through the village as preparations for Tianyu's **Age Ceremony** got underway. The event marked his transition into adolescence—a milestone that filled his parents with pride and joy. Wen Mei worked tirelessly to prepare new clothes for her son, while Wen Qiang carved decorations for the celebration.
"You're growing up so fast, Yu'er," Wen Mei said one evening, her voice tinged with emotion. "Soon, you'll be ready for bigger things."
Wen Qiang chuckled, ruffling Tianyu's hair. "Let's hope those big things don't include getting into trouble!"
Beyond the village, news spread of a powerful sect recruiting young disciples from remote towns like Jade Creek. The sect sought talent and potential, offering those who joined the opportunity to rise beyond their humble origins. Though Tianyu felt a flicker of curiosity, he knew his destiny would be shaped by his own choices, not by the ambitions of others.
*"A sect could be useful,"* he thought, his gaze drifting to the horizon. *"But my path is my own."*