After concluding the meeting with Jia Xing Tian, Xiao Hai made his way home. On the way, his mind kept circling around one concern—how to convince his mother to let him go out for practice. Yet, no matter how hard he thought, he couldn't come up with a good solution. In the end, he gave up on thinking and simply focused on getting home quickly.
When he arrived at his courtyard, he noticed that the lights inside the house were already on. Realizing that his mother must have returned, his pace unconsciously quickened as he stepped through the gate.
"Mother, I'm back," he called out, his voice carrying warmth and anticipation.
"It's good that you're home. Go wash your hands first and wait a moment—dinner will be ready soon," his mother replied, her tone gentle and her smile soft.
"Alright," Xiao Hai nodded before turning away to wash his hands.
After washing his hands, Xiao Hai returned to the table and sat down. A short while later, his mother carried in the dishes one by one, filling the table with fragrant food. Once she placed the last bowl down, she joined him, picking up her chopsticks and starting to eat.
Xiao Hai, however, barely touched his food. His mind once again drifted to how he should bring up the matter with his mother. In his thoughts, he completely forgot that the very person he was worrying about sat right across from him.
Noticing his absent-mindedness, Xiao Qing frowned with concern. "Hai'er, what's the matter?" she asked gently, her tone carrying worry.
Startled out of his daze, Xiao Hai raised his head. Meeting his mother's eyes filled with worry, he let out a long sigh. In that moment, he decided there was no point in hiding anything.
"Nothing, Mother… it's just—I have something I want to tell you," he said quietly.
"Then speak," Xiao Qing said softly as she reached across the table and held his hand. "No matter what it is, I'll always support you."
Encouraged by her words, Xiao Hai began recounting everything. He told her of his recent breakthrough to Dou Zhe, of his progress in training Dou Qi skills, and finally—of his decision to head into the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
As the words left his mouth, Xiao Qing's expression froze. She drew in a sharp, cold breath. No matter what anyone else might say, the things her son just revealed were simply too much to believe all at once.
Xiao Hai didn't interrupt his mother. He wanted her to fully express her feelings and also hoped she would understand his own thoughts.
After a long silence, Xiao Qing finally emerged from her daze. She turned to look at her son, who sat quietly, watching her with anticipation in his eyes.
"Hai'er…" she began softly, her voice trembling slightly. "To tell you the truth, I don't even know what words to give you right now. All I can say is—always remain safe. I know you are not like ordinary children. Before you act, you always think carefully, making sure not to bring unnecessary trouble upon yourself—or to make me worry. I also know you are gifted, and gifted people cannot remain in one place forever. They must keep moving forward until they reach their destined path. So, I will not stop you. But… as a mother, all I can do is pray for your safety."
Xiao Qing's eyes softened as she spoke, but deep inside her heart was aching. She knew her son better than anyone. She had seen his steady mind, his extraordinary persistence, and the budding brilliance that set him apart from others. And now, hearing his decision, she understood—it was meaningless to hold him back. Sooner or later, he would embark on this road. That was why she did not oppose him.
But only she knew how heavy this choice was for her as a mother, and how much courage it took to let him go.
Hearing his mother's words, Xiao Hai felt a warmth surge in his chest. Yet at the same time, a single tear slipped down his cheek. Only now did he truly realize how wrong he had been. At first, he had thought of entering the Magical Beast Mountain Range without telling her at all. But hearing her decision to support him despite her fears, he felt a deep shame stir within his heart.
"Thank you, Mother… I knew you would understand me," he said softly, wiping away his tears. Then, as if remembering something, he flicked his wrist. With a faint shimmer of light, two scrolls and a dozen jade vials appeared neatly on the table.
"Also, please take these."
One scroll contained a Wood-type Qi Method of High Xuan Rank, while the other held a corresponding Dou Qi Skill of the same rank but mid-grade. These were the rewards he had received from the royal family, and he had long since decided they were meant for his mother.
As for the jade vials, each was filled with Spiritual Liquid he had collected from the Devouring Pearl. This liquid could greatly aid cultivation and breakthroughs—but only up to the Dou Zhe realm. Beyond that, its use was limited to healing injuries.
His mother, Xiao Qing, was already at the peak of 9-star Dou Zhe. With the aid of the Spiritual Liquid, she could take that final step and advance to the Dou Shi realm. Coupled with the Qi Method and Dou Qi Skill, her strength would no longer be inferior to many powerhouses.
Xiao Hai looked at her with determination. This was not only a gift, but also his way of ensuring she would be safe even if he wasn't at her side.
At first, Xiao Qing hesitated to accept such precious things. But under Xiao Hai's gentle insistence, she finally relented and took them into her care.
After that, the two of them continued their meal together. The atmosphere grew lighter, and for a time, mother and son ate happily. Though a trace of worry still lingered in her heart, Xiao Qing's resolve had already firmed. More than worry, there was now a faint anticipation—she wanted to see with her own eyes just how far her son, Xiao Hai, could go.
Once dinner was finished, Xiao Hai returned to his room. Tomorrow would mark the true beginning of his cultivation path, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Looking forward to the adventure ahead, he steadied his heart, lay down, and slowly let his eyes close as sleep carried him into the misty world of dreams.