The eradicator's will

Three months passed swiftly, and Liu Haoyu decided it was time to leave the village. Though he cherished the life he had built there, a restlessness gnawed at him, a call to move forward, to uncover his past and carve out his future. One evening, he sat down with Li Dahong and Ying Mei to inform them of his decision.

"I must thank you for everything, but I can't stay any longer. I feel I need to move on," Liu Haoyu said, his voice calm but tinged with gratitude.

The couple exchanged hesitant glances, their reluctance evident. "We'll miss you, Haoyu," Ying Mei said softly. "But we understand. Just remember, our door is always open to you. You'll always have a place here."

Before he left, Ying Mei insisted on giving him a small purse. Inside were a handful of copper coins, enough to cover food and lodging for about half a month. "Take this," she said firmly, brushing off his protests. "It's a small token for all the hard work you've done. Use it wisely."

Liu Haoyu thanked them with sincerity. He decided in his heart that he will definitely come back to repay them in future.

With their blessings, Liu Haoyu set out on a quiet morning, carrying little but the purse and his determination. As he walked through the forest, his mood remained calm and indifferent. There was an odd serenity in being alone; fear seemed an emotion foreign to him. The midday sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light on the ground, but oddly enough, he encountered no animals—not even a bird or squirrel. The silence was uncanny, yet it didn't disturb him.

He strolled leisurely, unhurried, taking in the forest's tranquility. By evening, after hours of walking, he arrived at a bustling small town called Yan city. The night market was in full swing, the streets alive with vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and the cheerful chatter of merchants and customers. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from steaming meat skewers to handmade trinkets.

As he wandered through the market, something caught his eye—a small, dirty child with long, unkempt hair, wearing tattered clothes. The boy, who looked no older than six, stood by a food stall, his wide eyes fixed on the steaming buns. His small throat moved as he swallowed hard, hunger etched into every line of his thin face.

Curious, Liu Haoyu approached silently, his towering figure casting a shadow over the boy. The child flinched and looked up, his eyes wary and confused.

"What's your name, little boy?" Liu Haoyu asked gently, a faint smile softening his otherwise imposing demeanor. "And where are your parents?"

The boy hesitated but didn't run. For some inexplicable reason, Liu Haoyu's presence felt safe, almost magnetic. In a small, cautious voice, he replied, "Sir, my name is Shi Yun. I don't have parents. I lived with my grandma, but… she passed away."

"Where do you live now?" Liu Haoyu asked, his tone steady.

"I don't have a home," Shi Yun admitted, his voice breaking slightly. "After Grandma died, my uncle took her house and threw me out. I live on the streets."

Hearing this, Liu Haoyu felt calm and indifferent, his own reaction made him feel like there really is something off about himself.. Though he had no memory of his own past, something in his instincts urged him to act. "Shi Yun," he said thoughtfully, "how about coming with me? I don't have much, but I'd like to take you as my disciple. It's your choice—there's no pressure."

Shi Yun stared at him, wide-eyed, as if trying to decide whether to trust this stranger. After a moment, he nodded firmly. "Master, I'll follow you. I have nothing to lose." He felt that except for his life, he had nothing others covet. Also, nobody ever gave him such a proposal before.

A faint smile crossed Liu Haoyu's lips. "Very well. Let's go."

He led Shi Yun to a food stall and bought three large meat buns for him. The boy devoured them eagerly, taking big bites as though he hadn't eaten properly in days. They continued walking side by side, talking quietly. Liu Haoyu soon realized that Shi Yun was older than he appeared—ten years old, though his small stature and frail body made him look much younger. Despite his hardships, the boy's sharp mind and maturity impressed Liu Haoyu. Over time, Shi Yun's initial caution melted away, replaced by a cheerful curiosity.

"Master, where are we going next?" Shi Yun asked as they finished their meal at a noodle stall.

"We'll figure it out as we go," Liu Haoyu replied, his calm voice laced with an unspoken purpose.

Later that night, Liu Haoyu booked a room at a small inn. As they settled in, Shi Yun couldn't contain his curiosity. "Master," he asked innocently, "which sect are we from?"

Liu Haoyu chuckled softly at the question. "We're not from any sect," he replied.

Shi Yun's shoulders slumped slightly. "Oh. I thought you must belong to some powerful sect."

"Shi Yun," Liu Haoyu said, his voice firm yet kind, "we don't need a sect. We have a greater purpose—a mysterious mission. Following me won't be easy. You'll face challenges you've never imagined. Are you ready for that?"

Without hesitation, Shi Yun straightened and saluted. "Master, I'm ready! I'll never be afraid!"

Liu Haoyu smiled, finding the little boy really cute. "Good. But for now, let's focus on resting. Wash up and get some sleep—we have a long journey ahead."

After helping Shi Yun clean up, Liu Haoyu watched as the boy turn from a little beggar to a lovely child. The child curled up beside him on the single bed, his small form finally relaxed in peaceful sleep. As the night deepened, Liu Haoyu lay awake for a while, staring at the ceiling. His path was uncertain, his memories lost, but for the first time, he felt like he wasn't walking it alone.

The next morning, Liu Haoyu and Shi Yun woke early and prepared for the day. After a simple breakfast of warm porridge and steamed buns at the inn, they decided to explore the town. The air outside was crisp, but the streets buzzed with an unusual level of activity. Merchants shouted over one another to advertise their goods, and groups of townsfolk gathered in animated conversations.

Curious about the commotion, Liu Haoyu and Shi Yun listened closely to snippets of conversations as they strolled through the bustling streets.

"Have you heard?" a man exclaimed to his companion. "The Jiuxiao Sect is coming to recruit disciples tomorrow!"

"Jiuxiao Sect?" Shi Yun murmured, glancing up at his master with wide eyes. "Master, that is a famous sect! They're said to have powerful cultivators."

Liu Haoyu nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. "

As they continued walking, the duo overheard a heated conversation between two women standing near a market stall.

"Hey, my son is so talented," the first woman declared, her chin held high. "He's bound to become a disciple of Jiuxiao Sect! Just you wait—he'll be serving alongside immortals!"

The second woman scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Your son? The one who can't even pour himself a cup of tea without calling for help? Hah! He'll never make it. My son is the one destined to join the sect. He's hardworking and determined!"

The first woman bristled. "How dare you insult my son! At least he doesn't loaf around all day like your boy, who only knows how to steal and freeload!"

"What did you say?" the second woman snapped, her voice rising in indignation. "Say that again, you spiteful old hag!"

"I said your son's a no-good thief!" the first woman shot back, her hands on her hips.

Their argument escalated rapidly, and soon they were yelling over each other, drawing a crowd.

Shi Yun tugged on Liu Haoyu's sleeve. "Master, they're fighting!" he whispered, his voice a mix of concern and amusement.

Liu Haoyu smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Let's not get involved. Some conflicts resolve themselves, Shi Yun."

The boy nodded, though he couldn't help glancing back at the squabbling women as they continued down the street. Around them, the town buzzed with excitement as news of the Jiuxiao Sect's arrival spread like wildfire. Stall owners speculated about how many disciples the sect might recruit, while hopeful parents boasted about their children's supposed talents in cultivating qi.