Chapter 29

*Authors note*

Hello, this is the author. I've made some changes to the story. If you're reading this after these changes have been made, then you can continue with the story as is. Instructor Han, along with most other instructors in the Martial Hall, will be in the 6th stage of the pre-practitioner realm or the lower stage of the practitioner realm. Previously, Instructor Han was in the practitioner realm, but for now, he will be in the 6th stage of the pre-practitioner realm. The guards, meanwhile, will be at most in the lower stage of the practitioner realm, while only the elders will be in higher realms. The elder of the Testing Hall, who was previously a mid-stage practitioner, will remain a mid-stage practitioner. This change was made to emphasize the importance of cultivation realms and the difficulty of advancing through them.

*End of author's note*

Upon entering his old room, a clean and well-maintained living area was presented before him. By the side of the bed could be seen a maid that was dusting off a desk nearby. The maid seemed to be deep into focus, as she didn't notice anyone coming in.

"Alexa?" Jasper questioned softly.

The maid before him was vastly different compared to the maid in his memories. Well, one particular thing was very different around the middle of her chest. The wooden board became a pair of mountains. But of course, to a kid like Jasper, he didn't have any desires like that but was more happy to see this maid who had been with him for a long time.

Seeing her more mature appearance, Jasper was surprised but it made sense. 2 years had passed since he had seen her, and according to the village traditions, she would soon reach the age of adulthood. (In a village like this age of adulthood is normally 15 or 16. For Martial Artists things like marriage might be later but for ordinary villagers who at most only live to 40 or 50 that's how it is.)

Hearing her name, the maid quickly spun around, her duster still clutched tightly in her hand. "Young Master!" she exclaimed, rushing forward with a joyful smile on her face. "You've grown so much!"

Jasper smiled back at her, "Alexa, it's good to see you again." Alexa had been with him for most of his life, looking after him in the manor, and it warmed his heart to see a familiar face after so long.

Alexa clasped her hands together in delight, "Oh, Young Master, you've grown so much! Look at how tall you've gotten!" She measured his height with her hand, her eyes sparkling with pride. "And so handsome, too!"

Jasper blushed slightly at the compliment, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Alexa... It's good to see you too. I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Young Master!" Alexa said, her eyes moist. "Everyone in the manor was worried when they heard about the... incident." She understood that the subject was probably something touchy, so she didn't mention it too much. "But I knew you'd be alright! You're too strong to let something like that beat you."

Jasper was touched by her faith in him. "Thank you, Alexa," he said softly, a warm smile on his face. "I'm doing well. In fact, I've made a lot of progress in my training."

"That's wonderful, Young Master!" Alexa exclaimed. "I knew you'd do great things! I can't wait to see what you'll achieve next! I hope that I can watch you train just like the past."

Jasper laughed at her enthusiasm, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Alexa. I'll do my best not to let you down." Looking downwards in slightly embarrassed "and I hope that I can train like the past too…"

Jasper was silent as he looked around his old room. "I've been away for quite some time. Has anything major happened in the village while I was away?"

Alexa considered his question for a moment, before starting to share the events of the past two years.

As Alexa narrated the village's recent history, Jasper listened with rapt attention. He learned about the annual harvest festival that had seen an unprecedented yield, the birth of several new children in the village, and the passing of a few elderly villagers. He also learned about changes in the village dynamics, like how one of the upcoming families had gained prominence due to their children's achievements, while another prominent family had declined because of it.

Jasper found the information very informative. As the Vice Head Master of the Martial Hall, he knew that he would need to be aware of these changes and dynamics to effectively fulfill his responsibilities.

"So much has happened in a 2 years," Jasper said thoughtfully when Alexa finished recounting the events. "I will have to keep these in mind. Thank you for sharing this with me, Alexa."

The most important news would have to be the rise of the new prominent family. This family had stores that sold a variety of goods in the village. One of the main children that was sent to the Martial Hall recently returned back to the Spring Village, and had reached the Practitioner realm. With the strength of the Practitioner realm, this family easily expanded its stores and profits by taking over one of its larger competitor families. While he was never well versed in the dynamics of the village, it was clear that it had shifted significantly during his absence

"It was my pleasure, Young Master Jasper," Alexa replied with a respectful bow. "And welcome back."

As Alexa went back to her duties, Jasper sat in quiet contemplation. His training and cultivation had provided him with strength, but the knowledge of his village and its people gave him a purpose. With renewed determination, he made a promise to himself: he would use his power to protect his home and its people. And with the help of the system, he was confident he could achieve this goal.

***

The morning of the next day dawned bright and clear. A golden sun rose, illuminating the Spring Village in its gentle warmth. The village was already bustling with activity. Market stalls were being set up, farmers were heading to their fields, and children were playing on the streets. It was a day like any other, yet it felt different to Jasper.

He woke up early, even before the first rays of the sun touched the ground. Sitting up on his bed, he closed his eyes, quietly absorbing the Spirit Qi that was abundant in the early morning air. Unlike before, he could now clearly feel the Qi flowing in and out of his body, merging with his own Qi, purifying it, making it more powerful.

After spending a few hours in meditation, Jasper got up and freshened himself. His body felt light and full of energy, a clear sign of his cultivation progress. He then put on a simple white robe and went downstairs.

A delicious smell wafted through the manor, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering soup. It was a normal breakfast for the people in the Spring Village. Jasper entered the dining hall and was greeted by Alexa, who was setting the table.

"Good morning, young master. I hope you slept well?" she asked, her eyes filled with warmth.

"Morning, Alexa. Yes, I did," Jasper replied, taking a seat. "Is father awake yet?"

"Yes, Master Cline left early in the morning. He said he had some important matters to attend to," Alexa informed him.

Jasper nodded, understanding. As the chief of the Spring Village, his father had a lot of responsibilities. With the current changes in the village, it was understandable that he was busy. The thought of his new role as the Vice Head Master of the Martial Hall filled his mind.

After finishing a hearty breakfast, Jasper went outside, where he saw Grant waiting for him.

"Ready for your big day, Young Master Jasper?" Grant asked, a gleaming sword strapped to his back and a proud smile on his face.

"Yes, I am," Jasper replied, standing straight, his eyes full of determination. "I will not let the rumors define me."

"That's the spirit," Grant said, giving him a hearty pat on the back. "Besides you are an Innate Aura master so what is there to worry about."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Jasper and Grant began their journey towards the Martial Hall.

***

After passing the guards who recognized them, the two made their way towards the Testing Hall. Grant approached the door and gave it a quick knock. The Testing Hall was quite smaller than other halls and didn't have a large grand entrance.

Soon, a familiar face popped up from behind the door. The man looked around the vicinity, his gaze finally settling on Jasper's figure. "Oooh, if it isn't our great Young Master," the voice said in a teasing tone. "Don't tell me our great Young Master has broken through again! Sigh the rich are truly blessed."

Jasper looked at the man in astonishment. "Hello, Instructor Han. It seems like you haven't changed much," he said.

Instructor Han laughed heartily in response to Jasper's words, motioning for them to come in. His eyes sparkled with mischief.

This particular instructor, a member of the Han Clan, had a certain reputation in the Martial Hall. It wasn't necessarily a great reputation, but he had proven helpful during Jasper's previous visit to the Mission Hall. He was always quick to joke and tease, but beneath that, he was a serious and diligent instructor.

The inside of the Testing Hall hadn't changed one bit since Jasper's last visit. After they entered one of the available testing rooms, Instructor Han instructed them to wait and prepare. "It may take a while before Elder Han can come and take your test. He is currently evaluating another student's test. If you want, you can prepare yourself while you wait," he suggested before leaving the room, leaving Grant and Jasper alone.

"Grant, do you have any advice for me regarding Innate Aura manipulation?" Jasper asked, turning to his mentor.

Grant, who had been leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, opened his eyes and looked at Jasper. "Jasper, I'm afraid I can't provide much help with that. I haven't condensed my own aura into Innate Aura yet," he admitted with a bitter smile. "It's hard to believe that in only two years, the student has surpassed the teacher."

Jasper quickly interjected, "That's only because you're such a great teacher, Grant!"

Hearing Jasper's words, Grant laughed heartily. "Jasper, you don't need to flatter this old man. You've achieved what you have because of your hard work, not just because of me. But don't worry, I have full faith that you'll pass this test with flying colors." His words were sincere and filled with a certain proud affection.