6 Day of Departure

As the joyous feast came to an end, their hearts heavy with the knowledge of Zeng Wei's imminent departure for Spirit Hall Academy, they sought solace in each other's presence. They arranged multiple mattresses together, forming a makeshift communal bed where they could sleep side by side.

It was a gesture meant to comfort their somber souls, a reminder that one of their brother will leave the orphanage. They always did this every time one of them was leaving.

The night was spent in heartfelt conversation, a kaleidoscope of topics that ranged from fond memories of their shared past to dreams for the future. Zeng Wei, their beloved brother, would depart in just two days, and they need to cherish every moment together.

The following morning dawned with the golden rays of the sun. Zeng Wei, his anticipation palpable, awoke a tad earlier than his siblings.

After a refreshing bath, he ventured to the backyard, his heart brimming with excitement and curiosity. For a six-year-old with dreams of awakening a formidable martial spirit, this moment held immeasurable significance.

He hadn't had the opportunity to examine his martial spirits closely the day before, as the feast and the emotions stirred by his speech had taken precedence.

The crisp morning air greeted Zeng Wei as he stood in the backyard, the soft caress of the wind carrying with it a sense of anticipation. He knew this was the perfect moment to commune with his martial spirits—the Death Aura Axe and the Life Wine Gourd.

They were the extraordinary twin martial spirits that had bestowed upon him the Rank 20 innate soul power, a feat that was nothing short of miraculous.

Closing his eyes, Zeng Wei took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present moment. He extended his hands outward, his palms facing upward, and began to focus his spirit energy with a sense of reverence. This was a ritual he had imagined doing countless times, then an intimate connection with the spirits resided within him formed.

In response to his call, the Death Aura Axe materialized in his right hand. Its presence was imposing, a reflection of power and gravitas.

Zeng Wei marveled at its intricate design, the etchings on its surface telling a silent tale of strength and determination.

The martial spirit's size was notably disproportionate to his small frame, standing several feet taller than him. The Death Aura Axe stretched to a formidable 9 feet and 6 inches in length.

Its design was an impressive fusion of a great axe and a war cleaver, with a long handle wrapped in a combination of cotton, leather, and rayon. The sheer presence of the martial spirit left an indelible impression, and Zeng Wei couldn't help but admire its menacing appearance.

The Death Aura Axe possessed an innate spirit skill—a death attribute aura. However, Zeng Wei was aware that he couldn't yet fully control this attribute.

With a sense of curiosity and excitement, he gingerly swung the axe, feeling a surge of satisfaction as he tested its weight and prowess. It was an exhilarating experience, wielding a martial spirit that embodied power and death.

After a brief session with the Death Aura Axe, Zeng Wei retracted the martial spirit and proceeded to summon his second martial spirit—the Life Wine Gourd. The gourd exuded an aura of vitality and life, a stark contrast to the Axe's imposing demeanor.

Zeng Wei marveled at the accidental harmony of his two martial spirits, two advanced elements that were opposite with each other, defying conventional understanding as they were owned by one person.

The gourd, was massive and possessed a slender neck, a small mouth, and a large, swelling body; a lageniform shape. Zeng Wei couldn't help but marvel at the distinct attributes of this martial spirit—in stark contrast to the imposing axe, it radiated a life attribute aura, an aura seemingly tailored for medicinal purposes.

As thoughts swirled in his mind, Zeng Wei recalled the properties of certain alcoholic beverages known for their medicinal benefits among spirit masters. Could his gourd produce something similar?

Suddenly, the gourd took a little bit of his spirit energy and he realized that there was some kind of wine inside the gourd. The temptation to try the wine it produced was overwhelming. 

After some contemplation, Zeng Wei decided to take a small sip, cautiously tasting the Life Wine. As the liquid touched his lips, he felt a gradual rejuvenation sweeping through his body.

Fatigue from swinging the enormous axe seemed to dissipate, replaced by a renewed sense of vitality and stamina. It was a profound realization—if he had a ready supply of this Life Wine, he could potentially extend his fighting stamina for hours on end, providing that his spirit energy reserve was enough.

As the morning sun rose higher in the sky, Zeng Wei continued to commune with his martial spirits, exploring their nuances and strengthening the bond that connected them. He practiced their summoning and dispersal, their unique abilities and characteristics.

It was a process of discovery and mastery, one that he would continue to hone in the days and years to come. As he stood in the backyard, clutching his martial spirits and contemplating their abilities, Zeng Wei couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and gratitude for the unique gifts he had been bestowed.

"Once again, thank you Lady Luck! I pray for your smile will be always on me."

Unbeknownst to Zeng Wei, his younger siblings had also risen from their slumber and gathered in the backyard, their expressions a mix of curiosity and admiration. They watched in awe as their brother interacted with his twin martial spirits, a testament to the remarkable talent he possessed.

"Whoa! Brother, your axe is so huge!"

"Can I see it again!?"

"Can I touch it!?"

"Is it safe to touch it!?"

"Can I try to swing it around!?"

"Hahaha, good morning, everyone, I'm training a little as I don't want to be unfamiliar with my own martial spirits and I wanted to make you guys proud when I'm at Spirit Hall Academy, hehe."

Then, he saw Sister Lee Li smiling, but the thing was, that smile, was not supposed to happen. But then, he realized she might saw him sipping wine from his gourd.

"ZENG WEI! IS THAT ALCOHOL IN YOUR GOURD!? HOW COULD YOU TOUCH THAT ALCOHOL!? YOU'RE WAY TOO YOUNG FOR THAT! YOU'RE SO IN TROUBLE MISTER! JUST WAIT UNTIL I TEACH YOU A LESSON!"

Terrified and speechless, the boy's eyes widened as he stammered,

"I...I didn't...I didn't know it was...uh...please, I won't do it again!"

He turned and fled from the scene, filled with fear.

...

After Sister Lee Li had scolded Zeng Wei and given him a stern reprimand for sipping wine, he learned his lesson and accepted the consequence of his actions.

He realized that he can't drink in front of the adult! His rear end ached from the scolding, but he was no longer wanted to think about it.

Instead, he sought a different activity to engage in with his siblings—fishing!

With some pairs of fishing rods, a basket brimming with sandwiches, and a bucket filled with bait, they embarked on an adventure to the tranquil lakeside. The journey itself was an enjoyable part of the experience.

They sang their own made-up songs, exchanged laughter, and shared stories along the way. The youngest sister couldn't resist asking.

"Are we there yet?"

Repeatedly, eliciting giggles from the others each time. Upon reaching their destination, a shimmering lake greeted them, its pristine waters beckoning them to its shores.

Zeng Wei selected a comfortable spot beneath the shade of a towering oak tree, affording them a perfect view of the water. With skillful hands, he set up their fishing gear, taking the time to explain each step to his wide-eyed siblings.

As they cast their lines into the water, the waiting game commenced. Nature's soothing symphony enveloped them—the melodious chirping of birds, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the soft lap of water against the shore.

They found themselves wrapped in the serenity that only the great outdoors can offer.

Zeng Wei decided it was an ideal moment for a picnic. They unfurled a checkered blanket on the lush grass and shared sandwiches, potato chips, and homemade lemonade.

Conversations flowed, snacks disappeared, and occasional glances were cast toward their fishing lines for any signs of activity.

Time slipped away, and the sun traced its path across the sky. One of the older siblings felt a tug on his line, and with excitement coursing through him, he reeled in a big, silvery fish.

Cheers erupted as they admired the catch, and Zeng Wei, leading by example, ensured the fish was carefully released back into the water, imparting the importance of responsible fishing to his siblings.

The day continued with more fishing, some playful splashing in the shallows, and even a friendly competition to determine who could catch the largest fish. Each sibling took turns reeling in their catches, proudly displaying their achievements to the delight of the others.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, orange glow across the lake, they made the unanimous decision to return home. Although weary, their hearts were filled with contentment.

They packed up their gear and began their journey back to the orphanage, sharing stories and memories of the day's adventures along the way.

The bond between them grew stronger with each passing moment, their strong siblinghood was evident in the way they always supported and looked out for each other, no matter the circumstances.

...

The days leading up to this pivotal moment had been a whirlwind of emotions and preparations. Sister Lee Li had not only packed Zeng Wei's bag with essentials but also with a multitude of heartfelt wishes and reminders.

As he glanced at the neatly arranged belongings within his bag, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude for the woman who had been his pillar of support throughout his life in the orphanage. 

But he also felt that she had included too many things, he refrained from complaining. He didn't want to come across as an ungrateful child.

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the orphanage, bathing everything in a soft, nostalgic light. Zeng Wei, dressed in his best attire, was the epitome of a young boy ready to embark on a grand adventure.

He had donned a neat white shirt and a pair of black shorts that Sister Lee Li had meticulously washed and pressed.

With his bag slung over his shoulder, Zeng Wei made his way to the backyard, his footsteps echoing softly on the familiar path. The orphanage, with its aging wooden walls and well-worn furnishings, had been his home for as long as he could remember.

Now, he was on the cusp of leaving it all behind for an uncertain future at Spirit Hall Academy.

The quiet moments he spent by the tranquil lake the previous day lingered in his thoughts. The laughter, the shared sandwiches, and the simple joy of fishing with his siblings had been a perfect send-off.

Zeng Wei cherished the memory and knew that he would carry it with him in the days to come.

As he settled in the shade of the oak tree by the lake, Zeng Wei's fingers absentmindedly traced the stitching on his bag. His siblings had gathered around him, each sporting expressions of both excitement and sadness.

Zeng Wei took a deep breath and began to talk to them, words of encouragement and affection that he hoped would linger in their hearts.

As he waited for the bishop's arrival, Sister Lee Li came and sat beside him. Zeng Wei sensed that she had something she wanted to share, so he kept quiet, waiting for her to speak.

After a minute of somber silence, Zeng Wei couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and asked her if something was bothering her. She gazed at him for a moment, her eyes filled with nostalgia, and then she began to speak.

Sister Lee Li reminisced about the night she had first heard his cries outside the orphanage. It felt like that moment had only happened yesterday. Unexpectedly, tears welled up in her eyes. Zeng Wei grew anxious, but she assured him not to worry.

Her voice trembled as she asked Zeng Wei to take care of himself and gave him her own advice.

"Don't be picky, eat lots of vegetables and grow strong. Make sure that you bathe every day and stay warm.

Also, don't stay up late, you need lots of sleep to grow and make friends, you don't need a lot of friends. Just a few, ones you can really, really trust.

I don't know much about spirit master, but keep up with your studies and cultivation. Remember that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. So don't get too depressed if you can't do something well.

Respect your teachers and upperclassmen at the academy. Oh, and this is important.

It's about the Three Prohibitions.

Be extra careful about lending and borrowing money. Put your mission wages into your savings account.

Another prohibition is women. As a nun I'm an unmarried woman, so I don't know too much about this but all you need to remember is that this world is made up of men and women.

So it's only natural to take an interest in girls. But just don't get hooked on bad women. Find someone that truly love you and never lie to you.

The last prohibition is pervert. Don't befriend with them. Just don't!

Little Wei from now on, you're going to face lots of pain and hardship. But always be true to yourself.

I know you'll have a dream and so always believe that you can make that dream come true."

"I...I will remember your advices Sister Lee Li, sob." 

After a few more moments of heartfelt conversation, they spotted a carriage in the distance—the sound of hooves approaching from the distance signaled the arrival of the Spirit Hall bishop. Zeng Wei and his family stood up, ready to face the inevitable separation.

Zeng Wei hugged Sister Lee Li tightly, feeling her warmth and love one last time. He whispered words of gratitude in her ear before reluctantly letting go.

With a determined step, Zeng Wei walked toward the awaiting carriage. The Spirit Hall emblem glistened in the morning light, a symbol of the journey that lay ahead.

The excitement and apprehension that churned within him were mirrored in the eyes of his siblings, who watched him with a mixture of pride and longing.

As the carriage door closed behind him, Zeng Wei took one last look at the orphanage and the family he was leaving behind. He knew that this was not the end but the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

With a resolute heart and the memory of his beloved family to guide him, he set forth on the path that would lead him to Spirit Hall Academy and beyond.