7 16 Years

It had been a few months after Jilun revealed his plan for the future.

Not much changed at all compared to his usual life. Though, in order to be prepared for the drastic change in atmosphere he would experience in the 'New' World, he asked his Great Grandfather, Old Gi, to inform him on what he might expect surrounding himself with the unknown.

"The City of the New Moon has a function completely different to that of our small village. There, people in the streets are as vast as the amount of plants that lay upon our farm."

"While we can still see the horizon in its entirety, there, the many merchants stalls, stores, and Inns make up its Horizon."

"Food, dishes you've never would've thought imaginable surround you as you walk down the lively streets. The Ingredients are imported from all over the empire. Imagine our village, but many of them, all harvesting different types of plants from different regions, all joining together to create a unique cuisine."

"Though you have to be careful. Unlike here where everyone knows each other, there, in a city with such a great population, there are bound to be people who fail to have human decency and moral. Don't expect everyone you meet to as kind as yourself. This doesn't mean to treat them rudely, but always be aware with who and where you are talking."

"I'm sure you've heard of the Aster Grounds from your father. I once have been there, it indeed is an amazing place. The Aster Ground is a martial arts faction, and one of the strongest powers within the New Moon City with great military prowess. I'm sure you'll be in good hands during your stay."

Jilun had mostly been a sponge as he absorbed all the information that Old Gi gave him. But the moment he heard Martial Arts, a sudden interest over took him.

"Martial Arts? The Aster Grounds is a Martial Arts faction?"

Old Gi nodded.

"The Empire hosts a Grand Tournament every 10 years, the last faction that was able to win the tournament was awarded 100 Million Gold Stones alone with a Dimensional Sealing Array."

"100 Million Gold!?!"

This was such an astronomical number unheard of to them. One should know that in the existence of the Village of Quadel, totaling the revenue of the combined farms, it would only amount to about a gold coin a year. But 100 Million? Jilun, Mei, Feng, and Huiying could've worked since the creation of the world and still not have enough to ever attain such an amount.

"Yes, but the Aster Grounds do not participate directly, they nurture geniuses within their Grounds to see if any of the major power would accept them. The Aster Grounds are only a 3rd rate power. They hope that if any of their disciples are able to be scouted by a major power, trained by them, and some how are able to result in one of the top 3 positions, that they'll receive a split of the immense reward."

Jilun had no real plan when he decided that he would finally leave the village. His thoughts were to just wander, see the many things he hasn't seen. But learning martial arts? While he may not have any experience, he may be able to use his fathers connection to use the resources the Aster Grounds has to offer. Although his father never explicitly said what his friend instructed, being that he now possessed knowledge that the Aster Grounds were based as a Martial Faction, he could maybe pick up a few lessons from him. At the same time, learning to defend himself will definitely be a huge benefit for him. As its just going to be him, and most certainly Jia, although she hadn't said anything, it would be good to follow Old Gi's advice concerning the true dangers unknown could hold. Magical Beasts are now a rarity that will become commonplace. Who knows?

Joining such a faction is bound to have young people like him. He may meet many new people to become friends with. As he's only been around Jia his whole life, it will also give her some friends of her own gender.

"I see. I may indulge in the practice as I've had no solid plans for the upcoming years I'm going to spend away."

Old Gi patted at his back.

"It will be good for you and the girl. Maybe when you make it big you'll give me some commission!"

Old Gi laughed. He had grown much older since the time Jilun was born. Now, all his hair was white. The wrinkles on his face could no longer be hidden.

About 10 years ago, Old Gi stopped working in the farm as he was no longer able to keep up with the demanding work. Now days, he spends his time around in his farmhouse. As his wife had longed deceased, Jilun and Jia have become his source of entertainment as he has become for them. With Old Gis age of 93 years old, he is his own book full of stories. Jilun and Jia would often come together, listening to the many stories for hours. Mei and Feng would also come and visit, though they are much busier than the two kids and don't have as much free time.

Old Gi loved to spectate the reactions of their faces as he told them the best and worst moments of his life. It brought him joy that someone was finding his old self's ramblings enjoyable. Though, he noticed that Jia only reacted to his stories when Jilun did. He could never tell what was on her mind or her true feelings on anything even with his life's experience with people. It was not that he was trying to pry, but such disconnection from the world... it's something only somebody who has seen everything was able to achieve.

Nonetheless, he still loved them equality and always looked forward to seeing them again.

Hopefully...