Chapter 48: Silver Box
Chapter 48: Silver Box
Doesn't mean he cannot challenge them, right. He's growing quite arrogant, it seems.
The boy shook his head slightly; he shouldn't get cocky, that is a bad tendency. Of course, once, long ago, he was that stupid brat who imagined himself fighting with Tian Long and beating him (not effortlessly, in his imagination it was a great fight) but now he's different.
Well, that at least what Xin wanted to believe. Actually, even now he has a hard time suppressing excitement after completing the challenge the old man gave him.
"Well, I see you quite excited brat. Well, sometimes kids need to be happy; I won't reprimand you for that saying that I knew a boy of your age who completed this test on his first try. That surely would crash your spirit, ha-ha!"
"…"
Yes, it would.
"Avert your eyes brat, we still haven't done."
"Still?"
Xin changed his grip on the sabre in his hands. For some reason, his fingers refused to hold tightly and it was constantly slipping off. He looked down to see what was wrong, however, strangely nothing. Then he tried to straighten his head and almost fell down, staggering several steps back.
Unknown before weakness spread through his body, and his eyelids became heavy. Right, he thought while channeling Qi to his limbs to keep himself standing.
He's tired.
And sleepy.
That was a long day. Still…. if the old man still has some task for him, he can't give up now. Xin yawned.
"Are you tired, brat? Well, relax your tiny limbs, you won't have to do anything more today, I just wanted to grant you a gift for completing the task. You children like gifts."
The old man produced a little silver box from his sleeve that immediately cached the moonlight. For some reason, Xin found his action familiar, but could not remember how exactly. By the way, thinking about something he's forgotten he remembered another thing he forgot. He wanted to ask Maha about something, but what exactly? Something concerning…
"Stop drowsing, brat. Show some respect!"
The angry voice of the old man interrupted his thought process. He caressed the box with his skinny fingers, showing utmost reverence and care for it.
"This is your reward, brat. You don't deserve it in any way, however, be happy I am in good mood these days, your luck is truly great."
Suddenly, the hilt vanished from the Xin's fingers. He was surprised at first, afraid that it finally slipped, but then saw it flying toward the old man; at the same time, the silver box flew to him.
"What is it?"
He asked twisting it in his hands and trying to open.
"Something very important. You can give up your attempts, brat, don't even hope to unlock it.
Xin lowered his hands and gave the old man a suspicious look. Was it some kind of bullying? Giving him a treasure, saying how good it is and then stating he can't actually get it…
Shan was right saying that age perverts people and that Xin should not take sweets from hideous elderly.
"I know what you thinking brat, the answer is simple. The box is the first half of your reward, the second you will get once you achieve the Inner Sea Realm, that way you will prove yourself worthy and will be able to open it. If you won't be able to do it, then just bury it somewhere."
"Okay."
Well, it wasn't so bad after all. Actually, getting something that will be useful in the Inner Sea Realm is much more important than something that will help him at the early stages of Qi Gathering. Still, some bitter aftertaste.
"Now you should get going, I see you already tired brat, don't try to hide it. Rest well, tomorrow we will have one more lesson. And you should practice the strokes I have showed you the day before. I am not sure how much free time you have, I try not to delve into your background, however, I hope you will meet the ten thousand times quota by the end of the week. We have about a month before reaching Han's lands."
"Will you fight on the Mo side?
Suddenly asking Xin, feeling that it is the right moment.
"And what about you? Well, I did plan on that, but recently my plans changed. I need some more time thinking about it. Now, I think better without any pests around, go!"
Xin tied the box under his belt and headed back. After about ten steps, he turned to the old man and waved to him, however, he saw nothing. Shaking his head the boy ran toward his tent.
Well, he ran only for a bit. Then he started walking and then roaming as if a kitten lost in darkness. He thought he would easily find his way back; well he was wrong. As if intentionally, the moon once again hid under the thick clouds. The night was windy so it was blinking a lot.
Finally, he heard a distant snoring. Heading toward it he soon saw the elephant and relaxed. Dong Jin turned to be quite helpful.
Once he entered the room, Xin silently sat down and looked at Maha. Then, after hesitating a bit, he coughed. Her eyes opened like two candles in a complete darkness.
"I want to say something." He thought, and then in details in two breaths explained everything concerning his first meeting with the old man and their lessons. All that time Maha was simply sitting and listening, her face emotionless. It was a relief for Xin; he was afraid of seeing her angry at him for hiding it. At first he even wished to tell the story with his head lowered, but obviously, he wouldn't have been able to communicate that way. Finally, after showing her the silver box he sighed and started waiting for the sentence.
"I understand. I will share my thoughts with you tomorrow. For now, you should sleep."
Then her eyes suddenly closed. Darkness clouded around.
"…"
The boy's mind was confused, but more than that, it was tired. He yawned and feeling the soft carpet underneath and the hotness on his forehead laid down.
Thinking about this now, this little room was quite comfortable. Slowly, the softness melted his mind.
The long day ended.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone