Great Wilderness Village, at its center.
A towering tree rose from the ground, its branches lush and its leaves verdant.
Nian Shuang's Father led Nian Shuang here by the hand.
"Nian Shuang, kneel!"
Though puzzled, Nian Shuang obediently knelt.
Nian Shuang's Father formed hand seals and recited an oracle. Then, with a thud, he dropped to his knees and began kowtowing.
"This unworthy descendant, Tian Xing, requests an audience with Old Ancestor."
Suddenly, a thunderous rumble sounded. The towering tree shook violently, and moments later, a massive face appeared upon its trunk.
"Mm, Tian Xing. Rise."
At this, Tian Xing pulled Nian Shuang to his feet.
Nian Shuang was completely bewildered. "This..."
He and Zhu Ze had peed here more than once.
The enormous face on the trunk looked toward young Nian Shuang and quickly understood Tian Xing's purpose.
"Since he has already entered the Dao and begun cultivating, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Rest assured, boy Nian Shuang. This ancestor can ensure his safety."
"Thank you, Old Ancestor!" Tian Xing finally let go of the worry hanging over his heart.
Nian Shuang remained confused throughout.
Tian Xing looked at Nian Shuang. "Nian Shuang, obey the old ancestor from now on! In twenty years, father will come for you."
"Father, what is this?"
"Sigh... Go on."
"No, Father... at least tell your son..." Before Nian Shuang could finish, green light enveloped him and shot into the great tree.
Tian Xing knelt before the tree again and kowtowed several times.
"I leave him to you, Old Ancestor!"
"Mm."
The enormous face on the trunk vanished, and the entire tree returned to normal.
Tian Xing glanced at the tree, then turned and left.
Meanwhile, Nian Shuang arrived in a Special Space brimming with spiritual energy and vibrant life.
The space