Inner City, the Yang Family residence.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Mother, Aunt, I'll head straight outside the city to meet Master and set off shortly. There's no need to see me off," Yang Jing said gently as he approached them. "Besides, the Prefectural City isn't far from Yuhe County. I'll come back whenever I have time, so don't worry."
Leaning on his cane, Old Master Yang studied him for a moment, pride shining in his clouded eyes. "My grandson has made something of himself. It's time you ventured out into the world. The world is vast-spread your wings and give it your all. Don't worry about home."
Yang Jing nodded firmly. "I'll remember that, Grandpa."
When his mother, Liu Cuiling, turned around, her eyes were already red. She stepped forward and straightened his collar, her voice catching. "When you're away... take good care of yourself. Don't wear yourself out. Think things through when trouble comes, and don't act rashly..."
Her husband had vanished without a trace, and now her son was leaving too. However reluctant she felt, she knew she could not hold him back.
"I know, Mother." Yang Jing took her slightly cool hands in his. "You, Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt must take care of yourselves too. Once I'm settled in the Profound Truth Sect, I'll find a way to inquire about Father and Uncle."
After another round of reminders, Yang Jing delayed no longer and turned to leave.
Yang An followed with a heavy bundle containing changes of clothing prepared for Yang Jing and several packets of dried exotic beast meat, all useful for the journey.
They left the Inner City and quickened their pace, soon crossing the Outer City and heading beyond the city gates.
The morning light gradually brightened, spilling over the bluestone road and stretching their shadows