The firewood in the stove burned merrily, crackling and popping. The flames looked like a leaping figure, pounding a drum with all its might and radiating its passion.
Old Man Luo squatted beside the stove, wolfing down noodles with a little salted vegetable. As he watched his little grandson practicing his stance in the courtyard, a blissful smile appeared on his weathered face.
For eight generations back, the Luo Family had all been farmers. Who would have thought that their fortunes would turn with his grandson?
The teachers at the martial school had said that his grandson possessed excellent natural aptitude and would surely go far along the path of martial cultivation.
At this thought, Old Man Luo poured the noodles in his bowl into the iron pot again, stood up, and walked outside.
His family was poor and had nothing good to give the teacher. He might as well go into the mountains and catch some game as a New Year's gift.
Just as Old Man Luo was rummaging for his tools, more sounds came from outside. He turned his head and saw his son leading in a young man dressed in a martial artist's long robe.
"Teacher!" The little grandson hurriedly straightened up and respectfully bowed.
Old Man Luo hurried out and enthusiastically cupped his hands toward the young man. "Mr. Wu, what brings you here? Have you had breakfast? I'll warm something up for you..."
"Uncle Luo, don't stand on ceremony. I'm here to take Little Luo with me. We're leaving right away."
"Huh? Take this little brat? Why?" Old Man Luo looked puzzled. "Isn't today a rest day?"
The young man smiled and explained, "It's a blessing!"
"The Saint Martial King has returned to the capital from the Southern Wastelands and will be passing through our