Lin Xiao's sigh did not strike Old Medicine as anything unusual.
Lin Xiao found a place to sit, ordered a pot of tea, and began gulping it down.
"Strong fortune isn't always a good thing."
Old Medicine's thoughtful voice reached Lin Xiao's ears.
Lin Xiao swallowed and asked, "Huo Yuhao had an unhappy childhood. Teacher, is that what you mean by it not being a good thing?"
Naturally, Lin Xiao knew about such things. Those blessed with extraordinary fortune either lost their parents or had their bones dug out and suffered betrayal. Perhaps that was the price of obtaining such fortune.
It was precisely because they went through these things that opportunities flowed endlessly toward them as they grew.
But Huo Yuhao was different. His fortune was too strong, and someone exploited it, forcibly training him into a dog. Ah, how pitiful.
He had opportunities, but his trials were truly brutal, too. The final boss had him in his sights right from the start. What a miserable fate.
"That's only one part of it. There are plenty more trials ahead. If he gets through them, he'll stand alone in this world."
"But talents of such breathtaking brilliance are rarely seen. Those who can bear the weight of fortune are few in the end."
"I wonder whether this little fellow can bear it."
Old Medicine sighed inwardly. Fortunately, his own disciple's fortune was not that strong. If he cultivated diligently, even if he never reached the very pinnacle, he would still become a powerhouse rarely seen in this world.
"Whether he's a dragon or a worm, only time will tell."
"Perhaps he doesn't want that so-called fortune at all. Perhaps he only wants his mother to be alive."
Lin Xiao spoke almost to himself. Right now, Huo Yuhao surely wished more than anything that his mother were still alive.
If he could exchange all his fortune for his mother's resurrection, he probably would not hesitate in the slightest.
That was Huo Yuhao, a man who valued love and loyalty, yet was steeped in tragedy.
"Little fellow, follow him for now. He's moving again," Old Medicine urged once more.
Lin Xiao paid for his tea and followed.
A month later, Lin Xiao finally followed Huo Yuhao into the area surrounding the Star Dou Great Forest, though they had yet to enter the forest itself.
Still, it had all been worth it.
Lin Xiao trailed slowly behind him. With Old Medicine concealing him, Huo Yuhao could not detect him at all.
After reaching the Star Dou Great Forest, Lin Xiao left him and began searching on his own.
"A wooden sign!"
Standing before the signpost, Lin Xiao's eyes lit with a trace of amusement. This was the marker.
"Little fellow, two people are coming from over there."
Old Medicine sensed something and warned him.
Lin Xiao's expression shifted slightly. At this time, in this area, there should only be Huo Yuhao and the two remaining members of the Tang Sect.
Since Old Medicine said there were two people, they were presumably Bei Bei and Tang Ya.
He had expected to run into them, but not so soon. Since they were heading this way, they would probably meet Huo Yuhao in a little while.
After a moment's hesitation, Lin Xiao prepared to leave.
The moment Lin Xiao turned around, he heard footsteps behind him. Shit. They're here already?
"Hey, little boy up ahead."
Before he could leave, a clear female voice rang out.
Lin Xiao glanced back, and a girl with an oval face, almond-shaped eyes, and a lively sparkle in her beautiful gaze came into view.
Behind the girl stood a boy with short, dark blue hair, his hands resting behind his head. His posture did not match the refined air he exuded at all.
"Xiao Xiaozi, have you taken a fancy to this girl?"
Old Medicine's teasing voice reached Lin Xiao's ears.
Lin Xiao said softly, "Teacher, I'm only six!"
"Ahem." Old Medicine coughed awkwardly a few times.
"Were you calling me?" Lin Xiao pointed at himself and asked Tang Ya and Bei Bei.
"Is there anyone else here besides you?"
The girl hurried over to Lin Xiao and looked him up and down.
Such a sweet little boy. He'd fit right into my Tang Sect!
"Big sister, big brother, did you need something from me?" Lin Xiao asked slowly. These two aren't trying to get me to join the Tang Sect, are they?
The moment that thought arose, Lin Xiao wanted to turn and run.
"Little boy, why are you here all alone?"
Tang Ya watched Lin Xiao with a coaxing look in her eyes.
Lin Xiao frowned slightly. Forget it. Better not get too involved.
He did not know whether God King Tang was watching from the heavens right now, either. Better slip away early.
Lin Xiao backed away slightly. "See you again if fate allows, big brother, big sister."
With that, Lin Xiao took to his heels.
Tang Ya and Bei Bei's eyes instantly widened at the sight.
"Bei Bei, do I really look like a villain who kidnaps children?"
Tang Ya was beginning to doubt herself. With a dejected expression, she turned to Bei Bei in confusion.
Bei Bei gave a wry smile. "My great Tang Sect leader, your intentions are practically written all over your face."
"Next time, next time, build a relationship before you reveal your goal. There's no rush."
Bei Bei teased her a little. The Tang Sect only had the two of them now, so he understood Tang Ya's intentions. Although the little fellow's Soul Power was low, having him join the Tang Sect would still be good.
"Hmph, as if I needed you to tell me. Remember to remind me next time."
Tang Ya snorted softly, tossed her hair, and strode away.
Bei Bei followed helplessly.
Elsewhere, Lin Xiao had already stopped. One look at Tang Ya was enough to tell him that she wanted to lure him into the Tang Sect.
Pah! I can't get away from it fast enough, and she wants me to join? Impossible. Absolutely impossible.
"Little fellow, women are like poison. In the eyes of the strong, they're all pink-hued skeletons."
"Since you can keep your distance from her, it seems you already have the makings of a powerhouse."
Old Medicine's teasing voice rang out. Although he sounded perfectly serious, the more Lin Xiao listened, the more something felt off.
"Teacher, I suspect you're making fun of me, but I have no evidence."
Lin Xiao spoke helplessly.
"Heh heh."
Old Medicine chuckled without saying anything more.
Lin Xiao looked around and returned to the signpost. Tang Ya and Bei Bei had already left.
Looking at the signpost, Lin Xiao walked a few dozen meters farther in before stopping.
Then Lin Xiao jumped onto a tree and closed his eyes to rest.
Now, all that remained was to wait for the fish to take the bait.
"Little fellow, I sensed a powerful soul presence here. In this world's terms, that would be Spirit Power."
"It's barely perceptible, very well concealed."
Hearing Old Medicine's voice transmission, Lin Xiao, who had been resting with his eyes closed, jolted awake. "Teacher, is it nearby?"
Lin Xiao thought it should be somewhere nearby, but as a million-year soul beast, the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm possessed truly terrifying Spirit Power.
"It should be. His Spirit Power is very strong. In my current condition, he'll notice me if I probe carefully."
Old Medicine explained. He had merely sensed the presence and had not located its exact position.
Lin Xiao understood. Since that was the case, he would leave it alone. The other party would come out on his own before long anyway.
Before you continue