The eastern sky gradually turned a faint fish-belly white. The night had not yet fully receded, and Holy Soul Village was still steeped in silence.
Ning Chuan had not actually been asleep. He had merely been resting with his eyes closed, repeatedly considering the basic knowledge he had obtained from the Inheritance Bracelet, especially the methods for gently guiding beginners to temper their muscles and bones and nourish their blood and vitality.
At some point, a rustling sound came from his parents' room next door, mixed with their hushed conversation.
"...Go early and pick a better cut of pork belly, the kind with lean and fat evenly mixed. The children use up a lot of strength practicing their fists..." It was his mother Liu Lan's voice, hoarse from waking up and full of concern.
"Mm, I know. I'll get some big bones too, make soup." Ning Dazhuang replied in his deep, muffled voice. Then came the faint sounds of dressing and feeling around for his shoes.
Ning Chuan understood at once. His father was heading to Nuoding City early to buy meat.
So he simply sat up as well and quietly draped an outer garment over himself.
When he pushed open his door, he saw his parents emerging from the inner room as well.
Ning Dazhuang had already changed into a clean old outfit for going out. He held a small coarse-cloth pouch containing money and carefully tucked it into his chest.
Liu Lan, meanwhile, yawned as she tidied her slightly messy hair.
"Father, Mother, you're up so early," Ning Chuan greeted them.
Liu Lan was somewhat surprised to see her son. "Xiao Chuan? Why are you up too? It isn't fully light yet. Sleep a little longer."
"I couldn't sleep." Ning Chuan smiled and stepped forward to naturally take