Shi Hao stood alone in the clearing before Stone Village for a long time.
He stood there from the sun's height in the sky through sunset over West Mountain, until stars and moon filled the heavens.
In the space of a single day, those closest to him had left one after another. His emotions churned, and he could not find peace.
Shi Hao's blood relatives were still alive, but in his heart, Meng Chuan, Shi Yunfeng, and the others held places no less important.
The debt of being brought into this world came from both those who gave him life and those who raised him.
"Child, come back and rest," Shi Yunfeng said.
Shi Zhongtian, Shi Ziling, and the others came to Shi Hao's side and looked at him.
"Mister Yuan and the others have only left for now. You'll see them again someday." Qin Yining took Shi Hao's hand.
"I know." Shi Hao nodded. "I'll go find them one day. I'll stand beside them and face every storm together."
In Shi Hao's heart, Meng Chuan and the others had gone to fight the enemy and defend the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands.
And that was indeed the truth.
"I'll become a Heavenly God as quickly as I can, then go up to the Nine Heavens!" Shi Hao declared firmly.
"I'll become the strongest Heavenly God in the shortest time!"
He would become the fastest and strongest cultivator!
"I believe in you, son. You can do it." Qin Yining encouraged Shi Hao, though worry lingered in her heart.
Being the fastest and strongest also meant facing the greatest danger.
What mother would not worry for her child's safety?
But her child was destined to soar through the Nine Heavens. She could not stop him, nor would she.
"Brother, come back