Hu Xiaotian began to realize that he was extraordinary. It was not merely his unusual experiences that set him apart; his awareness and his ideas were far ahead of this age. Things he considered perfectly normal seemed outstanding, even shockingly unconventional, to most people of this era.
Hu Xiaotian had no desire to change the world, nor any ambition to dominate all beneath heaven. A person lived barely a hundred years-why make life so exhausting? Yet in an age like this, even living simply and comfortably seemed difficult. All he had originally wanted was to be a pampered heir, sheltered by his ancestors' legacy, living a decadent life with clothes brought to his hands and food delivered to his mouth. But even that modest wish had vanished in the blink of an eye. His father, who appeared so powerful and imposing, also felt a profound sense of crisis. Ever since the Iron Deed of Redemption had gone missing, Hu Buwei had harbored an ominous premonition and immediately decided to send his son away from the capital to take up an official post.
Although he knew everything was already settled, and although part of him looked forward to breaking free of his restraints and rushing toward a new life, Hu Xiaotian still could not resist putting on a little show. "Father, can't I stay?"
"No!" Hu Buwei's answer was as decisive as chopping through nails and slicing through iron. Deep down, he was still terribly reluctant to part with his son. The boy had spent sixteen years simple-minded and had only just returned to normal. Father and son had not even had time to get to know each other before facing separation at opposite ends of the world. Had circumstances not forced his hand, Hu Buwei would not have wanted his