Two years later!
At the foot of Mount Odin.
Two children, seven or eight years old, sat on a patch of soft grass, preparing to say goodbye.
One carried a heavy sword on his back, his build and face both radiating resolve.
The other had delicate features, looking almost like a little girl.
"Haochen, I'm leaving soon. Be careful when you come here from now on!"
The boy carrying the heavy sword spoke.
He was Yang Tian, now seven years old, but his well-developed physique was more like that of a boy in his teens.
He had studied at the Odin Sub-Temple for three years.
Combat practice, basic theory, cultivation...
His External Spiritual Power had long since exceeded a hundred points, though it had not passed two hundred.
After his second year, Yang Tian had slowed his physical training and begun meditating and studying basic theory.
He could practically be said to have read every book in the Odin Sub-Temple until he knew them inside out.
"Yes, Little Tian, you're going to take the Squire assessment, aren't you? I hope you pass!"
The delicate-featured Long Haochen replied with a faint smile.
It was all thanks to Yang Tian's help.
Those red fruits had played no small part in his mother's recovery. Her complexion had improved considerably.
Yang Tian felt that befriending Long Haochen was well worth it. They were only a few Red Refining Fruits, after all.
Long Haochen's mother, Bai Yue, was exceptionally beautiful, as befitted someone with the Demon God Emperor's bloodline.
If Long Haochen had been a girl, Yang Tian might even have fallen for him.
For now, however, the most important thing was to cultivate diligently.
His External Spiritual Power seemed to be nearing its limit and was becoming harder to increase. Awakening his Internal Spiritual Power was essential.
Yang Tian felt certain that his Internal Spiritual Power would exceed fifty points.
Of course, that was only a guess!
In the end, the two good friends watched the sunset together.
Having slain some demon beasts earlier, Yang Tian also felt quite fulfilled.
Several days later!
"Grandma, don't worry about me. Once I become a true knight, I'll come back and take you to live in Haoyue City!"
As he said goodbye to his grandmother, Yang Tian felt a pang of reluctance.
His grandmother had taken plenty of medicinal herbs that nourished her vitality and strengthened her constitution. She was now hale and hearty, and living past a hundred should pose no problem.
"Yes, Little Tian, when you get out there, take good care of yourself. Grandma has every confidence in you. You're a good child!" the elderly woman said gently, smiling kindly.
But anyone could see that she did not want such a thoughtful child to leave.
Little Yaya called from beside her, "Little Tian, you'll definitely become a knight!"
Her little eyes narrowed as she smiled, revealing a pair of dimples.
"Yes, Little Tian definitely will!"
Yang Tian answered with a smile.
Then he looked at the elderly people who had all come to see him off.
Over the past few years, Yang Tian's friendly manner and willingness to help had earned him the affection of many people in town.
Then, carrying a small bundle on his back and the fruit and pastries his neighbors had given him...
He waved and said goodbye through his tears!
Once I pass the assessment and awaken my Internal Spiritual Power, I'll come back to protect you!
Yang Tian made the vow silently.
Because Bai Yue was there, demonic wolfmen would infiltrate Odin Town and bring disaster upon it. Fortunately, Long Xingyu, the wielder of the Divine Throne of Doom and Slaughter, was there!
Even so, there would still be casualties.
No matter how weak he was, when the time came, Yang Tian would return to protect the people he cared about.
Nearby, a carriage had been waiting for quite some time.
"All right, let's go. You're another one of our Odin Sub-Temple's students to reach the Squire level in recent years. I hope you pass!"
Balza's expression softened. Even at the Haoyue Branch Hall, having a few people pass the Squire assessment each year was considered a good result.
"Yes!" Yang Tian nodded as he looked at Instructor Balza.
Haoyue Branch Hall, here I come!
My Internal Spiritual Power will finally awaken, too!
Yang Tian had held himself back for far too long. He had spent two and a half years meditating, and both his foundation and aptitude were quite good.
The impurities in his meridians might have to wait until his awakening to be expelled. He had heard it would hurt terribly...
But would Yang Tian fear a little pain?
He boarded the carriage, and it soon sped out of Odin Town.
After living there for seven years, he was finally leaving.
Before you continue