C16 Family Love

Upon hearing the voice, Aotian and the shopkeeper simultaneously turned toward its origin.

"I'll cover the remaining amount. Go ahead and give him the gun," the man said, casting a complex glance at Aotian before repeating himself.

"Is that you, Young Master Loong? Are you saying you'll take care of the remaining balance?" asked the shopkeeper cautiously upon recognizing Loong Ying, the esteemed young heir of the Loong family.

"Yes, I'll take care of it," Loong Ying affirmed once more.

With a conflicted look, he faced the trio before him and spoke with effort, "Big brother, second brother, big sister."

Indeed, standing before him were his 18-year-old elder brother Loong Ying, his 16-year-old second brother Loong Yu, and his 14-year-old sister Loong Qian. Despite their strained relationship and infrequent conversations, Aotian felt compelled to greet them warmly upon their arrival.

They had arrived during Aotian's negotiation with the shopkeeper. Realizing Aotian was present, they hung back to observe his actions. Witnessing the scene unfold, Loong Ying felt the need to speak up. After all, Aotian was his little brother, and it was important to remember that the Loong family was known for its solidarity. Even though he hadn't interacted much with Aotian in their youth, they were still kin.

"Hey, what brings you here? Weren't you supposed to be at the academy today? We were planning to come find you later," Loong Ying inquired. He had been curious about why Aotian was purchasing a weapon, as their family typically sourced arms from their own armory. It was odd that Aotian hadn't selected a weapon from the family's collection. However, after considering Aotian's circumstances, he understood and refrained from questioning further.

"Oh, I finished registering this morning and just got my room sorted out. With nothing else to do, I thought I'd browse around here. Then I came across this gun and felt it was something I could really use, so I decided to buy it!"

Upon hearing Loong Ying's inquiry, Aotian took a moment to think before responding. He chose not to mention that he had come specifically to purchase a weapon because he didn't want to reveal that he was practicing martial arts. Despite being relatives, they had little contact since childhood, and he didn't feel particularly close to his two brothers and elder sister. Yet, he couldn't deny the connection he felt due to the Loong family blood coursing through his veins. Perhaps it was the lineage that drew him to them unconsciously.

"Oh, I see. Well then, boss, we'll take the spear. It's 230 gold coins, correct? Here you go, the exact amount. Please count it," Loong Ying said as he handed over 230 gold coins to the shopkeeper.

"Ah, yes, it's the right amount," the shopkeeper replied, finally coming to his senses. He had just learned that the young man before him was a member of the Loong family and, moreover, the young master. The shopkeeper, still reeling from the surprise, quickly accepted the money from Loong Ying. It wasn't really his fault; the day had been full of unexpected events.

As Loong Ying grasped the spear, its weight caused his hand to drop slightly. He marveled at the heft of the weapon and worried whether Aotian would be able to wield it. Martial artists typically prefer lighter weapons, especially swordsmen like himself. While some favored heavier arms, they rarely exceeded 50 kilograms. This spear, however, seemed to weigh around 100 kilograms. The craftsmanship and materials were impressive, but he truly wondered what Aotian intended to do with such a heavy piece.

"Aotian, consider this spear a gift from your brother to celebrate your entrance," Loong Ying offered, extending the weapon toward Aotian.

"No, I couldn't possibly accept such a valuable gift. If I want it, I can buy it myself. I don't want it!" Aotian protested.

Seeing the gun Loong Ying offered and hearing his words, Aotian was genuinely moved. He adored the gun and longed to claim it, but the thought of its worth made him too sheepish to decline.

"Aotian, just take it! It's a gift from big brother. No more refusals. We all accepted his gifts when we started school! No need for formalities with us!"

Loong Qian chimed in at that moment.

"Exactly, Aotian, go ahead and accept it!"

Loong Yu added, witnessing the exchange. Aotian was his little brother, and though he hadn't received much affection from their father and grandfather growing up, and he hadn't been particularly fond of him in their youth, things had changed. Now older and wiser, he understood much more. He had seen Aotian's predicament earlier, spending all his pocket money on a beloved weapon, yet still falling short and desperately haggling. It pained him. He had never wanted for money or weapons in his life, but seeing Aotian struggle, Loong Yu felt their father and others might have been too harsh. After all, Aotian was his brother, and it hurt to see him in such a state.

"Then, thank you, Big Brother!"

After listening to everyone and feeling the pull of the gun before him, Aotian hesitated only briefly before accepting it.

Loong Ying was momentarily taken aback as Aotian effortlessly accepted the hefty weapon. He gave Aotian a puzzled look, his lips pursed, as if he wanted to say something, but he held back.

Noticing his big brother's odd expression, Aotian sensed trouble brewing. Quickly, he spoke up, "Man, this gun's heavy. Good thing I've been working on my strength these past few years, or I wouldn't have been able to lift it!" With that, he hoisted the gun onto his shoulder and took a deep breath.

Hearing Aotian's words, Loong Ying glanced at Aotian's bronzed, muscular frame and finally relaxed.

"Let me help you with that!" Seeing Aotian's struggle, Loong Yu took the gun from his hands. As soon as he gripped it, Loong Yu felt its heft and couldn't help but remark, "Wow, this gun is seriously heavy!"

Loong Qian, overhearing Loong Yu, glanced between Aotian and her brother. Considering Loong Yu's status as an advanced swordsman, a fleeting spark of intrigue flickered in her eyes, unnoticed by all.

"Thanks, Second Brother!"

"No need to thank me. I'm not as wealthy as our Big Brother. Did you know? He's become a swordman-level expert now. And he's only 18! Just yesterday, Grandpa and Dad were calling him a prodigy. They even gave him a hefty sum of pocket money. Soon, he'll be able to graduate and start his official duties with our Eldest Uncle!"

Loong Yu's eyes shone with admiration as he spoke of Loong Ying.

"Enough about me! You're an advanced swordsman yourself. Keep at it, and in a couple of years, you could very well reach the swordman rank too," Loong Ying retorted with a smile.

"Big brother is a swordman now? Congratulations!" Aotian chimed in, his own ambitions stirring within him. When would he reach that level? In a year? Two?

"Enough with the praise! We should head back to school. Let's take Aotian around and get him acquainted," Loong Qian interjected, unable to stand the mutual adulation any longer.

"Hehe, right, let's get moving!" Loong Yu said with an awkward chuckle.

The four of them made their way to the school, chatting and laughing, and soon reached the gates.

"We'll head to the dorms first. Meet at the cafeteria entrance in a bit," Loong Qian suggested.

"Sounds good. Aotian, stash your gun in the dorm for now. We'll show you around the school later!"

Since Loong Ying and Loong Yu were members of an elite academy, they parted ways at the school's entrance. Watching his two brothers disappear into the distance, Aotian shouldered his weapon, "Rayming," and walked with Loong Qian toward his dormitory.

Once back in his room, Aotian set down the gun and affectionately stroked it before heading downstairs to meet up with Loong Qian. The boys' and girls' dormitories were located in the same complex, just opposite each other, so it didn't take long for Aotian to find Loong Qian, and together they made their way to the academy's cafeteria.

Later, after reuniting with his older brothers, Aotian was led on a comprehensive four-hour tour of the academy's key locations, gaining a solid grasp of its layout and workings. Walking through the campus, he could feel the admiring glances of others and imagined that his brothers must be quite the standout students here. Of course, he wasn't so vain as to think all eyes were on him.

After sharing a pleasant dinner with them and noticing the night sky darken, Aotian and Loong Qian headed back to their dorms. With his first class looming the next day, Aotian knew he needed to prepare well.

"Aotian, if you ever need anything, come find me in the Second Year Swordsmen's Class 1," Loong Qian offered as they neared the dorms.

"Oh, sure. Thanks, sis!" Aotian replied, grateful for the offer.

"Alright, get some rest now. You've got class tomorrow," she reminded him.

Back in his dorm, Aotian sat at his desk, a smile playing on his lips as he reflected on the afternoon's adventures. It had been a truly great day.