C33 Leaving Home

Aotian dashed out of the hall and sprinted back to his courtyard.

"Aotian, why did you come back so soon? Hey, what's the rush? Is something wrong?" Maria's voice was laced with confusion as she watched Aotian hurry in through the doorway.

Without acknowledging Maria's inquiries, Aotian strode directly to his room.

"Snow Treading, get up. We're leaving!" He spoke briskly to Snow Treading, who lay on the bed with half-closed eyes, and began to quickly gather his belongings.

Once everything was packed, Aotian summoned Snow Treading into his ring and headed for the door.

"Aotian, what's gotten into you? Why the grim face as soon as you get back?" Maria burst in just as Aotian was about to leave.

"Auntie, I need to go out and train for a while, and it might take a long time. I can't stay in this house any longer," Aotian replied, his gaze growing darker as he looked up at Maria.

"Ah! What? You're leaving? Where to? Did something happen in the hall today?" Maria exclaimed, taken aback by Aotian's sudden announcement. She had already sensed that Aotian was upset, realizing that something must have gone wrong during the meal, but she hadn't anticipated the severity of the issue. She knew Aotian well; he had endured others' criticisms for over a decade without confrontation. Yet today, he had made a startling declaration. Clearly, Aotian had encountered something intolerable.

Gazing into the distance, Aotian's eyes became misty. "Aunt Maria, I'm sorry! I can't stand the disdain from this family any longer. I refuse to endure it! I need to leave, to find a place where I belong."

"Aotian, what exactly happened? Can you talk to me about it?" Maria pressed, her suspicions confirmed by his demeanor.

Aotian withdrew his distant gaze and let out a weary sigh. "Auntie, I don't want to speak of it now. I just can't bring it up again. Aunt Maria, I need you to understand, I have to leave this place. I'm ready to face the world, to not stay here and suffer any longer. I'm asking for your support. When the time is right, I'll return. I'll reclaim what I've lost and show them their mistakes."

As Aotian concluded his speech, his gaze sharpened intensely, radiating an undeniable air of dominance.

Feeling the weight of Aotian's presence, Maria hesitated before speaking. "Aotian, no matter what you've faced today, I just want you to take a moment to cool down. If, after that, you still choose to leave, know that I'll stand by you. I have faith that you'll achieve great things. Whatever path you take, always remember that you have my unwavering support."

Maria, observing Aotian's resolute expression and tone, realized further attempts to sway him were futile. She had always seen him as her own child, but he was grown now, with his own convictions. It was time to step back and offer her support instead of interference.

"Thank you, Auntie. I won't let you down. Just wait and see – I'll make my mark on the world one day!" Aotian said, filled with gratitude for her support.

"Well, who else would I believe in if not you?" Maria replied, the tension easing as she spoke with a playful lilt.

Noticing the day had turned to evening, Aotian picked up the clothes he had laid out earlier and addressed Maria, "Auntie, I'm setting out now. Wait for me; I'll return to get you."

"What? You're leaving right this moment? It's already late; couldn't you leave tomorrow?" Maria was taken aback, despite having braced herself for this moment.

"No, I can't bear to spend another day in this house," Aotian replied with unwavering determination.

"Really? Are you sure you need to rush off?" Maria pressed, her heart heavy with the thought of his departure. She had reluctantly accepted his decision, but the reality of him leaving so soon made her wish he would stay just one more night.

"Auntie! I'm sorry," Aotian said, his voice tinged with regret as he averted his gaze.

Maria, understanding the finality of his decision, resigned herself to his leaving. "Then, have you got everything you need?" she asked, masking her sadness with practical concern.

"Yes, everything's ready. I still need to pick up most of my stuff from school, so I'll head over there in a bit. There's really nothing else I need to take!"

Aotian had to fib since no one knew about his storage space.

"Oh, that so? Well, that's good. Remember to take some money with you. You probably don't have much on you, right? Hold on, I've been saving up over the years. Let me get it for you!"

Maria reached out to stop Aotian as he was about to head out.

"Auntie, there's no need, really. I've got plenty. I haven't spent much in the past few years, and I still have over 300 gold coins. That's more than enough for me. Plus, I can earn money on my own once I'm out there. You shouldn't worry about me. You've worked so hard for your savings; I couldn't possibly take it."

Aotian quickly stepped in to stop Maria as she turned to retrieve her savings.

"Oh, but it's always wise to carry a little extra cash. I don't have much use for that money anyway. Take it with you; it might come in handy in case of an emergency!"

Despite Aotian's protests, Maria was determined to go back and get the money.

"Auntie, I insist, there's no need. Please keep it for yourself! I have more than enough. I can't take your money."

As Maria continued on her way, Aotian gently pulled her back. After a brief pause, he continued, "Auntie, I truly don't need it. If I ever do, I'll come back and ask you, okay?"

Maria gave Aotian a puzzled look and sighed, "You've always been this way, so headstrong. Just be careful out there, alright? And if you run into any trouble you can't handle, remember to come back to me!" With a sense of resignation, Maria could only offer her advice.

"Okay, Auntie! I'm off then! You take good care of yourself, and wait for my return!"

Casting one last, reluctant glance at Maria and his room, Aotian clenched his jaw and stepped outside.

"Aotian, remember to be extremely careful!" Maria called out after him, her voice echoing in the distance.

Aotian raised his hand in a silent farewell, resolutely not looking back. It wasn't that he didn't want to; he feared that a single backward glance would make leaving too hard to bear.

Leaving the Loong family estate behind, Aotian set his sights on the path leading to the Devil Beast Forest. He was determined to spend some time there, honing his skills in the wilds of the forest.