C23 The Weather Changed

Eight days had passed.

After a week-long wait in the backyard of Wei's Pharmacy, the experts dispatched by the Wei family finally arrived.

The leader of these experts was none other than Wei Ying, a figure well-known to Wei Lulin, with whom he had previous interactions.

In addition to Elder Wei Dong, the group included seven formidable experts clad in uniform attire. Among them were Baoyi and Baoer, though Baosan was notably absent.

Beyond these eight experts, Wei Lulin's attention was captured by a majestic Magical Beast trailing behind them.

"A Middle Rank Grade Nine Magical Beast — the Purple Golden Eagle!" Observing the massive eagle, its body a slate gray with purple talons and beak, Wei Lulin was profoundly astounded.

The aspiration to conquer the skies is a universal one, yet even those at the Body Refining Stage are incapable of flight. Consequently, many sagacious individuals have sought to achieve this dream by taming Flying Magical Beasts.

After millennia of effort, humanity had finally unlocked the secrets of controlling these creatures. For the Wei family, one of the three major clans of Yao Country, possessing their own Flying Magical Beasts wasn't out of the question. However, Wei Lulin hadn't anticipated that they would have mastery over a Middle Rank Grade Nine Magical Beast like the Purple Golden Eagle.

It's important to understand that the Purple Golden Eagle is renowned for its incredible speed and formidable strength. Despite being a Middle Rank Grade Nine Magical Beast, it could easily outmatch even those at the higher echelons of the Body Refining Stage.

Capturing a Purple Golden Eagle would typically require the prowess of a Qi Transformation Stage expert. Did the Wei family truly have such a master among them?

His thoughts then shifted to the three Sun Opening Fruits, and suddenly, his uncertainties dissipated.

"Wei Lulin pays his respects to the Eighth Elder and all the esteemed seniors." Upon noticing Wei Ying and the others approaching, Wei Lulin promptly straightened his attire and hastened forward to offer a respectful bow.

"Lulin, there's no need for such formality," Wei Ying said, quickly reaching out to prevent the bow.

Wei Lulin had come a long way from his earlier days. Though currently only at Qi Refining Stage Level Two, his High Level Grade Eight aptitude and exceptional pace of cultivation meant that it wouldn't take him many years to catch up to his seniors. In time, his status would surpass even that of Wei Ying's.

"Lulin, I'm truly sorry. I never anticipated Baosan would abandon you to save his own skin," Wei Ying said, promptly offering an apology upon hearing Lulin's second sentence. Lulin found this hard to accept, so he quickly clarified his position.

"Eighth Elder, you're being too kind. I hold no grudge against Baosan. In that situation, if he had tried to take me with him, it's likely we both would have been caught. They were simply too powerful. By splitting up, we at least had a chance to survive."

"Lulin, your magnanimity is heartening, but rest assured, Baosan will not escape punishment for his actions."

Realizing Wei Ying was resolute about disciplining Baosan, Lulin understood further attempts at intercession would be futile. He could only silently hope that Baosan wouldn't face too harsh a penalty.

Lulin also recognized that Wei Dong was extending an olive branch. The message was clear: Baosan's desertion, even when Lulin's meridians were damaged, warranted punishment. Now that Lulin was able to resume his cultivation, he would once again be a key focus of the Wei family's nurturing, ensuring he would be well looked after.

"Eighth Elder, the meal is ready. Shall we dine first?" the shopkeeper interjected after Wei Ying and Lulin had exchanged greetings.

"Yes, let's eat first, then rest a bit before heading home." Wei Ying intended to take Lulin straight back to the family. However, considering Lulin's good relationship with the shopkeeper and the family's previous harsh treatment of Lulin, Wei Ying opted to show the shopkeeper respect by staying for the meal.

The young man poised to replace Lulin stood among the crowd, his complexion ghostly pale. Just days before, he had brazenly challenged Lulin, knowing that Lulin was considered useless, unable to cultivate due to his damaged meridians. Yet, he himself was a martial artist at the Qi Refining Stage Level One.

His talent might only be High Level Grade Ten, with his life's peak achievement expected to be at the Qi Refining Stage High Rank, but he still considered himself far superior to Lulin. This overconfidence had fueled his audacious words.

If you disagree, come at me!

At this moment, Wei Lulin's meridians had fully healed, allowing him to resume his cultivation. With his high-level Grade Eight talent, he was destined to become an esteemed member of the Wei family, perhaps even its patriarch.

He had wronged Lulin in the past. Could he possibly escape retribution in the future?

No need to wait for the future; the Eighth Elder's recent demeanor made it clear just how much the family valued Lulin. They had even summoned a Middle Rank Grade Nine Magical Beast, the Purple Golden Eagle, to bring him home. If Lulin sought vengeance now, a single word to the Eighth Elder would seal his fate, with no one to save him.

The young man spent the following days in anxious anticipation of his destiny. Even as Wei Lulin and Wei Dong departed on the Purple Golden Eagle, leaving Lindorin Town behind, he saw no punishment, which left him both puzzled and concerned.

It wasn't until three days later, after a reminder from the shopkeeper, that he realized Wei Lulin had moved on from concerning himself with someone as trivial as him. This realization brought him both relief and a sense of insignificance.

He was relieved to have his life spared!

Yet, he couldn't help feeling inconsequential in Wei Lulin's eyes.

...

Flying through the sky had always been Wei Lulin's dream.

In his past life, he had the opportunity to fly, but it was within a confined space, which felt less authentic.

Now, standing atop the Purple Golden Eagle, watching clouds drift by and feeling the wind whistle past his ears, he experienced the true sensation of flight.

Wei Ying, who was maintaining the protective shield, took the opportunity to educate Lulin, "Now that you're able to cultivate again, let me explain the divisions within the Martial Warrior Realm."

"You're already familiar with the first two stages from your time with the Wei family—the Qi Refining Stage and the Body Refining Stage. Beyond the Body Refining Stage lie the Qi Transformation Stage and the Qi Sea Stage."

"I can't tell you much about the Qi Transformation Stage and the Qi Sea Stage, as I'm currently only at the Body Refining Stage Level Eight, which is quite a distance from reaching the Qi Transformation Stage."

"However, what I can tell you is that once you break through to the Qi Transformation Stage, your Spiritual Force will transform into Vital Spirit, allowing you to soar through the skies. Then, you'll have the freedom to leave Yao Country and venture into the world beyond," Wei Dong said, his eyes brimming with longing.

As the younger brother of the Wei family patriarch, Wei Ying's talents may not match those of Wei Lulin and Wei Bochen, but he still possesses a Low Level Grade Eight aptitude.

With his abilities, he stands a great chance of advancing past the Body Refining Stage to become a master of the Qi Transformation Stage.

However, achieving such a breakthrough would require at least a decade of dedication. By that time, he would be a man in his fifties, no longer suited in temperament or spirit for the life of an adventurer. Thus, he harbors a deep admiration for Wei Lulin's future prospects.