The next morning, at the dining table in the
Setting down his knife and fork,
Father wanted him to stay longer?
Lin Lei was somewhat taken aback. In all these years, his father had never said such a thing. Originally, Lin Lei had planned to visit
«Alright, Father.» Lin Lei nodded happily.
Hogg nodded with pleasure, though something else seemed to flicker in his eyes.
……
Lin Lei stayed in
On Wushan Mountain to the east of town, beside a murmuring brook, Lin Lei sat cross-legged in quiet meditation, refining his magic power.
Earth system and Wind system elements seeped into his body from everywhere. His bones, muscles, and meridians naturally absorbed the elements, improving his physique. After absorbing a small portion, the vast majority of these Earth and Wind elements were refined and ultimately flowed into his dantian in the center of his chest.
Like all rivers flowing into the sea, the elements racing through every meridian in his body converged there.
Lin Lei sat like this for a full half-day. When he opened his eyes, the sun was already setting behind the mountains.
«I should head back to the academy,» Lin Lei said, standing up and letting out a long breath. «Ever since I gave those magic crystal cores to Father, his attitude toward me has become much better, much warmer.»
These past ten or so days had probably been the most harmonious time Lin Lei and Hogg had ever spent together.
«What could have prompted such a big change in Father? The magic crystal cores? Father wouldn’t care about money. Or... the scars on my body?» Lin Lei thought back and forth, unable to pin down exactly why his father had suddenly become so good to him.
The phrase «solicitous care» perfectly described Hogg’s current attitude toward Lin Lei.
Stepping into the Baruch Family residence, Lin Lei immediately saw his father reading. «Father, it’s getting dark. You should wait until tomorrow to read.»
«Oh, Lin Lei’s back,» Hogg said with a smile, closing his book. «You make a good point. I’ll read it tomorrow.»
«Lin Lei, you must be thirsty after training outside for so long.» Hogg picked up a water pitcher from the side table and poured a glass of plain water. «Here, moisten your throat. This water is just the right temperature—not too hot, not too cold.»
«Thank you, Father.» A warmth spread through Lin Lei’s heart.
These past ten days, Hogg had treated Lin Lei exactly like this—couldn’t be better. In the past, Hogg had always been stern, rarely showing such a warm, tender side.
Sipping the water, Lin Lei spoke. «Father, I’ve been home for a while now. I plan to head back to the academy tomorrow.»
«Tomorrow?» Hogg paused slightly, then nodded. «Alright then. Come back early by the end of the year.»
«Mm,» Lin Lei agreed softly.
Hogg whispered an instruction. «Lin Lei, your father doesn’t have great ability. The family’s future rests with you now. Those magic crystal cores you gave me are more than enough for your brother’s expenses in the O’Brien Empire. At this point, I’m already quite satisfied. But in my heart, I still remember our family’s shame. I hope you won’t forget that our family’s heirloom is still out there.»
Lin Lei felt his father’s expectations, took a deep breath, and nodded slightly.
«Right now, I have no other wish. I only hope to see the War Blade ‘Slaughter’ before I die.» Hogg’s voice was very low.