689: The Xing Clan

The Xing Clan

The following day, the group convened for breakfast during which they spoke about what was to come now. 

"After this, we'll be heading off to the Xing Clan in the west. It is right about here and we are currently here."

With the map out, Xing Juren pointed at one of the many mountains before moving over to Snow Field.

"There? Alright then, I'll be heading further East. There are still some things that I have to do", she said to them. 

He turned to his sister and they both shared a look before facing her. 

"Ah, it is a shame that we cannot spend more time together. In any case, you will always be welcome to our clan. I'm sure that they'll be joyful to have you as a guest", he responded. 

"I will certainly take you up on the invitation."

Ready to go, everyone said their farewells and split off. Xing Hou suddenly turned and called out to Ming Yue.

"Will I see you?!" she asked, "At the ceremony, are you going to be there?"

The woman looked at her and nodded. 

"Of course."

After that, she suddenly floated up with the two beasts and flew off, leaving the siblings in a daze. As they watched her fly off, the pair left as well, sprinting through the snowy mountains. 

Making their way back home, Xing Hou glanced over at her brother who seemed a bit distracted, looking into the empty space. 

"Brother? Is everything okay?" 

There was a concerned look but her voice snapped him out of it. He looked at her with a smile. 

"No, nothing, I was just thinking about the Frostflame Bear", he explained. 

"Oh! Yes, it was generous of her to only take the core and give us everything else! With this, we might be able to convince the elders to give up!"

She was excited, that was for sure but he seemed less so. 

"Maybe, maybe, it is certainly helpful but we won't know for sure until we try", he said. 

"In that case, we should get back as quickly as possible!"

Xing Hou looked forward and sped up while her brother lagged behind. Something was still bothering him. 

"For Ming Yue to go to the East, could she be... No, it can't be", he muttered. 

He didn't want to think it but with what's happened, it seemed far too likely. 

"Hah, I should just resolve myself and do what I can."

Xing Juren shook his head before looking at his sister up ahead and shouting out. 

"Xing Hou! Don't think that you're going to win this race!" 

As he landed back on the ground, he pushed off, launching himself past her. It took no more than a day for them to return home. 

What awaited them was a mountain whose peak had been completely cut off. Instead, there was a great city awaiting them. As they came to the gates, the guards bowed down. 

"We welcome the prince and princess back to the Xing Clan!" 

They wore thick leather armor as well as fur pelts around their neck, carrying a pair of tonfa by their waist. 

Xing Juren nodded as the guards opened the gates and let them in. 

Behind those gates was a man sitting cross-legged in the middle. He was rather old with wrinkles on his face, a long white beard as well as pure white hair that covered his back. 

Opening his eyes, he smiled at the sight of the siblings, standing up to greet them.

"Juren, Hou'er, welcome back."

The pair walked up to him in surprise. 

"Grandfather! Were you waiting here this entire time?!" Xing Hou asked. 

He chuckled, stroking his beard before patting her on the hand. Strangely enough, he seemed like a gentle old man than the warrior who fought and killed a Frostflame Bear.

"Why wouldn't I do such a thing for my grandchildren? I did the same for Juren! Come on, walk with your grandfather to the manor, your parents are waiting for you."

He turned around and led them through the city. 

Along the way, people lowered their heads, congratulating Xing Hou on her success. Even if they didn't know what the real results were, that was just how confident they were for her. 

Soon enough, they reached the manor.  There were two metal doors waiting for them, with two wolves etched on them, circling each other. 

The pair's grandfather placed both hands on the doors and pushed. It didn't seem like he was using much effort and the doors gave way to him easily. 

However, with a closer look, those doors were thick, thick enough that a boulder might not even make it budge. And yet, he pushed it with ease. 

"Come on, let's go in."

As the trio entered, they smiled at the sight of their home. 

It wasn't very tall as there was only one floor but it was wide and spacious. Thick stone pillars made up the support, everything about it was sturdy. If the mountain were to fall, this manor would probably survive. 

"Ah, I know it hasn't been that long since we left but it feels good to come home!" said Xing Hou.

Her brother nodded. 

"Yes, you should cherish this before you leave for the ten-year trial."

"Heh, I don't think I'll be missing my home when I'll be having the adventure of a lifetime!" she answered. 

"Alright settle down you two, once we enter, you'll have to report the results to your father. You hear me?"

"Yes, grandfather!"

Not a second later, someone suddenly came rushing out of the manor with their arms open. They were quick, far too quick and neither could escape before they were stuck in a tight embrace. 

"Ah, my dear children! You're back!"

A cheerful, loving voice shouted out as the siblings tried their best to endure the hug. 

"Urgh, Mother."

Their mother, dressed in light green and peach-colored robes, towered over them, even making Xing Juren look a bit small. Needless to say, she was very strong. 

"You know, your mother was very worried about the initiation! I could barely sleep so I ended up training nonstop for the past few days. And then I heard that you two returned so I quickly cleaned up! Come, come! Let's go see your father!"

"Yes, Mother but first, I think your daughter needs to breathe of bit."

"Oh, dear what was I thinking."

She let them go but grabbed them by the arm, taking them into the manor where their father awaited them.  2

Unlike the other two, he was seated behind a desk, looking through documents and rubbing his temple. There was a somewhat sickly look on his face, sickly and tired. 

"Hah, damn, of all times for this to happen, it's now. Hm?" 

Looking up from those documents, he saw the group standing before him. Specifically, his wife, who, despite smiling, seemed to have quite a scary aura around her. So much so that even the other three took a step back from her. 

She walked forward and leaned down, placing both hands on her hips. 

"Dear, I believe that I told you to take a break from those darned papers. Your children have come back, you know." 

"I... urgh..." 

He was at a loss for words, trying his best not to look at her. She then stepped to the side, letting their kids step forward. 

"We greet our Lord Father!"

He got out of his seat and lifted them both up. 

"Alright, don't be like that", he told them, "It's good to see you two return."

Going back to his seat, he straightened up, putting on a serious face. Suddenly, the weak and tired figure transformed into a king, surrounded by an untouchable aura. 

"So then, tell me, how was the Initiation?" 

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