Leaving

The next morning, it was still early in the morning when Hao Ren got up. He looked over at Xiao and saw him sleeping comfortably in the bed, he went to wash up then came back. "Aren't you going to wake up now?" Hao Ren couldn't help but ask Xiao when he noticed he didn't plan on getting up anytime soon.

Xiao rolled and turned before opening his eyes and looking at Hao Ren, "I can see you are already prepared to head out, why don't you head out first, and I continue sleeping okay" Xiao replied with a sleepy tone. It was evident that he didn't plan on getting up so Hao Ren just let him be and went out. Since Xiao started speaking, Hao Ren became much closer to him. Now, they can communicate much easier and have better understanding of each other.

One of the things Hao Ren has come to know about Xiao was that he was very lazy and also mischievous during their extended time with each other. So on hearing Xiao's reply he couldn't be bothered with him and decided to just let him be.

Hao Ren planned on visiting Xu Que, before heading over to Elder Li. He wanted to have a chat with both of them before leaving. He planned on leaving immediately after talking to them as there is nothing left for him in the sect and every single time is currently precious for him.

Hao Ren walked over to Xu Que's courtyard. Xu Que was already in the Seventh stage of the Qi Gathering Realm, so he has a personal courtyard in the sect. He had stayed at this stage for quite some time and the fruit he received from Hao Ren would be very helpful to him.

Xu Que saw Hao Ren walking into his courtyard and his face immediately showed a big smile. "Brother Hao welcome" He welcomed Hao Ren warmly as he was very excited when he got the fruit. When his master told him the fruit was a gift from Hao Ren, he was speechless as he didn't know what to do. He couldn't believe Hao Ren could just hand the fruit to him just like that.

"Greetings Elder Brother Xu" Hao Ren cupped his fist towards him before sitting down opposite Xu Que

Xu Que felt somewhat embarrassed being called Elder Brother by Hao Ren, if it was before when he was still stronger than him, he wouldn't have any issues accepting it. But currently, Hao Ren has not only surpassed him, he has also surpassed his master. Usually, age isn't really important in the world of martial arts as they tend to live for a long time and juniors tend to catch up with some seniors. Strength is the only thing that matters.

Hao Ren sat with Xu Que for sometime before he decided it was time to leave. He noticed Xu Que wanted to say something but always seems to hold himself back from saying it. "What do you want to say?, I can tell you've been wanting to say something since I got here. " Hao Ren straightforwardly asked Xu Que.

Xu Que looked at him for some time, "What happened to you when you fell down the cliff?" After hesitating for a while, he asked the question that has been bugging him since Hao Ren returned. Since Hao Ren returned, though he still acts the same way, he gives off a different feeling from before. There seems to be a certain sharpness added to his usual serene self, although he can tell Hao Ren tries to hide it, but he can still feel it. It feels like Hao Ren is hiding a dangerous beast under his smile.

"I nearly died. Well, I will be going now, hopefully, we will meet again someday" Hao Ren smiled at Xu Que before he turned and left. He knew Xu Que was curious but there is no need in telling him his secret as it wouldn't do any of them any good.

Xu Que stood at his courtyard with a wry smile, although he knew Hao Ren wouldn't tell him what happened, he still couldn't hold back his curiosity. 'I will train harder henceforth. With the Silverwing Earthspirit Fruit, I should be able to make a breakthrough'.

Hao Ren headed to Elder Li's place. Hao Ren has already prepared everything for his journey, so biding his farewell to Elder Li, he will immediately leave the sect.

At Elder Li's courtyard

Elder Li was taking tea when he noticed Hao Ren, he immediately got up and went over to welcome him. He knew this might probably be the last time he might see Hao Ren, so he wanted to have a long chat with him before he left.

"Hao Ren my boy, good thing you paid me a visit before you set off" Elder Li smiled happily when he saw him

"Greetings Elder Li" Hao Ren offered his greetings to him before he entered the courtyard. Elder Li have always liked this trait of his, he is not proud even though he is currently the strongest person in the younger generations.

"Elder Li, I came to bid farewell to you. I will be leaving the sect soon, I plan on leaving today" Hao Ren told Elder Li the reason for his visit.

"I knew you would be leaving the sect, but I really didn't expect it to be this early" Elder Li had a sad look on his face when they were speaking on Hao Ren leaving. Elder Li had a great relationship with Hao Ren and took him like a grandson. During the time Hao Ren came to the sect, he was one of the few that got along with him perfectly, and not only did they have a great relationship, he also did whatever he could to assist Hao Ren with his cultivation.

He spoke with Hao Ren for a long time before Hao Ren finally decided it was time to leave. When Hao Ren was about leaving, "Oh, I almost forgot. Here is your sword" Hao Ren handed the sword he took from Elder Li back to him.

Elder Li looked at the sword for some time. This sword had gone through a lot with him over the years and have helped him with his battles. "You should keep it, take it as a gift" Elder Li looked at the sword one last time before turning his head away from it.

Hao Ren was slightly taken aback, he didn't expect Elder Li to pass the sword over to him. He knew that this sword was Elder Li's weapon which he has used to fight through countless battles. Hao Ren looked deeply at Elder Li and said, "Thank you, I will keep it with me as something to remember you by. And anytime I use it, it will stand as your protection over me"

Hao Ren sincerely thanked Elder Li before heading towards his own courtyard.

When he got there, he saw Xiao loitering around in the courtyard, "Are you ready?" He asked Xiao with a smile, he was clearly excited just thinking about his journey which was about to begin.

"Of course, I'm already tired of this place" Xiao said while wagging his tail like a dog. He too, was excited, being stuck here all this while had made him pretty bored. Now it was time to head out, and he couldn't contain his excitement.

Hao Ren looked at Xiao before turning around and heading towards the pathway that lead to the gate of the sect. After he descended the mountain, he looked at the Silver Lining sect once more before turning and heading off into the distance with Xiao in tow...