Chapter 18: Revelations and Farewells

Chapter 18: Revelations and Farewells

The tension in the living room had finally settled as Xiao Feng and his aunt, Aunt Mei, exchanged small talk. Xiao Chi and her boyfriend, Liu Chen, remained somewhat distant, though Liu Chen's curiosity was piqued by Xiao Feng's calm demeanor. The gifts Xiao Feng had brought had been a pleasant surprise, but it was clear that Xiao Chi's attitude toward him hadn't changed much since childhood."So, Xiao Feng," Aunt Mei asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern, "you mentioned you moved to Lingxi City, but where exactly are you living now?"Xiao Feng paused briefly, measuring his words before responding. "Actually, Aunt Mei, I've recently moved to Haicheng."Aunt Mei's eyes widened in surprise. "Haicheng? That's a big city… and quite expensive to live in. How are you managing there?"Xiao Feng offered a reassuring smile. "It's true that Haicheng is costly, but I've been able to earn enough to cover my expenses. You don't need to worry, Aunt Mei. I'm doing fine."His words did little to ease Aunt Mei's concern. "But earning money while studying... Are you sure you're not overworking yourself? I know you've always been independent, but I don't want you to push yourself too hard."Xiao Feng appreciated her concern, but there was no way he could reveal the truth about his cultivation and power. "It's nothing too strenuous, Aunt Mei. I've found a balance that works for me."Liu Chen, who had been listening intently, decided to speak up. "You must have a pretty good job if you can afford to live in Haicheng, especially as a student. Mind sharing what you do?"Xiao Feng's gaze met Liu Chen's, and he could see the subtle challenge in the other boy's eyes. "It's just a part-time job that pays well. Nothing too impressive," he replied, keeping his tone casual. He didn't owe them an explanation, and he wasn't about to offer one.The atmosphere grew a bit awkward as Xiao Chi shifted in her seat, clearly not pleased with the turn of conversation. She was used to being the center of attention, and the focus on Xiao Feng was grating on her nerves. "Well, Haicheng is far away. It must be tough to come all the way here," she said, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Are you sure you're not just trying to impress us?"Xiao Feng met her gaze calmly. "Not at all, Xiao Chi. I came because Aunt Mei invited me. It's been a while since we all spent time together."Aunt Mei, sensing the undercurrent of tension between the two, quickly intervened. "I'm just happy you could visit, Xiao Feng. It's been too long since we've all been together. But I do worry… Living in Haicheng must be challenging, even if you are earning money.""It has its challenges," Xiao Feng admitted, "but I'm managing. I've made some good connections and things are working out."His vague response didn't entirely satisfy his aunt, but she chose not to press further. Instead, she shifted the conversation to lighter topics, asking about his life in Haicheng and what he liked most about the city. They talked about everything from the bustling city life to the food, with Aunt Mei eagerly listening to every word.After spending a few hours catching up and exchanging stories, Xiao Feng glanced at the clock. The time had flown by faster than he realized. "It's been really nice spending time with you all, but I should probably get going. I have to be back in Haicheng for college tomorrow."Aunt Mei's face fell slightly at his words. "Oh, can't you stay a few more days? It's so rare that we get to see you. You could even take a break from your studies for a little—you've been working so hard."Xiao Feng's expression softened at her request. "I'd love to, Aunt Mei, but I can't afford to miss any more classes. Plus, I've got some important things to take care of back in Haicheng."He didn't mention that the "important things" involved cultivating in an environment with far richer spiritual energy than this town could offer. The thin spiritual energy here made it difficult to progress, and he didn't want to waste any more time.Aunt Mei sighed, understanding that his mind was made up. "Alright, but promise me you'll visit again soon. Don't be a stranger, Xiao Feng.""Of course, Aunt Mei," Xiao Feng said with a smile. "I'll make sure to visit whenever I can."As he stood up to leave, Xiao Feng noticed Xiao Chi and Liu Chen exchanging glances. There was something unreadable in Xiao Chi's expression—perhaps a hint of annoyance that he wasn't staying longer. Liu Chen, on the other hand, seemed curious about something."Need a ride back to Haicheng?" Liu Chen offered suddenly, his tone friendly but with an edge of challenge.Xiao Feng smiled, appreciating the gesture but knowing it was unnecessary. "Thanks, but I drove here myself."His words seemed to catch them off guard. Xiao Chi's expression twisted slightly in disbelief. "You have a car?"Xiao Feng didn't respond immediately, simply nodding as he walked towards the door. Aunt Mei followed him, still looking somewhat worried but also proud of how much he'd grown. Xiao Chi and Liu Chen followed, more out of curiosity than anything else.When Xiao Feng opened the door and stepped outside, they all froze in surprise. Parked in front of the house was Xiao Feng's sleek, black sports car. Its polished surface reflected the evening light, and its design exuded a sense of power and luxury.Liu Chen's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the car. "Is that… a sports car?" he muttered, almost to himself. "I don't know much about cars, but even I can tell that's worth more than fifty million…"Xiao Chi's jaw dropped, and she turned to Xiao Feng with a mixture of shock and disbelief. "You… you drive this?"Xiao Feng simply smiled. "It gets me where I need to go," he replied nonchalantly.Aunt Mei looked at the car, then back at Xiao Feng, her worry deepening slightly. "Xiao Feng, this must have cost a fortune… Are you really doing alright?"Xiao Feng stepped towards the car and opened the door, turning back to face them. "I'm doing just fine, Aunt Mei. You don't need to worry about me. I'll be back to visit again soon."He got into the car and started the engine, the powerful roar echoing through the quiet street. Xiao Feng gave them one last nod before pulling away, leaving them standing there in stunned silence.As the car disappeared into the distance, Liu Chen finally broke the silence. "Your cousin… he's not what I expected."Xiao Chi nodded slowly, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the mystery that was Xiao Feng. "Yeah… He's full of surprises."Aunt Mei watched the car fade away, her heart swelling with a mixture of pride and concern. Xiao Feng had grown into a man far different from the boy she had once known. Stronger, more mysterious… and clearly more successful than she had ever imagined.But as much as she was proud of him, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his story than he was letting on.The night deepened as they returned to the house, each lost in their thoughts, trying to understand the enigma that was Xiao Feng. For Xiao Feng, the road back to Haicheng was one filled with clarity. The path he had chosen was not an easy one, but it was his to walk. The roar of the car's engine fading into the distance, Xiao Feng drove towards the city lights of Haicheng with a newfound sense of purpose. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but Xiao Feng was ready. He was no longer the boy who needed protection; he was a cultivator forging his path in a world that had yet to realize his full potential.And as he sped through the night, one thing was certain—this was just the beginning.