The Morning of Departure

Warm sunlight streamed through the wooden shutters, brushing across the floor in quiet golden waves. Birds sang gently in the forest beyond, and the smell of sweet spirit rice drifted through the air.

Lin Yuan stirred awake, blinking slowly. His head rested on something soft and warm.

"Awake already, my little cub?" a gentle voice purred above him.

He looked up to see Lady Mingyan, his tiger demoness mother—smiling down at him. Her long tawny hair cascaded over her shoulder, eyes full of pride and affection. Her lap cradled him like a nest.

Lin Yuan sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. "Did I fall asleep outside again?"

"You trained too hard," she said, brushing a leaf from his hair. "You earned the rest."

After washing up in the backyard spring—its waters fed by a natural spirit vein—Lin Yuan dressed in fresh robes laid out by Lady An. The cool fabric clung to his newly strengthened frame.

Training was beginning to change him.

Inside, the family had already gathered for breakfast. A warm table full of steamed buns, roasted herbs, and spiritual beast eggs awaited him.

Lady Baihua poured tea with elegant fingers. Lady Fengyan, the golden rock bird, carefully carved thin slices of dried fruit for Qingxue and Xiao Hu.

"Lin Yuan, it's time. Today, you begin your journey."

He paused. "To... the Flowing Sky Pavilion?"

She nodded. "Take Xiao Hu and Qingxue with you. Say they are your spiritual pet and bonded companion."

Lady Baihua added, "You will go as yourself. Be proud of who you are."

Lin Yuan blinked. "And what about all of you?"

Lady Mingyan reached forward and placed a jade pendant on a red string around his neck.

"We'll stay hidden in this pocket dimension, linked to your soul. If danger comes, we'll be near. But this path... you must walk with your own feet."

---

Word of Lin Yuan's departure had already reached the village. When he and his siblings arrived at the village gate, dozens of familiar faces awaited them.

Old Master Heng, the village blacksmith, stepped forward and pressed a small charm of hammered copper into Lin Yuan's hand. "For protection. Not enchanted, but made with heart."

A shy girl with pigtails rushed up and gave him a pouch of dried plum candy. "For when you miss home!"

An old herbalist tucked a tiny gourd into his robe. "It's empty now. Someday, you'll fill it with something rare."

A boy barely older than five ran over barefoot, clutching a string of wooden beads. "My papa says you're strong! So you don't need this. But... just in case."

A stooped granny handed him a folded piece of embroidered cloth. "Your mother once stitched this for luck. I kept it safe."

Qingxue and Xiao Hu helped carry the pile of trinkets and tokens, while Lin Yuan bowed deeply. "I'll carry your blessings with me."

An old craftsman handed him a luck charm. Children offered wildflowers. The village elder stepped forward with solemn dignity.

"Lin Yuan. You were never an ordinary boy. Gifted with strength and heart—today, you walk the path of destiny."

"Travel well, Yuan'er!"

"Don't forget your home!"

"Come back strong and proud!"

"Thank you. I'll come back... when I can stand among the stars."

He turned to the road, his little brother and sister beside him, the pendant warm against his chest, the memories of home behind him.

As they passed the forest bend, Lin Yuan didn't look back. Behind him, three powerful mothers watched quietly from within the jade pendant.

Ahead of him, the road to Flowing Sky Pavilion shimmered with possibility.