"Are you Yan Xiaobao?" A voice suddenly sounded from behind him. Yan Xiaobao quickly turned around to see a burly man with a kind face. He was wearing the uniform of a Lilu City guard, and there was no sense of danger around him.
"Please follow me. The young master has requested that you be brought to him as soon as you return." He explained politely, leading him towards the tent at the center of the camp.
Yan Xiaobao was surprised to see where he was being taken, but he dared not say anything. Lan Feng was hiding in the Qi Cave, hoping not to be noticed by any of the distinguished experts stationed in the camp, and he was also very silent.
"Yan Xiaobao!" As the young boy entered the tent, a familiar voice called out, and Yan Xiaobao dazedly looked at Rong Ming.
Rong Ming was now twelve years old. He sat behind a table in the middle of the tent, accompanied by an elderly man. They seemed to be discussing matters concerning the Magic Forest. A map was spread out on the table, with several markers randomly placed.
"I’m sorry I couldn’t come to greet you this time," he said apologetically. As he spoke, Yan Xiaobao noticed that the middle-aged man beside him was clearly assessing him. This man was certainly no less formidable than Lord Rong Liang.
However, the man quickly withdrew his gaze and turned back to the many different scrolls on the table. This made Yan Xiaobao breathe a sigh of relief.
"I’m in charge of the beast hunting this year." Rong Ming proudly explained, "Father has business in the city and decided to let me learn something about managing a team of soldiers. This is Bu Huang. He’s father’s counselor, helping me during this trip." Rong Ming explained while gesturing to the middle-aged man.
Yan Xiaobao quickly clasped his hands, took a deep bow, and then said in a trembling voice, "Yan Xiaobao greets your esteemed counselor."
His actions seemed to earn Bubu’s approval, as he nodded in response. "However," Rong Ming continued, this time with a slightly somber expression, "I have many matters that require my attention. Therefore, I won’t be able to entertain you this month." Yan Xiaobao nodded before replying.
"This humble one is just a poor child. The young master should focus on his responsibilities." Bu Huang’s eyes were filled with growing approval, and Rong Ming gave Yan Xiaobao a sad smile before nodding himself.
"At least have dinner with us!" Rong Ming suddenly exclaimed, and Bubu nodded. Yan Xiaobao had no choice but to agree, and the three of them prepared for the banquet.
During dinner, Rong Ming talked incessantly. He spoke of the past year and how he had reached the second star of the Disciple Team. Rong Xing had just attained the third star, but she possessed rather incredible talent. Yan Xiaobao sensed that he bore no jealousy towards his sister and was proud of her talents.
Yan Xiaobao enjoyed the evening and the food. When he realized that Rong Ming wouldn’t be able to break from his training next month, he cherished the moment even more. After saying his goodbyes, he happily headed towards a small lake at the forest’s edge.
It was summer, hot and humid. Yan Xiaobao had been training all day, and although it was late, he really wanted to have a bath before heading home.
The still water cooled, each drop washing the sweat and grime from Yan Xiaobao’s skin. His long white hair shimmered under the moonlight, and his blue eyes sparkled with satisfaction. Yan Xiaobao was as stunning as a fairy.
"Someone is watching you," Lan Feng commented softly, prompting Yan Xiaobao to turn his head towards the forest. He was initially worried, but upon noticing who it was, a smile appeared on his face.
"Mrs. Rong Xing," he said, his childish voice filled with happiness. He quickly got out of the water and headed towards his clothes, seeing the shocked expression on Rong Xing’s adorable face.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, puzzled. Perhaps she had noticed something? He thought, though he was slightly apprehensive.
"You are... you’re a boy?" she asked, her fair skin embarrassingly turning crimson. Yan Xiaobao looked at her with a confused expression, which shocked Rong Xing even more.
"Of course?" he answered, perplexed. Why would someone need to explain their gender? However, upon reflection, he realized that people always referred to him as Yan Xiaobao, never discussing his gender.
"Lan Feng..." he spoke in a trembling voice, "Don’t tell me Rong Ming thinks I’m a girl..."
Lan Feng had only a moment to respond before a vibrant laughter erupted suddenly from the trees. Yan Xiaobao watched as Rong Xing laughed heartily, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"This is perfect," she giggled, trying to stifle her laughter. "I’ll visit you tomorrow when you’re on the mountain," Rong Xing laughed, turning back to the camp, leaving Yan Xiaobao and Lan Feng behind.
"The Rong Family is truly chaotic," Lan Feng finally said before the two returned home.
Rong Xing entered the central tent, seeing Rong Ming and Bubu discussing the list of Magic Beast cores they expected to purchase on this trip, and then she burst into laughter.
Her laughter made Rong Ming look at her.
"Where have you been?" he asked curiously, since Rong Xing rarely left the camp.
"I met Yan Xiaobao," she replied with a voice full of happiness. Rong Ming’s expression changed suddenly, and he smiled at his twin sister.
"Do you like Yan Xiaobao?" his voice slightly nervous as he asked, keeping his gaze fixed on Rong Xing’s face. When Rong Ming saw his sister nod, a sense of relief washed over him.
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