All eyes turned to Shi Min, their anticipation palpable. "We are about to board the plane," he announced, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group with a steely determination. "The most important person to protect is Shun."
A wave of confusion rippled through the trainees. They exchanged bewildered glances, murmuring among themselves. ’Shouldn’t it be Master Chu Yan, the Supreme Commander’s husband? Surely, his life holds more weight.’
Shi Min’s eyes blazed with unyielding resolve as he raised a hand for silence. "Do everything to ensure his safety," he reiterated, his voice resonating with an undeniable urgency. "And remember, nothing must happen to him during this training. His safety is paramount."
Shun stood on the periphery, feeling a rush of heat flood his cheeks. His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of embarrassment and bewilderment swirling within him. Four Eyes was his future father-in-law, the great Master Chu Yan, who commanded respect and admiration from all. How could his life be deemed more important? The honor felt both immense and overwhelming.
Four Eyes calm and knowing gaze met Shun’s, a silent reassurance passing between them. Shun nodded subtly, though his mind raced with the gravity of the situation. He squared his shoulders, determined to live up to the responsibility thrust upon him.
Shun couldn’t help but feel the weight of their collective expectation pressing down on him. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. This training was not just about survival—it was a test of his worthiness, his strength, and his readiness to stand by the Supreme Commander’s side and Otako’s trust in him.
Shi Min turned to Jack, handing him a solemn responsibility. "Little Jack, I am now formally turning over your group to you. You are their official leader. Aside from Master Shun, you have three other Masters in your group. Their safety is in your hands."
Jack straightened, saluting with unwavering determination. "Yes, Grand Master."
Ling Li approached her children before boarding. "Ren, Lily. Your brother and I will be back after we’ve taken them to the mountain."
Lily looked at her mother, her eyes silently pleading. Ling Li nodded, understanding without words. Lily then ran to Fatty, hugging him tightly.
Fatty was momentarily taken aback but quickly wrapped his arms around her.
"Take care, okay?" Lily said, her voice muffled against Fatty’s chest.
"I will. You take care, too," Fatty replied, kissing her on the temple. "We have to go now. Lily, I love you."
Lily’s ears turned red, and she nodded, too shy to say the words back. She let go, stepping back with a brave smile.
Ren, her eyes glistening with worry, turned to her mother. "Mom, Shun will be safe, right?"
Ling Li placed a reassuring hand on her daughter’s shoulder. "Don’t worry. Otako won’t let anything happen to Shun. And you heard Shi Min. Shun is well protected.
We need to go. Go back and rest again. I’m leaving Reginald to you.” Ling Li declared.
“Thank you, Mom; you and Brother Shi Min should take care.” Both Ren and Lily said with a wave in their hands.
As everyone boarded the plane, the weight of unsaid words hung in the air, mingling with the crisp scent of adventure ahead. Ren watched as Shun settled into his seat from the lighted cabin through the window, her heart pulling taut with every passing moment. Still, Ren held onto the belief that love could bridge any distance.
As Ling Li boarded the plane, the weight of unspoken emotions settled over the group. She found her seat next to Four Eyes, glancing back to see if everyone was settled.
The plane loomed ahead, a silent sentinel waiting to take them on a journey fraught with challenges. The hum of the plane’s engines was a constant backdrop to the lively chatter inside the cabin as they took off. The group of trainees and their mentors were seated, sharing stories and laughter to ease the tension of their upcoming mission.
“My wife wept last night when I told her we are going to the Mystical Mountain instead of Amazon,” one of the trainees said, his voice tinged with both amusement and regret.
Another chimed in, “My girlfriend asked if she could hide inside the space sack and come with me!”
The cabin erupted in laughter, the camaraderie palpable. Shun, sitting near the front, joined in with a grin. “Well, I was packing extra clothes last night; Ren thinks I should bring the whole closet!”
Shi Min, seated nearby, couldn’t help but laugh out loud. He could vividly imagine his eldest sister fussing over Shun’s packing. “Ha ha ha ha! Mom, did you hear that?” Shi Min called out.
Ling Li, who was seated a few rows back, was laughing too. “I heard it, son,” she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Turning to her husband, Ling Li said, “Honey, I prepared some warm clothes for you and put them in your ring.” She wanted to make sure Four Eyes knew he had everything he needed.
Four Eyes looked at his ring, his eyes widening in surprise at the sheer amount of items Ling Li had packed. There were clothes, his favorite snacks, and a picture of their family that caught his eye. He took it out, a soft smile spreading across his face. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel·fire·net
“Oh, you found it,” Ling Li said, a bit embarrassed. She had hoped he would discover it while they were in the mountains.
“Thank you,” Four Eyes whispered, leaning in to give her a sweet kiss.
“Did you bring the knife I gave you?” Ling Li asked, her voice soft with concern.
“Um, it has always been with me,” Four Eyes replied, patting his side where the knife was securely strapped.
Ling Li’s face lit up with relief. She remembered something important and leaned closer to him. “Honey, Shun has a powerful skill. He has learned how to use it with Shi Min’s guidance. It’s very powerful, but using it might attract other beasts around you,” she said in a low voice.
Four Eyes nodded, urging her to continue.
“Shun has firepower. He can control fire,” Ling Li explained, her voice barely above a whisper.