Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

Several days had passed since the scuffle at the academy. Xiao Mochi had not gone to the Xu family estate or to the residences of the Minister or Vice Minister of War to inquire about the matter. It was as if the incident had never happened, leaving Chen Suya unaware that her son had beaten up the sons of three high-ranking officials. Meanwhile, as punishment for their involvement in the fight, Xu Ming and the others were ordered to copy the first ten pages of The Analects a hundred times.

Originally, this had nothing to do with Qin Qingwan. However, she declared, "I want to share in Brother Ming's hardships," and joined in copying. Actually, Xu Ming wanted to say, "You don't need to copy a hundred times separately—help me with fifty and we're good."

Since then, during lessons, Xu Pangda began tagging along with Xu Ming and Qin Qingwan to and from school. The once-lonely Xu Xiaopang was no longer alone; he had made friends with Xu Ming and Qin Qingwan.

Ever since that day when Xu Pangda declared, "I want to become a great, great official," he had been studying even harder. The timid little chubby boy even started seeking out Mr. Xiao after class to ask questions. Not only did this surprise the other students, but even Xu Ming felt conflicted.

In martial arts, he had the competitive "curly-haired goose" driving him to improve. In academics, he had the diligent Xu Xiaopang as his rival. Truly, no matter the field, there would always be someone pushing the limits. Yet deep down, Xu Ming felt more pride than anything else because Xu Xiaopang's eyes now sparkled with purpose during class.

Every day, Xu Pangda would also spend his pocket money buying snacks for Xu Ming and Qin Qingwan. He often watched Xu Ming eat with a silly grin on his face.

"What are you smiling about?" Xu Ming asked.

Scratching his nose in embarrassment, Xu Pangda replied, "I don't know… It just makes me happy to see you eating the food I bought."

Xu Ming began to worry. Could this kid be some scheming 'Zero'?

Aside from buying food, Xu Pangda would often bring homemade pastries from his mother to share with Xu Ming. Every time, he claimed, "These are leftovers. It'd be a waste to throw them away, so Mother said I should give them to you." Yet, the pastries were always warm and freshly made.

One day, Xu Ming asked about the relationship between Xu Pangda and his mother.

Xu Pangda said his mother wasn't as distant as before. She even asked about his studies occasionally, peeled a pear for him once, and smiled—something he hadn't seen in a long time.

Xu Ming simply nodded, thinking that the First Madam had likely let go of the "hereditary title" that weighed on her mind.

Sometimes, letting go really does make life easier.

One day, the boys Xu Ming had beaten up before—Xiong Haizhi and his gang—refused to accept defeat and came looking for another fight. Once again, they ended up flat on the ground, defeated. From then on, those three would steer clear of Xu Ming whenever they saw him.

It wasn't just them. Even other kids at the academy seemed to fear Xu Ming.

Xu Ming began to wonder if he had unknowingly become the class bully?!

Three months passed without incident. This time, Xu Ming was fully prepared when he challenged the curly-haired goose to another duel in the courtyard. After a fierce battle, Xu Ming finally avoided being pinned under the goose. It was a draw.

Another three months went by.

Xu Ming fought the Tianxuan Goose once again. This time, he managed to pin the goose under him, clutching its neck and declaring victory.

[Congratulations! You have defeated your childhood nemesis, the Tianxuan Goose, and unlocked the achievement: Goose Rider. Strength +100, Agility +100, Avian Combat Experience +500.]

Xu Ming sat atop the Tianxuan Goose, basking in the joy of victory and relishing the newfound strength from his stat boost. He had never felt this exhilarated in his entire life! While Xu Ming reveled in his triumph, the defeated goose, Xiao Bai, was utterly crestfallen.

It lowered its head and trudged back to its nest, its long neck drooping against the ground and its wings sprawled limply to either side, looking like it had lost all will to live.

The Tianxuan Goose simply couldn't understand. It had been secretly training every morning while Xu Ming was in class—how could he still have caught up and overtaken it? That day, Xiao Bai was so upset it couldn't even eat.

But its dejection only lasted a day.

The very next morning, the Tianxuan Goose resolved to rise stronger than ever and reclaim its title as the boss of Xiaochun Courtyard. From then on, whenever Xu Ming returned home, he would see Xiao Bai running laps around the courtyard with a stone strapped to its back.

Xu Ming couldn't help but wonder if the goose would eventually take on human form. If it did, would it turn into a muscle-bound woman with eight-pack abs and a burly physique?

Shaking his head vigorously, Xu Ming banished the absurd image from his mind.

Another seven months passed.

Unknowingly, Xu Ming had reached his sixth birthday—and so had Qin Qingwan. On this day, both the Qin and Xu households bustled with activity as they celebrated Qin Qingwan's birthday.

That evening, as was their yearly tradition, Lady Qin and Qin Qingwan came to Xiaochun Courtyard to celebrate Xu Ming's birthday as well.

However, there were two unexpected visitors this time: Wang Feng and Xu Pangda.

"I was out for a stroll with Pangda and happened to pass by," Lady Wang said, carrying a gift in her hand. "He mentioned it was Xu Ming's birthday and insisted on stopping by. I didn't mind, so here we are."

Lady Wang's tone was casual, but both Chen Suya and Lady Qin could see through her pretense. Smiling knowingly, they quickly invited her inside without exposing her awkward pride.

To be honest, Xu Ming thought Lady Wang looked far more radiant now than she had five years ago, ever since relinquishing the title of Duke of the State of Xu. Of course, she had always been beautiful—how else could she have given birth to someone as exquisitely lovely as Xu Xuenuo?

During the celebration, Qin Qingwan and Xu Ming exchanged gifts. Even the Tianxuan Goose contributed, plucking one of its own feathers to give as a birthday present.

Qin Qingwan and Xu Ming had also prepared a special gift for Xu Xuenuo. Along with everyone else's offerings—including the carefully selected feather from the goose—their gift had been packaged and sent to the Wan Jian Sect long in advance. Whether Xu Xuenuo had received it remained unknown.

As the hour grew late, Lady Qin and Lady Wang departed, taking Qin Qingwan and Xu Pangda home. Chen Suya escorted them to the gate. The Tianxuan Goose returned to its nest to sleep, and Xu Ming, after washing up, began heading back to his room.

But just then, two flying swords streaked across the night sky—one landing in the Qin residence, the other descending into Xiaochun Courtyard.

The second sword hovered in front of Xu Ming, a small package tied to it.

Xu Ming retrieved the package, and with a sharp whoosh, the sword shot skyward, vanishing into the night.

Opening the package, he found a box. Inside was a small peachwood sword, perfectly sized for a six-year-old like him.

A note was tucked inside the box.

Unfolding the note, Xu Ming read its contents:

"A birthday gift for Qingwan. Accidentally made an extra one. If you don't want it, just throw it away."

Xu Ming couldn't help but smile as he tucked the peachwood sword away. Shaking his head, he muttered, "To think you're aiming to become a sword immortal, yet still so adorably stubborn."