C26 Let's Go

The next morning, Hanyu Xiaotian rubbed the sleep from his eyes and slowly climbed out of bed. "I haven't had such a peaceful night's sleep in a long time." Oddly enough, during his three months at the Library, he'd barely slept a total of ten times, yet he felt no fatigue in mind or body.

While he was freshening up, a beep sounded, and his Holo-Brain activated on its own. "Activate," Hanyu Xiaotian commanded.

"Hanyu Xiaotian, identity confirmed. The Family Scripture Pavilion will open today at noon. Please ensure you arrive punctually. The optimal departure time is in three hours, and the detailed route has been uploaded to your Holo-Brain. Please review it."

"The moment has finally arrived!" Even someone as composed as Hanyu Xiaotian couldn't suppress a surge of excitement.

The journey of the great path is fraught with challenges and perils, with life-threatening dangers lurking at every turn. In these tumultuous times, countless formidable predecessors have perished in pursuit of the Dao. Hanyu Xiaotian didn't consider himself superior to those who came before him; in fact, he acknowledged that his starting point was somewhat disadvantaged.

"The pursuit of the Dao inevitably requires the means to conquer demons! I've earned the right to enter, now all I need is the key. Scripture Pavilion... I'm filled with anticipation!"

"Mom, I'm setting out."

"So soon? Wait for me, I'll accompany you," Xia Xiaodie said, concerned her son might face bullying. While most wouldn't dare to cross them out of respect for Hanyu Zhan'an's lineage, there were always those who would show disrespect.

"There's no need, Mom. The family rules clearly state that no one but the practitioner is allowed at the trial. You can only come to meet me when it's over. Don't worry, I'll bring back good news!" With that, Hanyu Xiaotian turned and strode away.

"Sigh, I just hope it is good news. No, I should go early. Brother Zhan is returning tomorrow, and we'll go together. We'll even bring Grandpa Tian Er. I'd like to see who would dare bully Tian Er right under our watch!"

Following the directions on his Holo-Brain, Hanyu Xiaotian arrived at the Scripture Pavilion square well ahead of time. He had thought he was early, but to his surprise, many had come even earlier.

Surveying the square, he saw fifty to sixty teenagers, all around his age. The oldest were thirteen or fourteen, having missed the previous opening of the Scripture Pavilion. Now, they were entering together. The older family members had their chance last time and were not permitted to enter again.

The Hanyu Family had a strict rule: each family member was allowed only one opportunity to enter the Scripture Pavilion. Those who had entered before and either came away empty-handed or were dissatisfied with their gains were not allowed a second chance.

The younger family juniors, appearing to be six or seven years old, looked tender but had already begun cultivating their internal energy. This was their chance to seize an early opportunity for advancement. After all, the earlier one begins martial arts training, the better. Even if their physical foundations were still developing, they could be strengthened over time. The sooner one starts, the more practice they accumulate, making it easier to reach advanced levels in the future.

"Comparison really is the thief of joy," Hanyu Xiaotian sighed, unable to help himself.