Chapter 301: Soto City
Mo Chen gave a final nod and added, "Alright, we move out in half an hour. Make it quick, old man."
The old man nodded and rushed off with surprising speed, heading straight to the little girl’s house. Fifteen minutes later, he returned with the girl, now dressed in a cleaner, slightly aged but tidy dress. Her hair was neatly combed, and she clutched a small cloth bundle in her hands.
The old man led her over to Dave and the others. Kneeling down, he gently pushed her forward and said, "Please take care of her, young masters. She’s shy, but hardworking. Her parents have agreed... and they send their thanks."
The little girl looked up at Dave with wide, grateful eyes, and Dave gave her a reassuring smile.
"Work hard," the old man said to the girl, his voice slightly trembling. "Do your best, and maybe one day, you’ll shine brighter than any noble."
Mo Chen nodded respectfully, then turned. "Alright, everyone, let’s move out."
As they began their journey to Soto City, Mo Chen pulled out a scroll and began writing a report to his superior at Spirit Hall. In it, he claimed that an unfortunate accident had occurred, preventing him from continuing his duties. He requested that another Spirit Master be assigned to his local post as a replacement.
It was a perfect lie—crafted to protect the truth.
Mo Chen knew exactly what kind of world they lived in. The eight newcomers weren’t ordinary children. They were special—exceptional even. And if news of their existence leaked too soon, one of two things would happen: they would either be forcibly recruited into powerful factions... or be hunted down and eliminated if they refused.
He wasn’t going to let that happen. Not to these kids.
The winding road leading away from the village was narrow but well-trodden, flanked by sloping grasslands and small groves of whispering trees. A single carriage—old but sturdy—rolled slowly across the path, drawn by a pair of muscular spirit beasts resembling oxen. Mo Chen rode on the front bench, reins in one hand, staff strapped across his back. The children—now in their six-year-old forms but possessing far greater awareness—sat inside the carriage. The White Shore Lily girl sat quietly near Shuri, wide-eyed and amazed.
"First time leaving the village?" Shuri asked gently.