Inside the gatehouse, two servants sat idly with an air of indifference toward their so-called young master. With mocking voices they said Old Master would soon die, showing a gloating cruelty. “You mustn’t speak such things!” The pale child’s thin body trembled; large eyes filled with tears – his heart held sorrow beyond mere sadness, a despair at losing the last of his kin. How could he bear life without Grandfather? And these wicked servants… what would become of him then?
“You’re just existing like this, sickly boy,” one servant sneered. “You’re better off dying too once we’ve laid the old man to rest.”
“Enough said. It’s only a matter of time – his face screams short-lived wretch anyway.” A second servant chuckled cruelly.
“I will never forgive you!” Tears spilling, the boy limped down the lonely corridors of the vast estate, guided only by the crumbling architecture and howling winds rattling decrepit windows. Eventually he reached a wide courtyard, opening a dilapidated maple-wood door that had long lost its paint. “Grandfather…”
Upon an ancient bed lay a silver-haired elder, face pale as parchment, breath shallow. Eyes dull, they betrayed none of their former glory as leader of men.
“Child… if I pass, my only worry is leaving you behind.” His shaking arm finally brushed against the boy’s small hand.
“Grandfather! You won’t die!”
“Don’t cry, child,” rough fingers traced tears on the child’s pale cheek, warm tears trailing down age-old wrinkles.
“Please don’t go! What will happen to me if you leave?” Desperate hands clenched tight in desperation, refusing to let go. Ancient eyes blinked slowly – words failed him now.
Outside, unseen tears glinted in tiny black eyes. Quietly slipping into the estate after days observing its weakness, Little One entered. Wiping tears he whispered, “Grandfather…” The pale child jumped back in shock.
Dazed in his final hours, the elderly man struggled to comprehend. Why had fate sent him a child he’d never seen before calling himself grandson?
“I’m the little one from back then – come to see you again!” Through the Willow God’s power, Xiao Shi witnessed how kindly these exiled elders had treated his family – this frail youth by the bedside being placed here in his place all those years ago.
Eyes flew open, a spark reigniting in dim pupils. “Are you really…him?” Though weak, urgency surged in his voice.
“Yes! I came to visit!” Clasping his wrinkled hand tightly, Xiao Shi whispered, “And now, I possess thirty thousand jin strength in a single arm!”
As though sensing something, the old hand tugged feebly.
“Yes! Only from one arm!” Golden tears shimmered as Xiao Shi squeezed harder.
Suddenly energy returned – like some miraculous afterglow. Laughing joyously, tears of happiness rolled freely. No regrets clung anymore – just peace.
Xiao Shi knew: this light burnt brightly only because the lamp approached extinction. Not even divine elixirs could restore vitality now.
This departed soul was blood-brother to Stone Haos’ grandfather – true kindness in stark contrast to those cold-hearted elites of the imperial court.
“Grandfather…”
The old eyes sought the fragile young one beside the bed, summoning enough strength to clutch his hand before turning toward Xiao Shi – lips shaping desire to clasp both together, yet muscles failing.
Tearfully, Xiao Shi bridged the distance between them, pressing small hands within worn palm, whispering fiercely: “Rest easy, Grandfather – I promise to protect him.”
A single tear traced the elder’s weathered face, falling in contentment as spirit left flesh. Peace graced his expression – release fulfilled.
Both boys cried uncontrollably. Xiao Shi eventually pulled away, muttering soft comfort before vanishing into night.
Two days passed; funeral rites conducted under moonlight. Prostrate, the pale child screamed grief-stricken at fresh soil while unfeeling servants dragged away writhing forms, unconscious repeatedly. Two faithful retainers bore him back inside eventually.
Watching hidden within woods, silent sobs shook Xiao Shi. He visited the grave once deserted, speaking heartfelt prayers respectfully.
Evening returned.
“My Young Master, mind your twisted foot,” those evil servants jeered louder than ever. “What harm can a pitiful cripple bring now with all masters gone? They’ll probably finish him off any day.”
“You…” Blood drained from angry features, wide eyes crimsoned.
Old retainer barked furiously: “Speak respectfully to our young Lord!”
“A *lord*?” spat the servant. “This crumbling prison holds no nobility! Calling him ‘Master’ was nothing but flattery!”
Incensed retainers pulled trembling boy out into darkness.
Later within candlelit room: “Do you have any last wishes now?”
“I miss Blackie and her cubs.”
Understanding solitude perfectly – for wasn’t this the very pain of having faced exile alone? Xiao Shi nodded. “Must we punish the gatehouse pair?”
“I want to but… better leave it be.”
“Screech!” Fuzzball shrieked indignantly. Observant rodent saw clearly.
“Fuzzball – you deal with it.” While needing to investigate who bribed staff, Xiao Shi understood darker forces worked beneath. Retribution waited not!
“Forget everything here! Come join the Healing Vault where no more hurt shall touch you.”
During darkest hour: monstrous form darkened mansion silhouettes – horned beast three meters tall gleamed gold with mighty wings beating skyward. Capable glyph-weavers lacking primal core power, much like unicorns.
Riding atop: fist-sized miniature monster zipped lightning-fast into darkness – golden orb incarnate.
No-one expected the golden beast would obey anyone!
*Crash!* Towering bear smote shackles into splinters with massive paw – awakening terrified sleepers under drooling jaws!
Thud upon victims pinned below weighty posterior – crunch echoed through shattered limbs.
Upper halves protruded bloodied ruin while lower vanished in red paste.
“Howl!” Cries tore night as estate awakened to horror!
Golden monster devoured limb after limb before rising triumphantly, licking gore-coated paws mid-flight disappearance across ink-sky.
“Wounded legs – fitting punishment!” Even villagers cursed: “Deserved!”
Fuzzball waved smugly.
“That… harsh, buddy.”
Small shadow spoke, recalling whispers past: “Gatehouse hooligans merely puppets for real villains. Outside dwell terrifying foes!”
“You needn’t fear!” Small fist clenched. Already he plotted revenge—whether House Shih or unknown adversary mattered not!
“But…they are extremely dangerous.”
“Not always necessary to fight titans head-on.” Remembering endless struggles against monsters made Xiao Shi smile sheepishly. “Let me handle it all – anyone daring western frontier now shall suffer dread fates soon enough!”
Little One smiled resolutely.
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