The man lowered his bamboo hat, revealing a youthful face. The man seemed to be in his twenties as he gave off a vigorous presence, contrasting with William’s decaying presence. His eyes were two deep pools of calm, filling the surrounding air with a serene, sagely majesty.

His head had not a sign of hair as it reflected the light from the sun overhead like a mirror. He wore loose saffron robes underneath his cloak. A garland of beads sat on his neck. The only thing that stood out was a lone scar that ran down from the top of his head down to his forehead, stopping just above his right eyebrow.

Samuel squinted his eyes as he gave the man a probing look, attempting to sense his Arcana and Ki.

In turn, the man looked at William before shaking his head, “You really are this bastard and Lady Aria’s son after all.”

Black lines ran across William’s forehead as he grumbled, “Zhu, cut it out. I’m still here. Don’t drag my name through the mud in front of the kids.”

“Well, who doesn’t know the deeds of Master William and his companions?” Zhu retorted. “From conning and plundering to flirting around with ladies and pr—”

“Enough Zhu. Don’t make me regret asking you for this,” William spoke as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Also, don’t you dare remind Aria of this or I’ll make you regret opening your mouth.”

“That aside,” Zhu spoke solemnly. “Seems like he really died this time. That graveless cockroach. There was no news after that whatsoever.”

William’s expression dimmed. He sighed bitterly, “He walked towards his own death. And I… I couldn’t stop him.” His despairing eyes turned gentle, his gaze having a new spirit. “Well, instead of following suit, I have better things to do. Certain matters and certain people to take care of. Wouldn’t you agree?”

A kind and peaceful smile stretched across his face. However, what Zhu saw behind that smile was a devil waiting patiently for the day to tear the world apart.

Zhu shivered a little as he forced out a smile, “For that, you would have to stand back on your own two feet again. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“That’s… I can’t deny that.” William’s brow twitched as he asked, “Why so aggressive today? Did something happen? Or did you get dumped again?”

“C’mon William, you know I can’t get a wife. I’m a saint.” Zhu replied.

Cheerfully, William retorted, “Ah yes, you’re a saint! With a few special ‘talents’, that is. Won’t you agree?”

Zhu coughed twice before saying, “William, a bit less aggressive in front of these kids. I also have an image to maintain. And I would need it for what’s coming.”

At his remark, William looked at the kids. Looking at their dumbfounded expressions, he made introductions.

“Kids, this ‘Nobly Dignified Saint’ here is a Shi Ke Zhu. Surprisingly, despite all the bull—nonsense—he spouts, he is one of the current sages, holder of the title of Weapon’s Sage for some bizarre reason. He will be the one you will be spending your time training with.” His voice turned a tone fainter as he whispered loud enough to let all present there, “Do remember to be careful when around him. He isn’t as pure as he seems.”

Zhu elbowed William as he argued, “Hey, you make me out to be a bad guy here.”

“You speak like you were a pure man to begin with.” William retorted.

At the remark, Zhu couldn’t help but laugh out, causing the saintly air around him to disperse into nowhere.

“D-dad,” Samuel hesitated for a moment, but continued, “His name sounds odd. Is he someone from far away?”

“That he is. He is from the north. A brute through and through. Barbaric and unreasonable. Prefers to use his head to smash anything and everything.”

Irritated, Zhu shot back, “Damn you, I prefer my sword instead—screw you.”

William gave Zhu a mocking look before pointing towards Samuel, pride flickering in his eyes.

“This is Samuel. My son.”

Zhu walked ahead and inspected Samuel from head to toe. After eyeing him for a while, his eyes went wide as he exclaimed, “He is… he… how old is this brat?”

Samuel’s eyes brightened for an instant before turning awkward. Shame dripped down his face as he regretfully said, “Sorry, uncle. I am not into men. Please try your luck elsewhere. As for my age… I am 10 this aevis. So, please restrain yourself.”

Giving William a glare, Zhu nodded while complementing, “He is the son of Lady Aria, after all. A three circle mage at this young an age.” He sighed heavily before he continued, “Still, it’s a shame you corrupted him with your wretched ways.”

Both Samuel and William produced wry smiles while looking to the side at the remark while rubbing the bridges of their respective noses.

“Like father, like son.” Zhu shook his head before turning his gaze towards the black-haired boy to the side. “Who’s this fella? The one you told me about?”

William nodded as he replied, “Yeah, he‘s the one. Now, you have seen what he is currently capable of. And I can assure that he reached this in barely a month. Although there were a few complications involved, as I told you earlier.”

Zhu inspected Zack, his brows furrowed. After a while, his expression turned serious as he spoke, “This kid, and aura of—”

“Okay kids,” William clapped, interrupting Zhu. Giving the bald man a meaningful look, he continued, “Now that we did the introductions, greet your new teacher. In our empire, it’s tradition to treat teachers like you treat your family.”

Zhu, having understood that he misspoke, quieted as he followed William’s lead and assumed an imperious posture.

A smirk appeared behind Samuel’s warm expression as he greeted, “Good-morning teacher. I mean, good-afternoon. I hope you are doing well today and will stay in good health for a long time to come.”

“That I am and will,” Zhu spoke, pleased with himself. Looking at Samuel, he saw him hesitating as he spoke, “What’s on your mind, kid? Go ahead and speak freely.”

“Uh… Teacher…” Samuel hesitated a little. He took in a deep breath as he spoke, “I have heard that in north-eastern mountains, there is a certain tradition. Although I am not quite sure about how to ask about it. Mostly because I feel it to be… a bit out of line at our first meeting.”

Zhu’s brows rose in admiration as he praised, “Quite impressive. Unlike your father, you seem to have studied about other regions as well. Including our north-eastern mountains.”

“Mom nagged—I mean taught—me about it in my free time, saying that it would be useful if I wanted to pursue the path of an adventurer and travel the vast world.”

Unable to contain his curiosity, Zhu asked, “So, what is it?”

Samuel’s smile thickened as he sneaked a look towards William.

‘Looks like he is asking whether to continue or not. Well, I did tell him to get into trouble so he can grow faster. More than that, I want to see what he’ll do. Poor Zhu. No, it’s his karma for cursing at me. He deserves it. Yes, it’s his own actions coming to bite him in the ass. He is repenting for his own mistakes.’ William thought self-righteously. Raising his chin, he gestured Samuel to continue, his own eyes filled with anticipation as he laughed inside on his old friend’s misfortune.