Tian Zhi had prepared himself for this answer. How could he not know what his son would say? After all, he knew Tian Han better than anyone.
Yes, he knew him. But still, hearing his son's decision shook him to the core. The moment Tian Han said he would leave, it felt as if a hammer had struck Tian Zhi's mind.
Of course, outwardly, he remained strong. He was a father. How could he allow himself to show his sadness and shock in front of his son?
As a father, he had to be strong. He had to be a shelter for his family in times of hardship.
With a resolute expression, he looked Tian Han in the eyes.
"So, you've decided to become an immortal. Very well, then. I will support you all the way. Go and show the immortal world what you are capable of."
Hearing these words, Tian Han's face showed both sorrow and happiness. It was a bittersweet feeling. He was sad because he was leaving his family. After all, he had never been apart from them before. He had spent every moment of his life with them, growing up under their care.
But at the same time, he was happy because he had the chance to become an immortal and fulfill his dream.
"Yes, Father! I will show them all! I will become so powerful that even immortals will have to respect you when they hear that I am your son."
Tian Zhi smiled warmly and ruffled Tian Han's hair.
"You little rascal, but first, you need to learn how to chop wood properly."
The moment Tian Zhi said this, he burst into laughter. Meanwhile, Tian Han's expression soured, clearly displeased with the remark.
Tian Zhi noticed his son's puffed-up cheeks and slightly reddened face, making him look like a little squirrel. It only made the situation funnier.
Tian Zhi laughed even harder.
"Hahahahahahahaha!"
As he laughed, he slapped his knee, glancing at Tian Han's "wronged" expression, which only made him laugh even louder.
As Tian Zhi's laughter echoed through the air, the door to the house opened, and Tian Wan stepped outside. She was about to call out to them, but she paused and watched the scene before her.
Her eyes were filled with warmth and happiness. She was watching a beautiful picture of her family—a moment that filled her heart with joy.
After watching them for a while, Tian Han noticed his mother. With his puffed-up, squirrel-like cheeks still red, he ran toward her.
"Mother, Mother! Father is bullying me!"
Tian Han jumped straight into his mother's arms. His head barely reached her waist. Pressing his face against her, he spoke in a muffled voice.
"Mother, Father is treating me badly and bullying me. Help me!"
Tian Wan looked at Tian Han, who was clinging to her waist, and at first, she wanted to laugh.
She held herself back and instead put on a stern expression.
"Dear, why are you bullying Little Han?"
The smile on Tian Zhi's face disappeared instantly, replaced by a displeased look.
"You two can't even take a joke."
He muttered, keeping his annoyed expression.
Tian Wan didn't prolong the argument. She furrowed her brows slightly and spoke.
"Fine, then. We, the ones who can't take jokes, will go eat. Meanwhile, you, the 'very funny one,' can stay here."
Hearing this, Tian Zhi immediately turned around, putting on an exaggerated, fake, teary expression as he looked at Tian Wan.
"Could my beautiful wife really be that heartless? Would she leave her hard-working, exhausted husband to starve after all his efforts? If she did, wouldn't a poor, tired man like me die of hunger?"
Tian Wan was already used to Tian Zhi's antics. He was a responsible man who never avoided work. Whenever a problem arose, he would handle it calmly and solve it efficiently.
But in moments like these, he would always joke around, ensuring that laughter filled the house.
"If you're that hungry, then hurry up and come inside."
Tian Zhi's fake, teary expression disappeared, replaced by a wide grin.
"Now that's how a woman should be—listening to her man's words."
Hearing this, Tian Wan quickly grabbed her slipper and started chasing after Tian Zhi.
Tian Zhi laughed heartily as he ran, occasionally dodging behind trees.
The chase went on for a while…
That evening, the Tian family sat at the table, eating and chatting.
Suddenly, Tian Wan turned to Tian Han and asked,
"Little Han, have you made your decision?"
Tian Han put down his spoon and, with firm determination, answered,
"Yes, Mother. I want to become an immortal."
Tian Wan had been expecting this answer. She knew her son well and could easily understand his thoughts. But unlike Tian Zhi, she couldn't completely hide her emotions—her sorrow was evident in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she spoke.
"I see… This has always been your dream, hasn't it? You should follow your dream."
Tian Han saw the emotions in his mother's eyes. He felt them. He was sad too. Yes, he was very sad. But would such an opportunity ever come again?
He couldn't refuse it. He didn't want to refuse it. He wanted to be an immortal. He wanted to fly on a sword and cast powerful spells.
He looked at his mother once more. Her eyes were still filled with sorrow, and her expression remained heavy.
Tian Zhi spoke up.
"Come on now, isn't this pretty cool? Just imagine it—our Little Han will fight dragons, help mortals, and wield mystical treasures!"
Tian Han grinned and added,
"Yes! I will become a great immortal! So powerful that when others hear I am your son, even they will respect you!"
His face was filled with pride. He was already imagining the future, and his excitement grew stronger.
The Great Immortal Tian Han!
Seeing Tian Han's proud expression and Tian Zhi's attempt to lighten the mood, Tian Wan's spirits lifted a little, and a hint of happiness appeared in her eyes.
With the atmosphere lightened, they continued their joyful conversation, filling the house with laughter.
After dinner, Tian Wan was cleaning up the dishes, and Tian Zhi was helping her. They chatted about Tian Han, with Tian Zhi occasionally making jokes and laughing.
Meanwhile, Tian Han had stepped outside for a walk. He looked at the trees, observed the insects and plants. It was one of the few hobbies he had apart from reading. Whenever he felt stressed or uneasy, he would take a walk and clear his mind.
"I am determined to become an immortal, but I can't shake this feeling of sorrow. What should I do?"
Lost in thought, he walked aimlessly, unaware of his surroundings.
After a while, he found himself at the edge of a valley.
He stopped in his tracks and gazed at the breathtaking scenery. The sun shone brightly above, rivers flowed below, trees stood tall, forming a dense forest, birds flew in flocks, and animals lived in harmony.
The scene was mesmerizing. Tian Han stood still, captivated.
The scenery before him was truly breathtaking.
Tian Han stood frozen in place, mesmerized by the sight. He sat down and simply watched for a while. The birds flying together in harmony, the rivers flowing endlessly, the trees swaying with the wind...
After a few hours of admiring the view, a thought formed in Tian Han's mind.
"Why do I want to become an immortal? Is it just because it's my dream? Or is there another reason?"
If someone had asked him this question before, Tian Han wouldn't have been sure. He would have simply listed things like flying swords and powerful spells without much thought. But now, he had a reason.
He wanted to become an immortal because he wanted to see countless landscapes like this from the sky.
Yes, this was now his reason for seeking immortality.
He was excited because, for the first time, he had a clear purpose. He no longer wanted to become an immortal just for the sake of it—he had a true reason to pursue this path.
They say that when you have a reason to walk a path, that path becomes much easier and more enjoyable.
"I want to see countless sceneries like this. I want to witness even grander landscapes, taller trees, mightier rivers, more colorful birds, and stronger winds… I want to see the most beautiful sights this world has to offer!"
Tian Han was filled with excitement because, for the first time, he had a true reason to become an immortal.
He had been sitting there for a long time, lost in thought, watching the scenery. But now, the sun was beginning to set.
Realizing this, Tian Han quickly stood up and rushed back toward home. The time Ye Feng had given them was nearly up!
He had to hurry, or he would be too late.
With every passing second, he moved faster, his legs carrying him as swiftly as they could.
Finally, he arrived at his house, panting heavily. As he looked up, he saw his parents sitting on stools outside, watching the sun slowly descend beyond the horizon.
Tian Wan had her head resting on Tian Zhi's shoulder, while Tian Zhi gently ran his fingers through her hair.
They looked like a couple deeply in love, completely at peace with one another.
Tian Han wasn't quite old enough to fully understand love, but even he could tell that they were happy in this moment.
Silently, he tiptoed toward them, trying to make as little noise as possible.
Once he was close enough, he prepared to jump onto his father to startle him—
But before he could even react, a fist landed on his head, leaving him stunned.
Tian Han rubbed his head in confusion as Tian Zhi smirked, pointing at him.
"You're going to need at least forty more years of training before you can sneak up on me, kid."
Tian Wan smiled at the scene before her. She had always loved watching her husband and son interact like this.
Lifting her head from Tian Zhi's shoulder, she reached out and gently stroked Tian Han's hair before turning to her husband with a mock-stern expression.
"So, you really are committed to bullying my Little Han, huh?"
Tian Zhi grinned, suddenly standing up.
"Oh? You think you can keep scolding me without consequences?"
In an instant, he grabbed both Tian Wan and Tian Han, throwing them over his shoulders. Then, with a mischievous smile, he began spinning around in circles.
"Let's see who the real bully is now!"
Tian Wan and Tian Han, caught off guard, didn't even have time to react before they started spinning.
As their heads became dizzy and their stomachs churned, Tian Zhi burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha! Who's the bully now?"
Tian Wan and Tian Han, unable to keep up with the spinning, soon became disoriented.
Meanwhile, Tian Zhi only laughed harder, clearly enjoying himself.
After a while, he finally put them down, watching as they staggered and struggled to regain their balance.
Seeing their dazed expressions, he laughed even more.
Tian Wan, however, recovered quickly. Without hesitation, she started chasing after Tian Zhi, who immediately turned and ran.
Still too dizzy to stand properly, Tian Han sat on the ground, watching his parents run around like children.
A while later, both Tian Zhi and Tian Wan grew tired and stopped, breathing heavily.
Tian Han had finally regained his senses and was now sitting on one of the stools. Tian Wan and Tian Zhi soon joined him.
They were all exhausted, but they were smiling and laughing together.
They continued chatting and enjoying each other's company.
As they talked, a strong wind suddenly blew through, scattering the fallen leaves.
And in the midst of the swirling leaves, a figure appeared.
It was an old man with long white hair and a flowing white beard.
Slowly, he walked toward the Tian family.
Seeing him, the laughter and conversation came to an end.
They waited as the man approached.
Once he was close enough, he spoke in a calm and polite voice.
"I believe I am interrupting a wonderful family moment, but I have come for an answer."
The Tian family stood up together, clasping their hands and bowing in respect.
Tian Zhi took a step forward and responded.
"Senior, if it pleases you, my son shall give you his answer himself."
Ye Feng nodded in approval.
Tian Han stepped forward. His face was filled with determination, and his eyes shone with excitement.
"Senior, I wish to become an immortal."
"Then prepare yourself quickly. We will be leaving soon."
Tian Han nodded, turned around, and rushed inside to gather his belongings.
As soon as he left, Tian Wan and Tian Zhi were left alone with Ye Feng.
Ye Feng looked at them, his expression understanding.
"Do not worry. Your son will be in good hands. And every three months, I will allow him to return and visit you."
Hearing this, the weight on Tian Wan and Tian Zhi's hearts lessened slightly.
They bowed their heads and thanked him.
Soon after, Tian Han came running out of the house, carrying a small bundle of belongings.
He walked up to his parents, one by one, and hugged them tightly.
"Little Han, take care of yourself. And make sure you never go hungry."
"Son, go and show them your talents."
After saying their goodbyes, Tian Han turned toward Ye Feng.
Ye Feng whistled, and from the sky, a massive bird descended.
It was nearly five meters tall, its feathers a brilliant golden-yellow.
Seeing this, Tian Han's jaw dropped in astonishment.
"What is that?! It's gigantic!"
Ye Feng chuckled.
"This is my personal mount, Yellow Wing. It is a second-rank beast."
Tian Han had heard of beasts before, but he had never learned about their ranking system.
"Second rank? What does that mean?"
"I'll explain everything once we reach the sect, my boy. Now, hop on."
Though a little hesitant, Tian Han climbed onto Yellow Wing. The beast shifted slightly, uneasy at first, but calmed down at Ye Feng's command.
Tian Han, now seated on Yellow Wing, felt a rush of excitement.
Ye Feng climbed up behind him.
Before they took off, Tian Han turned around one last time to look at his parents.
He saw the worry, the sadness, the loneliness on their faces.
In that moment, he made a silent vow to himself.
"The next time I return, your faces will show nothing but pride and happiness. This is my promise to myself."
As he finished his thought, Yellow Wing flapped its mighty wings and took off into the sky.
Just before they soared into the distance, Tian Han turned back and called out.
"I am leaving."