The family made the trip to Northstar City together, after Mingwei briefly spoke to Elder Qing. He still had to get the necessary notifications done, even though the elders do not regulate the movements of the disciples. It was just a mark of respect.

“So, this is one of our rare family trips.” Father smiled, and gave both Mingjian and Mingwei a pat.

“It is strange, father.” Mingjian just shrugged.

“Worry not. I know some good places to eat in Northstar City. I’ll treat all of you to some liver-coated gator tongue skewers. It’s really good.”

“Really?” Mingwei felt hungry. He wondered whether it was the lingering side effects of the Greenduck Liver. Normally, if boiled, the Greenduck Liver’s flavor would melt into the soup, but when fried, the fats inside the liver would cook and the smell of it can stick in one’s noses for days.

“Yes. I know a few good restaurants. You should pick up on that knowledge, Mingwei. An alchemist should know where to wine and dine your future customers and business partners.”

Mingwei nodded. Again, sound advice.

“How many times have you been to Northstar City, Mingwei? In the past 2 years.”

“Twice?”

“Should go more often.” Father said. Was he normally so talkative in a wagon? Mother, on the other hand, was just resting.

“Ah... I didn’t have a reason to, and I had to cultivate.” And read. Mingwei did spend a lot of time just studying and reading up all the various cultivation theories.

Mother made a rare comment on this trip. “Perhaps, if you see a girl you like, you would make the trip?”

Mingjian rolled his eyes. “Mom! Mingwei’s just 11, soon to be 12. Too young!”

Mother didn’t reply, and eventually, after a whole lot of idle chatter, they arrived in Northstar City. This time, father led the way to a quieter inn, on one of the more ‘posh’ streets.

“Welcome back.” The receptionist bowed as they came in. Father just had a few words, and soon we had two keys.

“You’ll be sharing with your brother.” Mother said. “We’ll visit the merchants tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

That night, it was just Mingjian and Mingwei in the room. It was awkward at first, and Mingwei wasn’t sure where to even start. From Mingjian’s point of view, it must have seen as if Mingwei suddenly changed overnight.

“So... how’s our parents?” Mingwei asked, trying to break the awkwardness.

“You have much to tell me that’s still unsaid.” Mingjian just said, and after a pause “So, a spirit?”

Mingwei sighed. “Something like that. It’s... memories, rather than a spirit.”

“And it somehow compelled you to start cultivating?” Mingjian said.

“Yes. It... was trying to send a message.” Mingwei thought whether it’s a good idea to talk about it, but he believed, maybe he didn’t have to share everything. “It seems to foretell a great evil that would soon engulf our world. We have time, but we must be careful with it.”

Mingjian paused. “Wait. You’ve gotten one of the doom-saying spirits.” He had a look of horror.

“What?” Mingwei reacted at Mingjian’s horrified expression.

Then Mingjian laughed. Mingwei didn’t recall Mingjian being so... casual. Perhaps crossing into 4-star relieved some of that stress.

“What?” Mingwei was still confused, though.

“Nothing, young brother. It was nothing.” Mingjian nodded. “Sleep.”