Journey Towards Dao

The Royal Library encompassed a massive area of space within the Main Palace walls.

The environment was elegant and organized, with beautiful furniture placed carefully about and large shelves of dozens of meters in height lining the walls on each of the three levels.

Decorative bindings covered each of the perfectly aligned book spines, giving the library a dignified feel.

The fragrance of aged paper filled the air, causing Nathaniel to sniffle every now and then.

The two children were currently seated on a wide leather sofa, and Vincent was busy pouring hot tea into two porcelain tea cups that were placed on a glass table in front of them.

A book rested in Auslen’s lap while Nathaniel was looking over at it curiously from the side.

“What are you reading, Auslen?”

Auslen looked up from his lap at Nathaniel smilingly before he held up the book to show his eager cousin.

“A book about Spirit Plants!”

Nathaniel’s face scrunched in confusion as he reached to turn the pages.

“What's that? Are there pictures in there?”

Auslen sighed in his heart but still decided to be patient and explain to the child. But before he opened his mouth, the Royal Library doors were pushed open by two servants, revealing his grandfather's tall figure striding through.

Tobias’ blue eyes landed on the figures of his two grandsons sitting peacefully on the couch, and his smile grew more sincere as he witnessed Auslen’s efficiency in taming his silly cousin.

The happy Nathaniel stood up on the sofa and loudly yelled towards his grandfather with a frantic wave, as if the old man was blind and could not have possibly noticed him otherwise.

At the loud screams right beside him, Auslen was forced to cover his ears with his hands in exasperation.

Tobias chuckled as he made his way over. He looked down at Nathaniel and said, “Alright little Nathan, it is time that I head back to the Rinaldi Estate. Are you going to be okay staying in the Capital by yourself?”

Nathaniel nodded quickly as he turned and grabbed one of Auslen’s hands off of his ear to show Tobias.

His small teeth were showing as he smilingly said, “I’m okay! Auslen’s my friend now!”

Auslen glanced at his cousin tiredly as he couldn’t seem to keep up with the boy's rapid change in emotions. Of course, Auslen often acted similarly, but he was only acting. This kid, however, was truly affectionate towards someone he couldn’t stand the sight of just earlier in the day. Only true kids could have such a vibrant emotional range.

Well, at least the old man can’t say I’m not doing my best with his request.

As if in confirmation, Tobias emphatically laughed in satisfaction before moving his eyes to Auslen with an impressed smile on his face. He reached inside his white cloak and pulled out two small pendant necklaces. The circular scarlet-red pendants hanging from each of the two silver chains bore flame insignias on both sides.

He placed the first pendant necklace on Nathan as he said, “I’ll be leaving you with a gift. You aren’t allowed to take it off without my permission, little Nathan! I’ll know if you do, and then you'll be in big trouble!”

Nathaniel’s happy face shifted somewhat anxiously as he clumsily tucked the necklace deep into his little white cloak, as if he was afraid it would suddenly fall off on its own and get him into trouble with his grandfather.

When he placed the second pendant necklace around Auslen’s neck, he secretly transmitted: “This Mystic Artifact is connected to my Dao Soul and will allow me to sense both of your locations at any time. If you or little Nathan ever find yourselves in a troublesome situation that you cannot solve alone, activate the pendant with your Soul Force and I’ll be there within a few breaths. No matter where you are in this world, this statement will still apply.”

As he "listened" to his grandfather’s words that were echoing inside of his head, Auslen’s eyes shone with surprised gratitude.

He knew quite well that his grandfather was the strongest cultivator he had ever met! If he truly ever got himself into trouble that even his grandfather couldn’t solve, then he might as well lay himself down and wait for death.

Tobias unceremoniously turned around and started walking back towards the doors he entered from as he spoke one last time, “Make sure you two get along! And have some fun at the Five Profound Elements Sect!”

Before he even made it to the exit, Tobias' figure suddenly burst into raging crimson flames before dissipating into scattering sparks of light, leaving the two cousins and Vincent alone within the Royal Library.

After watching his grandfather’s disappearing act, Auslen looked out through the window at the darkening skies for a moment before jumping off the couch. He reached out towards the table and downed the cooling tea that was poured for him earlier before handing the empty cup to Vincent, who was standing nearby. He then turned towards Nathaniel with a smile.

“Come on! I’ll show you my old room!”

Nathaniel hurried to accompany the already walking Auslen. Behind them, the silent Vincent cleaned up as he repeatedly glanced at the empty area where Tobias previously disappeared.

His handsome, young face was caked with obvious yearning before quickly getting ahold of himself, holding the tea set to his chest as he rushed out of the Library to catch up with the two ahead.

…

After settling Nathaniel into his former residence within the Main Palace, Auslen returned to his side palace, dismissing Vincent for the night before returning to his room alone.

Auslen stood in front of his large windows as he lifted his golden eyes to the star-filled sky in a daze.

He had learned much today.

From his lesson with his father this morning to his later discussion with his grandfather, Auslen had many things to consider in regards to his future cultivation and his upcoming life within the Five Profound Elements Sect.

My Dao Path…

Auslen couldn’t help but contemplate such a serious subject after understanding that it would not only affect his cultivation, but also his personality!

Knowing this, Auslen's expression grew quite serious as he fell into solemn introspection.

He had no interest in a formless, outside force uncontrollably altering who he was on a subconscious level. Somewhat fearful of the very idea, the only thing that Auslen could do was to begin performing consistent and careful self-evaluations on himself from here on out, as his future Dao Path needed to closely align to his already existing thoughts and ideals.

Knock, knock.

He didn’t get to ruminate to himself for very long before he heard someone knocking on his door.

Thinking of Vincent, who he had just sent away, Auslen lightly called towards the door, “You may come in.”

Surprisingly, the figure who slowly walked into the room did not belong to his servant, Vincent, but to his frequently elusive older brother.

Aiden closed the door behind him before walking at a steady pace, eventually halting his steps as he landed next to Auslen, who was staring at the teenager in silence.

Aiden refused to look at Auslen, only staring out the window for a few moments before he spoke concisely.

“I think our parents are aware of your secret.”

Auslen’s brows inched up slightly, but he did not seem too surprised.

“What happened to make you think this way?”

Hearing his younger brother’s unexpectedly calm tone, Aiden couldn’t help but glance at Auslen in brief confusion.

After getting his thoughts together, he answered, “Father questioned me privately about you and our past interactions. Although I answered as simply as possible, he seemed to already have his own understanding, despite the answers I gave him.”

Auslen chuckled as he looked up at the stars once more.

“There’s no need to worry, Aiden, as I had already surmised our Father’s speculations towards my personality. If he asks again, feel free to tell him the truth."

However, the timing of his questioning is somewhat suspect…

Auslen lowered his head as he thought quietly to himself. It didn’t take long for him to remember his previous suspicious feelings during his conversation with the old man.

Eyes flashing with distaste, Auslen smirked as he spoke, “Hmm. Either our dear grandfather has a loose tongue, or he’s teaching others his unsavory habits. Either way, he must have had something to do with the reason why Father was self-assured enough to question you today.”

Aiden was still somewhat unsettled from hearing the young Auslen speak with such sophistication. However, once he comprehended Auslen's latest words, he was shocked out of his disquiet.

His expressionless face was now showing hints of surprise as he spoke, “Grandfather knew?!”

Auslen nodded. “Yes, he has known since last year. Of course, I didn’t offer the truth to him myself. However, voyeurism seems to be a hidden talent of his.”

He glanced at his brother's dumbfounded face in amusement before continuing, “You should probably keep that in mind in the future, lest he catches you in a compromised position one day.”

Aiden closed his wide-open mouth in befuddlement before growing silent once more.

Eventually he opened his mouth once again in question, “Why are you choosing to join a sect, Auslen? If you ask, I’m sure father could get you a Cultivation Method that suits you…”

Auslen’s laughter echoed in the room as he spoke, “From the way you avoided me all of these years, I assumed you wanted me gone.”

“I didn't—”

Auslen abruptly interrupted his exclamation before the boy became too agitated, “I know, Aiden. I was just joking with you. But, to answer your question, I am leaving the Palace because Father and Mother cannot offer me what I truly want. The Five Profound Elements Sect can. It’s that simple.”

Aiden’s forehead was scrunched in frustration before exhaling in defeat. He looked down at his boot-covered feet in silence.

After several long moments, Aiden nearly whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Auslen’s eyebrow raised as he turned his head to the boy to ask for clarification. However, what was reflected in his pupils was his older brother’s suddenly tear-filled eyes, causing Auslen to pause momentarily in confusion.

Aiden couldn't seem to control his emotions as he tried, unsuccessfully, to gather himself.

Aiden sniffed as he continued, “I should have protected you back then, but I couldn’t do anything but cry. I couldn’t even move when you left to face that monster on your own! I could have… I should h—”

“Stop.”

Auslen harshly cut off Aiden’s misconstrued confession.

Sigh. You’re nearly ten times younger than me, brat.

Even I would have shat myself if I had to confront such a gory sight at the mere age of eight.

Auslen shook his head as he attempted to comfort his older brother.

“If you had done anything else, you would’ve died, Aiden. The only reason I had the confidence to step forward was because I was wearing the Top-Grade Mystic Artifact that Mother had given me."

Auslen jabbed his small finger into Aiden's chest to emphasize his words, as his high-pitched voice wasn't doing him any favors.

“Stop wasting your time in pointless regret, purposelessly thinking about what you should have done differently in the past. Instead, you should learn from that experience and strive to be better prepared for the future!

“If you really want to change something, then, for Heaven’s sake, please stop trying to mimic Father’s dumb-looking expression all the time. It’s unsightly and does not suit you.”

After Auslen finished speaking, Aiden lifted the sleeves of his robe to his face to wipe away his tears in slight embarrassment.

His face seemed somewhat conflicted before finally transforming into a wide, toothy smile fit for a boy his age, his eyes sparkling with relief as he looked down towards Auslen.

Auslen smiled back before stepping away from the window, showing hints of exhaustion from his long day.

“Now, you should get going already so I can get some rest.”

Aiden didn’t seem quite prepared to leave, so Auslen laughed as he spoke once more.

“Unless you came all this way to share the bed with me like we used to?”

At this question, Aiden’s cheeks took on a familiar red hue of embarrassment before he shook his head in denial, turning around to make his way towards the door.

He paused before turning back to say, “Goodnight, Auslen. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Aiden.”