Is that a Wisp?

"How many generations of those possessing the Cloud Whale has existed up till now? Is it bloodline-based?" Chen Xue asked, frowning as she poked at the Cloud Whale.

The sense of peacefulness she felt from it was stronger than what she felt from Wang Hu. With that, she was confused.

"No, it's random. Anyone that has the notion of wishing to make the world peaceful can become a successor," Krune replied. "In other words, it's not related by blood or any other factor. Only when I became a successor five years ago myself did I come to know about the existence of the Cloud Whale."

"Yours feel a lot powerful when compared to my grandpa," Wang Hao could not help but say, able to feel a suffocating presence from the Cloud Whale even though it was only palm-sized, same as what his grandfather was able to summon.

"Well, that's a given." Krune nodded, saying as if it was normal. "Wang Hu was an old man, so he wasn't able to summon enough of its power. However, I am young. So, of course, my Cloud Whale is powerful."

Even though he hadn't shown it, Krune had also been using the Soul Needle a lot. Using it, he selected herbs and other materials that would help strengthen the bodies of him, Wang Hao, and Chen Xue.

He was using them to build up their bodies. Thanks to the Soul Needle, he was able to pick up precious medicinal herbs from the wilderness that had been growing there for decades or even longer.

That was how their bodies were brimming with power. On top of that, he took advantage of the fact that all of them were at the age of fast growth.

So, even Krune was unable to determine just how strong their bodies had become unless they fought for real.

"Also..." His tone suddenly turned solemn as he continued, "My predecessor died from facing a Demon."

"What's… a Demon?" Both were confused.

Krune then explained everything about it to them. As they were already aware of most of the information related to a Nightmare, they quickly understood the threat a Demon possessed.

Also, Krune came out with the information related to Su Daiyu that he had understood based on what Shi Jiang had witnessed, making the two realize the underlying scheme at the place.

Solving the source of the sufferings would make him return to the God Realm. Whether it was him that managed to finish it or someone else, it was of no concern. So, in the case he came close and was killed, Krune wished for Wang Hao and Chen Xue to finish it on his behalf.

"Young Master, the carriage has arrived." After some time had passed, a servant arrived and informed Krune.

"Well, let's go!" Krune laughed as he looked at the other two, glancing at their bags. They didn't have a lot of belongings except for a couple of clothes. Though, it was the same for him as well. He didn't pack any clothes at all, only bringing with him some herbal pastes that he had created thanks to the Soul Needle.

If he considered anything as treasure, the Soul Needle's applications continued to broaden.

'I see. As a cultivator, I have countless means to solve any situation. But since I'm not a cultivator now and have limited means, I'm deepening my understanding of my abilities and have broadened their use and application.' Krune nodded, feeling like he had an epiphany.

Suddenly, his head hurt a little as something seemed to be spilling out of it. For a moment, it felt like he was able to sense his surroundings clearly. However, the feeling vanished immediately after, causing him to mutter, "What…was that?"

Even though the sensation felt familiar, it was something he had felt for the first time. So, Krune was unable to solve this puzzling feeling.

During the journey through the carriage, he was silent all throughout, watching the people walking along the side of the street as the carriage sped past.

He noticed that even though the people seemed well-dressed, their eyes lacked vitality. There was a sense of fear simmering within them.

Wang Hao and Chen Xue, being the perceptive individuals that they were, also sensed the current situation. Then again, they had seen the same set of eyes in their village, so they were clear of it.

"Why… are they like this?" Chen Xue was confused.

"Let's see if we can find out something from my household," Krune said as the group turned silent, hearing the sounds of the horse galloping through the pavement.

After four hours of travel, they finally arrived at the estate of the Liu Family, one that resembled a town in of itself. The Liu Family had many vassals that managed various trade and other mediums.

As one of the most powerful families of Iron Peach County, they garnered a lot of influence.

Just the fact that their estate alone was the size of a town and was equally populated was enough proof of their affluence.

The moment the carriage entered the estate, a stream of guards rushed out and calmly marched along the side of the carriage.

It was not just that, but there was another group at the front and back of the carriage, protecting it, resulting in a grand entrance, causing the people to stare at the scene in a daze as they whispered to one another, wondering what was up.

"Hey, I heard the young master is returning from the County Academy today."

"You mean... that young master? I heard he has topped the entire academy."

"The one and same. He's a prodigy."

"Kyaa! I hope I can see him!"

As chatter spread throughout the populace that gathered around to watch, three people within the carriage were sweating buckets now.

"Young master!" Chen Xue glared at Krune, "Please get out and put on a show. this is too much stress for me."

"You think I'm fine heading out there by myself?" Krune rolled his eyes, patting Wang Hao's shoulder as he told him, "Bro, you can do it!"

"No way am I going to act in your stead." Wang Hao calmly distanced himself from Krune, behaving like he didn't even know the other party.

"…" Krune frowned, wondering when his shamelessness affected those two.

'They say a disciple surpasses the master. But I didn't want shamelessness to be the field they've surpassed me in!'