Chapter 49: Reminiscence

    ~~~

    The Eastern Port City Tournament arrives in an almost unreasonably short amount of time. At least, that is how it feels like to Liu Jin.

    The young child takes a deep breath to calm down while he looks at himself in the mirror.

    His height is average for his age, which means those who are closest to him are all taller than him. Liu Jins face is slowly starting to change into that of a teen, and his skin has become somewhat pale since he passed Nine-Headed Snake Gods trial. Even though he often has to walk under the sun to deliver medicine, he shows no signs of tanning. It makes his red eyes stand out more.

    The Inner Disciple robes fit him well, almost as if they had been made with his exact measurements in mind. It may very well be that is the case. Compared to his Outer Disciple robes, these ones feel to be even more high quality and resistant to damage.

    Today, hell find out just how durable they are.

    Liu Jin passes by Old Jiangs door on his way to the stairs. A frown appears on his face as he does. Naturally, Master is not going to the tournament. Someone like him has no interest in such a small spectacle. That is what he said. Indeed, Liu Jin never imagined he would say anything else.

    However, his Master is sleeping in today.

    He didnt use to do that before. Old Jiang always had a seemingly inexhaustible supply of energy, a benefit of what were likely centuries of cultivation.

    Now though

    Liu Jin swallows and keeps walking. It is as Father said. If he just tortures himself thinking about it, hed be wasting his time. Master wouldnt approve of that. Right now, the only thing he can do is focus on the tournament. It might not be worth speaking about compared to Masters impending fate, yet at least it is something he can do something about.

    His father waits for him down the stairs. Curiously, there are no patients.

    The clothes fit you well, his father says with an approving smile.

    Liu Jin shuffles awkwardly at the praise. He is grateful for the scarf that hides his embarrassed expression. It is the scarf he acquired from the bandits in New Moon Town. Even though it clashes with his high-quality clothes, Liu Jin has grown fond of it.

    Besides, his new robes dont have enough red for his tastes.

    Give me a moment. I need to take care of a few things. Well leave together after that.

    Liu Jin blinks.

    You will be going with me to the tournament, Father?

    You are participating, are you not? His father raises an eyebrow. Did you think I wouldnt want to watch my son compete? The clinic can close for a day or two.

    I thats

    The truth is that it hadnt once occurred to Liu Jin that his father would want to watch him. While his father was the one who arranged for him to be accepted into the Xiao Sect, matters of martial prowess are not something he has ever shown interest in. Many Eastern Port City Tournaments have gone by without his father paying them the slightest attention.

    That is why Liu Jin never once thought his father would close the clinic to go see him. It is only upon hearing his fathers words that Liu Jin realizes how much he wants his father to be there.

    But Father, what about?

    Liu Jins gaze darts towards the stairs. His meaning is obvious, even if he doesnt say it.

    Will Master be okay if they both leave?

    Masters condition is stable, Liu Jianguo says. It is not going to get better, but it will also not grow worse. Trust me when I say Master would have known weeks in advance if something serious were about to happen today.

    I see... In that case, it would be an honor if Father were to watch my matches.

    His father smiles.

    I would not dream of missing them.

    ~~~

    The Eastern Port City Tournament is always held in the commercial district. In the months leading up to it, renovations and expansions are made to the arena as needed. Already many people are standing in line, waiting to be allowed in.

    There are so many people, Liu Jin says as he looks around. The streets are completely full, making it hard to walk without bumping into someone.

    Liu Jin nods as he absorbs his fathers advice.

    While it is true most of Eastern Port City knows his name by now, they know him as the son of a crippled doctor or, more recently, as Xiao Shuangs husband. After today, people from all over the city will have the chance to see his face and see his performance in combat.

    Liu Jin does not really care for being known as someone strong. If at all possible, Liu Jin would rather just be known as a good doctor. However, he has no intention of giving a lousy performance. He already knows it is impossible for him to win the tournament. Even discounting Xiao Nans request, his level is not good enough for something like that.

    However, at that moment, Liu Jin resolves himself to not only pass the group stage but also to at least win his first two matches.

    I will do my best, Father. I

    Boss! Liu Jin cringes with his whole body as Su Ans voice cuts him off. The girl waves from a few yards away, already making her way through the crowd.

    Doctor Liu! It is good to see you! Su An is almost jumping in place by the time she reaches them, doubtlessly happy at being chosen for the tournament. Liu Jin personally does not understand why she is so surprised.

    Shes an Inner Disciple in the Nascent Realm.

    It is good to see you are doing well. I assume you were waiting for my son to take him where the rest of the delegation is?

    Su An nods.

    Participants are to enter through another gate. We also need to meet up with the other members first.

    Liu Jin almost wants to cry! He cant blame Su An for this, but he almost doesnt want to go. Who knows if his father will still be in a talking mood by the time the tournament is over? This has been the most he has said about his past in years!

    There is no telling when another chance like this will appear again!

    In that case, do not let me stop you. Take care, my son. Do enjoy yourselves.

    Ill make sure he will, Doctor Liu! Boss will dominate the competition!

    Even as she speaks, Su An is already dragging him away. Liu Jin sighs, mourning the missed opportunity.

    Are you okay, Boss? Su An asks, finally noticing his mood.

    Yes, Liu Jin says after a while. I am.

    Liu Jin takes a few seconds to mourn before shaking his head and clearing his thoughts.

    Where are we supposed to meet the others?

    He asks the question to Su An, but it is not her who answers.

    Finally! I have been waiting for hours!"

    Ah, so it is here.

    Making sure to keep his expression as stoic as possible, Liu Jin meets the eyes of Big Nose Li. The Inner Disciple has grown in height, cultivation level, and nose size.

    Hours? I was under the impression it was still quite early.

    Big Nose Li crosses his arms and draws himself to his full height, big nose pointed to the skies.

    The Young Master says the Xiao Sect must set the standard for others to follow!

    Big Nose Li says that, but Liu Jin is certain Xiao Fang has definitely not been waiting for hours. Most likely, he had Big Nose Li doing it for him.

    Follow me, Young Master Xiao Fang is waiting.

    As soon as Li shows them his back, Su An starts making faces at it even as she follows him. Liu Jin fights the urge to chuckle. Amusing as that is, this is not the time to antagonize Big Nose Li.

    They have a tournament to win.

    ~~~