Early the next morning, Zhen Niang got up to prepare breakfast. Though not as lavish as last night's meal, it was far more abundant than their usual morning fare.
Qin Yi, sporting dark circles under his eyes, sat at the table and ate breakfast for the first time in two years. How had he never realized before how delicious home-cooked meals could be? No matter how much he ate, it never felt enough.
As daylight came, Qin Yong carried a large bundle while Zhen Niang, Zhuzi, and Qin Yi each carried a small one. They arrived at the gate of the West Village Compound early. Qin Yong thought they might have to wait, intending to give some last-minute advice, but before he could speak, Huang Lao opened the gate and welcomed them in.
Huang Lao glanced at Qin Yi's luggage. "Place the bags on the carriage."
Qin Yong hurriedly bowed and thanked him, then carefully helped Zhen Niang, Zhuzi, and Qin Yi place the bundles onto the carriage. Afterward, he guided them out, tugging Qin Yi aside at the gate: "Serve Master well and take care of yourself. Be cautious out there."
With that, he nudged Qin Yi into the compound, waved, and said, "Go. Don't worry about home," before leaving with a reluctant Zhen Niang and curious Zhuzi.
Qin Yi walked into the West Village Compound, mood low, and saw Huang Lao by the carriage beckoning him over. Huang Lao produced a small, teal-colored pouch embroidered with a fish-and-lotus pattern. He showed it to Qin Yi, then, under Qin Yi's puzzled gaze, opened the pouch, and with a flick of his hand, a soft blue light enveloped Qin Yi's luggage. The items shrank and vanished into the pouch.
"Ah… this is…" Qin Yi stared in amazement. It resembled a Qian Kun Bag from the fantasy novels of his previous life, a storage pouch in cultivation tales.
"Remember this Kongming Bag. From now on, it's for storing your belongings."
Qin Yi blinked, dazed, instinctively reaching for the pouch.
"This… is for me?"
Huang Lao chuckled and tucked the pouch back into his robe. "Who said it's for you? It just temporarily holds your belongings."
Embarrassed, Qin Yi withdrew his hand, scratching his head with a sheepish smile: "Huang Lao, if it's just for my luggage, can't I use it? Don't want you to tire yourself carrying it!"
Huang Lao, seeing Qin Yi's mood lifted, shook his head. "Even if I gave it to you, you couldn't use it yet. Only once you reach Xiantian—able to release True Qi externally—can the Kongming Bag be used. Patience, young one…"
Qin Yi felt a pang of disappointment. He wasn't even a Houtian martial artist yet. When could he ever reach Xiantian?
Shifting his gaze from the pouch, he noticed Qin Wei arriving, carrying a large bundle. Qin Yi smirked.
"Heh, so you're Houtian now… and still can't use a Kongming Bag? At least mine is safely stored in Huang Lao's bag."
Qin Wei glanced at him, originally about to greet, but seeing Qin Yi's expression, ignored him entirely. He approached Huang Lao, placed his bundle down, and produced a teal pouch embroidered with the Clear Breeze Willow pattern. With a respectful bow, he said, "Huang Lao, thank you for your trouble."
Huang Lao smiled and activated the pouch, absorbing Qin Wei's belongings.
Qin Yi was stunned. Wait… Qin Wei is Houtian, but he also has a Kongming Bag? Ah, of course—Qin Wei was from the Hou Mansion, a legitimate descendant. His bag must have been gifted by a family elder.
The earlier sense of superiority vanished, leaving Qin Yi feeling like a clown. He just wanted to disappear.
At this moment, Qin Xu appeared, noticing Qin Yi's thoughts. He smiled, pointing at Qin Yi: "Alright, Xiao Yi, put away that pout. I'll make it official—once you become Houtian, I'll also give you a Kongming Bag."
Since yesterday, Qin Xu no longer called Qin Yi by his childhood nickname; it was either his full name or Xiao Yi.
Qin Yi's eyes lit up. Of course! He too has a benefactor—Master! Once he becomes Houtian, he'll have a Kongming Bag just like Qin Wei's.
He looked smugly at Qin Wei, who rolled his eyes and coldly muttered, "Immature."
Qin Yi froze. Wait… I'm the adult, he's the child! Since when did I become so childish?
Huang Lao watched, curious how a simple word could destabilize Qin Yi so much. Qin Wei himself was puzzled that his mere remark had such an effect.
Qin Xu shook his head, smiling: "Today is Xiao Yi's first time leaving home. His mind is weak—don't tease him too much."
He then glanced at the two-year-old compound one last time, sighed, and said to Huang Lao and the others: "Alright, everything's ready. Let's go."
Qin Xu boarded the carriage first, followed by Qin Wei. Huang Lao saw Qin Yi still dazed, lifted him onto the horse, seated himself at the carriage front, and, holding a whip, gave a sharp motion: "Drive!"
The carriage slowly moved out of the West Village Compound. Once past the gate, Huang Lao flickered, closing and locking the gate behind them.
He flickered back to the carriage, raised the whip again: "Drive!"
The carriage rolled forward as if nothing had changed, blending into the morning mist, past the village homes, along the single hard-packed road, and disappeared into the unknown…