After Jie Yan accompanied Kai back to his room, Kai looked at her with a determined glint in his eyes. "I'll be joining the cultivation school that opens next month."
Jie Yan's eyes widened in surprise. "Cultivation school? But it's so soon, and you just recovered."
Kai waved her worries away, a flicker of resolve visible in his expression. "The official letter will be sent to the Thor clan within a month. Inform me once the letter arrives."
He paused, then added softly, "I've longed for freedom."
Jie Yan, understanding the treatment Lord Xing Li had been through, hesitated briefly before nodding. "Yes, my lord. I'll make sure to inform you as soon as the letter arrives."
Days blurred into nights until finally, the day Kai had been waiting for arrived. Jie Yan entered quietly, holding an elegant scroll sealed with the emblem of the Emperor. Kai's heart pounded with anticipation as he took it, carefully breaking the seal and unfolding the letter.
The words confirmed everything he'd hoped for. Each noble household in the province was to send a son to the prestigious cultivation school in Feijing Capital. Since he had already received Lord Thor's permission, his departure was now certain. A surge of excitement mixed with nervousness coursed through him.
"The school starts in two weeks," Kai whispered, eyes shining.
He looked out the window at the rising sun, feeling a strange combination of eagerness and trepidation. This was his chance, his ticket to escape from this household. If he left early, he could explore the world beyond the small borders of Yi Province. He imagined wandering through bustling markets, marveling at scenic landscapes, and immersing himself in the vibrant energy of Feijing.
He took a deep breath, then made his decision with a quiet, resolute nod.
"I'll leave tomorrow at first light," Kai declared, his voice steady with purpose.
Jie Yan's eyes widened. "My lord, you can't just rush off! There are preparations—"
"I don't need much," Kai interrupted softly. "Tonight, I'll gather my things, and at dawn, I'll set out."
A faint smile touched Jie Yan's lips, but worry lingered. "Please be careful and take good care of yourself."
Kai looked at her, then reached out, his hand brushing her sleeve briefly. It was a small, silent vow of farewell.
As the first light seeped through the window and bathed everything in a warm glow, Kai stepped outside. The world felt different in the morning air. It was full of possibility, yet tinged with uncertainty.
He paused for a moment, eyes fixed on the horizon, then looked back at the house that had often felt like a prison. A small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.
This was his rebirth.
He took a steadying breath and crossed the threshold with firm resolve. Every step forward was a step away from the past and a step toward forging his own destiny.