An old man comforted the weeping woman, then came out and said to William Carter, “I am the town’s Old Howard. You killed this yellow demon rabbit and rid the town of a great menace. If you ever need anything in the future, feel free to come to me.”

“Oh, so you are Old Howard. I actually have something I’d like to ask you. I wonder if you have some time?”

Old Howard chuckled and said, “As long as you wish, you can come to me anytime. How about this: you probably haven’t had breakfast yet, so why not come to my house with Rocky? I still have some roast meat and some fruits and vegetables grown by the townsfolk.”

William Carter nodded and replied, “It would be rude to refuse, so David Miller and I will trouble you for your hospitality.”

Old Howard turned to everyone and said, “The Rabbit King has been slain, so it will be less dangerous for everyone on the Xici Grasslands from now on. Since you’ve all seen it, why not disperse?” Once everyone had left, Old Howard led William Carter and David Miller to his home.

William Carter thought of Emily Thompson’s bag and couldn’t help but take out the piece of yellow cloth and Rocky, asking, “I heard you can use Tianluo cloth to make backpacks that can hold many things. Could you help me make one as well?”

Old Howard’s eyes lit up when he saw what William Carter was holding and asked, “Did you meet an old man fishing by Mirror Lake, and did he give you these things?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

Old Howard stroked his beard and smiled, “Because it was that immortal who taught me how to make Tianluo bags in the first place. You’re quite lucky. He even gave you a Nuwa Stone.”

“This Rocky is called a Nuwa Stone? What exactly does it do?”

Old Howard shook his head and hesitated before saying, “The Nuwa Stone is an extremely rare treasure. In the hands of an immortal, it has many uses. I know of one: it can record a location you’ve visited, and no matter how far away you are, you can instantly return to the place recorded in the Nuwa Stone. However, to use the Nuwa Stone, you must have very strong cultivation. No one in Xici Town has been able to use this treasure yet.”

“So, unless I become accomplished in cultivation, I won’t be able to use the Nuwa Stone?”

Old Howard nodded and said, “Every year, many young people go to the Six Sects to become disciples and learn cultivation methods passed down from the Pangu Continent. Those who pass the tests step into a broader world and become a different kind of person. Those who don’t pass continue to live here in Xici Town, leading ordinary lives. If you wish, you can try next year with Big Rocky—perhaps there’s a sect that suits you.”

Chapter Eight: The Short Sword

William Carter thanked Old Howard for his guidance. After eating at the old man’s house, he felt a bit drowsy and was about to leave with David Miller when someone burst in from outside. It was an honest-looking man, who bowed to Old Howard but looked at William Carter and asked, “Was it you who killed the Rabbit King?”

William Carter nodded slightly and replied, “I was just lucky today. Is there something you need?”

The honest-looking man bowed again, his eyes reddening, and said in a low voice, “Thank you, sir, for avenging my young son. I, Mr. Thompson, have nothing to offer in return except this short sword. I hope you won’t disdain it!”

The man handed over a short sword in a green scabbard, two and a half feet long and three fingers wide, simple and ancient in style. William Carter wanted to decline out of modesty, but seeing the man’s sorrowful yet grateful expression, he couldn’t refuse and accepted it.

The honest man bowed again to Old Howard and left, his figure looking lost and his steps aimless.

“It’s a pity—they only had one son, whom they cherished like a treasure. The first time they went hunting on the Xici Grasslands, they encountered that yellow demon rabbit… After carrying their son’s body home, the couple cried all night.”

William Carter thought of the sorrow of parents losing a child and couldn’t bear to listen further. He bowed to Old Howard and said, “I’m truly exhausted today. I wanted to hear more of your teachings, but I’m too tired to stay awake. Please forgive me.”

Old Howard, understanding, immediately replied, “Go on, go on. You and Rocky should go back and get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow morning, you’ll both be full of energy again. Don’t let too many sad memories cloud your heart. In this world, sorrow and trouble always coexist with hope.”

“Thank you for your wise words. I will remember them.”

William Carter and David Miller bid farewell to the old man, both feeling rather downcast. On the way, William Carter fiddled with the short sword given by Uncle Thompson, drawing it and sheathing it again. David Miller chimed in, “If you find a sturdy stick and a thin rope, you can tie the short sword to it and make a spear. It’ll be much handier for hunting demon beasts.”

William Carter was a bit cheered by this and said, “I wouldn’t have thought of that if you hadn’t mentioned it. This short sword is very sharp, but it’s too short for fighting fierce beasts. Turning it into a spear is perfect, and I can learn the Yue family spear technique from you. Then we brothers can fight side by side in the future.”