Re-Overlord: I Can Acquire Anything!
Chapter 110: Elder Hao

Chapter 110: Elder Hao

"Yuhan, why are you back so early?"

"Nothing, Grandpa. I was just feeling bored today.

As soon as Igaris stepped inside the old wooden house, a frail voice called out warmly.

An elderly man sat on a bamboo chair by the fireplace, hunched and wrapped in worn blankets. His eyes, though clouded with age, still shone with affection as he looked at his grandson.

He was Yuhan’s biological grandfather — the only family he had left.

Igaris nodded, walking closer and kneeling beside him. For a moment, he simply stared at the old man’s weathered face and brittle hands, feeling a surge of unexpected sympathy swell in his chest.

’He really loved you, Yuhan...’

The thought crossed his mind. ’And just like me... you lost everything.’

The old man’s time was running short — his life-force barely holding on. From Yuhan’s memories, Igaris now knew how desperately the boy had tried to find medicine to prolong his grandfather’s life.

But all such elixirs were locked away in the Martial Sects. And Yuhan had no martial core, no talent. No way in.

Igaris slowly sat down on the old wooden stairs beside the fire, facing him. The flames crackled quietly, casting a soft orange glow across the dusty room.

"Grandfather," Igaris said, his voice soft.

"I want to become a Martial Warrior."

His tone was half-joking, but a faint tremor of hope hid behind the jest.

The old man just sighed. A helpless sigh.

He replied, "But You don’t have the Martial Core, Yuhan. Without it, no one can learn Martial Arts."

Igaris looked him in the eye, serious and composed.

"Yes, I know. But, I don’t want to remain weak anymore. I don’t care what the village says, or what my body lacks. I will find a way to awaken my strength. Even if I have to tear the heavens open for it."

The old man grew quiet. The firelight reflected in his eyes as he stared at his grandson.

After a long pause, he sighed, voice trembling:

"If your father could see you now... he’d be proud. But Yuhan, the Martial Path isn’t just filled with glory. It’s pain. Blood. Loss. I’ve seen it. You—"

"I know," Igaris interrupted gently. "And I’ll walk it anyway. For you... and for me."

The old man’s eyes welled up. He turned his face away, hiding the emotion.

"Alright... I won’t stop you. But at least stay the night. Tomorrow, go see Elder Hao at his house. Only he has the authority to take you to the Soaring Dragon Martial Sect... I’ll go with you and beg him one last time."

Igaris shook his head gently, a faint smile curving his lips.

"There’s no need to beg him, Grandpa. Tomorrow, you’ll see for yourself."

He looked out the window, where the stars were starting to twinkle beyond the darkening sky.

"I’ll convince him to take me in as a disciple. Not with pity... but with strength."

The old man stared at him, stunned by the calm confidence radiating from his grandson. Something had changed in him, something deep and unshakable.

After a pause, he smiled faintly.

"Then I’ll look forward to tomorrow... my little Yuhan."

____

Next Morning — Soaring Leaf Village

The first rays of sunlight bathed the village in a soft golden hue. The scent of dew-covered grass and smoldering cooking fires filled the air. Roosters crowed, and villagers slowly began their morning routines.

Igaris stepped out of the old wooden house, wearing a simple gray robe. Though it wasn’t anything special, the way he carried himself made it seem regal. His back was straight, his gaze sharp, and there was a subtle air of authority in his steps — as if the entire village had become too small to contain him.

Some of the villagers noticed him.

"Hm.. Is that... Yuhan?"

"He looks different today..."

"Maybe he finally decided to stop dreaming about martial arts."

"Hah! That trash? The sect will never take him in."

"But, I heard he had defeated Ciao yesterday singlehandedly."

"Oh, really?"

The murmurs reached his ears, but Igaris paid no attention. These weren’t words meant for him. They were for the old Yuhan, the one who had no Martial Core, no backing, and no future. That boy was gone.

He walked slowly beside the old man who limped with a cane, his face pale and wrinkled but full of quiet determination. They made their way through the cobbled village streets toward the hill where Elder Hao lived in semi-retirement.

On the way, they met Xiao Mei.

"Yuhan gege!" she called with a cheerful smile, then paused as her eyes lingered on his expression.

"Where are you going with Grandpa Lin?"

Grandpa Lin answered, instead, "Mei’er this lass wants to meet Elder Hao again. I am just accompanying him there."

Xiao Mei looked at Igaris, and smiled.

"So, Yuhan gege really is serious about joining the sect today?"

He nodded.

She hesitated. "Good luck. But, elder Hao doesn’t like to waste time with—"

"I won’t waste it," Igaris said gently but firmly.

"Thank you, Xiao Mei."

She looked stunned for a moment, then gave a quiet smile and bowed her head.

As they continued climbing, the old man coughed once, hand shaking slightly as he steadied himself with his cane.

Igaris subtly moved his hand beneath the old man’s elbow, supporting him without making it obvious.

When they reached the top, a modest courtyard surrounded by red-leafed trees came into view. A tall iron gate stood open. Inside, an old man with narrow eyes and a long beard was tending to a bonsai tree with extreme care.

Elder Hao.

He turned to the pair as if he had been expecting them.

"Yuhan. Old Lin. What brings you two here today?"

The elder’s tone was not unkind, but there was a hint of weariness in his voice. He had heard their same requests many times before.

Igaris stepped forward and bowed.

"Elder Hao. I came not to beg for a chance... but to show you that I deserve one."

The wind stirred the leaves as the old cultivator slowly raised a brow, interest flickering in his gaze.

"Oh? Then go ahead, boy. Show me."