The Ring That Grows Stronger by Slaying Endless Monsters

With doubt in his mind, Arlo slid the ring back onto his finger and glanced at the time. The wholesale market was about to close. He had unloaded goods four times that afternoon and earned 200 . 

Riding his bike, Arlo bought a roast goose and a bottle of liquor on his way home. He arrived before dark.

At home, there was a new presence: a tall, burly middle-aged man, roughly 1.85 meters tall, with a rugged build, simple clothing, disheveled hair, and a weathered face.

Seeing him, Arlo walked over with the roast goose and liquor in hand. "Dad, you're back?"

The man was Arlo's father, Xin, He had rarely enjoyed a moment's peace, burdened with a wayward son, yet blessed with a kind wife, which was perhaps his life's sole consolation.

"Hmm." Xin glanced at the roast goose and liquor, sighing. "Why spend money on such expensive stuff again?"

"I'm not like you. I'm still growing at sixteen, and I've got four more years of growth ahead. I need proper nutrition!" Arlo retorted, placing the goose and liquor on the table. "Come on, let's have a drink!"

Arlo's words drew another long sigh from Xin. "Alright, let's drink. Your old man's not much help. Whether you'll have a better life in the future is all up to you now."

"Cut the nonsense. When you're too old to work, just say the word. Do you think I won't take care of you?" Arlo tossed 132 on the table. "Earned 200 today. After buying the goose and liquor, this is what's left."

"Alright, let your mom save it later. In a few years, it'll be time for you to get married. Remember to save up more money. If you can, buy an apartment in the city. Your mom and I can't help you there," Xin said, his tone filled with guilt and resignation.

"Got it. I save four to five thousand a month. In six or seven years, I should be able to afford a small place. Then, we'll sell this old house, pool everything together, and get a slightly bigger apartment. We'll move to the city and leave this godforsaken place behind. You and Mom can start enjoying life sooner," Arlo replied.

"Sigh!" Xin sighed once more, laden with emotion.

After dinner, a tired Arlo washed off the day's grime in the family's simple bathroom and collapsed into bed. The summer heat was stifling, and the only respite came from an old ceiling fan, spinning tirelessly to provide a sliver of comfort.

As Arlo drifted into sleep, the ring on his finger suddenly emitted a faint white light, enveloping him. In an instant, his body vanished.

"Where… where am I?"

When Arlo opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by a lush, green forest. The air was filled with the sounds of birds and distant animal calls, along with the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Taking a deep breath, Arlo exclaimed, "Wow, the air here is so pure. Beats the slums by a mile."

As the realization set in, Arlo pondered, "How did I get here? Could this be one of those otherworldly travel incidents?"

The thought of being transported to another world filled Arlo with melancholy. He wasn't like the typical orphaned protagonists of such tales, unburdened by ties. His parents were alive and well, and as their only son, his sudden disappearance would undoubtedly devastate them. Then, there was…

Arlo thought of a sweet, shy girl who would surely be heartbroken.

Kneeling down, Arlo bowed deeply three times. "Dad, Mom, your son is unfilial and won't be able to take care of you anymore… Yuyan, I hope you find happiness…"

Tears streamed down his face as he wept bitterly.

"Oh, come on! It's not like you can't go back. What's with all the crying?" A voice, familiar and infuriating, rang in Arlo's ears.

Whirling around, Arlo's eyes blazed with rage when he saw who it was. "It's you, you old fraud!"

With fists clenched, Arlo charged forward. "Give me back my hundred!"

The figure was none other than the swindler who had sold Arlo the ring. But now, the man was clad in a teal Daoist robe, holding a whisk, exuding an aura of mystical authority. As Arlo rushed toward him, the man lightly waved the whisk, sending Arlo flying backward. He landed in a comically painful heap after sliding several meters through the air.

"Argh, my butt!" Arlo groaned in pain.

"You…" Despite his anger, Arlo couldn't help but be awed by the man's overwhelming strength.

The old man smiled faintly. "You little rascal, no respect for your elders. Do you feel no shame attacking an old man?"

"Who… who are you?" Arlo asked, suddenly realizing he was in the midst of something far beyond ordinary.

"Me? I'm just the old man who sold you that ring," the swindler replied with a sly grin.

Arlo's face tightened with suspicion, unwilling to trust a word the old man said.

Sensing this, the man smirked and shrugged. "Fine, you've got no sense of humor. Let's skip the pleasantries and get down to business."