The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Old Yao finished making the necessary arrangements, then quietly left Starfall Pavilion with Xiao Heng.
On the mountain peak, Venerable Wind watched the two figures vanish completely from sight and let out a helpless sigh.
"Old fellow, I hope you can still return safely!"
High in the sky, Old Yao and Xiao Heng streaked through the air at top speed. After flying for a long while, Xiao Heng was still somewhat bewildered. He had guessed that Old Yao had something to do, but what exactly was it?
Beneath the blue sky and white clouds, Xiao Heng could no longer suppress his curiosity. "Old Yao... ah... Teacher, where are we going?"
Old Yao glanced at him. A trace of loneliness flickered deep in his eyes before swiftly turning into a smile. He seemed rather pleased by Xiao Heng's form of address as he chuckled softly. "You'll know when we get there."
"Mm." Xiao Heng nodded helplessly.
With Old Yao leading the way, the two continued flying. After two and a half days, at their speed, they had nearly crossed the entirety of the Central Continent.
They finally came to a stop within the Thousand Mountain Range in the western region of the Central Continent. At that moment, the sun was about to set.
"We're here. This is the place. Follow me..." Old Yao gazed at the somewhat familiar mountain range and descended with Xiao Heng. As they landed amid the mountains, ruins steeped in an ancient aura appeared before them.
"This is...?" Xiao Heng stared at the ruins before him. He had not expected such an inconspicuous mountain range to contain ruins filled with the style of ancient architecture.
"Follow me..." Old Yao said softly, leading Xiao Heng into the ruins.