Yu Xunge had no idea how long she had slept, but when she woke, the curse brought by Haggard Journey had vanished.
The orange-and-white cat crawled out from beneath the cloak. The two teachers seated at the bow turned to look at her at the same time.
Yu Xunge finally had the mind to take in the scenery of the River of Time.
But in the next second, someone grabbed her by the scruff and lifted her up, carrying her to the very center of the little boat so she faced both teachers.
Facing her apprentice's accusing gaze, Zhuri pointed at Tian Huhaoqi. "She has something to say to you."
Yu Xunge immediately stood properly and waited for Tian Huhaoqi to speak. She knew it had to be important.
Tian Huhaoqi said wistfully:
"Every time I see you, I think about how wonderful it would have been if I'd gone to Kaladom back then. Unfortunately, there are no ifs...
"So when Zhuri told me that if I came to find you with her, then so long as you agreed, I could become your other official mentor, I immediately went to Cuo Da to ask for leave.
"You might have a headache when you return for the competition, because while I'm gone, Cuo Da is covering my classes..."
At that point, her casual tone suddenly turned solemn. She looked directly into her apprentice's eyes and said seriously, "Actually, I originally thought that the child you were was the apprentice I wanted most."
Ever since Tian Huhaoqi had said, "I'm here to find my apprentice," in Zaijiu, Yu Xunge had vaguely guessed what was going on. After all, Tian Huhaoqi said every year that she wanted Yu Xunge as her apprentice.
But hearing Tian Huhaoqi's final words now still surprised her somewhat.