Parting So Soon

After entrusting Xi Xiu to Vivian, Wei Lanshan prepared to leave.

Xi Xiu had known that once they arrived here, she and Wei Lanshan would have to part ways, but she had not expected her to leave so quickly.

Vivian closed the door, leaving the space to Wei Lanshan and Xi Xiu.

She went to her office and followed the procedure to verify the information in Xi Xiu's file with the Mingzhao Star System.

Once it was confirmed that the file was exactly as Xi Xiu's records stated, she entered it into the Orphanage database and completed Xi Xiu's admission procedures.

Wei Lanshan quietly looked at the little girl before her, reluctance swelling in her heart.

"Aunt Lan, are you leaving already? So soon?" Xi Xiu asked anxiously.

"Xi Xiu, life is full of partings. I still have things to do, and I can't delay any longer."

"Then... then will we see each other again someday?" Xi Xiu bit her lip, grief filling her heart.

Wei Lanshan had protected her all the way here, allowing her to reach Ningkui Star safely. She had also taught her how to survive in this world.

"We probably won't be able to meet within the next ten years. Xi Xiu, listen to Vivian. She's a very good person—gentle and patient. Remember, as long as you don't stand out too much in the open, you'll be able to get through these eleven years safely," Wei Lanshan instructed.

"I understand, Aunt Lan. Thank you. Thank you for everything you've done for me." Xi Xiu sincerely thanked Wei Lanshan and even bowed to her.

Wei Lanshan's instructions made Xi Xiu feel a trace of warmth. She had received such affection in her previous life as well, which was why she had given everything she had to repay that elder.

This woman had been cold and heartless toward her at first, but she had saved her in the end and led her through their escape. That alone was enough to wipe the slate clean between them.

Xi Xiu decided not to dwell on what had happened in the laboratory anymore. Wei Lanshan had given her more than two lives; the karma between them could no longer be reckoned.

At the same time, she truly felt that this woman was powerful. Whether in spirit or martial strength, Wei Lanshan was formidable. Otherwise, she could never have fled alone with Xi Xiu and succeeded.

Wei Lanshan could pilot spacecraft and understood countless theories about machinery, which was utterly at odds with her identity as a biologist. Her network of connections was also incredibly broad.

From the fact that she knew where every local black market was in any star system they visited, and could trade with them without the slightest obstacle, Xi Xiu knew that the impression this woman gave on the surface was worlds apart from the truth.

Xi Xiu firmly resolved that she, too, would become someone like Wei Lanshan—capable and powerful, able to come and go freely throughout this star region.

"I recorded an audio message. Open it after you turn ten and learn how to decode it. You'll learn more about things I can't conveniently tell you now."

Wei Lanshan knew there were things Xi Xiu might not understand yet. Having just emerged from that sealed laboratory and never having encountered the outside world, no matter how gifted Xi Xiu was, she could not possibly absorb and remember all this information at once.

So she recorded everything Xi Xiu needed to pay attention to, stored it in her communication terminal, and set a password.

Xi Xiu knew that the woman before her did not treat her like a child. Ever since they had reached the ground, her relationship with Wei Lanshan had always been one between adults.

That was why she had never acted cute or pretended to be innocent in front of Wei Lanshan during their journey. She had asked Wei Lanshan many questions she did not understand and committed all the answers to memory.

"Xi Xiu, work hard. Work hard to become strong. Only then will there be a place for you in this boundless star region. The road ahead is difficult. Take care."

Wei Lanshan stroked Xi Xiu's soft hair and spoke these words to her.

"I understand. Don't worry, Aunt Lan. May we meet again in the sea of stars. When that day comes, Xi Xiu will not disappoint your expectations." Xi Xiu opened her pure black eyes and solemnly made her resolve.

Wei Lanshan was very satisfied with Xi Xiu's answer. She already knew the road ahead was perilous, yet she was willing to work hard. Even alone, that courage alone was enough to make Wei Lanshan see her in a new light. She had not saved the wrong person.

"Are you afraid? Afraid of facing such a vast world all by yourself?"

"I'm apprehensive, but I can't be afraid." Those were Xi Xiu's true feelings. This world held danger, but even more grandeur—beauty without end. And life was long; she could do many things she had never had time to do in her previous life. This was a different life.

"Good. If you run into difficulties, you can seek Vivian out. She'll help you. Don't let her clerical job fool you—she was quite a remarkable person back then." Wei Lanshan seemed to recall the days they had spent together.

"Alright. Aunt Lan, this is a gift for you. I think it'll be quite useful. Please make sure you accept it." Xi Xiu handed Wei Lanshan a sheet of paper.

It was a copy of the Tranquil Heart Art that Xi Xiu had written down from memory, then translated into the Alliance language. She gave it to Wei Lanshan as thanks for saving her life. Though the gift was light, it was the only thing she possessed at present.

Wei Lanshan reached out and pulled the little girl, who only came up to her waist, into a tight embrace. It felt as if that tiny infant born from the cultivation chamber had been there only yesterday, yet now they were about to part.

"Alright. Thank you, Xi Xiu. Somewhere beyond the sea of stars, I'll be watching you." Watching you grow up and dazzle this era.

At that moment, Wei Lanshan had no idea what kind of gift she had received. Later, when danger found her again and again, she would be grateful that she had shown kindness to that child. Saving Xi Xiu was the most correct choice she had ever made.

After explaining everything, Wei Lanshan left the Orphanage. Xi Xiu stood where she was until Wei Lanshan's figure could no longer be seen.

After saying goodbye to Xi Xiu, Wei Lanshan changed identities once more and silently left Ningkui Star.

Only Vivian knew where she was headed. Traveling from Ningkui Star back to Capital Star would take her nearly one star month.

She took what Xi Xiu had given her and scanned the words into her terminal for storage.

Then she opened the Star Net, connected to the Central Brain, and checked the mission she was about to carry out.

For the following ten years, Xi Xiu received not a single word from Wei Lanshan. The avatar in her contacts was forever gray.

Only the Star Coins transferred into her account on time each month let Xi Xiu know that Wei Lanshan still existed somewhere in the depths of this universe, in a place she did not know.

Xi Xiu stood there for a long time. She was deeply grateful that Wei Lanshan had saved her, led her through their escape, and protected her all the way. She would repay this debt of gratitude someday. They would certainly meet again.

She would work hard to become strong. This world was so wonderful. Leaving behind her former name and identity, she would set out for the stars under a new name.

Only after a long while did Vivian come to her side and look in the same direction as Xi Xiu. "She's a very good person."

"Mm. Aunt Lan is a good person."

"Let's go. I've already arranged a place for you to stay. I'll take you to get familiar with the surroundings first."

Vivian took Xi Xiu's hand. After returning to the Orphanage, she activated its transparent Protective Shield. With this shield in place, no one could enter without her permission.

Xi Xiu looked around. This would be where she lived from now on. It was not bad—far better than the place she had stayed in during her childhood in her previous life.

Along the way, Vivian introduced Xi Xiu to everything here: the places for studying, training, eating, and daily life.

She also explained the Orphanage rules and many things that required attention. "Do you remember all of that?"

Xi Xiu nodded and obediently answered Director Vivian. For someone who had already developed habits of self-discipline, these things were not difficult. The only thing she needed to watch out for was concealing her talent.