Bai Ye transformed into a pale azure streak of light and quietly returned to the blue-gray courtyard outside the God Tomb.
As soon as he landed, he saw Elder Liu sitting beside the stone table in the front hall. He held a cup of warm Forget Worry Tea, his calm gaze fixed on the Stele Forest outside the courtyard, as though he had been waiting for quite some time.
A hundred years had left deeper marks on Elder Liu. His back had grown even more hunched.
Even the motion of raising his hand to drink tea carried a trace of stiffness. Only his pair of murky eyes flashed with an imperceptible light when he looked at Bai Ye.
"You're back." Elder Liu gave a soft chuckle, his voice hoarse yet gentle. "I already know the result of the grand competition."
"I had originally wanted to advise you not to lose heart over a momentary defeat. As it turns out, I was worrying needlessly."
Bai Ye walked over and sat beside the stone table, his expression still indifferent, without the slightest trace of disappointment. "Elder, victory and defeat are ordinary matters. This junior never took it to heart."
"Good. What a fine saying—'victory and defeat are ordinary matters.'"
Elder Liu nodded repeatedly, approval showing in his eyes. "On the Dao Path, talent is certainly important, but this calm and steady state of mind is even more precious."
"How many prodigies have been ruined by seeking quick success and instant benefits? Since you can hold fast to your original heart, your future achievements will be limitless."
As he spoke, he took a completely pitch-black storage ring from his sleeve and handed it to Bai Ye. "These are resources passed down through the Divine Tomb lineage. Take them."
"From this day onward, you