The following morning.
To the north of Qinsidun City, the sturdy gates forged from cold iron had been worn by the passage of time, bearing deep scars and mottled marks. Yet they still stood guard over the safety and dignity of this land.
On either side of the gates, the city-state's guard knights held spears and shields, their steadfast gazes fixed on the distance, as if their very postures were telling everyone that this was sacred, inviolable ground.
At that moment, the city-state's lord, Viscount Levin Kinston, had personally come to the gates to see them off, dressed in a dark-blue aristocratic formal suit. Beside him stood his beautiful daughter and handsome son-in-law. They held hands, faint smiles on their faces.
When the guards at the gate saw their lord, they straightened, their expressions solemn, and saluted them.
Viscount Levin Kinston nodded slightly, indicating that they did not need to stand on ceremony.
His gaze was gentle at that moment, filled with gratitude, but he said nothing, leaving the farewell to Xia Ya.
"Teacher Luo Qi, Miss Sid, thank you for your help."
Xia Ya bowed deeply to the two people standing closest to the gate and preparing to leave. When he raised his head again, his eyes were filled with reluctance, as though he wanted to persuade them to stay.
"Xia Ya, we'll meet again in Helrom, the imperial capital."
Lanchi opened his arms and let Xia Ya rush forward to embrace him excitedly. He then waved calmly and bade his student farewell.
He was a young man with limitless potential, no less talented than his naturally demon-blooded senior apprentice-sister, Zestira.
Although both of them were still at relatively low tiers, they had already embarked on the proper path of cultivation. With their aptitudes, perhaps in a few years