Qin Shi closed his eyes and used Mental Resonance to sense scenes from the past, sealed away by history.
His mind rippled like water, catching the voices of He Lanchán and his teacher in conversation.
"I'm just teaching you a few things, kid. Don't get carried away."
The Man in Black walking ahead was of average build. His voice was lazy, as if he couldn't care less about anything in the world.
He Lanchán, whose monstrous talent was universally acknowledged and who ranked among Eastern Xia's Top Ten, was being treated as though he didn't matter at all.
"My mom said that a teacher should impart wisdom, teach skills, and answer questions. Uncle, you've answered my questions and taught me how to improve. That makes you my teacher."
The white-haired boy was stubborn, sticking close to the Man in Black.
"Cut the crap. You think any Tom, Dick, or Harry can be my student? Take a good look at yourself. What makes you special? Apart from that conspicuous head of white hair."
The Man in Black scoffed.
"I'm pretty cute, Teacher. When I used to pick through trash, the owner of the recycling station always gave me a little extra. He even let me stay for dinner."
The white-haired boy chuckled, looking a little bashful.
"Get lost! I can't stand brats who act cute!"
The Man in Black kept walking, and the white-haired boy followed close behind.
They visited many places: the vast, sandy Gobi Desert, active volcanoes spewing lava, and a water world that seemed to stretch endlessly, as if filled by an ocean.
"Teacher, I can't keep calling you Teacher forever. You have to tell me your name sometime."
One day, the white-haired boy, now much older, spoke up.
"I never agreed to be your teacher, you little