A "New" Day for Nangong Chong

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating a room in glorious disarray.

Nangong Chong muttered something, pulled the covers over his head, and turned his back to the sun, planning to spend a little more time tangled up in bed.

Ding! A sharp, piercing sound suddenly rang out. Nangong Chong sat up, thoroughly annoyed. Across the room, his smart alarm clock was hopping around as if afraid he'd forcibly shut it off.

Nangong Chong shook his head, his eyes still unfocused. He sat dazed for several minutes before slowly getting up and heading to the bathroom.

He first splashed cold water on his face. At last, he felt fully awake. All at once, a jumble of emotions surged through him: sadness, heartache, relief, and liberation.

He was sad that his beloved uncle, Wu Youming, had passed away, and that he couldn't inform his other relatives just yet—he had to wait for the government to make arrangements. His heart ached because he had spent the past two days living in fear, shock, and disbelief, feeling so helpless and powerless that he had gradually gone numb. He was relieved and liberated because last night had only been a nightmare; the Azure Heaven Sect Master hadn't sent anyone else "traveling across worlds."

This should be over now, right? A new day, a new beginning!

Nangong Chong looked at his reflection, his eyelids slightly puffy. He clenched his fist, gave himself a pep talk, and rallied his spirits. Today was the defense for one of his courses. He had to attend—and he'd get to see "her"!

Just then, he saw the corners of his mouth curl up into a meaningful smile.

That smile was so familiar that Nangong Chong blurted out:

"Senior!"

Whenever he saw a smile like that, nothing good ever