Heavenly Gift! Leaving the Palace!

Li Bufan said, "You're too kind, Senior Brother. Even if I'd come across a stranger in need, I would have helped them. How could I do any less for my own senior brother?"

Xiao Tianlin burst into hearty laughter. It echoed through the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, making the halls tremble faintly.

He patted Li Bufan on the shoulder, his eyes full of admiration. "With a heart like yours, Junior Brother, there's no telling how far you'll go. I've lived for decades and met countless people. Many had talent, but those who had talent and a pure heart were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns."

The two chatted for a while, moving from old stories of Songhe Gate to the mysteries of the Heavenly Fire Spiritual Body, then from their experiences in alchemy to the use of needle techniques.

Though Xiao Tianlin was an emperor, he put on no airs with Li Bufan. They talked like old friends of many years.

Xiao Tianlin also asked about Xie Qisha, and Li Bufan told him a little about how his master had guided him in the art of the blade.

After listening, Xiao Tianlin said with a sigh, "I knew of Senior Xie's reputation from the day I joined Songhe Gate. It's your good fortune to have become his disciple."

Li Bufan nodded. "Master's kindness to me is as weighty as a mountain. I'll never forget it, not even when my teeth have fallen out."

Xiao Tianlin went on to speak of his own years at Songhe Gate, of the fellow disciples he had known and the days they had roamed the world together. His eyes brimmed with memories.

He sighed. "In the blink of an eye, it's been almost thirty years since I left Songhe Gate. I've been so