Huo Yuhao nodded firmly, stood up again, and bowed deeply to Xu Yanli.
"Your student takes his leave!"
He turned and headed for the back courtyard's gate. The faint clink of his armor echoed beneath the covered walkway. When he reached the gate, he paused. Without looking back, he called out, his voice slightly tight.
"Teacher, please take care of yourself."
With that, he strode out through the courtyard gate, and his figure soon disappeared at the end of the covered walkway.
Xu Yanli sat beside the stone table, watching until the dark blue figure had vanished completely. He remained silent for a long, long time.
The autumn wind blew again, rustling the osmanthus leaves. A few yellowed leaves spun down onto the stone table, landing right beside the teacup.
He lowered his head to look at them, and suddenly remembered how, seven years ago, he had stopped that frail boy in a narrow alley outside Star Luo City.
Back then, Huo Yuhao had worn shabby gray clothes and been as thin as a bamboo stalk. His eyes had brimmed with hatred and wariness toward the world around him. He had been like a cornered beast, ready to fight to the death at a moment's notice.
Seven years had passed in the blink of an eye.
That frail boy had grown into a general who could stand on his own. He wore armor, commanded troops, and carried himself in a completely different way.
Yet in front of him, he was still that obedient, dependable, trustworthy disciple.
Xu Yanli let out a soft breath, stood, and brushed the dust from his robe.
He put the Jade Carving Knife away, then walked beneath the osmanthus tree and gazed up at its golden blossoms, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
There was