For three days after Tang Ya awakened the Blue Silver Sky-Devouring Grass, Huo Chen did not see her.
She did not appear at his office door punctually every afternoon as she usually did, nor did she send anyone to pass along a message.
Huo Chen did not go looking for her. He knew she needed time to process and adapt to this newfound power, as well as time alone to sort out certain things.
On the third night, Huo Chen was in the courtyard of Homecoming Cottage, organizing notes on Soul Tool improvements.
The night breeze was slightly cool, and a crescent moon hung in the sky. Moonlight spilled across the bluestone paving in the courtyard like a thin layer of silver frost.
He heard faint footsteps outside the courtyard gate. They paused at the entrance, followed by a soft knock.
He put down his pen, walked over, and opened the gate.
Tang Ya stood outside.
She wore a plain white dress beneath a light gray outer coat. Her long dark brown hair was untied and fell loosely over her shoulders. The moonlight made her complexion seem paler than usual. Her eyes were slightly red, as if she had just cried, yet her expression was calm—far too calm.
"Teacher Huo," she said, her voice slightly hoarse. "I'm sorry for disturbing you so late at night."
"It's alright." Huo Chen stepped aside and let her in. "Come in and talk."
Tang Ya entered the courtyard and sat on a stone bench. She did not speak right away, merely lowered her head to look at the hands resting on her knees. She remained silent for a long time. Huo Chen did not rush her. He sat on the stone bench opposite her and waited quietly.
The night breeze passed through the courtyard,