Each to Their Own Journey!

Qian Yaoting came to see Li Long on the third day after returning to Spirit City.

Under the East Courtyard's covered corridor, Li Long had just completed a cycle of the Guidance Method. The moment he opened his eyes, he saw Qian Yaoting entering through the courtyard gate.

Qian Yaoting was somewhat different today. He lacked his usual fighting spirit, as though he were ready to spar at any moment. His steps were slow, as if he had already decided what to say before leaving.

Li Long rose and brushed the hem of his robes as he watched Qian Yaoting approach and sit on the stone bench beside him.

Qian Yaoting did not speak immediately after sitting down. Silence hung between them for several breaths.

The lingering scent of the mist from the Icefire Yin-Yang Well had long since been scattered from their clothes by Spirit City's autumn wind. A few newly yellowed parasol tree leaves lay on the stone floor beneath the corridor.

"Junior Brother, I've begun the Nine Trials of the Angel God ahead of schedule," Qian Yaoting said, his tone steadier than usual. "I've gained a preliminary understanding of the Divine Trials. Every trial requires immense time and effort for assessment and tempering. The shortest may take months, while the longest could take years. For quite some time, I won't be able to continue cultivating with you. You'll have to arrange the East Courtyard training grounds and the trips to the Icefire Yin-Yang Well yourself."

Li Long did not look surprised after hearing this.

Although he had not witnessed it himself, he had felt the aura fluctuation that had come from the direction of the Angel Temple that night. Qian Yaoting had not been the only one to sense that feeling of being watched across space.

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