Su Shi'er had always kept little Feng Fei in his thoughts.
Seeing her again brought him great joy, though he did not show it.
The thought that they would soon part also left him a little sad.
But the little girl was no longer the half-grown child she had once been. She had grown up and had her own path to follow.
And so did he.
"I know! It's just..."
Feng Fei's voice caught. Halfway through, she could say no more.
Su Shi'er wore a faint smile and watched her quietly, offering comfort with his gaze alone.
After a while, Feng Fei wiped the corners of her eyes again and went on.
"Master, Senior Tang left for the Central Continent three days ago to rebuild the Xuanji Sect."
"I promised her I'd join the Xuanji Sect. It's time I went to the Central Continent too, to lend a hand with its rebuilding."
Su Shi'er's expression grew serious. "Yes. As a member of the Xuanji Sect, you should. But Martial Sister Tang is its sect master and also your master. You should treat her with the respect due a master."
"Don't worry, Master. I... I know what to do!"
Feng Fei fell silent, then nodded firmly.
Several times she seemed about to speak but stopped herself. At last, she said, "It's about time. I... should leave."
"Go on. The immortal path is full of hardships. Whatever you do, be careful. Better to retreat too often than charge ahead even once. If you run into danger, send me a Communication Talisman at any time!"
Su Shi'er waved a hand, looking utterly at ease.
Yet once he began speaking, he could not help adding a few more words of caution.
Feng Fei nodded hard, then made her way out of the cave dwelling