Lu Xia looked at her innocent eyes and sighed softly inwardly.
His smile faded, and he said seriously, "Qinglin, I'm leaving."
"Leaving?"
Qinglin's gaze dimmed. "Where is Brother Xia going?"
"To Jia Nan Academy."
Lu Xia said gently, "Stay at Sky Serpent Mansion, cultivate diligently, and protect yourself."
Qinglin stared at him blankly as her eyes gradually reddened.
Though she had long known that the day of parting would come, when that moment truly arrived, she still could not help feeling sad.
She asked softly, "Brother Xia... when can I come find you?"
Seeing her reluctant expression, Lu Xia's heart softened.
He crouched down and said with a smile, "After you break through to Dou Zong."
"By then, Qinglin will be able to protect Brother Xia."
There was a hint of teasing in his voice.
Qinglin blinked and held back her tears.
She nodded heavily, her face full of determination. "All right!"
"I'll definitely cultivate to Dou Zong as quickly as possible!"
"Then I'll go find Brother Xia and protect Brother Xia!"
Warmth filled Lu Xia's heart. He reached out and patted her head. "All right. Brother will wait for you."
With that, he stood up, glanced at Qinglin, and turned to leave.
Qinglin stood where she was, staring blankly at Lu Xia's receding back.
The wind lifted her skirt. The young girl stood alone before the great hall, looking somewhat frail.
She gazed in the direction Lu Xia had gone, her eyes filled with determination.
"Brother Xia..."
"I'll definitely come find you."
"Definitely!"
Outside Sky Serpent Mansion.
Lu Xia stood side by side with Medusa.
"Let's go."
Lu Xia spoke calmly, his gaze directed toward the Black-Corner Region.
Medusa nodded slightly.
Their figures moved, turning into two streaks of light that shot into the sky.
A Dou Zong