After their conversation, Ji Yuan prepared to return to Winterfrost City.
But just as he was about to leave, Long Ba suddenly called him back.
"Hmm? Is there anything else, Martial Uncle?"
Receiving Qingchengzi's protection through Long Ba had already been beyond Ji Yuan's expectations.
"Yes. Your master left a letter for you with me. She said to give it to you when I saw you."
Long Ba took a letter from his Storage Bag and offered it with both hands.
"This—"
Ji Yuan had not expected this either. Only when he accepted the letter with both hands and sensed that achingly familiar aura upon it did he believe it was real.
Master actually left me a letter.
Without further hesitation, Ji Yuan opened it in front of Long Ba.
The familiar, graceful handwriting met his eyes. As he read, Hua Yaoyue's cool voice seemed to sound within his Sea of Consciousness.
"Ji Yuan, if you're reading this letter, it means you've gone to find that old turtle. Well? Did he take care of your business?
"Heh, don't worry. The first time you seek him out, he'll help you get things done even if it costs him his life. The next time, though, that's not so certain. But no matter.
"Cultivation is always your own affair.
"Just as it is now. Your master can only protect your path this far. From here on, you must walk it yourself.
"Remember: be careful in all things."
The letter was short. Ji Yuan finished it in a few glances.
Rather than instructions left by Hua Yaoyue, it felt more like her rambling thoughts.
Perhaps she, too, was reluctant to part, unsure whether they would ever meet again. Since she had this rare chance, she had said a little more while she could.
Ji