One Day, the Train Would Set Out Again

[What a surprise after finishing the railway storyline. Professor Ma, you were Aha all along. So Aha is the Trailblazer's true love?]

"First, you have to leave Aolai City with me."

Zhen Hua spoke, then raised a finger.

"I'm returning to Heaven Dou City. You'll have to come with me if you want to keep learning."

"You can visit home, but you must let me know in advance."

Chen Xing nodded.

He had already planned for that.

Someone like Zhen Hua could not stay in a small place like Aolai City just for him. He would have to go along.

"Second, once we're there, learn all you can. Watch, ask questions, and keep the right attitude."

"And when you're out and about, don't go causing trouble just because you're my student."

"If I hear you've been misbehaving, I can revoke your place as my student at any time."

Chen Xing nodded again. “Understood.”

"Third, I'm not taking you there to eat and drink for free. You'll help me work and earn your keep."

"Of course, you're young. I'll start you with the simplest jobs."

After hearing the three conditions, Chen Xing found them far more lenient than he had expected.

"I can accept that."

Zhen Hua looked at him and suddenly smiled.

"Nothing you want to ask for?"

Chen Xing thought for a moment. “I have a few small requests.”

Zhen Hua raised an eyebrow. “Let's hear them.”

"First, I need to go home at least once a month."

"Second, I need a decent place of my own where no one will disturb me."

"Third..."

Zhen Hua heard out Chen Xing's requests and agreed to every one without hesitation.

Chen Xing froze.

He had not expected Zhen Hua to agree so readily.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Zhen Hua waved a hand.

"Don't thank me yet. Pack your things first. We need to leave tonight, so go home and say a proper goodbye to your family."

Chen Xing nodded and headed out.

That evening, Chen Xing walked out of the alley with his luggage on his back.

He had gone fewer than a hundred steps when hurried footsteps sounded behind him.

“Brother Chen Xing!”

Na'er came running out of the alley and stumbled into his arms.

Startled, Chen Xing set down his luggage and turned to catch her.

“Na'er? Why did you come out?”

Her muffled voice came from against his chest.

"Brother, you promised you'd come back every month."

"I will. I promise."

"Then pinky promise."

She tilted her face up. Her purple eyes glistened as she stubbornly held out her little finger.

Smiling, Chen Xing reached out, hooked his finger around hers, and gave it a gentle shake.

"Pinky promise."

Only then did Na'er let go and take half a step back. Tears finally spilled down her cheeks, and she hurriedly wiped them with her sleeve.

"Brother, you should go."

Chen Xing looked at her and said softly,

"Wait for me."

Then he bent to pick up his luggage and turned toward the street.

After a few steps, he glanced back.

Farther down the alley, Lang Yue stood beside Tang Ziran, with Tang Wulin in front of them. All three watched him through the dusk.

Chen Xing smiled and waved before turning away.

Na'er stood motionless beneath the setting sun.

Its last light fell across her purple hair and eyes, making them shine.

She kept watching the end of the street until Chen Xing's figure disappeared completely.

Chen Xing did not go straight to the Blacksmiths Association.

He took a detour to a stretch of beach.

The abandoned train still lay where it had been, rusted and half-buried in the sand.

Chen Xing stood before it for a long time.

He stayed until the sun had fully set.

"I'll come back."

One day, you'll set out again.

Heaven Dou City.

Chen Xing arrived at the Blacksmiths Association with Zhen Hua and Mu Xi.

Two days earlier,

he had still been standing in that little repair shop in Aolai City.

Two days later,

he was at the Blacksmiths Association headquarters in Heaven Dou City.

The change was as jarring as finding out in his previous life, while playing through the story, that Professor Ma was Aha.

The moment he entered the hall, Chen Xing spotted someone.

Zhen Hua saw the man and paused.

"Junior Brother? What brings you here?"

Junior Brother?

Then this must be Mu Chen.

Mu Chen was the president of the Eastsea branch of the Blacksmiths Association. In the original story, he would become Tang Wulin's forging teacher in Eastsea City three years later.

He must be here to pick up Mu Xi.

Mu Chen glanced at Chen Xing behind Zhen Hua.

"Senior Brother, you said you'd be back in two days. It's the third day now. My daughter's been roaming around with you for three days, so I had to come check on her."

Zhen Hua cleared his throat.

"We were delayed on the way."

Mu Chen did not press him. His gaze returned to Chen Xing.

"Is he the student you took on in Aolai City?"

Zhen Hua nodded.

Mu Chen gave Chen Xing another look but asked nothing more. He turned to Mu Xi.

"Xiao Xi, let's go."

Mu Xi's face fell.

"Dad, I only just got here..."

"You haven't been to the academy in three days," Mu Chen said, leaving no room for argument. "Your mother's waiting for you at home."

Mu Xi opened her mouth, then swallowed her words.

She strode up to Chen Xing and planted her hands on her hips.

"Hey, I'm going back to Eastsea City. Don't slack off while I'm gone."

"I haven't seen enough of your Illusory Creation ability yet. You have to show me again next time I visit."

Chen Xing smiled and nodded.

"Sure."

Mu Xi leaned closer and lowered her voice.

"And don't make anything scary next time. My heart can't take it."

Chen Xing could not help laughing.

Bored on the Soul Guidance Train, he had drawn a chameleon toy. He had accidentally pressed a button, making it flick its tongue right at Mu Xi's face. She had nearly jumped out of the seat opposite him.

Mu Xi shot him a glare and ran back to Mu Chen's side.

Mu Chen cupped his hands toward Zhen Hua. "Senior Brother, I'll be going."

Zhen Hua nodded.

At the door, Mu Xi turned and waved.

"I'll come play with you again, little brother Chen Xing!"

The doors closed, and the hall grew much quieter.

Zhen Hua was about to take Chen Xing to his lodgings when another voice rang out nearby.

"Zhen Hua, you're finally back."

Chen Xing looked toward the voice. A man who appeared to be about Zhen Hua's age approached with a hearty laugh.

Zhen Hua frowned.

"Mu Ye? What are you doing here too?"

Mu Ye?

Chen Xing's heart skipped a beat.

The Body Sect's leader. A rank ninety-four Titled Douluo, a Four-Word Battle Armor master, and a Red-Class Mecha Engineer!

He's here too?

Mu Ye did not answer Zhen Hua. He walked straight up to Chen Xing, bent down, and peered closely at him.

"So you're that little kid?"