Nie Yunxi hesitated slightly, then shook her head. "No. I probably won't be taking on missions in the future, so leaving behind an aura would be of no use."
Zhou Qing was taken aback, only then noticing that something was off with Nie Yunxi's expression.
He swept his magnetic field perception over Nie Yunxi and found that the electromagnetic signals around her were chaotic, indicating that her heart was anything but calm.
Zhou Qing frowned slightly.
He understood Nie Yunxi's temperament very well. As her name suggested, she was like a little stream—clear and tranquil. Yet now, she seemed burdened with thoughts, like a clear brook with muddy sand stirred up from its bed.
Zhou Qing asked, "Does Junior Sister have something troubling her? You may as well tell me. If it is within my power, I will certainly help ease your worries and solve your difficulties."
Nie Yunxi's gloomy expression brightened. "Senior Brother, are you worried about me?"
Hm?
Zhou Qing found her question somewhat strange, but he still smiled. "I am your Senior Apprentice. Besides, we all came from Cloud Prefecture. Of course I care about you."
Nie Yunxi said, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother. I'm fine."
With that, she bade Zhou Qing farewell, turned, and walked out of the courtyard.
Watching her solitary, shuffling figure recede into the distance, Zhou Qing felt utterly baffled.
He quickly drew his thoughts back.
Now that he had collected the auras of all the disciples, it was time to make some new paper cranes.
But it was currently time for meditation.
Zhou Qing decided to follow his plan strictly and give his life a steady rhythm. That steady regularity would also lend stability to his state of mind.
For cultivation, a stable state of mind was extremely important.
He