Three days passed in the flick of a finger.
At the gates of the Martial Soul Branch Academy in Suotuo City, the first light of dawn glimmered faintly. A crisp morning breeze swept through the streets, stirring scattered fallen leaves and brushing against the upright figures of the young men and women.
At the head of the formation, Mo Yuan and Bai Qingqing stood side by side in simple training clothes. Their expressions were calm yet carried an innate authority. As the team's guides, both had already made every preparation for the long journey ahead.
Several other familiar figures stood at the academy gates as well.
The logistics instructor, Hou Qingming, had also arrived early. Dressed in a plain instructor's robe, he held a rolled supply ledger in his habitual grip. His face, usually preoccupied with countless little tasks, held less severity now and more warmth and reluctance to part.
Hou Qingming never took part in combat training or interfered with cultivation instruction. He had always quietly devoted himself to logistics.
He single-handedly handled all the team's cultivation resources, whale rubber preparations, daily supplies, medicinal provisions, and every other task, great or small.
The Sun Never Sets Team could immerse themselves in arduous cultivation and venture out to hone their skills without worries only because this logistics instructor supported them with his quiet efforts, day after day.
Seeing everyone assembled in orderly ranks, their breathing steady, Hou Qingming slowly stepped forward. His gaze swept over the young men and women he had watched grow, and he spoke with warmth and sincerity.
"I came today especially to see you off."
He paused, waved a hand lightly, and added with a smile:
"I won't be going to Heaven Dou City with you. The Martial Soul Holy Palace Advanced Soul Master Academy has