Returning to Suotuo City

During the meal, Zhu Zhuqing set down her bowl and chopsticks and looked up at Mo Yuan across from her. Her expression was calm and serious as she quietly reported:

"Teacher Mo, Lin Chen, I've fully recovered. My depleted soul power has been completely replenished, and the minor internal injuries from those days of fighting have healed through rest and regulation. I'm sound in both body and mind, and ready to set off at any time."

After two days of peaceful recuperation, her breathing was steady and controlled, and her eyes were bright and alert.

The weakness and exhaustion of their first meeting had long since faded. She had regained the cool sharpness of a wielder of the Nether Civet Martial Soul, her vitality and spirit restored to their peak.

Mo Yuan nodded slightly at her words, his expression gentle, and settled their itinerary at once:

"Since you've fully recovered, we'll set off early tomorrow morning. I'll have someone rent a comfortable carriage from the Carriage House in advance. We'll be ready to leave at dawn and head straight for Suotuo City."

Beside them, Lin Chen grew curious and casually asked:

"Teacher, wouldn't flying back be faster? With your flying ability as a Soul Saint, you could take both of us back to Suotuo City in just a few hours. Why rent a carriage and waste a whole day on the road?"

Mo Yuan immediately shot Lin Chen a glare, his eyes carrying a trace of helpless reproach, and scolded him in a low, exasperated voice:

"Can't you be a little more considerate, brat? We have a girl with us. Flying high through howling cold winds would leave her windswept and bedraggled. What do you mean, fly? Taking a carriage back is comfortable and dignified."

Understanding dawned on Lin Chen. He laughed sheepishly to himself and said no more.

His teacher was considering Zhu Zhuqing's feelings, unwilling to leave her chilled by the wind and bedraggled from the journey. He truly was remarkably thoughtful.

The night passed peacefully without sleep, and in the blink of an eye, morning arrived.

Daylight broke, the first faint rays of morning appearing as a cool breeze brushed through the town's streets and alleys. The air was fresh and clear.

Mo Yuan rose early and went to the town's Carriage House to rent a spacious, comfortable carriage. It stood waiting outside the inn, clean and tidy, with strong, docile horses well suited to a long journey.

Once Lin Chen and Zhu Zhuqing had woken and risen, the three briefly packed their belongings, went downstairs, and ordered a few light breakfast dishes. They finished quickly, without any unnecessary delay.

"Let's go," Mo Yuan said softly, leading the way toward the carriage.

The driver was already prepared and waiting. As the three approached, he immediately lifted the carriage curtain.

They boarded and took their seats one after another. The interior was spacious, the cushions soft, and the jolting minimal, making for a very comfortable ride.

Once everyone was seated, the driver flicked his whip. The horses gave a soft whinny and stepped forward steadily, the wheels rolling as they set off toward Suotuo City.

The journey from Border Town to Suotuo City was long, but the road was flat and open throughout, its condition excellent.

The carriage sped along smoothly as the scenery kept changing. Green fields stretched beside flourishing vegetation, and a gentle, cool breeze slipped through the gaps in the windows, dispelling the tedium of travel.

With a long road ahead, the three continued chatting along the way.

From time to time, Mo Yuan shared little-known stories about the continent's Soul Masters and insights into cultivation, explaining the basic landscape of the major powers to fill the gaps in Zhu Zhuqing's knowledge.

Lin Chen occasionally joined the conversation and sometimes quietly watched the scenery outside. The atmosphere remained relaxed and harmonious, without the exhaustion or boredom of a long journey.

After an entire day of steady travel, from dawn until dusk, the imposing outline of Suotuo City finally appeared in the distance as the sun sank in the west.

Its towering walls stretched into the distance, its gate towers rose majestically, and the city bustled with life, far surpassing Border Town in prosperity and grandeur.

The carriage passed through without obstruction and entered the city smoothly, finally coming to a steady stop outside the main entrance of Suotuo City's Intermediate Spirit Master Academy.

Once the carriage stopped, the three got out in turn. Moving briskly, Lin Chen took out the money first and paid the driver the full fare, his manner generous and proper.

Mo Yuan gave them a brief instruction:

"I'll go to the dean's office to report on the situation, explain Zhu Zhuqing's background and talent, and notify him of her enrollment."

"Lin Chen, take Zhuqing to the Academic Affairs Office to register. Arrange her dormitory room and help her settle in."

"Understood, Teacher," Lin Chen replied solemnly.

Without another word, Mo Yuan turned and headed straight toward the academy's administrative building, his steps steady as he made for the Dean's Office.

Lin Chen turned to Zhu Zhuqing beside him and said gently:

"Come with me. I'll take you to the Academic Affairs Office to register and arrange your accommodation."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded lightly and followed silently beside Lin Chen as they entered this unfamiliar Soul Master Academy.

The courtyards were neatly laid out, and school buildings stood in rows. Soul Master students could be seen cultivating everywhere, the air rich with soul power and the atmosphere disciplined and studious.

It was completely different from the noble-family environment she had known, stirring an unfamiliar sense of novelty in her heart.

Knowing the way well, Lin Chen led her to the Academic Affairs Office and explained the situation truthfully to the staff member there:

"Hello, teacher. This is Zhu Zhuqing, a new student recruited by Teacher Mo Yuan. Sorry for the trouble, but could you help register her enrollment and assign her a dormitory room?"

Learning that she was a disciple personally accepted by Mo Yuan, the staff member dared not neglect her and immediately completed all the enrollment procedures, entering her student records.

Following the principle of giving talented students favorable treatment and making it easier for fellow disciples to spend time together, the staff member specifically assigned Zhu Zhuqing a single room with excellent surroundings.

It happened to be right next door to Lin Chen's room, allowing them to look after each other and cultivate together in the future.

With the procedures complete, Lin Chen took the dormitory key and led Zhu Zhuqing through the academy's corridors to the Freshman Dormitory Area.

He opened the door to reveal a clean, tidy room filled with natural light. The bed was neatly arranged, with quilts and sheets all provided and set out in order. It was a standard dormitory room furnished uniformly by the academy.

However, it contained only the basic necessities for accommodation. Everyday washing supplies such as a basin, towels, soap, and a drinking cup were missing, leaving it rather empty and lacking the warmth of daily life.

Lin Chen glanced around and immediately understood. He said gently to Zhu Zhuqing:

"The basic furnishings are all here, but you're missing everyday washing supplies. Stay here and get things organized for now. I'll fetch a spare set from my room for you to use temporarily. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the market in the city and buy you a brand-new set of your own."

With that, Lin Chen turned and hurried back to his room.

He was meticulous in his daily life and had prepared a brand-new, unopened spare set of washing supplies in advance. Now it came in handy.

A short while later, Lin Chen returned with the complete set of clean, new supplies and gently handed them to Zhu Zhuqing.

Zhu Zhuqing reached out to accept them. As her fingertips lightly touched the warm items, a quiet warmth rose in her heart.

Ever since escaping the Star Luo Zhu Family, she had wandered from place to place, struggling alone and enduring cold looks and danger.

No one had ever considered these little things for her with such care or tended so thoughtfully to her daily needs.

The smallest acts of gentleness could soothe the heart most deeply.

She looked up at Lin Chen, sincerity filling her cool eyes, and thanked him softly. "Thank you, Lin Chen."

At that moment, the sunset's lingering glow shone through the window lattice onto Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks, softening her cool features.

Her exquisite face was fair and luminous, her slender eyes lively, and her air of otherworldly grace so captivating that it was difficult to look away.

Lin Chen instinctively looked up and met her clear, gentle eyes. Seeing that breathtakingly beautiful face at such close range, his heart gave an inexplicable little tremor.

Even with the maturity gained from decades in his previous life, his heart stirred unexpectedly. His cheeks quietly grew hot, and a blush crept over them beyond his control.

Flustered, he dared not hold her gaze any longer. He hurriedly looked away and awkwardly blurted out, his voice slightly rushed:

"Well, get yourself settled in. I'll head back."

Before Zhu Zhuqing could reply, Lin Chen turned and hurried out of the room, gently pulling the door shut behind him before retreating to his own room as though fleeing in defeat.

Zhu Zhuqing watched the young man's slightly flustered back until the closed door blocked her view. Holding the brand-new washing supplies, she found the corners of her usually cool lips lifting into the faintest, gentlest smile.