The sun shone brightly outside.
It stood in stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere inside the museum. Perhaps those negative emanations within had only been Zheng Qing's illusion. But beneath the sunlight outside, he truly felt a calming warmth.
The gentleman led him to a secluded patch of grass.
They sat down on the ground.
"Everyone has their own morning in their heart." The gentleman reclined against a large bluestone, somehow producing a little red clay teapot from his hand. He took small sips of tea and spoke unhurriedly. "...When the time comes, a person wakes up on their own."
"Sometimes, that morning is an alarm clock or a rooster's crow. Sometimes, it is a blow to the head or a sudden enlightenment. And sometimes, that morning comes after you learn the 'truth'..."
At first, Zheng Qing sat with his legs spread to one side beside the gentleman, his hands braced against the grass as he squinted lazily at the sun and listened to the lecture. But he soon realized that posture was somewhat disrespectful, so he switched to kneeling.
"Lie down. It'll be more comfortable." The gentleman waved a hand, signaling for the boy to relax. "Don't worry about those details..."
Zheng Qing blinked, readily taking the advice. He clasped his hands behind his head and flopped comfortably onto the grass.
Several butterflies danced around the old and young wizards.
In the treetops nearby, orioles and larks sang at the top of their lungs.
The grasslands of May had begun to enter their lushest season. The soft lawn was like an expensive Persian carpet. As he lay upon it, the scents of nature surged into the young wizard's nostrils. Combined with the warm sun and gentle breeze, Zheng Qing found himself feeling sleepy again.
The gentleman's voice seemed to