After their bout ended, the two immediately returned to the small town. Dai Youheng was fairly satisfied with his current combat strength.
Outside the window, dusk spread like ink, and the town's lights came on one after another. Dai Youheng tapped his fingertips against the table, producing a steady rhythm, as though beating time for the schemes to come. Nana had already packed their luggage and stood quietly to one side, her gaze never leaving her young master.
"Nana, it's time to bring Ling Ya back," Dai Youheng said.
"Yes, young master!" At his words, Nana immediately took out a small silver soul tool and sealed a recall letter inside it. This was a Message-Transmitting Soul Tool, much like sending a letter by carrier pigeon.
With a faint release of soul power from her fingertips, the soul tool became a streak of light, slipping soundlessly into the night as it sped toward Star Luo City.
Only a day later, a figure carrying a chill with him appeared outside the town, treading through the morning dew. Ling Ya looked travel-worn, but his eyes gleamed keenly. He knocked softly on the wooden door, then entered after receiving permission and dropped to one knee before the tall, straight figure by the window.
"Young master, you've finally emerged from seclusion."
Dai Youheng turned and raised a hand slightly. "Get up. Thank you for your efforts over these past two years. It seems you haven't let the time go to waste."
Ling Ya rose, unable to suppress the pride on his face. "It was all thanks to you, young master. With the core materials Nana brought back from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, along with Purple Spirit Douluo's instruction, I successfully advanced to a Level 7 Soul Engineer half a year ago."
"Level