Seeing this, He An immediately dropped his joking manner with Fan Dazhi and gave his sleeve a gentle tug.
The two hurried forward and bowed respectfully, saying in unison, "Your disciples greet you, Master Zhu."
Most teachers at the Knowledge and Practice Institute were approachable and never put on airs, but reverence for one's teachers and their teachings had long seeped into every disciple's marrow. Their respect came from the heart.
"Mm. No need for formalities."
Zhu Jin's voice was steady, betraying no emotion. His cold, stern gaze rested on He An for a moment, and the lines of his dark face seemed to soften slightly. "You must be He An? I heard you traveled to the Eastern Yang Kingdom recently to enter the Sword Tomb Secret Realm. What did you gain from the journey? Did you obtain the Vertical Sword Sect's Forging Art? And what young experts did you encounter who merit attention?"
Faced with his teacher's questions, He An dared not be negligent in the slightest. He promptly gave a truthful account of his journey to Eastern Yang, recounting everything in turn.
When He An reached the theft of the Forging Art, a trace of regret passed across Zhu Jin's face at just the right moment, no different from that of the other teachers. He listened attentively, even nodding in approval now and then when He An described particularly exciting moments.
Once He An finished, he said gently, "Fortuitous opportunities cannot be forced. Your safe return is already a blessing. Everything you saw and heard was experience, and it will greatly benefit your cultivation. Cultivation is like rowing against the current: if you do not advance, you fall back. Your foundation is solid, and your future is promising. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, you may