Xu Qingtong pushed the Ink Cloud Shuttle to its limit and soon reached Gloomwind Valley.
He went straight to the valley entrance, greeted the disciples stationed there, and headed directly for Yu Tiancheng's cave abode.
Outside the entrance to Yu Tiancheng's cave abode, Xu Qingtong dropped to his knees with a thud and said in a choked voice, "Your unfilial disciple Qingtong begs an audience, Master!"
"Qingtong, come in!" Yu Tiancheng's voice came from within the cave abode.
Xu Qingtong did not rise, but crawled into Yu Tiancheng's cave abode on his knees. At the sight of his tear-streaked face, Yu Tiancheng's heart tightened, and he hurriedly said, "Qingtong, what happened? Get up and tell me!"
"Master, I was useless! I failed to protect Senior Sister!" Xu Qingtong's eyes were red, tears streaming down his face as he broke into anguished sobs.
Yu Tiancheng sprang to his feet, reached Xu Qingtong in a few strides, and pulled him up. Staring at him with wide eyes, he asked in a trembling voice, "Qingtong, what did you say?"
"Master, Senior Sister struck a Spatial Rift while saving me. Her body was destroyed, and only her primordial spirit remained!" At the thought of Du Siwen's tragic condition, Xu Qingtong's tears poured out uncontrollably like a river bursting its banks.
Yu Tiancheng froze where he stood, tears streaming down his aged face. He tilted his head back, trying hard to compose himself, but could not hold back his tears of grief.
After a long while, Yu Tiancheng heaved a sigh and said, "I warned that girl long ago, but she wouldn't listen. In the end, it cost her her life!"
Hearing this, Xu Qingtong blamed himself all the more. Kneeling there, he struck his forehead against the ground and said, "Master, rest assured. No