Xu Qingtong and Du Siwen stayed in Zhonglü City for two days, purchased some things, then bade farewell to Duoduo and her grandfather and left Zhonglü City.
Duoduo insisted on following Du Siwen, but Xu Qingtong refused. The little girl sniffled and wiped away her tears. Only after Xu Qingtong promised to bring Du Siwen to visit her often did she let the two leave.
On the way back, Du Siwen asked Xu Qingtong, "Little Junior Brother, now that I've come back to life, that's one great worry off your mind! What are your plans next? Will you go looking for Sister Dongfang?"
Xu Qingtong thought for a moment, then said, "Senior Sister, I still need to stay at Juxian Academy for a while. First, to get the tiger-patterned white jade lotus as soon as possible, I incurred a debt of thirty thousand merit to the academy's sect master! Although I still have some merit on hand, I'm far short!"
"Second, the academy is a sacred haven for cultivation. You've now reached the Foundation Establishment middle stage as well, so cultivate diligently here and strive to achieve core formation soon!" Xu Qingtong said.
"Oh! I can join the academy too?" Du Siwen asked.
"Don't forget, your junior brother is a patrol instructor at the academy. I can arrange for one student to enter the academy each year!" Xu Qingtong said smugly.
Du Siwen curled her lip. "Show-off!"
Xu Qingtong chuckled and was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed, and he stopped in midair.
Behind them, a figure was rushing toward them. A moment later, Xu Qingtong made out the newcomer, a man in his forties or fifties wearing academy robes, riding a flying sword beneath his feet. In the blink of an eye, he arrived before Xu Qingtong.