Standing aboard the Meteor Boat, Xiao Yu watched the mountains and land race past below, his heart light with satisfaction. His visit to Xin Ruoyin had gone remarkably smoothly, and he had accomplished every goal.
As he dwelled on it, a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips. When he turned and saw Qi Yunxiao still gazing in the direction of Xin Ruoyin's home, he could not help shaking his head.
Just then, as though something had occurred to him, Xiao Yu asked Qi Yunxiao:
"Brother Qi, we're already far away. She won't know you're looking, no matter how long you stare!"
"I-I wasn't looking!" Qi Yunxiao's face flushed scarlet, and he instinctively tried to deny it. Then, catching himself, he added:
"Sorry, Senior. I've made a fool of myself."
"Don't be shy. If you like her, just tell her outright. I guarantee it'll have an effect!" Xiao Yu egged him on.
"No, I can't do that." Qi Yunxiao shook his head repeatedly.
"By the way, may I ask you a few questions about artifact refining?" Xiao Yu changed the subject.
Relieved that Xiao Yu had stopped teasing him, Qi Yunxiao said, "Please ask whatever you wish, Senior. There's no need to call it seeking my guidance."
"We cultivators all recognize those with greater accomplishments as our teachers. When your cultivation is higher, others naturally address you as Senior. Likewise, in the Hundred Arts of Cultivation, whoever has the greater mastery deserves to be treated as a senior. There's nothing more to it.
"As for the Artifact Refining Technique, I read some introductory texts a few years ago and occasionally tried my hand at it. But I always felt I couldn't grasp the essentials, so I'd like to seek your guidance," Xiao Yu said.
"Then please go ahead, Senior Xiao. I'll