"Mm, that's pretty good." The corners of Lu Chen's mouth curved upward, his smile softening his eyes and brows.
"When you really do leave Aolai City for Eastsea City someday, make sure you take good care of yourself. Cultivation isn't that important. Staying safe and sound matters most."
Lin Mengxi patted his arm, fussing over him, but her eyes were full of a reluctance to part that she couldn't hide. Even her voice was softer than usual.
"I know. Thank you, Sis." Lu Chen said little else and simply reached out to gather Lin Mengxi into a full embrace.
Lin Mengxi stiffened, then gently hugged him back, her voice carrying a barely suppressed sob. "You must come back often to visit, our little Lu Chen."
Resting against her shoulder, Lu Chen sighed softly. "This is my home. Whenever I get the chance, I'll definitely come back."
That was what he said, but his heart was as clear as a mirror.
Once he left, there was no telling how many times he would be able to return.
Just like Tang Wulin in the book, who had gone to Eastsea City back then and never set foot in his homeland again.
How could Lin Mengxi not know that too? There would probably be precious few chances for this half-grown boy before her to stand in front of her again.
Clutching the recommendation letter in his hand, Lu Chen tightened his fingertips slightly and gently pushed open the office's wooden door.
Time really was something that couldn't hit the brakes once it started running. In the blink of an eye, three years had somehow slipped by.
And looking at his cultivation speed, it was slower than a turtle crawling-so slow he wanted to claw at the walls.
He looked up at the sunlight spilling in through the window, its glare making him squint despite himself.
He raised an arm to shield his eyes. Flecks of light slipped between his fingers and fell warmly across his face, yet they couldn't dispel that hollow feeling deep inside.
Lu Chen stopped dwelling on it, turned, and rushed toward the sports field.
The blazing sun hung overhead, scorching his skin.
But he paid it no heed, running lap after lap around the track as sweat streamed down his temples and soaked the back of his shirt.
Only this could temporarily chase away a little of the loneliness and uncertainty he couldn't put into words.
"Lu Chen, Lu Chen! We're here with you. Don't be afraid, don't be afraid."
A sudden weight settled on his shoulder as Fenrir emerged from his Spirit Soul space. His little head, shrunk to who knew how many times its original size, rubbed against Lu Chen's cheek. His voice was full of comfort and shared understanding, gently smoothing out Lu Chen's tangled thoughts.
The moment the afternoon dismissal bell rang, Lu Chen headed straight for the regular class and picked up Na'er.
"Hey, hey, that's Lu Chen, right? No wonder everyone calls him the 'little melancholy heartthrob.' He's so cute you just want to dote on him!"
"Exactly. I heard he's in the Soul Master class, too. He's not even in the same circle as us."
The whispers of several nearby girls drifted into his ears, but Lu Chen acted as though he hadn't heard them. Looking straight ahead, he held Na'er's hand and headed directly toward Red Mountain Orphanage.
"Big Brother." Na'er suddenly gave his shirt a gentle tug. There was little expression on her small face, but a trace of loneliness showed in her eyes. "Let's take a walk by the sea, okay?"
"Sure." Lu Chen agreed at once, took her hand, and changed direction, strolling leisurely toward the shore.
His heart was as clear as a mirror: Na'er was about to leave.
After this farewell, the next time they met, she might no longer be the Na'er who called him Big Brother in that soft voice.
Instead, she would have regained her identity as the Silver Dragon King and changed her name to Gu Yue, and she would no longer call him Big Brother as sweetly as she did now.
The two walked side by side to the shore, where the salty, briny sea breeze swept into their faces with a damp chill.
They simply stood there in silence, letting the waves lap against the sand at their feet, churning up flecks of white foam.
The sky slowly darkened, and night spread out. Stars poked their heads out one after another, while the moon hung lazily overhead, spilling its clear light across the sea. The water shimmered, looking quite peaceful.
The sea really was beautiful, but standing there, Lu Chen kept feeling something indescribable surging up from its depths, as though something were secretly rejecting him.
The sensation was subtle-not a tangible attack, but more like an... invisible will, holding the entire ocean firmly in its grasp.
Lu Chen rubbed his chin, perfectly clear on the matter. He reckoned control of the ocean was still clutched in Tang San's hands.
He sighed softly and muttered inwardly, This continent really has suffered under Tang for far too long.
While he was lost in thought, he suddenly turned toward the little girl beside him and pulled out a smile. "Na'er, look at the sky. Isn't it beautiful?"
"Yes..." Na'er's voice was soft, but she suddenly stopped halfway through.
She clutched the hem of her clothes, her fingertips turning faintly white. Only after a long while did she ask quietly, "Big Brother, if one day I have to leave... will you miss me?"
Lu Chen's heart lurched, and the smile on his face stiffened.
He looked at Na'er's lowered eyes, looked at Na'er's lowered eyes. Though he knew her departure had long since been decided, he couldn't help pressing her. "Do you... have to leave?"
Na'er remained silent and didn't answer his question. She merely raised her head, her purple eyes glistening, and asked again, "Big Brother, will you miss me?"
Lu Chen fell silent for a few seconds, then reached out and ruffled her hair, making his voice very gentle. "Silly girl, how could I possibly not miss my Na'er?"
"I'll miss you too." Na'er forced a smile uglier than crying. The moment the words left her mouth, she plunged into Lu Chen's arms.
Na'er wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and buried her little face in his clothes, rubbing against them until his heart ached.
She didn't know how to tell Lu Chen, didn't know how to reveal the secrets hidden in her heart, and knew even less when they would meet again after this farewell.
Neither knew how long they stood there. The sky had gone completely dark, and the sea breeze carried a chill that raised goosebumps on their arms.
Na'er slowly pulled out of his embrace and lowered her head. Her long lashes drooped, hiding the mist in her eyes, and her voice was low. "Big Brother, let's go home."
"Okay. Let's go home." Lu Chen nodded and reached out to hold her hand. The warmth against his palm was soft, yet carried a slight tremble.
Hand in hand, they walked toward the orphanage, step by step, their shadows stretched long by the moonlight.
As soon as they reached the orphanage gate, they saw the director and Lin Mengxi standing there, craning their necks in anticipation. Both looked anxious, only breathing sighs of relief when they saw the two return.
"Where did you two run off to? You had us worried sick!" The director stepped forward and patted Lu Chen's arm. There was a hint of reproach in her tone, but far more concern.
Only then did Lu Chen slap his forehead. Oh no, I was so caught up watching the sea with Na'er that I forgot to tell the director.
He quickly lowered his head, his face full of apology. "Director Mom, I'm sorry. Na'er and I went to the seaside, and I didn't tell you beforehand."