Shang Shujue and Song Yanqing stayed in the small attic until Song Yanqing's cultivation had fully recovered, and even improved further than before, before they decided to set off for the north.
But before they left, Song Yanqing needed to return to the academy to say goodbye to the teachers who had taught him so diligently. When he first arrived at the academy, many people there looked at him with malice.
Even the teachers who usually taught his classes looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and subtle disbelief; they seemed to think that someone like him...
It was unworthy for someone to possess such a powerful natal magic weapon at such a young age, so they never offered to help him when others caused him trouble.
Even if he had a valid point, he couldn't overcome the other party's family background and a subtle jealousy towards him, which led to many hunting training trips outside the academy.
He would be deliberately placed among those who wanted him dead, then they would be packed up and sent to the most dangerous hunting grounds, where he would be left to fend for himself.
Song Yanqing nearly died several times. If it weren't for Xingyun's strong abilities and the teacher's favoritism and protection, he wouldn't have been able to graduate.
Now that he was leaving, he naturally had to go and say goodbye. Fortunately, Teacher Xiye did not live in the academy, but in a senior faculty apartment allocated by the teachers' union.
The apartment building was called "Garden Full of Peaches and Plums," and most of the residents were teachers, with only a small number being the most talented students these teachers had chosen as their last disciples.
"I'll wait for you at that beverage shop." Song Yanqing tilted his head slightly and gestured towards the nicely decorated beverage shop across from the apartment. "After you finish talking to your teacher, come find me over there. Call me if you need anything, and I'll come over."
As soon as Shang Shujue finished speaking, seeing that Song Yanqing only nodded but did not turn to leave, she suddenly stopped in her tracks, tilted her head slightly, and asked with a puzzled look, "What's wrong?"
At this moment, Shang Shujue looked like an innocent and adorable kitten. The moment he tilted his head, his cuteness exploded. Song Yanqing abruptly looked away, too embarrassed to look at him anymore, but his ears turned red.
He pursed his lips, his fingers unconsciously fidgeting with the seam of his trousers, and after a long silence, he finally asked, "Aren't you coming with me?"
Shang Shujue was taken aback, his pupils dilated slightly, seemingly not expecting him to ask such a question, but he quickly realized what was going on, hesitated for a moment, but firmly shook his head.
"Maybe next time. I didn't prepare any gift for our meeting, so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to go with you now."
"..." Upon hearing this, Song Yanqing unconsciously clenched his fists and pursed his lips. He said nothing, turned around, and left decisively.
Shang Shujue watched Song Yanqing's retreating figure, raised an eyebrow slightly, and turned to look at the Little Tangyuan sitting on his shoulder, munching on fruit. "This kid has quite a temper."
"Master, it's obvious he fell in love with you at first sight. But he's only 23 years old, and he used to be bullied a lot. He's definitely never been in a relationship before. Then he met you. You're beautiful, you're good to him, and it seems like you two are destined for each other."
While munching on some fruit, Little Tangyuan analyzed Song Yanqing Yanqing's state of mind for Shang Shujue, speaking with remarkable clarity and detail. Shang Shujue listened without expression, turning to walk towards the beverage shop, but still listening.
"Although we've only spent two or three months together, that's enough time for a young man just beginning to experience love to fall for you."
"His invitation to you just now was probably a test, right? He wants to be serious with you, and I actually think it's a good idea. He's the owner of the Key of the Sworn Heart, and his future cultivation won't stop there."
"It's actually quite good for you to be with him, Master. Of course, this is based on my judgment after spending the last few months together. Besides, I'm sure you'll like him."
After Little Tangyuan finished speaking, she removed the pit from the half-eaten fruit, and then took out a piece of plastic wrap from somewhere and wrapped the remaining half of the fruit.
"How can you be so sure?" Shang Shujue poked Little Tangyuan's cheek, listening to his words with some surprise, and the corners of his lips unconsciously turned up slightly.
"Master, didn't you notice?" Little Tangyuan turned her head in confusion upon hearing the question, patting his cheek lightly with her tiny hand. The pat was as light as an ant crawling, barely perceptible. "There's a strong sense of indulgence in the way you look at him."
"If we were up in the mountains, you wouldn't allow a second person in your room, right? But if he wants to stay with you, you basically agree."
At this point, Little Tangyuan had a new question. He stroked his chin, completely puzzled. "As for why you rejected him so obviously just now, I don't quite understand your thinking. But Little Song looked quite sad just now. Aren't you going to comfort him, Master?"
Shang Shujue paused for a moment as he pushed the dessert shop door open, then gathered his strength in his hand again and pushed the door open and went inside. A gust of wind took the opportunity to rush in, disturbing the string of wind chimes hanging on the door, which jingled and clanged.
Song Yanqing's mentor was surnamed Zhang Congyu. She was a kind old lady with extensive knowledge and a cultivation level that had reached the Middle Foundation Establishment Stage many years ago. Even if she made no progress, she would never complain or blame others. She was always very optimistic.
Her husband passed away before the spiritual energy revival. Her son, daughter, and grandson are all talented and are cultivating in different academies.
She lives alone in this place, and in this world of cultivation, she still holds onto a glimmer of kindness. She saved Song Yanqing, who was desperate, and she was like a second mother to him.
That's why he suddenly had the audacious idea to invite such a dazzling person to come with him, ostensibly to say goodbye, but really more to tell his mentor.
He had found the person he had been searching for in this life, and he would entrust the rest of his life to her, walk with her through endless years, and travel across the vast land together, so that she would not worry about his growth and the rest of his life. But that dazzling person rejected him.
He was too impetuous and offended such a wonderful person. It was his fault; he shouldn't have harbored such unrealistic thoughts. Even if the Key of the Sworn Heart existed, so what?
Song Yanqing composed himself and arrived at his mentor's house. He pressed the doorbell, and after a short while, someone opened the door. It was a lively and lovely young girl who opened the door.
"Oh? What a handsome young man! Hahaha... Are you here to see my grandma? Please come in, Grandma is watching TV with me on the sofa."
The girl seemed unfazed by the awkwardness of meeting a stranger. Upon seeing the school badge pinned to his clothes, she immediately recognized him. After speaking with him, she stepped aside, turned, and shouted loudly inside.
"Grandma, your student is here to see you! He's a very handsome young man, so I brought him inside."
"Okay, sure." A kind and affectionate voice came from the other end, very gentle; it was the voice of his mentor, Zhang Congyu.
Song Yanqing remained silent, not uttering a single word, until the girl spoke to him again, "These are new shoes, never worn before. Here, take them. My name is Wang Shuyao. What's your name?"
Thank you. My name is Song Yanqing.
Song Yanqing took the slippers from the girl. They were indeed brand new, without a trace of use or smell. He knew that his mentor had specially prepared them for the students who came to his home for tutoring. She was always very gentle.