"Oh~ So you're that gifted little monster my grandma always talks about! Wow, you really are talented! You're already at the Golden Core Peak Stage at such a young age. You'll probably be aiming for the Nascent Soul soon, right?"
Wang Shuyao was surprised to find that the young man in front of her was the prodigy her grandmother often mentioned. She was initially astonished, but then she couldn't help but admire him. She truly admired strength.
"Hmm." Song Yanqing was not modest. He felt that his realm had indeed loosened a bit, but he wanted to consolidate it further, so he suppressed his realm and waited until he was more familiar with the rhythm of casting spells before breaking through. At that time, he would be more confident in facing the Heavenly Tribulation.
"Wow, that's amazing!" Wang Shuyao admired him even more and wished she could take a picture with him right now, but she was too embarrassed to ask, since they had only just met and it would be a bit impolite.
Song Yanqing didn't say anything more, but took out the gifts he had brought from his storage bag. Shang Shujue had given him this storage bag because he saw Song Yanqing carrying his luggage honestly and pitifully when he left.
He didn't want to accept it at first, but Shang Shujue said that if he didn't accept it, he wouldn't have to go to the north with him. He wanted to go with Shang Shujue, so he had no choice but to accept it.
With this, storing things becomes much more convenient, especially since this storage bag can even hold live animals.
In this farewell gift, he included a Bright Moon Rabbit, which was the most important reference object in his mentor's research project.
"Teacher, I'm here."
Looking at the elegant old lady on the sofa, whose hair was even whiter than before, Song Yanqing felt a surge of emotion for some reason. He stepped forward, knelt down slightly, and placed the gift in his hand on the table.
When Zhang Congyu saw the familiar yet unfamiliar Song Yanqing, it took him a long time to recover from his astonishment. He stood up and helped Song Yanqing up from the ground, his eyes instantly reddening.
"Oh, it's Little Song! It really is you! You silly child, where have you been these past few months? Your teacher has been asking people to look for you, thinking you were already in the secret realm..."
Zhang Congyu didn't say it aloud, but Song Yanqing understood what she meant. She didn't know about his being framed, so Yan Chen and the others must have said something after they returned to the academy.
The college was unwilling to bring him back; they didn't acknowledge him. Only his mentor was willing to look for him and acknowledge him. The days he spent secretly inquiring about him must have been quite difficult.
Song Yanqing helped his mentor sit down. Wang Shuyao brought over tea, and knowing that the teacher and student had something to talk about, she made an excuse to slip into the room and went to look at her computer.
Song Yanqing then told Zhang Congyu about what had happened over the past few months, and pushed the things on the table forward before revealing his purpose.
"... Teacher, I've come today to say goodbye. I don't know when I'll be back, so I came to tell you."
"Over the years, I have no way to repay your kindness. All I can give you are some things you needed most back then. If you need me in the future, I will come."
After listening to Song Yanqing's words, Zhang Congyu glanced at the things on the table, knowing that he had put thought into them. If she didn't accept them, he wouldn't be able to leave in peace.
So she didn't refuse the farewell gifts. She really treated this child like her own grandson, and unconsciously patted his head affectionately. After withdrawing her hand, her tone remained gentle and kind.
"You've shown your kindness, so I'll accept it. But before you leave, I'd like to ask you one more question."
"Teacher, may I ask?"
After answering Zhang Congyu's question, Song Yanqing sat there quietly, as silent as a pine tree that cannot speak, waiting quietly for something.
"You've always said that the meaning of your life is to find that guiding spirit within you. Have you found it now?"
Song Yanqing seemed surprised by Zhang Congyu's question, and instinctively met her gaze before looking away.
He lowered his eyes to look at his fingers resting on his lap. His fingers unconsciously twisted and pulled together, as if he had been asked a difficult question, and fell silent.
But Zhang Congyu didn't rush him. She was always gentle and patient with her students, so many students liked to come to her when they had something on their mind. She could always pinpoint the key issue and guide them through the problem.
"Yes, I found it."
After an unknown amount of time, Song Yanqing finally looked up at Zhang Congyu again, her gaze unwavering. As she finished speaking, her earlobes suddenly turned red, and she felt a little embarrassed to meet her eyes.
When Zhang Congyu first saw Song Yanqing's reaction of first love, he paused for a moment, then smiled and let out a laugh, a look of understanding flashing in his dark eyes.
"I understand. It seems that person is of great significance to you. When will there be an opportunity for Master to meet this person who has brought so much meaning to your life?"
This set the date for their next meeting. His mentor wanted him to live a long and peaceful life until then, and only wished for his safety before seeing the person he cared about.
"Yes, I'll bring him to see you next time."
Song Yanqing's cheeks flushed slightly as he thought of Shang Shujue, who was as bright and passionate as the sun. He couldn't help but touch the back of his head, and although he was very shy, he still nodded solemnly.
Zhang Congyu chatted with Song Yanqing for a while longer, then Song Yanqing got up and said he had to leave. Zhang Congyu didn't try to stop him; she couldn't keep the person she cared about waiting too long.
" Little Song, have a safe journey."
Song Yanqing paused in his grip on the doorknob, then opened the door, turned and nodded to Zhang Congyu. Before leaving, he added, "Teacher, don't see me off. I'll come to see you again next time."
Song Yanqing left, Zhang Congyu stood at the door watching him go. Wang Shuyao, being mischievous, darted to her side, hugged her neck, and looked in that direction with bright, innocent eyes.
"Grandma, why didn't you help me keep him here? I wanted to take pictures with the handsome young man and discuss cultivation techniques. He's really amazing!"
"Hehehe~ You little rascal, all you ever do is cultivate yourself. Otherwise, your father wouldn't have sent you here to cultivate your character and refine your temperament..."
"I didn't!"
The two chatted as they went inside. Once the door closed, it blocked out all the lights in the house. There is still some warmth in this world, but so far no one has left a light on for him.
He had long been used to living alone... Oh no, he seems to be finding it harder to get used to it now, because someone is waiting for him downstairs... just waiting for him...