Upon hearing Gu He's words, the three of them fell into silence, their hearts weighed down by an indescribable discomfort.
This was especially true for Liu Ling and Little Fairy Doctor.
For Liu Ling, ever since becoming Gu He's disciple, he had always remained by his teacher's side, never once leaving the Misty Cloud Sect.
Over the years, Gu He had shielded him meticulously. Now, being suddenly sent down the mountain for training left Liu Ling unprepared.
As for Little Fairy Doctor, ever since becoming Gu He's disciple, she had received his unwavering care and had long come to regard him as family. The thought of leaving his side now filled her with reluctance and sorrow.
Nalan Yanran, the pampered young lady of the Nalan family, had been doted on since childhood.
After being taken in by Yun Yun, her status had risen even further, and she had never known hardship.
Even the resources for her daily cultivation were personally gathered by Yun Yun. This sudden change left her equally unsettled.
"Teacher… please take care of yourself," the three finally spoke after a long silence, their voices heavy.
Noticing the somber mood, Gu He forced a smile and said cheerfully, "Come now, it's just a training journey. What's there to fear?"
"Do you remember the Void Jade Talisman I gave you?" he continued. "If you ever face a life-and-death crisis, just crush it. No matter where I am, I will appear by your side immediately."
His gentle smile eased their hearts.
Nalan Yanran and the others exchanged glances before summoning the jade talismans into their palms.
'If crushing this talisman truly summons the teacher…'
Their grips tightened instinctively. This talisman would be their lifeline during their journey—it had to remain intact.
"Alright, as your teacher, I've said all that needs to be said. Go prepare and then descend the sect."
Pausing briefly, Gu He added, "Try to complete your training within a year. Even if you don't accomplish your mission, return to the Misty Cloud Sect and report to me. At the very least, let me know you're safe. Understood?"
"Disciple obeys," the three replied solemnly.
Gu He's gaze lingered on Little Fairy Doctor and Liu Ling. "Especially you two. One year from now, the Imperial Capital will host the Grand Alchemist Meeting. It's a prime opportunity to prove yourselves. I expect you both to attend."
"The one who wins first place in the alchemy competition will receive a special reward from me," he added with a smile.
"Grand Alchemist Meeting!"
At these words, Little Fairy Doctor and Liu Ling's eyes lit up. "Teacher, don't worry—we won't disappoint you!" they declared in unison.
"Good."
Gu He nodded in satisfaction before waving them off. "Enough talk. The rest is up to you."
Liu Ling bowed deeply. "This disciple takes his leave. Teacher, please take care."
Turning to Little Fairy Doctor and Nalan Yanran, he softened his tone. "Second Junior Sister, Third Junior Sister… you must take care as well."
"Senior Brother, you too," they responded earnestly.
Little Fairy Doctor smirked playfully. "Eldest Senior Brother, don't slack off. At the Grand Alchemist Meeting, I won't go easy on you."
Liu Ling chuckled. "Junior Sister, I may lag behind you in cultivation speed, but when it comes to alchemy, I won't lose."
With that, he turned and strode out of the courtyard, his figure exuding newfound maturity.
After Liu Ling's departure, Nalan Yanran and Little Fairy Doctor turned to Qing Lin, who stood alone, her eyes brimming with loneliness. Kneeling, they gently comforted her.
"Junior Sister, we'll be gone for a while. Practice hard, and when we return, we'll come for you."
Qing Lin's heart ached with reluctance. Unable to hold back, she threw herself into their arms, tears streaming down her face. "Senior Sisters… I don't want you to leave!"
Months of companionship had deepened their bond, and the thought of separation was unbearable.
Seeing Qing Lin's tear-streaked face, Little Fairy Doctor and Nalan Yanran felt a pang of sorrow. But their teacher's decree was absolute.
"Qing Lin, be good. We'll only be away briefly. Train well, and once you grow stronger, we'll reunite soon."
Qing Lin, ever obedient, stifled her sobs and nodded. "I'll be good… I'll train hard. Senior Sisters, you have to come back for me…"
"Of course we will."
After reassuring her repeatedly, the two finally withdrew to their rooms.
This training mission had come abruptly. Before leaving, Nalan Yanran needed to bid farewell to her other teacher, Yun Yun.
Once Little Fairy Doctor and Nalan Yanran had left, Qing Lin stood alone in the empty courtyard, tears silently falling.
Gu He approached, his heart aching, and pulled the little girl into a gentle embrace. "They'll return soon. It's only temporary."
Qing Lin looked up at him, her voice trembling. "Teacher… are you leaving too?"
Gu He hesitated before nodding softly. "I have some matters to attend to, but I'll be back before long."
"Senior Sisters are gone… and now you're leaving too. I'll be all alone," she whimpered, her tears flowing freely.
Patting her shoulder, Gu He soothed, "Don't be sad. I'll take you to Nine Colored Valley. While I'm away, you can train there peacefully. If you feel lonely, play with Sister Cai'er."
He smiled warmly. "I promise—once you break through to the Dou Grandmaster realm, I'll return for you. Alright?"
Qing Lin sniffled before finally nodding. "Mhm."
Relieved, Gu He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Good girl."
With a thought, he lifted her into his arms and vanished from the courtyard.
In the next moment, they stood at the entrance of Nine Colors Valley. After signaling Cai'er to open the barrier, Gu He carried Qing Lin inside.
…
Enjoying the story? Get early access to 70+ advanced chapters.
👉 Join me on Patreon: patreon.com/DarkLord621