Chapter Seven: Departure

Yinyao left the room, reached up to touch her slightly flushed cheeks, and shook her head with a helpless smile, inwardly mocking herself. Though she had tried hard to forget what had just happened, it kept swirling in her mind. It was truly exasperating—her reaction was almost that of a woman infatuated, as if she were experiencing the restless longing of spring. With a cold chuckle, Yinyao cast aside those fanciful thoughts, swiftly returning to her true self: expressionless, focused, and unwavering.

Inside the room, Ji Xuanyu stared at Yinyao’s departing figure, lost in thought as he slowly recalled everything that had just transpired. Yinyao must have noticed his struggle to restrain himself, worried that the effort might leave scars on his heart, so she had used lip movements to tell him—if you can't hold back, go and let it out. Yes, in such circumstances, a proper release was undoubtedly best. Without a word, he left the cabin and ran into the woods.

Along the way, he ignored everything, removing all obstacles, venting his emotions with abandon. The leaves in the forest fluttered wildly, shutting out the outside world. Yinyao followed him, yet he never noticed. When he was on the verge of losing control, she intervened.

Just before he lost consciousness, he was grateful he hadn't harmed her, though he should have known he couldn’t have hurt her anyway.

Yinyao had wanted him to vent his emotions, not lose his reason—she hoped that, after letting it out, he would reflect seriously. But he—clearly—had not succeeded. The peculiar feelings he held for her—perhaps, but now was not the time to address them.

Over the next few days, Ji Xuanyu’s recovery was nearly complete; his mind was calm again, and his spirit seemed greatly transformed. Seeing this, Silver Fox was delighted—Xuanyu had rediscovered himself, which boded well for his future. After experiencing this ordeal, he would surely grow.

Yinyao looked at him with admiration. Fortunately, Ji Xuanyu had not disappointed her expectations, nor wasted the effort she had spent guiding him for so long. He had done quite well!

Afterwards, Ji Xuanyu rose early each day, diligently practicing his skills. Whenever Yinyao woke, she would see a dark figure dancing among the trees—his movements growing more skillful day by day, his attitude ever more earnest, his sweat increasing.

Every time she witnessed this scene, Yinyao applauded him silently. Clearly, he had thought things through—he knew that only by growing stronger could he take his revenge! Only then might he succeed. Admiring his determination, Yinyao began rising early herself in the following days to accompany him in practice.

Yinyao was an exemplary teacher. Under her guidance, Ji Xuanyu’s progress was swift.

When Silver Fox awoke, she would hear the rustling of leaves in the woods. Looking up, she saw a dark figure and a white figure entwined among the trees—Yinyao gripping a vine, Ji Xuanyu wielding a bamboo branch, the two sparring.

Ji Xuanyu’s martial arts had improved so much that he could now exchange at least three hundred moves with Yinyao! Sometimes, he even exceeded that number. Seeing this, Yinyao felt she must work harder—there is no end to learning.

Ji Xuanyu had advanced so rapidly in such a short time; she must not relax now! She strove to be the best, to learn even more, never to stop.

Silver Fox was always pleased and gratified by these scenes.

Several months passed. Ji Xuanyu thought it over and decided it was time to leave. He had troubled Silver Fox for long enough and, after all, he could not stay here forever—he still had important matters unresolved. He glanced at the piece of black jade in his arms, remembering he needed to seek out Uncle Chu.

Silver Fox easily discerned his intention to depart, but she did not try to stop him; his affairs were his own to face, his responsibilities his own to bear.

“Xuanyu, I know you wish to leave. Have you made plans for after you descend the mountain?” Silver Fox asked quietly after dinner. Only then did Ji Xuanyu notice both Silver Fox and Yinyao had set down their chopsticks and were gazing at him, waiting for his answer—they took his plans seriously.

“Senior Silver Fox, rest assured. After I leave the mountain, I will seek my father’s close friend, Uncle Chu—Chu Xiangtian. I believe he will help me!”

“Chu Xiangtian? Is he the one about to become the new leader of the Martial Alliance?” Silver Fox found the name familiar, and after a moment’s thought, recalled it.

“Yes,” Ji Xuanyu answered respectfully.

“Good, good,” Silver Fox said, pleased that he had thought everything through and knew whom to seek.

Ji Xuanyu suddenly turned to Yinyao. “Yao’er, may I call you that?”

“Mm.” Yinyao frowned, then nodded. She wasn’t quite used to it—he was only the second person, besides her mother, to call her that. But, considering how long they had lived together, she allowed it.

“Yao’er, once I leave, take good care of Senior Silver Fox, and yourself. I think you should be cautious—since Ji Muyu failed to kill me, he won’t give up. I fear he’ll track you down. How about you both leave with me?”

Ji Xuanyu, tempered by time, had learned foresight and was no longer the impulsive youth who nearly lost control in his quest for release.

“No need—I’ve already anticipated this. I will protect Mother. Go in peace!” Yinyao replied coolly, not waiting for Silver Fox to speak. Some things must be said; some matters cannot be changed.

“Yes, Xuanyu, you can rest easy,” Silver Fox echoed, following Yinyao’s words. Her daughter understood her well, knowing she was reluctant to leave this place. Besides, it was no ordinary place—she would not leave this land, not even in death.

“Very well,” Ji Xuanyu did not press, though he felt a twinge of regret. He had hoped that Silver Fox and Yinyao might descend the mountain with him, which would make it easier to repay their kindness someday.

The next morning, Ji Xuanyu shouldered his bundle and walked down from the summit. Silver Fox asked Yinyao to see him off, but he politely declined—this departure might last months, or even years. He wanted to leave resolutely; if Yinyao accompanied him, he feared his feelings might overflow, and now was not the right time.

Under the gaze of Silver Fox and Yinyao, Ji Xuanyu left the place where he had lived for months, the place that had changed him. At the foot of the mountain, he looked back up—he could still see two figures atop the peak. I will return to see you.

Ji Xuanyu’s gaze was unusually resolute.

May you grow mature and face all that is to come.

A faint smile rested on Yinyao’s lips.