Chapter Fifty-Seven: Farewell

Just as Elder Fu stepped out of the house, his face was pale, but he managed a gratified smile as he saw the group rushing toward him.
“How wonderful it is to be young! Don’t worry, Yaoye is fine. Let him rest; don’t disturb him.”
Everyone bowed in respect, and Peng Lei took a step forward to ask,
“Elder Fu, how is Yaoye now? When will he wake up?”
Elder Fu chuckled, “Ah, you youngsters! Yaoye’s soul had fallen into a dormant state. I’ve already awakened his soul’s energy. He’ll need two more days to regain consciousness.”
Peng Lei, Zhao Mu, and the others looked disappointed.
“Senior Brother, it seems Yaoye won’t wake before our departure. Could you help me out now?”
Peng Lei turned to Zhao Mu, whose sincerity was evident, and patted him on the shoulder.
“We’re brothers—no need to stand on ceremony. Let’s talk at the training grounds.”
Upon hearing Yaoye was unharmed, everyone couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Xiaoxiao bid farewell and headed toward her own residence, her expression resolute.
Arriving at the training grounds, Zhao Mu could hardly wait and pulled Peng Lei aside.
“Senior Brother, after this trial, I’ve finally reached the Spirit Communication Realm! But I’m lost when it comes to establishing my own domain. What should I do?”
Peng Lei pondered for a moment, “Since you’re following a defensive path, you’ll need a special environment to succeed.”
“Feeling lost? I could tell you needed something. Tell me what’s troubling you,”
Elder Fu, seeing the determined faces and Zhao Mu’s impatience, realized it was a matter of cultivation and decided to help.

Zhao Mu and Peng Lei turned around, surprised to find Elder Fu standing nearby; neither had noticed his approach. Had he been an enemy, they would have been slain without even knowing how.
Zhao Mu quickly ran forward and bowed to Elder Fu.
“Elder Fu, I wish to know how to carve out my own domain. Please guide me.”
“I heard you say you’re on the defensive path, correct? Come with me. Peng Lei, go back and tell Xiao Tang that Zhao Mu will report two days later.”
Elder Fu turned and walked away, Zhao Mu hurriedly followed. Peng Lei, seeing Elder Fu willing to help, grinned happily.
“Go back now, and come find me tomorrow.”
“Yes, Elder Fu.”
Watching Elder Fu depart, Zhao Mu leapt with excitement. The next morning, Zhao Mu arrived at Elder Fu’s residence.
“Let’s go. I’ll take you somewhere, but let me be clear—if you can’t endure hardship, leave now; don’t waste my time,” Elder Fu said bluntly.
Zhao Mu bowed, “Elder Fu, rest assured—I will withstand your trials.”
Elder Fu turned and flew toward the depths of the academy, with Zhao Mu following closely. They stopped before a waterfall.
“Go in. Use your own power to create an energy shield to withstand the waterfall’s force. I won’t stay with you. You’re on your own.” With these words, Elder Fu turned and left.
“I will seize this opportunity! I will protect everyone from harm! I will become the strongest shield for all!”
With these thoughts, Zhao Mu flew to the base of the waterfall and began his cultivation.
Time and again, his newly formed energy shield was shattered by the relentless impact, but Zhao Mu gritted his teeth and persevered, restoring his strength on the spot whenever his energy was depleted.

In the shadows, Elder Fu watched Zhao Mu and nodded in satisfaction.
Peng Lei and Xiaoxiao made their way to Tang Ze’s residence. When Tang Ze understood everything, he led them toward the teleportation array.
Xiaoxiao glanced back wistfully again and again, her face full of reluctance.
Peng Lei comforted her, “Xiaoxiao, we’re going for training. Yaoye and Liu Xin will join us soon.”
Xiaoxiao nodded silently.
Tang Ze looked at them and laughed, “How is it the mischievous one of old is now feeling sentimental?”
Xiaoxiao lowered her head in disappointment, “I want to grow stronger. Everyone is making progress, but only I…”
Tang Ze stroked his beard, “It’s good you know the value of cultivation. But the technique you’re training in is ancient—I can’t give you advice. When you find your grandfather, you can ask him.”
Xiaoxiao nodded resolutely, “I won’t hold everyone back. I’ll do my best!”
“Haha! Our Xiaoxiao has become a young lady! Come, let’s hurry so you can reunite with your grandfather.”
Tang Ze led them to the teleportation array. Peng Lei turned to look at the academy,
“What will everyone be like when we next meet? I await the return of the kings!”
He whispered softly, then turned and entered the teleportation array with Xiaoxiao.