Chapter 2702 - 39: Turbulence in the Flower District

Sitting inside the cave watching the falling snow, it felt like a thin curtain was hanging.

Xu Xiangqian, with a grass rope carrying fish, came with the snow.

"Instructor Zhao..." His voice was low and quite sorrowful as he said, "I have to... leave for a while."

Zhao Wuyan looked at him calmly and said, "Alright."

In this Snow Ridge of the Sky Stele, all Divine Power Techniques are suppressed, cold and solitary, Frost Blade Soul Cutting, indeed a place of suffering.

It made sense if Xu Xiangqian couldn’t bear it and wanted to leave.

There’s no need to behave like a child about it.

Is this worth shedding tears over?

Xu Xiangqian had the intention to throw himself into Instructor Zhao’s arms for a bit of warmth, but seeing Zhao Wuyan’s eyes, he dared not act rashly.

He lowered his head and walked inside: "I’ll cook this fish for you first, Instructor."

Zhao Wuyan was about to say "No need," but then thought it unnecessary to say even that.

The path of cultivation is long, and some entanglements are truly unnecessary.

Only upon seeing Zi Shu’s tear-filled eyes, she couldn’t help but sigh: "I thought it was a big deal, he’s leaving, why are you crying?"

"Wuuu wuuu..." Zi Shu’s cry, which had already stopped, suddenly amplified again, as she buried her head into Zhao Wuyan’s arms, sobbing, "Jiang Qingyang got into trouble in the Monster Realm!"

Zhao Wuyan froze briefly before understanding why Xu Xiangqian and Zi Shu were upset.

She knew that Zi Shu’s feelings for Jiang Wang were not romantic, but more an admiration. Whether it was slaying Ji Shaoqing at the End of the World Platform or claiming the top at Guanhe Platform, she and Zi Shu were present. Such a Jiang Wang was indeed dazzling. Even she had some admiration, let alone Zi Shu with her pure mind?

A meteor streaking across the sky in youth will always cause young men and women to loiter and gaze for a long time.

Knowing that a beloved idol has fallen, it’s no wonder this girl cried her heart out.

As for Xu Xiangqian and Jiang Wang, their friendship always ran deep. His sadness shouldn’t be dismissed as mere fragility.

With a soft sigh in her heart, Zhao Wuyan gently stroked Zi Shu’s long hair and softly said, "Since ancient times, talents are often envied by the heavens. It’s not just Jiang Wang. At least he shone brightly and didn’t waste his life. Don’t you think?"

Zi Shu cried, "I would rather him waste it and come with me to idle away at Dragon’s Gate..."

Zhao Wuyan wanted to speak but hesitated.

At this moment, Xu Xiangqian had already come out from inside, lowering his eyes: "Instructor Zhao, the fish is in the pot, remember to drink the soup later."

"Where do you plan to go?" Zhao Wuyan thought for a moment and eventually asked.

Xu Xiangqian was somewhat surprised but also found a hint of joy in his sadness.

He knew Instructor Zhao hadn’t cared about him for a long time.

His pursuit had never stopped. From Crescent Island, he clung until Guanhe Platform, then traveled westward, attentively caring along the way. Instructor Zhao’s attitude had begun to soften, smiling at him several times, sending several amorous glances.

But since that nonsense Winter Emperor came and said "self-open spring flow," Instructor Zhao seemed to be possessed, focusing solely on cultivation, completely neglecting him.

He hated Xie Ai!

Hating even if he’s good-looking!

"Jiang Wang got into trouble, I’m going to the Monster Realm to see him, pay respects." Xu Xiangqian spoke softly and immediately promised, "I will come back to accompany you, Instructor!"

Zhao Wuyan said, "It’s good to visit the Monster Realm... The world is vast; don’t restrict yourself to the Snow Ridge."

The deeper meaning in her words seemed completely lost on Xu Xiangqian, who only said, "I know you care about me, and I’m aware that the trip to the Monster Realm is fraught with danger. A talent like me is prone to jealousy and is sure to be targeted by the demon clan as Jiang Wang was. But as a member of Ganma Mountain’s Two Pride, I must at least take a look. Rest assured, Instructor, I will take care of myself and return alive to see you!"

Zhao Wuyan was momentarily speechless.

Xu Xiangqian then took out a fairly thick book from his bosom and handed it directly to Zhao Wuyan: "This trip to the Monster Realm, it’s a long journey. Who knows when we’ll meet again. If Instructor misses me, just read my poetry!"

On the cover of the book were four large characters — "Shenxiu’s Poetry Collection."

Zhao Wuyan was shocked and nearly slapped it away, but considering the Monster Realm was indeed a dangerous place... she held back.

What a guilt, in the past, the poems she read were all by the Mountain Master or Mr. Chen Pu’s works...

Holding Xu Gaoe’s level of poetry collection, even Zhao Wuyan, with her pure Taoist Heart, felt an unavoidable sense of shame.

Seeing Instructor Zhao bashfully accepting it, Xu Xiangqian nodded in satisfaction and waved: "Wait for my return!"

He turned decisively, grandly and spirited, down the mountain.

This labor of love, Longchuan, Jiang Wang, Yan Fu, and Zi Shu had all bought it; Instructor Zhao wanted it but was too embarrassed, so being thoughtful like himself, had to subtly gift a copy.

The latest, most complete, most dedicated version, with annotations and analyses!

Zi Shu curled in Zhao Wuyan’s arms, turning to watch Xu Xiangqian’s gradually distant back, tearfully said, "Instructor, I..."

Zhao Wuyan gently held her down: "You are not allowed to go."

Zi Shu made no sound, turning her head back into Zhao Wuyan’s arms.

Saying "take care" felt too shallow; saying "see you again" too deep. Nothing seemed right to say.

Zhao Wuyan weighed the heavy poetry collection in her hand, about to casually toss it into the Storage Box but was curious about "how bad poetry could really be," so flipped a page from back to front.

This page recorded a new poem that Xu Xiangqian only wrote today —

"Snow Ridge of Sky Stele Longing for Qingyang"

Cold, oh cold, the heart is cold, cold, oh cold, the sky is cold.

I wish to compose a poem mourning my dear friend, a piece of heartbreak left unsaid.

...