2-21

Although Liu Wei said that he will go and bring Zhao Weixin 'now', it was still two or three hours before he returned, the eldest disciple following behind him.

Zhao Weixin has changed a lot since the incident in Hushi town. While he has always been rather frail, now he resembled merely a shadow of the young man he once was. His complexion was deathly pallid, his cheeks hollow, his hair dull and brittle, and his eyes lifeless. His purple uniform hung on him like on a skeleton, showing just how much weight he lost. Was this the result of the demonic qi infection?

Seeing the state his disciple was in, Yu Qingyu felt a tinge of guilt. It was his fault things turned out like that… He shouldn't have taken Zhao Weixin with him back then, not on his first mission, when he wasn't used to Gu Huiji's skills, and couldn't protect his disciple. If only he was a bit more patient and didn't try to rush things…

He held back a sigh and forced himself to smile gently instead.

Zhao Weixin walked over to the bed Yu Qingyu was sitting on and bowed, his skinny body looking as if it was about to break in half as his waist bent. "Shizun wanted to see me?" he asked, his voice lacking even a hint of vigor.

"Yes, but…" Yu Qingyu paused, turning his eyes to Liu Wei, who stood by the door with an innocent expression on his face. "Molin, can you leave us alone?"

Liu Wei opened his eyes wide, seemingly surprised by the request. "Shizun, but why? Can I not hear the discussion about our peak's management? I would like to learn!"

Learn? As if! It was obvious that Liu Wei just wanted to listen in, in case Yu Qingyu intended to talk about something related to his mission in this world, that is making Zhao Weixin his successor. 

Well, although Yu Qingyu didn't, in fact, want to discuss anything confidential, he still didn't want Liu Wei present. Who knows what kind of things has he been saying to the other disciples while Yu Qingyu was stuck on Yulin Peak? With how strong he was, plus the fact that he was allowed to join Yu Qingyu on his journey, everyone must have seen Liu Wei as Chunren Peak's top disciple now. Others would have to listen to whatever he says, that's for sure!

So, he shook his head. "If you want to learn, then start from the basics. Now, leave us alone," he ordered.

"But Shizun!"

Yu Qingyu gave Liu Wei a stern look. Wanting to maintain his role, Liu Wei had no choice but to bow down and leave, not before throwing Yu Qingyu a dark glare though.

Once the door finally closed behind him, Yu Qingyu gestured Zhao Weixin to come closer. Liu Wei was undoubtedly waiting right behind the door, so they shouldn't talk too loud.

"Now, tell me," Yu Qingyu addressed Zhao Weixin in a calm, quiet voice. "How is your health recently? Has the infection been spreading?"

"N-no, t-this disciple i-is perfectly f-fine!" Zhao Weixin uttered, shaking his head frantically.

Hearing his response, Yu Qingyu's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Zhao Weixin didn't use to stutter before. Judging from his reaction, it was clear that something was going on!

Yu Qingyu reached out and grabbed Zhao Weixin's wrist. With his eyes closed, he focused on the young man's flow of spiritual energy. After examining him for a while, Yu Qingyu breathed out in relief and released his hand.

There were clear signs of the demonic qi infection, but they didn't seem to be much worse than before his departure. Zhao Weixin's condition was stable.

But if that wasn't the problem, then what was?

"How are the things on the peak?" Yu Qingyu tried changing the topic.

But no matter what question he asked, the answer was always the same. Everything is normal, everything is fine, Zhao Weixin said. Yu Qingyu hasn't managed to learn a single thing.

He gave up eventually, and dismissed his disciple.

Rubbing his forehead, he let out a long sigh. 'I must go back to the peak as soon as possible,' he thought to himself.

***

In the end, Yu Qingyu didn't manage to return to Chunren Peak ever again.

Two days later, early in the afternoon, Yu Qingyu was sitting on his bed, reading a book. A light, pleasantly cool breeze flew through the open window, bringing in the fresh scent of a forest. The room was bathed in silence, with only faint rustling of the trees as an ambiance.

Yulin Peak was the peak of healers, so it was always peaceful and quiet. There were no sounds of sparring, or loud talking, or cheerful laughing, as it was on Chunren Peak. The tranquil atmosphere was meant to help the patients relax.

But Yu Qingyu couldn't relax. He lifted his head, and brushing off a loose strand of hair from his forehead, he anxiously looked out of the window.

He hasn't seen Liu Wei the whole day. And while his presence could be somewhat stressful, his absence was even worse. Who knew what he was doing now? Probably nothing good, at least for Yu Qingyu…

Yu Qingyu let out a sigh and put his book away. Stretching his waist, he got up from the bed, and put on his boots. The weather was so nice, he might as well go for a walk to clear his head.

Just three more days, and he would be able to finally leave Yulin Peak. The demonic qi has been completely gone from his body, and his wounds were healed, leaving just faint scars. He should have been good to go at least a week or two ago, but the healers kept him longer for observation, just in case. Sect Leader's orders.

Yu Qingyu leisurely put on his outer robe and tied the sash. He just opened the door, ready to go out, when out of a sudden, an announcement from the system rang in his ears.

[The world has been completed! Please wait a moment, your next body is being prepared and you will be transmigrated shortly.]

'…What?'