A Slice of Life

Regarding their departure from Eastsea academy, due to winning the championship and their affiliation with the Spirit Pagoda, the academy didn't cause any trouble due to the previously signed contract. They simply inquired about the reasons and allowed them to leave.

In the early morning, in the modest dormitory, Anping had just picked up his suitcase when a knock echoed on the door.

Opening the dormitory door, Anping found Gu Yuena, donned in a white dress, standing there. Before Anping could speak, Gu Yuena preemptively said, "Let's go together."

Although they had decided to enroll in the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, Anping and Gu Yuena hadn't planned to report directly. Anping intended to return to Glorybound City, while Gu Yuena wished to visit the Spirit Pagoda headquarters. Their train schedules were not aligned.

Anping inquired dubiously, "I remember your train was in the afternoon. Are you sure you want to wait at the station so early?"

Gu Yuena smiled at Anping and replied, "I spoke with Master yesterday, and the information I seek is also available at the Mingdu Spirit Pagoda. Hence, I decided to accompany you to Glorybound City. Are you surprised?"

Anping helplessly remarked, "I'm going back to visit someone's grave. Why are you following me?"

"Will my presence affect your tomb-sweeping?" Gu Yuena looked puzzled.

"Alright, let's do it together." Anping, unable to fathom Gu Yuena's intentions, reluctantly agreed.

Gu Yuena inquired, "Judging by your reluctance, is there something you don't want me to see?"

"Don't insist. Just go if you want to. If you miss this train, you'll have to wait another day." Faced with Gu Yuena's inquiry, Anping spoke while ushering her outside the dormitory building.

And so, what started as one person's journey home evolved into a two-person adventure.

After departing from Glorybound City Street Station, Anping took Gu Yuena back to his home after a year of absence. The room, untouched for a year, bore the signs of accumulated dust.

After cleaning the room, while Anping organized his space, Gu Yuena wandered around the house, showing great interest in the place that had been Anping's home since childhood.

Observing the time, Anping noticed it wasn't far from lunch. He suggested, "Is there anything interesting to see? It's almost noon. I'll take you for lunch first."

Gu Yuena shook her head, "No, I don't want to move now. Didn't you mention you could cook? I'd like to eat something you prepare."

"Alright, I'll go buy groceries. If you get bored, you can watch TV." With these words, Anping went out to purchase the needed ingredients.

In terms of skills beyond cultivation, cooking was perhaps the only forte Anping possessed, so he didn't decline Gu Yuena's request.

Observing Anping busily working in the kitchen, Gu Yuena inquired, "Do you need my help?"

"It'll be ready in a moment; just sit there and wait." Anping shook his head slightly.

Assuring that the dishes would be ready soon wasn't just to comfort Gu Yuena. Thanks to various magic techniques, delectably flavored and colorful dishes were promptly served on the table.

As they began eating, Gu Yuena tasted each dish, nodding approvingly after trying each one. Her satisfaction was evident.

After the meal, Gu Yuena sat contentedly on the sofa, watching Anping wash the dishes. She expressed with a hint of nostalgia, "I didn't expect it to be so delicious. It seems you weren't just boasting about your cooking skills."

Turning around, Anping responded, "Of course, I've been studying for a long time."

Seeing Anping emerge from the kitchen, Gu Yuena inquired, "It's still early; what are your plans next?"

Anping replied, "I'm going to sweep the grave; that's the purpose of my return. Will you wait for me at home, or would you like to join me?"

After contemplating for a moment, Gu Yuena decided to accompany Anping. The two took a taxi and headed to Glorybound Cemetery.

Upon completing the cemetery visit, Anping stood before the tombstone, overwhelmed with emotion. It had been more than ten years since he arrived in this world. If he hadn't been taken in by the old man, he wasn't sure if he would be alive today.

Once they had composed themselves, the two returned home. Anping harbored deep gratitude for the old man who had raised him, vowing silently to resurrect him if ever given the chance.

Having observed Anping's somber mood at the cemetery, Gu Yuena spoke when they got home, "Now that we've finished tomb-sweeping, you can show me around Glorybound City in the next few days."

"Sure." Anping nodded.

For a while, the duo engaged in daily meditation practice, and they explored Glorybound City daily, including parks, Red Mountain Academy, commercial streets, and food districts.

As the days passed, the pair covered the entirety of Glorybound City. Gu Yuena, lively and exuberant every day, resembled a cute little girl, leaving no trace of her true identity as the Silver Dragon King incarnate in human form.

Time flowed, and soon it was time for their scheduled enrollment at the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.

Anping and Gu Yuena boarded the train bound for Mingdu. Mingdu, located in the west of the mainland, was a considerable distance from Glorybound City in the east. Despite the average speed of the soul guide train, the journey spanned several days.

After days of train travel, despite their good health, both felt a bit fatigued. Reporting to the academy immediately was out of the question. Fortunately, Leng Yaozhu had foreseen this scenario and arranged accommodation for them through the Spirit Pagoda, alleviating concerns about finding a place to stay.

Mingdu, the most modern city in the mainland, unfolded before them. Seated in a vehicle headed to the hotel, they gazed out the window, encountering skyscrapers, a constant flow of soul-guiding vehicles, and occasional patrol mechas soaring through the sky.

The receptionist arranged by Spirit Pagoda was a native of Mingdu. Aware that it was the duo's first visit to Mingdu, he enthusiastically introduced the city during their journey to the hotel, pointing out notable buildings along the way.

Having conscientiously escorted them to their room's doorstep, he conveyed that Leng Yaozhu would pick them up the following day for the college orientation. With that, the receptionist turned and departed.

Once at the hotel, with weariness setting in, they forwent any other activities. Dragging their fatigued bodies into their rooms, they promptly showered and surrendered to sleep.

A night's rest worked wonders, revitalizing the pair.

Having scheduled a pickup with Leng Yaozhu, they were ready to embark on their journey to the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy. Given the holiday season, the vast campus was nearly deserted, with only a handful of remaining students and staff.

Guided by Leng Yaozhu, the trio made their way to the Sun Moon academy's reception desk, where the identity of the visitors was verified. Acting on instructions from the academy dean, the reception staff respectfully guided them directly to the dean's office.

The dean of Sun Moon academy, a middle-aged man with silver hair, opened the door and warmly welcomed Leng Yaozhu. With a smile on his face, he ushered the trio into his office.