National Guardian's Gone and We're Done

"Your teacher?"

Chu He’s brow furrowed deeply, his mind filled with shock and doubt.

His Perception Power had always been exceptionally keen,

like an invisible, intricate net that constantly enveloped his surroundings.

Not even the slightest disturbance could escape his notice.

But now, he hadn’t sensed anyone approaching at all.

This made Chu He wonder,

’Could it be that the teacher I’m about to meet’

’has achieved a level of power so transcendent, so divine,’

’that even my own keen perception can’t detect the faintest trace of his presence?’

"That’s right. The old man is here."

Xia Chengli’s clear voice rang out, her eyes sparkling with a lively light. "Brother Chu, haven’t you been dying to meet my teacher?

He’s here now. Do you want to come with me?"

The intimate address, "Brother Chu,"

rolled naturally off her tongue, tinged with a girlish charm and dependence.

"Brother Chu?"

Ye Lingyun’s expression turned strange the moment she heard the name.

Her lively eyes stared intently at Xia Chengli, a hint of animosity unconsciously showing through.

’I’ve been with Chu He for so long,’ she thought,

’and this is the first time I’ve ever heard someone call him so intimately.’

An inexplicable pang of jealousy welled up inside her,

like a stone tossed into a calm lake, sending ripples across its surface.

"Let’s go meet him, then."

Chu He didn’t notice Ye Lingyun’s subtle emotional shift.

He simply gave a slight nod and left the room with Xia Chengli.

At that moment, the sky was just beginning to show the pale white of dawn.

The first light of day was slowly dispelling the gloom of the night.

On the streets of Jinshan City,

cars had begun to shuttle back and forth, their engines’ roar weaving into the morning tranquility,

composing a unique urban morning chorus.

Along the sidewalks, many residents in sportswear

were jogging at a brisk pace, their breath condensing into faint clouds of mist in the chilly air,

adding a measure of life and vitality to the city.

Atop a tall building, an old man in linen robes stood quietly.

His posture was tall and straight, like an ancient pine tree.

Though his hair was as white as snow, it did nothing to conceal the unique aura he exuded.

His skin was smooth and firm, without a single wrinkle of age.

If not for his white hair, anyone would have mistaken him for a man in his prime.

His eyes were like stars in the deep night sky, bright and full of spirit,

without a trace of the cloudiness or fading that should come with his age,

seeming to contain endless wisdom and power.

He wore a gentle smile, a smile like the warm spring sun, capable of dispelling all the world’s gloom.

Chu He frowned again, his gaze locked clearly on the old man’s figure.

But when he tried to use his Spiritual Power to probe him,

he found his Spiritual Power seemed to sink into a chaotic void.

He was completely unable to get a lock on the slightest trace of the old man.

The sensation was utterly bizarre.

It was as if what stood there was merely an illusion, visible only to the naked eye,

possessing no substance, seeming both real and unreal, completely incomprehensible.

"Young man, the years I’ve spent cultivating are far longer than you can imagine.

So, it is perfectly normal that you cannot sense my presence."

The old man seemed to have seen through the confusion in Chu He’s heart and explained patiently with a smile that carried a hint of calm and composure.

"And how should I address you, Sir?"

Chu He asked, cupping his hands slightly.

"You can simply call me Xia Yunya."

The old man’s expression remained gentle, but his eyes seemed to see through everything, making one feel as if they had nowhere to hide in his presence.

Chu He’s mood grew increasingly solemn.

He knew he had never before met anyone with such unfathomable power.

The man’s realm was far, far above his own.

He couldn’t help but reflect,

’My so-called title of "Number One Expert on Blue Star"’

’seems like a joke in front of this old man.’

Although the old man’s expression was kind and amiable,

deep down, Chu He maintained an instinctive distance and coldness toward such a powerful being.

In his experience, the strong often represented unknown dangers and challenges.

He had to remain constantly vigilant,

like a Lone Wolf hunting alone in the wilderness, wary of everything around him.

"Rest assured, I did not come to hold you accountable for crippling Qu Yuxiu.

That child, Qu Yuxiu, truly has many issues with his temperament.

It’s just that I’ve been preoccupied with more important matters these past years

and have had no time to look after the mental and personal growth of those disciples.

With a personality like his, he was bound to cause a great disaster sooner or later.

For him to have kept his life is already a blessing in this misfortune."

Xia Yunya looked at Chu He’s solemn expression,

mistook it for worry that he would pursue the matter, and offered an explanation.

"Whether you blame me or pursue the matter is of no concern to me."

Chu He’s reply took Xia Yunya by surprise.

He lifted his head slightly, his gaze firm as he looked directly into the old man’s eyes, and said slowly, "I’m merely curious.

Exactly how many beings as powerful as you are there in this world?"

His voice was calm and steady,

but it held a hidden eagerness to explore the unknown balance of power in the world.

Beneath this placid surface, a great storm was brewing, ready to be unleashed.

"Not many, but probably not too few, either."