Chapter 23: Gu Qingyi’s Farewell

The two of them finished touring Tianwu Academy in no time.

Suddenly they both wondered, when should the academy start accepting students?

Nangong Lin glanced at Gu Qingyi and asked lazily, “Brother Gu, when do you think would be the best time to start recruiting for the academy?”

Gu Qingyi thought for a moment, looked at Nangong Lin and answered, “How about next spring? Spring carries good meaning.”

Nangong Lin nodded, thinking that made a lot of sense.

So they agreed to open the academy doors and welcome disciples from across the land next spring.

Back at his lodgings, Gu Qingyi began packing his things.

At that moment, Nangong Lin happened to pass by, stopping in her tracks before slowly walking in.

Seeing Gu Qingyi tidying up, Nangong Lin asked softly, “Brother Gu, are you leaving already? Won’t you stay a few more days?”

“I’ve already been away from home too long. My family must be worried, so I can’t stay any longer. We’ll meet again next time.” Gu Qingyi shook his head and smiled gently. “When spring comes and Tianwu Academy opens its doors to all, that’ll be the day we meet again.”

Nangong Lin could see he had made up his mind, so she didn’t say more. “Alright, but let’s make a promise! You can’t go back on your word!”

Gu Qingyi suddenly remembered something. “Oh right, here.” He handed her a cultivation manual. “I wrote this myself. Practice with it when you have time—it’ll be good for you.”

Nangong Lin saw the Body Tempering Art and hesitated. “No way… That’s too valuable for me to take!” She tried to give the manual back.

Gu Qingyi gave a soft but serious smile. “Take it. No need for so much formality between us. I’ve marked both the simplified and the full versions. You should be able to understand it quickly.” Nangong Lin hesitated but finally accepted.

“Well then, Miss Nangong, it’s time we said goodbye.” Gu Qingyi turned to leave, as if making up his mind at last.

“Wait, Brother Gu!” Nangong Lin called out, running after him and giving him a heartfelt hug. She whispered, “Take care on your journey. If you miss me, remember to write.”

“Oh, take this—now we can stay in touch wherever you go, and I’ll always know where you are.” Nangong Lin personally put a necklace around his neck.

“Take care, Miss Nangong!” Gu Qingyi turned, waved once, and then strode away without looking back.

Nangong Lin stood there staring at Gu Qingyi’s gradually disappearing figure, clutching the cultivation manual. She almost reached out… then quietly let her hand drop.

In that moment, Nangong Lin realized she’d already fallen for Gu Qingyi. People really are strange creatures.

Meanwhile, at the City Lord’s Mansion.

Nangong Wentian watched all this from afar, sighing to himself. “Sigh! My daughter’s in love—her soul’s been whisked away.”

He looked up at the sky and roared, “Heavens, where did my sweet, thoughtful little girl go? Give me back my little darling!”

………….

Elsewhere.

Gu Qingyi was already on horseback.

He’d reached the Inner City gate.

Li Si, the gate guard, spotted Gu Qingyi and greeted him with enthusiasm as he opened the gate.

Seeing Gu Qingyi with luggage, Li Si asked carefully, “Young Master Gu, leaving so soon? Won’t you stay a little longer?”

“No need, I’ve already lingered too long.” Gu Qingyi could sense Li Si wanted him to stay a bit more, but he gently refused. “Now that your young lady’s back home, it’s time I moved on. Sorry I can’t stay any longer.”

“I see! Well then, Young Master Gu, I wish you a safe journey!” Li Si finally understood and bowed as he saw him off.

Gu Qingyi smiled at Li Si. “Thank you, Brother Li! Take care—farewell!” He gave a wave and galloped away on his horse.

He rode through fields of lush green, the scent of flowers and chirping birds filling the air.

For a moment, it felt as if Nangong Lin was riding beside him, sharing the journey.

Amid the quiet countryside, young green sprouts poked through the earth, bursting with life, as if proclaiming the arrival of spring.

A gentle breeze carried a fresh fragrance, making the world seem lighter.

The road was completely empty—Gu Qingyi barreled down the path on horseback, breaking the silence with the sound of hooves.

“Whoa…” The horse gradually slowed to a stop. Gu Qingyi, feeling a bit tired after his long ride, found a comfortable spot beneath some willow trees to rest for a bit.

Nearby, the horse munched on tender grass as warm sunlight streamed through the branches.

Gu Qingyi gazed at the pond where koi leaped and danced, sending gentle ripples across the still water.

He reached out, gently stroking the horse’s smooth coat.

Gu Qingyi murmured to himself, “It’s been so long—I wonder how Mother and my sister are doing? Are they still okay?”

“I’ve been gone without a word for so long. They must be worried about me.”

“Enough. Time to get moving again.” He led the horse away from the grass and swung back up into the saddle.

“Hyah!” With a squeeze of his legs and a smack on the horse’s rump, he sent it galloping off once more toward the city’s outer gate.