Farewells always seemed a bit rushed.
Now that his destination was set, Chu Bai didn’t rush to leave. Instead, he prepared some modest gifts and visited the teachers and mentors who had looked out for him over the past half-year.
The earnest teachings from Vice Dean Lu He, Dean Chen’s stern yet relevant admonishments, Instructor Lei’s hearty pats on the shoulder, and Zhou Changkong’s gaze brimming with expectation...
Chu Bai committed each memory to heart.
Though he was about to leave the walls of the Daoist School, the gratitude for the teachings he had received over the past year, this indelible bond, could never be severed.
After taking care of everything, Chu Bai went to see Zhang Cheng where he was staying.
"So, you’ve really made up your mind?"
Seeing Chu Bai again and hearing his definitive answer, Zhang Cheng couldn’t help but rub his hands together, an unconcealable joy spreading across his face, even though he had been expecting it.
"Anping County really struck gold this time!"
Zhang Cheng marveled to himself. He hadn’t been idle at the Daoist School these past two days. After asking around, the details he learned about Chu Bai’s performance in the Immortal Official Examination had made his heart race with excitement.
To single-handedly fight off a crowd of experts, to defeat chosen prodigies against the odds, and even to withstand a full-force blow from someone at the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation...
How could a recently graduated rookie possess that kind of combat power? He was clearly a top general, ready to be sent out to hold a front all on his own!
But beyond the pleasant surprise, Zhang Cheng was also crystal clear about the situation.
A prodigy of this caliber was a True Dragon destined to soar through the nine heavens. A tiny place like Anping County would only be a temporary perch, a stepping stone.
"Don’t think too little of my humble post."
Zhang Cheng patted Chu Bai’s shoulder and said meaningfully, "Life in our Evil Suppression Department is tough and tiring, but it’s a place where you earn your stripes through real combat. If you can help me out for even a year or two, I’ll be more than content."
With that, he beckoned over another student who was also returning to Anping County for an assignment.
His name was Hu Hao, a third-year senior who appeared rather simple and honest.
He hadn’t secured a position as an Immortal Official, but with three years of solid cultivation, he had graduated successfully and managed to secure a post as a Constable in the Anping County Evil Suppression Department, starting from the ground up.
"Junior Brother Chu Bai... oh, no, I should be calling you Champion Chu now."
Hu Hao’s eyes were full of admiration as he looked at Chu Bai. He smiled and cupped his hands in a salute. "Even though I didn’t participate in the Immortal Official Examination, I’ve heard all about you. I never thought we’d end up returning to Anping to work together. I’m a simple man. In the future at the department, if you need anything done, just say the word."
Though he was the senior in terms of enrollment, in the Cultivation Realm, the accomplished always take precedence.
Chu Bai’s achievements spoke for themselves, naturally earning him Hu Hao’s respect.
"You’re too kind, Senior Brother Hu."
Chu Bai returned the gesture warmly and smiled. "Since we were fellow students and are both returning to serve our hometown, we should naturally support each other. There’s no need to worry about titles like ’Champion’."
Seeing that Chu Bai showed none of the arrogance that often comes with youthful success, Hu Hao felt much more at ease, and the smile on his face became a bit more genuine.
Watching this exchange from the side, Zhang Cheng nodded to himself in approval.
’Not arrogant in victory, and humble despite his high standing. This young man’s character is truly rare.’
"Alright, save the catching up for the road. It’s time for us to depart."
Zhang Cheng glanced at the sky, and with a grand wave of his sleeve, a streak of light flew out, expanding rapidly as it met the air.
It was a streamlined silver Flying Shuttle, radiating the powerful Spiritual Pressure characteristic of a Foundation Establishment Stage Dharma Artifact.
"This Cloud-Piercing Shuttle is incredibly fast. We’ll be home in no time."
Zhang Cheng leaped onto the Flying Shuttle first, motioning for the other two to join him.
With a light tap of his toes, Chu Bai landed as gracefully as a swallow on the back of the Flying Shuttle. As Zhang Cheng formed a hand seal, the shuttle trembled slightly before transforming into a long silver streak and rocketing into the sky.
The wind howled past their ears, but it was kept at bay by a faint Spiritual Light Protective Shield.
Standing atop the Flying Shuttle, Chu Bai looked back.
Below them, the Dayuan Prefecture Daoist School was rapidly shrinking. The familiar halls, pavilions, the Martial Arts Arena, and even the dormitories gradually blurred into a single grayish-blue silhouette.
The retreating clouds reflected in the young man’s dark eyes. His expression was calm and resolute.
’Farewell, Daoist School.’
The sea of clouds churned, mercilessly torn apart by the silver streak of light.
Chu Bai sat cross-legged on the Flying Shuttle, his fingers gently caressing the cold, rune-etched hull. Feeling the incredible speed of the Dharma Artifact beneath him as it tore through the sky, he couldn’t hide the look of envy in his eyes.
’To fly on an artifact, to roam the North Sea at dawn and visit Cangwu at dusk... this is the true freedom a Cultivator ought to have.’
’Unfortunately, Dharma Artifacts like this are exorbitantly expensive, and only a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator can wield one with ease. For now, all I can do is look on with envy.’
As the journey was a long one, the three of them began to make idle conversation.
"So you’re from Anping County too, Senior Brother Hu?" Chu Bai asked, a little surprised.
Hu Hao gave a simple smile and nodded. "That’s right. I didn’t come from the county academy, though. I started my studies at a private school and was lucky enough to test into the Daoist School later on.
"Speaking of which, back in my year, our county still had three slots. By the time your class came around last year, it had been reduced to two."
Once they got to talking, Hu Hao began to open up.
It turned out he came from a Humble Family whose members had been fishermen for generations. For them, supporting a Cultivator meant they had to sell everything they had.
"I don’t have any grand ambitions," Hu Hao said, looking down at the mountains and rivers passing below, his tone full of contentment. "Just being able to graduate, return to the County, and land a stable job in the Evil Suppression Department... for a family like mine, that’s like a blessing on our ancestors. We’ve completely jumped up in social standing.
"Once I’m a Constable in the County, my family won’t have to put up with the local fishing bosses anymore."
Chu Bai nodded slightly, understanding completely.
After all, very few ever reached the pinnacle of the Cultivation Realm. Seeking a stable and prosperous life, like Hu Hao, was the reality for the vast majority of Cultivators.

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