Gu Xiaofeng carefully pondered Zhu Yanyi’s words. She had to admit she made sense.
Darkness elements were currently distrusted. This distrust stemmed from people confusing demons with darkness elements. In truth, not all demons possessed darkness elements; in fact, very few did.
Among darkness, light, space, time, wind, thunder, and ice, these elements were rare. The latter three were mutated elements, while the former four were truly scarce.
Those born with rare element constitutions were heaven’s favorites. Yet, the fortune of darkness had been ruined. As Zhu Yanyi said, the first step was to clarify the difference between darkness elements and demons. This would help people understand the rarity of darkness elements, gradually clearing their name.
Distinguishing darkness elements from demons was already half the battle in clearing their reputation.
Realizing this, Gu Xiaofeng looked up at Zhu Yanyi. “Thank you. I will remember this favor.”
“No, no, no.” Zhu Yanyi looked terrified. “Please don’t remember this favor. If you misunderstand, my man will get jealous, and my heart will ache.”
(⊙o⊙)… Yan Aohan was speechless. Gu Xiaofeng wondered how Zhu Yanyi could be so thick-skinned.
Yan Aohan coughed. “Yes, do not remember this favor. If you insist, I hear the Dark Forest has many medicinal herbs with darkness elements. Have your people pick some and send them to her.”
Gu Xiaofeng looked at Zhu Yanyi, then at Yan Aohan. “I understand why you two are a pair.”
“Do you have an objection to us being a pair?” Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow, looking at Gu Xiaofeng.
Gu Xiaofeng shook his head with a smile. “No objection. Just envy.”
Gu Xiaofeng was not wrong. She envied how Zhu Yanyi always protected Yan Aohan, and how Yan Aohan always remembered everything Zhu Yanyi needed. They protected each other. This was likely true love between partners.
However, Gu Xiaofeng felt he might never find such a relationship. Their way of interacting was worldly, different from how cultivators in the cultivation world treated their partners.
Ordinary partners usually focused on steady cultivation. Their unions were based on cultivation levels and mutual benefit, or sharing resources, rather than emotion.
Of course, partners were recognized by the Heavenly Dao. Once bound, they could not violate the partner oath, or they would face heavenly tribulation. Thus, partners mostly cultivated separately, rarely interfering with each other. This was mutual respect.
But Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan’s interaction was completely different. It had a human warmth that drew people in.
Gu Xiaofeng did not understand this emotion. Even when she teased Zhu Yanyi earlier, there was no such feeling. She only tested her because her cultivation suited her. If she could take it, that would be fine. Her talent was there, so she did not worry she would hold her back.
Unfortunately, Zhu Yanyi refused in the end. Seeing her interaction with Yan Aohan now, she understood her reasons.
While Gu Xiaofeng thought deeply, Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan exchanged a glance, understanding each other’s thoughts.
Zhu Yanyi had tricked Gu Xiaofeng, and Yan Aohan not only did not stop her but indulged her.
Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan smiled at each other. They were now accomplices in mischief.
They said nothing more, but their eyes held satisfaction and the happiness of tacit understanding.
After sending off the successfully tricked Gu Xiaofeng, Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan laughed silently. Although Gu Xiaofeng was the master of the Dark Forest, she knew nothing. If she understood, she would know she had been fooled.
That night, students from the Sage Academy returned one by one. When most had arrived, Yan Aohan left. He could not stay with them now.
“When you go to the mortal realm, I will meet you,” Yan Aohan instructed Zhu Yanyi before leaving.
Zhu Yanyi nodded slightly, acknowledging her words. Yan Aohan disappeared before her. Zhu Yanyi then led the Sage Academy students to jump through space, starting their journey back to the Sage Academy.
The journey ahead was relatively calm. They did not stop at jump points to rest.
However, their speed was not the fastest. They moved slowly, treating the flying boat like a sightseeing vessel, enjoying the scenery. It took over a month to return to the Sage Academy.
Xi Muzheng smiled when they returned. “I thought you would play for a few more days on the way?”
“We wanted to play, but there was nothing fun on the road, so we came back,” Zhu Yanyi said helplessly. “Dean, next time you deal with those who secretly love you, please don’t send us.”
“What do you mean ‘secretly love you’?” Xi Muzheng felt wronged. She glared at Zhu Yanyi, feeling she spoke nonsense.
Zhu Yanyi stuck out her tongue. “I didn’t speak nonsense. I told the truth. Isn’t Ruan Mengtuo secretly in love with you? Or is she your old lover?”
“Pah, pah, pah. What nonsense. Would my taste be so bad to like such a woman?” Xi Muzheng said helplessly. “My future wife will definitely be very gentle.”
“Do you have a partner?” Zhu Yanyi asked.
Xi Muzheng looked at Zhu Yanyi. “Children should not worry about adult matters. You contributed greatly this time, so I grant you a year of leave. That is four months in the mortal realm.
However, when you return, you must hand in ten thousand pills. I do not care about their level, but they must be of supreme quality. Consider this year your training period. After a year, even if you want to train more, you cannot go to the mortal realm.”
Zhu Yanyi was surprised. “Principal, you are quite generous. However, several senior brothers also want to go to the mortal realm this time. Let them train as well.”
“Go ahead,” Xi Muzheng agreed generously. He knew these children had worked hard recently. Going to the mortal realm was good for relaxation.