"Zhuqing, what do you think?"
A Red Sword stepped forward, offering steady support as he helped Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuyu back onto their feet. His movements were measured, neither overly gentle nor harsh, reflecting the discipline ingrained in him. Yet after assisting them, he did not immediately voice his opinion. Instead, his sharp gaze shifted toward Zhu Zhuqing, clearly placing the decision—at least in part—into her hands.
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head and performed a formal Disciple's salute toward her teacher. Her fists tightened slightly at her sides, knuckles paling as she struggled to steady her emotions. When she spoke, her voice carried both restraint and resolve.
"Teacher, for personal reasons, I wish to beg you to let Eldest Sister and Third Sister stay. But as your Disciple, I cannot interfere with your decision on whether to keep Third Sister and Eldest Sister. I leave this matter entirely to your judgment, Teacher."
There was a subtle tremor beneath her composed tone, a reflection of the conflict within her heart. Family ties, long strained and tangled with resentment and rivalry, still lingered despite everything. Even so, she did not overstep her place as a disciple.
"However, this matter ultimately stems from me. Regardless of whether you, Teacher, are willing to let Third Sister and Eldest Sister stay, I... want to return to the Star Luo Empire once, to completely sever this matter. I ask for your permission, Teacher."
"Granted."
Hearing this, Xin's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. Without any sign of hesitation, he casually seated himself on the stone stool beneath the cherry tree. Soft petals drifted down around him, carried by a gentle breeze, adding a tranquil contrast to the tension that lingered in the air.
"Your teacher was waiting for those very words."
"Teacher... so you support my return?" Zhu Zhuqing blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard.
She had expected resistance. Given her teacher's usual aversion to unnecessary entanglements and karmic burdens, she had assumed he would discourage her from returning to the Star Luo Empire, where conflict was inevitable. Yet his immediate approval overturned her expectations.
"Why wouldn't I support it?"
Xin's tone remained calm, but his gaze held a depth that commanded attention.
"If you can sever Karma and detach from worldly affairs during this trip, it will greatly benefit your future cultivation. With no further attachments behind you, you can focus wholeheartedly on your practice. This is not wanton slaughter, but establishing your own destiny and resolving your predicament."
As he spoke, the rustling leaves overhead seemed to echo his words, as if nature itself bore witness to the gravity of his guidance.
"But you must remember," he continued, his voice sharpening ever so slightly, "on this return, you may kill arrogant nobles, you may kill rampant royalty, but you must not indiscriminately slaughter commoners. You must absolutely maintain your reason and not let slaughter cloud your true heart."
Each word struck with precision, embedding itself firmly within Zhu Zhuqing's mind. This was not merely permission—it was a test of her character, her discipline, and her understanding of power.
Zhu Zhuqing inhaled deeply, steadying herself before nodding with conviction.
"I will strictly follow your teachings, Teacher!"
Her eyes, once clouded with hesitation, now shone with determination. This journey would not simply be a return—it would be a turning point.
Turning slightly, she addressed Ning Rongrong with a more practical concern, though her tone softened with familiarity.
"Senior Sister Rongrong, could I trouble you to help deliver Lingling's cultivation equipment?"
The request carried a hint of apology. Originally, upon returning, Zhu Zhuqing had intended to remain in Slaughter City alongside Ye Lingling. However, their prolonged absence from the academy meant they had not brought sufficient supplies. This trip had been meant as a simple retrieval—nothing more. Yet fate had other plans, dragging unresolved matters to the surface.
Ning Rongrong gave a reassuring smile and waved her hand lightly, as if brushing away any concern.
"Don't worry, Zhuqing. Go ahead. I'll deliver Lingling's things. It works out, as I also need to discuss with the Sect about supplying food to Slaughter City."
Her tone carried both confidence and a hint of excitement. For her, this was not merely a favor—it was an opportunity.
Slaughter City, after all, was no ordinary place. It housed thousands of Spirit Masters, many of whom were powerful yet unruly. Supplying such a city required not only resources but also influence and careful negotiation. While the challenge was significant, the potential rewards were equally considerable.
After all, those Spirit Ancestors, Spirit Kings, and even Spirit Saints—despite their notorious reputations—possessed physical abilities far beyond ordinary people. If properly organized, their labor alone could generate immense productivity. The image of such figures working diligently at mundane tasks was almost absurd, yet undeniably profitable.
For the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, this could become a steady and lucrative venture.
As the conversation settled, a brief silence followed, filled only by the soft rustle of cherry blossoms drifting to the ground.
It was at this moment that Xin spoke calmly:
"Rongrong, pour the tea. Two cups."