Chapter 53: Sir, Wait for My Return - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 53: Sir, Wait for My Return   Tonight was destined to be a night of unrest. Luo Cong An drained most of a small jar of wine all by herself. With the influence of alcohol, she finally voiced countless thoughts she'd previously kept bottled up inside to her teacher. She even made a promise with him to visit before the year's end. A determined glint flashed in her eyes as she declared, "Teacher, I want to give it a try." Chen An gently encouraged her, "Do your best." The young woman slowly leaned in, resting against him, and softly murmured with a slight nasal tone. She felt a bit tipsy. Considering Luo Cong An had never drunk before, getting drunk so easily was only normal. The fact that she hadn't passed out after one drink already spoke of her surprising tolerance. In truth, she should have realized it earlier. The moment the immortal mentioned there might be a chance to achieve immortality alongside her teacher, a seed had been planted deep within her heart. This seed quickly took root and sprouted, constantly urging her forward. Luo Cong An silently made a vow in her heart. She didn't voice it aloud, for it was a principle her teacher had long taught her. Before accomplishing anything, she must remain calm and composed yet passionate at heart. The night returned to its quietude, disturbed only by the occasional chirp of insects. As time slowly slipped by, Luo Cong An got her wish and completely nestled into her teacher's embrace. This time, Chen An didn't push her away. Instead, he gently patted her back. He softly started to sing. "When will the bright moon appear?" "Raise a drink and ask the sky." Unable to hold herself back, Luo Cong An asked with a dreamy gaze, "Sir, you can sing too?" "Not quite, but in such a melancholic atmosphere, it feels incomplete without a tune..." She chuckled. Luo Cong An burst into laughter. Chen An rambled on, chatting with her for quite a while. ... The next day, Chen An rose early. He packed a lot of items, mostly trivial daily necessities. This included clothes, shoes, socks, and bedding he had bought for Luo Cong An over the years. He bundled them all into one large package. Standing in the courtyard, he looked at the package, feeling a sudden pang akin to a father marrying off his daughter. At the next moment, the door of the side room creaked open, and Luo Cong An emerged, dressed neatly. There was a hint of departure's sorrow in her eyes, and her demeanor seemed subdued. But upon seeing her teacher standing in the courtyard, her spirits visibly lifted. She skipped over to Chen An and, spotting the large package, asked in surprise, "Sir, what's all this for?" Chen An explained, "It's your luggage..." Luo Cong An paused, held back a laugh, and said, "Sir, I'm going to cultivate immortality, not for the imperial exams in the capital. What's with all these packages?" Her words brought Chen An to a realization. He nodded, "Yes, you're right." Seeing this, Luo Cong An became a bit worried about his state of mind. "Sir, are you really alright? How about..." Chen An waved off her concern. "Now, now, a decision made cannot be so easily withdrawn." Luo Cong An pouted, grasping his hand and whining, "I just can't bear to leave you." Chen An, however, was much more open to it. He chuckled, "You've promised to come back by year-end. What's there to be sad about?" He sighed, "I just hope you won't forget me while pursuing immortality." "Remember to care for lonely elders." Luo Cong An was amused by him, and the sorrow at the thought of departure diminished significantly. She giggled and reached into her pocket to take out the jade talisman given by the immortal master. At the threshold of departure, she hesitated. "Sir, it's all so sudden." Chen An glanced over and casually remarked, "Sudden? Well, not really, although..." He quickly adjusted, "Now that I think about it, it is rather sudden. But life is like that; you never know what the next moment holds." Luo Cong An raised her chin playfully, "Sir, you've been giving a lot more speeches lately; you weren't this preachy before." With that, she tightened her grip on Chen An's hand and then crushed the jade talisman. They didn't have to wait long before a figure appeared in the sky. Seeing this, Chen An's eyes showed a hint of envy. "I'm telling you, if I could cultivate, I'd definitely give it a shot. It seems so carefree..." Hearing this, Luo Cong An's resolve strengthened further. The immortal master soon descended, stirring a small ring of dust. With a pleased expression that barely concealed her delight, she asked, "Have you made up your mind?" This time, Luo Cong An didn't hesitate. "Yes!" She released Chen An's hand, stepping forward with resolve. "But I do have one condition." Miao Zhen's smile froze, and though a wave of impatience swept through her, she asked, "What condition?" Luo Cong An glanced back at her teacher and said, "Visiting once a year is too long; I can't wait that long." Miao Zhen frowned, "Cultivators should be detached from worldly emotions. Being too attached to the mundane will hinder your progress, no matter how talented you are." Yet Luo Cong An shook her head. Miao Zhen considered it and proposed a compromise. "If you can break through to the mid-stage of Qi Condensation in the first year, I'll make an exception and allow you to leave freely. However, in this first year, you must remain in the sect and focus solely on cultivation. Is that acceptable?" For a Golden Core stage cultivator to negotiate with a mere mortal was a testament to Miao Zhen's fondness for Luo Cong An. Clearly understanding her boundaries, Luo Cong An playfully extended a finger, "Then, can I at least come back at the end of this year?" Miao Zhen chuckled, "Of course." With the answer she sought, Luo Cong An visibly brightened, her joy evident from her enthusiastic gestures. She counted on her fingers. It was already May, meaning she'd only be apart from her teacher for about six months. Though to her, even six months felt like an eternity, it was ultimately for the best. "Alright then, since it's all settled, let's get on with it." Miao Zhen urged. Luo Cong An contemplated for a moment before turning to lift the large package. Miao Zhen found it both amusing and exasperating. "What are you doing?" The young woman, with her thin skin, blushed and yet stubbornly said, "These are the belongings my teacher prepared for me; I have to take them." "Once you reach the sect, all necessities are supplied by the sect attendants. Aren't you worried about being laughed at for bringing these things?" Despite these words, Luo Cong An still clung to the package, unwilling to let go. In the end, it was Chen An's persuasion that made her relinquish the idea. He rummaged through the bundle, retrieving a lively chibi figurine of Luo Cong An, and handed it to her. "Take this with you." Luo Cong An accepted it, rubbing her eyes, her tears not falling but her eyes red. "Sir, promise me you won't wander off and that you'll wait for my return, alright?" Chen An was taken aback. He remained silent for a while before nodding. "Alright, I'll wait for you." (End of Chapter)