Chapter 699 692: Returning to the West Desert

Now that his Realm had stabilized, it was time to complete that visit.

That veteran Grandmaster had a profoundly deep understanding of Fire Attribute Energy and should be able to offer him considerable guidance. Although his Heart Image was no longer purely flame, flame was still a part of Order. Flame Venerable's experience would still be valuable to him.

As for plans further down the road, he hadn't decided yet. But one thing was certain: before the next Star Realm conscription, he had to increase his strength as much as possible. At the very least, he needed to set foot in the Domain.

Over an hour later, the flight landed at the Yuntai City airport.

Xu Wuyi stepped out of the terminal and into familiar scenery. The sky in Yuntai City was bluer than in Xingjing, and the air felt fresher. In the distance, he could see the iconic Star Martial Tower of Star Martial University. He hadn't notified anyone of his arrival, opting instead to hail a taxi and head straight for the campus.

As the car drove into the university town district, familiar building complexes came into view—the towering academic buildings, the expansive Training Grounds, and the tree-lined avenue he had walked countless times.

Six years ago, he had come here for the first time. Back then, he was just a youth fresh out of Red River, full of hope for the future but uncertain of how far he could truly go. Now, six years later, he had returned as the Federation's youngest Grandmaster.

The taxi stopped in front of the university's main gate. Xu Wuyi paid the fare and stepped out. The bronze gates remained as imposing as ever, with the four large characters of "Star Martial University" gleaming in the sunlight on the lintel. Students walked in and out in small groups, chatting and laughing, brimming with youthful energy.

Standing at the entrance, Xu Wuyi looked at those young faces and felt a sudden wave of nostalgia wash over him. Six years ago, he had been just like them, carrying his luggage and his dreams as he walked through these very gates. Back then, he could never have imagined reaching the heights he stood at today.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto the campus.

He had only taken a few steps when a group of underclassmen walked toward him. They had been chatting and joking around, but suddenly, one of them spotted Xu Wuyi, his eyes widening instantly.

"Th-that's..."

The person next to him followed his gaze and also froze. "Senior Brother Xu Wuyi? It really is him!"

"Holy shit, he came back to school!"

The students stood rooted to the spot, entirely unsure of what to do. They wanted to go up and say hello but were afraid of bothering him. They could only stare blankly as Xu Wuyi walked past them.

Xu Wuyi gave them a slight nod without breaking his stride.

It wasn't until he was far away that the students finally snapped out of it, excitedly grabbing at each other's clothes.

"He nodded at me! Did you see that? He nodded at me!"

"He was nodding at all of us, okay!"

"It's still a nod! I just talked to the youngest Grandmaster in the Federation!"

"What did he say?"

"...He didn't speak, but he nodded!"

Similar scenes played out constantly along his route. Wherever Xu Wuyi went, students would inevitably recognize him, stopping in their tracks to stare and whisper among themselves. A few bolder students called out, "Hello, Senior Brother Xu!" from a distance, and he responded to all of them with a nod. However, he didn't stop, keeping his pace steady as he headed straight toward the Lingyun Small Building.

The Lingyun Small Building was as peaceful and secluded as ever.

The bamboo forest was denser than he remembered. The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze—SWISH, SWISH—as if welcoming him home. The standalone bamboo house was hidden deep within the grove. Through the gaps in the leaves, he could see its half-open wooden door.

Xu Wuyi walked down the familiar narrow path. His footsteps sounded exceptionally clear against the rustling of the bamboo leaves. Reaching the entrance of the house, he stopped and gently knocked on the doorframe.

"Teacher Han."

A flurry of hurried footsteps rang out from inside, and then Han Mo's figure appeared in the doorway. He was wearing a gray martial arts uniform today, his hair a little messy, making him look as if he had just stepped out of the Cultivation Room.

But at this moment, his gaze fell entirely on Xu Wuyi. He looked him up and down, then down and up again, checking repeatedly. Xu Wuyi didn't move, simply standing there and letting his teacher look.

After a long while, Han Mo finally spoke, his voice slightly hoarse.

"Did you really... make it?"

Xu Wuyi nodded. "Yes, Teacher Han," he said softly. "I've advanced."

Han Mo looked at him for another moment before suddenly reaching out and slapping him hard on the shoulder. The pat carried significant force, packed with a mixture of excitement, gratification, and a touch of disbelief.

"Good kid," Han Mo said. His voice carried a smile, though his eyes were rimmed with red. "Good kid."

He patted his shoulder again and stepped aside. "Come in, hurry up and come in."

Xu Wuyi walked into the bamboo house. The interior looked the same as always—the bamboo tables and chairs, the bamboo bookshelf, the tea set in its usual spot. Nothing had changed since the day he left.

Han Mo had him sit down while he took the seat opposite him and began boiling water to brew tea. His movements were slower than usual, slightly absentminded. His gaze drifted to Xu Wuyi from time to time, as if to confirm that he was truly sitting there.

When the water boiled, he lifted the kettle and poured it into the teapot. He filled it too much, and some of the water spilled over.

Han Mo paused for a second, then shook his head and laughed. "Look at me, my hands are shaking," he said. "It's been so many years since I was this excited."

Seeing his teacher like this, a wave of warmth surged in Xu Wuyi's heart.

Han Mo brewed a fresh pot of tea, poured two cups, and pushed one in front of Xu Wuyi. "Try it. It's this year's new tea. I saved it specifically for you."

Xu Wuyi picked up the teacup and took a gentle sip. The tea's aroma was elegant and refreshing, leaving a sweet aftertaste. It was excellent tea.