Chapter 701 - 692: Returning to the West Desert

The two walked out of the cafeteria and stood at the entrance.

Han Mo looked at him and asked, "Where are you staying tonight? Your place over in Hidden Dragon Garden should still be empty. Should I have someone arrange it for you?"

Xu Wuyi shook his head. "No need, I booked a hotel. I still have to rush to West Desert early tomorrow morning."

Han Mo nodded, not pressing the matter. They stood at the cafeteria entrance for a moment before Han Mo suddenly reached out and patted his shoulder.

"Walk well," he said. His voice was soft but earnest. "This path is still long, but you’re walking it well. Keep going. Don’t stop."

Xu Wuyi looked at him and nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Teacher Han."

Han Mo waved his hand and turned, walking toward Lingyun Small Building. His figure from behind seemed a bit lonely under the streetlights, but his footsteps remained steady.

Xu Wuyi stood in place, watching that figure gradually fade away and disappear into the depths of the bamboo forest. Then, he turned and headed toward the school gates. The night breeze blew past, carrying the warmth of early summer. In the distance, Star Martial Tower glowed faintly in the dark like an eternal coordinate.

Walking out of the school gates, Xu Wuyi glanced back. The grand bronze gates stood silently in the night, the four large characters for "Star Martial University" on the lintel still clearly visible. Six years ago, he had walked through these doors for the first time. Today, he was leaving once more. He didn’t know when he would be back next. But no matter when he returned, this would always be his starting point—a place he would never forget.

Taking a deep breath, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night. Tomorrow, he was going to West Desert to visit Flame Venerable and continue down his own path.

The aircraft pierced through the clouds, the unique landforms of West Desert gradually appearing outside the window. Xu Wuyi sat by the window, his gaze falling upon the rolling Gobi Desert. Sunlight spilled down from above, illuminating the exposed red rock formations until they gleamed. Occasionally, a small oasis could be seen dotting the landscape, like drops of emerald green on a yellow canvas.

He had flown this route from Yuntai City to West Desert many times. The first time he came was during his sophomore year, representing Star Martial University in the Flame Venerable Arena Tournament. Back then, he had only recently advanced to Martial Artist. Everything about West Desert was novel to him, and he was filled with awe for the legendary Flame Venerable. He came again around the time he graduated, seeking advice regarding his Heart Image. At that time, he had already advanced to Innate. Although Flame Venerable hadn’t directly instructed him, the senior’s words had benefited him greatly. And later...

Xu Wuyi withdrew his gaze and leaned back in his seat, the events of the past few years flashing through his mind. Every time he came to West Desert, his Realm was different. From Martial Artist to Innate, from Innate to Quasi-Grandmaster, and now... to Grandmaster. This time, he had made a special trip just to visit Flame Venerable. The veteran Grandmaster had offered him a lot of help on his cultivation path. It could be said that he was essentially his second teacher. After advancing to Grandmaster, it was only right to pay a visit, both out of gratitude and to seek further guidance.

The aircraft flew steadily forward. As the clouds outside the window gradually thinned, the silhouette of the Western Desert Royal Capital began to appear in his field of vision. It was a city built against the mountains. The buildings were mostly constructed from red stone, exuding a warm luster in the sunlight. In the center of the city lay the Royal Palace. Atop its highest tower, a flag bearing a flame pattern snapped sharply in the wind.

The aircraft began its descent, passing through the clouds and aligning with the runway. A few minutes later, the landing gear gently touched down. After a slight shudder, the aircraft taxied smoothly, eventually coming to a halt at an exclusive parking spot in the spaceport.

The cabin doors opened, and a wave of heat rushed in. The June weather in West Desert was far hotter than in Yuntai City. The air was dry and the sunlight scorching, but to Xu Wuyi, this temperature actually felt quite comfortable. Carrying his simple luggage, he walked down the boarding stairs.

The moment his feet touched the ground, he noticed a hovercar parked at the edge of the apron. A person was standing next to it. It was a young woman wearing a red, West Desert-style dress. Her long hair tumbled over her shoulders, and a smile graced her face. She waved in his direction, her movements casual, as if greeting an old friend.

Xu Wuyi was momentarily taken aback before he broke into a smile. It was Tana. He hadn’t expected Tana to come pick him up personally. Given his current status, it was normal for West Desert to send someone to receive him, but for Tana, a Princess of the Royal Family, to make the trip herself was somewhat unexpected. He quickened his pace and walked over.

Tana also came forward. The two stopped in front of the hovercar, looking each other up and down. It had been a while since they last saw each other, but Tana hadn’t changed much. She still had that hearty, straightforward demeanor. However, there was a touch more maturity between her brows—a calm that only came after experiencing the trials of life.

"Xu Wuyi," Tana spoke first, her voice laced with amusement. "No, wait. I should call you Grandmaster Xu now."

Xu Wuyi shook his head. "Don’t bother with ’Grandmaster.’ Just use my name."

Tana laughed. "I can’t do that. You’re the youngest Grandmaster in the Federation now. If I still called you by your first name and others heard, they’d think I don’t know the rules." She paused, shifting the conversation as her tone became casual again. "I’m just kidding. Calling you ’Grandmaster’ feels too distant. I’m not used to it."

Xu Wuyi nodded with a chuckle. "We’re old classmates. We don’t need to be so formal."

The two shared a smile. The unique tacit understanding that only old classmates shared returned in that very moment.

Tana turned sideways and opened the car door. "Get in. It’s hot out here. My father told me to come pick you up. He says you should rest first, and we’ll host a welcome dinner for you tonight.

"He originally wanted to come welcome you personally, but I figured you definitely wouldn’t want such a big fuss."