Lingqi approached with a parchment in his hand, his expression a tapestry of apology and trepidation.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Elder Zhu," the teen began, his voice barely a whisper against the ancient walls. "But I've received a letter from the academy and..."

"Is everything alright, Lingqi?" The scholar's voice, rich with concern and paternal warmth.

"Yes, it's just that... well..." Lingqi's voice faltered, his gaze dropping to the floor as if the words were too heavy to lift. "...everyone has graduated. I'm happy for them, but they all plan on returning to their homes."

Ruyi stepped forward, her presence a quiet balm, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Her eyes, pools of empathy, mirrored his sorrow.

Elder Zhu's heart, an ancient and steady drum, softened at the sight of the boy's crestfallen visage. Rising from his seat, the scholar seemed to gather the very air around him.

"I have been meaning to tell you something," he said, his tone a delicate weave of gentleness and gravity. "And now is as good a time as any."

Lingqi's head lifted, his eyes, dark pools of uncertainty and hope, met the elder's steady gaze.

"Come, sit with me," the elder offered, gesturing to a nearby chair.

As Lingqi sat, the elder settled beside him, their knees touching.

"Your friends are not gone, Lingqi," the elder assured him, his voice a soft caress. "They have merely moved on to the next chapter of their lives. As you will too. How would you like to travel with me as my student?"

"Student?" Lingqi's eyes widened, the flicker of a new hope igniting within them. "But what about Master Zhang?"

"Master Zhang and I have already discussed it, and he has graciously agreed to allow me to continue your training."

Lingqi's face lit up, a sunrise dispelling the shadows of doubt. "Really? So, you'll be my new teacher?"

"Indeed," the elder replied, his smile a gentle affirmation. "If you are willing, that is."

"Yes, of course," Lingqi exclaimed, his nod a fervent promise. "Thank you, Elder Zhu. Thank you so much."

The room seemed to brighten, smiles blooming like flowers in spring. The atmosphere, once heavy with unspoken fears, grew light and hopeful.

"You're welcome, Lingqi," the elder said, his eyes twinkling with a pleased look. "Now, it is time for us to retire for the evening."

"Yes, Master," Lingqi agreed with a gracious bow.

As the teens exited the room, closing the door behind them, the scholar and the diplomat watched in contemplative silence.

"Will the boy accompany you and your envoy?" Bai Hui inquired once the pair had left.

"If he wishes," the scholar replied, his voice thoughtful.

Bai Hui, cupped his chin, his hand smoothing down the length of his peppered beard. "Then so will I."

Elder Zhu's smile grew, his face alight with hope. "That would be most appreciated, Honorable Bai Hui."

"Think nothing of it," the diplomat said, waving away the scholar's thanks. "I am merely seizing the opportunity to better my understanding of the Khalkans."

"As always, you are most practical," the scholar praised. He moved to their posh bed, his wrinkled hand trailing across the fine silk sheets.

"Take the bed," Bai Hui gestured toward the mattress. "I can make do with the couch."

"Are you certain?" the scholar inquired.

The diplomat nodded.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Very well," the elder acquiesced, gratitude lacing his words. "I am thankful for your generosity."

Elder Zhu undid the ties of his robe and lay down, the soft mattress welcoming his aging bones. His eyes fluttered closed as sleep began to weave its gentle embrace around him.

----------------------------------------

Ruyi and Lingqi lay on their bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling above.

"So, I'm not going back to the academy," Lingqi sighed, breaking the silence that hung like a shroud.

"It sounds like it," Ruyi concurred, her tone subdued, mirroring his own melancholy.

Lingqi turned to face her, his gaze tracing her features, from her auburn hair cascading past her shoulders to her smooth skin and bright eyes. "What about you? Do you think that you and your guardian will continue traveling with us?"

"Maybe," she shrugged lightly. "I mean, he didn't say."

Lingqi's chest swelled with anticipation. "If it were up to you, would you want to go?"

Ruyi's hand fidgeted with the blanket. "I... don't know," she sighed, her eyes meeting his. "I would like to, but I'm not sure if my foster father will agree."

Lingqi's eyes grew downcast, a wave of disappointment washing over him. The desire to keep her company burned within him, a flame he couldn't quite understand.

"I'm sorry, that was sudden, wasn't it?" Lingqi apologized.

Ruyi shook her head. "No, it's alright," she assured him. "I'll try to ask him about it tomorrow. Who knows, maybe he'll agree."

"Yeah," Lingqi replied with a hopeful grin.

They turned their gazes back to the ceiling, eyes tracing the patterns painted on the plaster.

"Well, let's get some rest," Lingqi suggested. "Tomorrow is going to be a big day."

"Alright," Ruyi nodded.

They snuggled beneath the fine silk sheets, their bodies pressing against one another as sleep took hold.

---

Lingqi was jostled awake by a knock echoing through the room. Blinking, his vision cleared to see Ruyi sitting up, rubbing her eyes and letting out a tired yawn.

"Excuse me," a voice called out, muffled by the wooden door. They recognized it as one of the escorts. "I have your garments for the council meeting."

"Thank you," Lingqi replied groggily.

"I'll take them," Ruyi said, her voice still half-asleep.

The auburn-haired girl got out of bed, her movements sluggish. She opened the door and greeted the attendant, who handed her a couple of neatly folded robes.

"Here you are," the attendant said.

"Thank you," Ruyi bowed, closing the door behind her and placing the robes at the foot of the bed.

Lingqi's brow cocked as he examined them, impressed by their elegant craftsmanship. "Wow, these look nice."

"I can't wait to try them on," Ruyi added.

They proceeded to change into their respective garments, bodies hidden by tall screen dividers for privacy. Once dressed, they stepped away from the screens, gazing at each other's attire.

Lingqi wore a white robe with gold trim and red lining along the sleeves. Ruyi donned a pale yellow robe with floral embroidery along the hem and collar.

"Wow, you look amazing," Lingqi complimented, his eyes wide with admiration.

Ruyi blushed, her cheeks turning pink as she glanced away shyly. "Thank you," she whispered, unable to resist stealing glances at him. He was quite handsome, and she couldn't deny the stirrings in her chest as she studied him. "You look good too."

Lingqi's smile brightened, his teeth gleaming.

Another knock came at the door, and Lingqi opened it to find Elder Zhu and Bai Hui, their attire just as fine as the teens'.

Elder Zhu's green robes hung loosely on his body, adorned with artistic depictions of crashing waves. Bai Hui's indigo robes were fashioned with golden bamboo stems and leaves.

"Ah, you two are ready," Elder Zhu greeted, a smile forming on his lips. "We are nearly ready for our departure."

"Where is the meeting taking place?" Lingqi inquired, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"At the council chamber," the scholar replied.

Lingqi nodded, his heart swelling with pride as he glanced down at his attire, a stark contrast from his usual blue cotton garb.

"Is everyone else waiting downstairs?" Ruyi asked.

"Indeed," the diplomat confirmed.

They descended the stairs and entered the reception area, where scores of diplomatic nobles lined the foyer, their faces a mix of excitement and apprehension. Lingqi felt out of place among the elegantly dressed crowd.

The various nobles checked in with the attendants standing before the council chamber doors, displaying their imperial seals.

Following Elder Zhu and the other attendants, Lingqi, Ruyi, and Bai Hui entered the large chamber. The main floor was a vast, circular space paved with polished marble inlaid with veins of gold. The lower level was designed for esteemed diplomats who gathered to debate and decide the realm's future. Luxurious, hand-carved mahogany desks, each equipped with quills, parchment, and ornate inkpots, were arranged in a semi-circular formation.

On the upper level, a grand balcony wrapped around the chamber, reserved for honored guests and dignitaries. The viewing gallery, accessible via sweeping staircases on either side, housed numerous seats.

Lingqi and Ruyi took seats on the balcony while Elder Zhu and Bai Hui joined the diplomats below. Dozens of diplomats were already seated, with more filing in.

Lingqi's heart thundered as the chamber filled, the sound of attendees' shoes clacking against the marble floor echoing in his ears. He sensed an air of apprehension among the crowd, wondering if the swirling rumors were true.

Finally, a lone figure entered the room, his steps measured and confident. An elderly man with deep wrinkles, a gray mustache, and a hunched posture stood upright with the aid of a cane. Despite his modest tan robes, free of adornments, his essence loomed over all within the council chamber.

The crowd hushed at his presence, their expressions filled with awe.

It was the elder statesman of the council—Liu Xuin. Lingqi had seen his likeness in the scrolls of the Academy.

The statesman raised his hands, and the murmuring ceased.