Du Yi held a book in his hand, discussing its principles with his teacher.

It seemed the old pavilion master had strict expectations for him. Every day, he not only had to practice martial arts with his Shi Fu but also attend cultural lessons.

His tone was gentle, and his words were measured. Although his understanding wasn't deep, his discussions with the teacher were reasonable and well-founded.

In every aspect, he was a qualified heir. As for Du Yi's fate, Tao Mian could only sigh with regret.

He glanced at his little disciple, only to find Rong Zheng watching Du Yi intently, her gaze following his every move as she sat or stood, serving tea and fetching books.

For as long as Du Yi studied, Rong Zheng watched.

Tao Mian thought to himself, oh no, the disciple has a one-sided crush.

The elderly teacher finally concluded his lengthy lesson, allowing the young pavilion master to be dismissed.

Du Yi thanked the teacher, tidied up the leftover cups on the table, restored the used books to their original state, and neatly placed them back on the shelf.

After completing these tasks, he left to have dinner with his father.

By then, the two eavesdropping master and disciple had already left the doorway.

Rong Zheng and Tao Mian were now in a small, secluded garden nearby, casually eating something as their dinner.

Tao Mian asked Rong Zheng when she started watching Du Yi's lessons, and Rong Zheng candidly replied.

"It's been a few months."

"Little... Zheng, you don't have a thing for Du Yi, do you?"

"…"

Rong Zheng didn't answer, and the atmosphere between them became awkward, with only the chirping of insects in the grass breaking the silence.

Then, Rong Zheng put down her food, covered half her face, and started giggling, her face turning red from holding it in.

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"... If you want to laugh, just laugh out loud. At worst, I'll set up a soundproof barrier."

"Cough, cough, cough—"

Rong Zheng laughed until she coughed.

She said she never expected that Tao Mian, with such a serious expression, was silently trying to matchmake her with Du Yi.

Tao Mian was puzzled.

"Then why were you gazing at him so affectionately? Could it be that you're interested in that teacher...?"

"Little Tao, you better stop talking, the more you say, the more ridiculous it gets."

Rong Zheng said she wasn't watching Du Yi, but observing the future young pavilion master.

"I'm a Shadow Guard, after all. I'll definitely take over my Shi Fu's role in the future. Of course, I'm concerned about what kind of person the future master will be. What he likes, dislikes, his style in doing things and speaking, I need to be familiar with all of it."

The little disciple, having eaten her fill, started to feel sleepy. She lay on the table, lazily.

With Tao Mian, she always felt an inexplicable closeness and relaxation.

Even though she was a very vigilant person. No matter how carefree she appeared on the outside, she was raised according to the standards of a Shadow Guard from a young age, incomparable to children her age.

"Shi Fu said, a Shadow Guard needs loyalty, but the head of the Shadow Guards can't only have loyalty. The head of the Shadow Guards should have some ambition. If the pavilion master can't earn our respect, then just following his every command and making us wholeheartedly devoted is impossible."

Rong Zheng valued promises and loyalty.

She thought, not only did Du Yi need to test her, but she also needed to test Du Yi.

"But these are just my own little thoughts. If others knew, they'd probably laugh at me for being naive and arrogant. Also, I often watch Du Yi because... I envy him."

Rong Zheng rolled her face between her arms.

"He can study, practice martial arts with us, and Shi Fu always asks us to accommodate him. Of course, he's the master, and he's been kind to me. I often remind myself not to be too greedy; having a meal is already good enough.

But every time I'm punished, I can't help but think. Sigh, why is the heavens so unfair, why wasn't I chosen?"

When Rong Zheng spoke of these things, her tone wasn't resentful, but rather with a hint of self-mockery.

"And also, I secretly hope Du Yi will be a good person... not necessarily very kind, but at least not to let down those of us who have suffered so much from a young age, training and studying day and night. We've all had it too hard..."

Rong Zheng's little head was filled with many thoughts. Worries, concerns, and countless imaginations and hopes for the future.

At this moment, she was innocent and carefree, and the worst thing in her life was merely beating up the second young master and being punished by Shi Fu to stand without dinner.

Tao Mian felt a slight tremor in his heart. He looked at his disciple's youthful face, feeling a bit choked up inside.

Rong Zheng seemed immersed in her own emotions but keenly sensed Tao Mian's mood.

"Little Tao, why do you sometimes seem unhappy?"

"Because... Little Tao is an adult now, and has lived a long, long time, traversing many years."

"Are adults unhappy? Oh, I thought all my worries now would be easily solved once I grow up!"

Rong Zheng lifted her head, resting her chin on her hands, swaying her head.

"Wouldn't that mean I've wasted my feelings! I always think, enduring some hardships now is nothing, after all, once I become a capable adult, I won't suffer any grievances."

Tao Mian glanced at the setting sun on the horizon, fiery red like a ribbon, its light reflecting in his eyes.

"Adults aren't always capable, adults have their own troubles too. But Little Zheng, no matter what, you will grow into a brave and sincere person."

"Really?" Rong Zheng became very happy, even though she had been punished for hours and almost missed dinner, "Little Tao, don't lie to me! I really believe in you!"

"Yes," Tao Mian smiled warmly, "Trust me, Little Tao won't lie to you."

The Bone-Illuminating Mirror brought great joy to the Immortal. He thought, if he could stay in the present, watching his innocent and lively disciple make small mistakes, helping her solve them, listening to her chatter and complaints every day, such a dream wouldn't be bad.

Rong Zheng and Du Yi got along very well. Du Yi always showed her extra patience, while Rong Zheng, oblivious, noticed nothing.

Unfortunately, time is always cruel, and such peaceful and serene days passed by in a flash, never to return.

In the blink of an eye, it was almost time for Rong Zheng's Shi Fu to leave her.

The familiar mist rose before his eyes again. This time, Tao Mian was already used to it. He brushed aside the mist in front of him and saw Rong Zheng standing right before him.

She had her back to him, taller than before, having shed her youthful innocence.

She held a sword in her hand, her whole body trembling with anger, seemingly confronting someone.

That person was none other than Du Yi.