The dawn light was faint, and thin mist draped over the rolling mountains of Qingxu Temple like a sheer veil. The blue stone steps at the mountain gate, moistened by dew, were dark in color, winding downward and disappearing into the green forest shade and swirling mist, as if leading to an unknown yet vast world.
Tang Xiaoqi and Aunt Su stood side by side at the mountain gate. Behind them was the simple yet dignified archway. Before them was the long road they were about to embark upon. Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, Third Senior Sister Liu Yun, Zhao Tiezhu, and others stood further away by unspoken agreement, giving them space for their final farewell. Even the usually hyperactive rabbit spirit was quietly crouching on Xiao Qi's shoulder, its ruby-like eyes showing a trace of human-like reluctance as it gazed at Aunt Su about to depart.
The air was fresh and cool, carrying the unique grass and earth scent of the mountains. Inhaling it gave a mental boost but also added a touch of parting solitude.
Aunt Su had changed out of the elegant skirts she wore during her recuperation at the temple into a neat blue-gray combat attire. Her long hair was tied up with a simple wooden hairpin. On her back was an ordinary-looking travel bag with hidden treasures within. This outfit shed the beauty and gloom of the past, appearing more capable and spirited, like a sword about to be drawn, washed free of ostentation, retaining only edge and determination.
She turned her head to look at the tall and straight Tang Xiaoqi beside her, whose brow and eye area now showed great steadiness and fortitude. Her gaze was complex — relief, reluctance, release, and more of a calmness and resolve that came after everything had settled.
"Sending you here is enough." Aunt Su spoke, her voice breaking the stillness of the early morning and the silent moment between them. Her voice was very steady, carrying a clarity like mountain spring, no longer with the suppression and struggle of the past.
Xiao Qi nodded, his gaze falling on Aunt Su, carefully, as if wanting to engrave her current appearance deeply in his memory. He knew this farewell, he did not know when they would meet again. In cultivation, years are nothing. Mountain perils and river obstacles, worldly uncertainties — the road ahead was vast and uncertain.
He did not speak any words of persuasion, because he understood better than anyone that what Aunt Su needed was not comfortable shelter but a journey of the soul, a complete reconciliation with the past, and a brand-new path of her own. Though good, Qingxu Temple was like an exquisite prison, unable to contain the soul that yearned for rebirth and redemption.
"Auntie," Xiao Qi spoke, his voice low and gentle: "The road ahead is long, the heavens and myriad realms, the treachery of human hearts — far more complex and dangerous than you imagine. You... must be careful in everything."
Saying this, he raised his hand, and a light flashed in his palm, revealing several items. Not dazzling rare treasures, but each carried his heartfelt concern and care.
First was a thick stack of talismans, the paper ancient and plain, but the runes drawn on them were not ordinary cinnabar but faintly flowing with golden light, emanating a pure and peaceful aura. "These are Qing Lotus Protective Talismans, thirty-six in total. They contain a thread of my Qing Lotus Origin power. When activated, they form a purification light barrier around you that can withstand several full-power attacks from ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators. If you encounter demonic energy, evil spirits, curses, and such, these talismans are especially effective." He explained carefully, handing over the talismans.
Aunt Su did not refuse, extending both hands and solemnly receiving them. Her fingertips touched the slightly cool talisman paper, but she could feel the majestic and warm power contained within — that was Xiao Qi's unwavering intent to protect her. Her heart stirred with warmth, and she lightly nodded: "Good, Auntie remembers."
Next, Xiao Qi took out a pair of palm-sized, elegantly designed bronze discs, their surfaces smooth, with a faintly glowing spirit stone inlaid at the center. "These are Parent-Child Compassionate Discs, refined and improved by Second Senior Brother in recent years. No matter how far apart, as long as you are within this great world, the holders of the child disc and parent disc can communicate brief messages through them. I will keep the parent disc, you take this child disc. If there is urgent matter, or... if you just want to talk, contact me this way." He gently placed the slightly smaller child disc into Aunt Su's hand.
Su Wan caressed the cool disc body, looking at the steadily flickering spiritual light within, knowing this item was not easily refined and was extraordinarily meaningful. This was not merely a communication magical artifact but a bridge spanning mountains and rivers, connecting her to the most important family member remaining in this world. She carefully stored the Parent-Child Compassionate Disc in her inner pocket, close to her body.
Finally, Xiao Qi brought out a seemingly ordinary storage bag, but embroidered with the cloud pattern marking of Qingxu Temple. "Inside this are some pills: Life-Creating Pills for healing wounds, Myriad Spirit Detoxification Powder for detoxification, Spirit-Returning Pills for restoring spiritual energy — all of the best quality. There are also some small items for disguise, changing appearance, and concealing spiritual presence, as well as sufficient spirit stones for your travels. The world is dangerous; it is best to be prepared."
He also handed over the storage bag, his eyes filled with unconscionable concern.
Aunt Su looked at everything Xiao Qi had prepared for her — from life-saving items, to bridges of communication, to travel supplies — thoughtful and thorough in every detail. Her nose slightly tingled, suppressing the warm feeling rising in her eyes, and she solemnly received the storage bag.
"Xiao Qi..." she called out, her voice carrying a barely detectable sob, but quickly regained composure: "You have grown up, truly grown up. If Sister and Brother-in-law could see you now, I do not know how gratified they would be." She raised her hand, as if wanting to pat his head as she did when he was young, but her hand stopped halfway. The young man before her was now a Nascent Soul True Lord standing tall, a World-Purifying Dao Lord respected by the three realms, no longer the child who needed her protection.
Her hand finally gently landed on Xiao Qi's arm, pressing down firmly: "Rest assured, Auntie is no longer the impulsive Su Wan who was easily broken back then. I will take care of myself, and I will... find the answers I seek."
She paused, gazing toward the misty distance, her eyes becoming distant yet resolute: "When I have investigated Tianjizi's background, when I have... truly found myself, we will surely meet again."
Xiao Qi nodded heavily. Though his heart was filled with countless reluctant feelings, they transformed into the most sincere blessings: "Yes! I believe in Auntie. Qingxu Temple will always be your home. No matter when you return, the mountain gate will always be open for you."
He stepped back, straightened his robes, then bowed deeply to Aunt Su. This bow was a junior's respect for an elder, thanks for her past protection and sacrifice, also a farewell blessing for her safe journey ahead.
Aunt Su watched Xiao Qi's solemn manner, and tears finally glistened in her eyes, but she did not let them fall. Instead, she raised a most relieved and warm smile. She slightly bowed in return.
Then, without hesitation, she resolutely turned around and stepped forward. The blue-gray figure stepped on the moist blue stone steps, descending steadily and composedly, quickly merging into the mountain mist and forest shade, no longer visible.
The mountain wind brushed past, bringing the distant fragrance of grass and trees, and also dispersing the sorrow of parting.
Tang Xiaoqi still stood where he was, gazing in the direction where Aunt Su had disappeared, for a long time not moving. The rabbit spirit on his shoulder rubbed its fluffy head against his cheek, as if comforting him.
Only then did Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng and the others slowly step forward.
"Xiao Qi, Senior Su has gone to seek her Dao. This is a good thing." Mu Qingfeng said warmly.
Xiao Qi slowly withdrew his gaze, and the reluctance in his eyes was gradually replaced by a more resolute light. He nodded, speaking softly: "I know. I only... hope she is well."
He believed that Aunt Su, having shed all her shackles, would surely be like a phoenix reborn, living a wonderful life belonging to her in the vast world. And their parting would not be an ending, but only so that on their respective paths, they could become better selves, then meet again in a more complete form in some future day.
Farewell is for a better reunion.