With each step that followed, Bai Zhi walked with utmost caution, never anticipating that this seemingly crude Formation would be so intricately ensnared.
At the outset, Bai Zhi found the Formation familiar, as if it were the one mentioned by her master—the one he expelled from the sect. I am Bai Yu’s nominal master after all.
But now, she doubted that possibility, for, according to her master, he lacked the skill to craft such a Formation, unless he had passed it on to someone who had surpassed the original with their improvements.
When they reached the final step, a path finally emerged before them—a small one, winding upwards, while behind them lay just one path; a wrong step meant either falling into a trap or plunging off a cliff.
Xiao Qi gasped in astonishment and seriously said to Bai Zhi,
"Xingxing, does your master still take apprentices? I feel like I have quite a lot to learn."
They might encounter more such tasks in the future, and relying entirely on Bai Zhi wasn’t feasible; he couldn’t always let his little sister face dangers first.
"He’s not accepting any more; you can only consider becoming my apprentice."
Bai Zhi remembered Old Han saying he wouldn’t take any more apprentices; even Wu Wa, Bai Fei, and Bai Xiang were outer disciples, which, in his words, ’didn’t count.’
As for Moh Li, that was a repaid favor.
Xiao Qi pondered, visibly conflicted, with his expression changing repeatedly as he glanced back at the path.
"I think it’s possible. Should I start calling you ’Master’ now?"
He must protect them, protect the country, thus requiring extensive training. Previously, he had believed they were the best; only now did he realize that there were always greater powers out there.
Therefore, he still needed to learn, in order to reduce the dangers they might face on missions—as a team leader should.
Yes, Xiao Qi was their leader, having risen to where he was today through his own strength.
"No, let’s talk about it when we’re back. I can’t just casually pass on this Formation to you without asking my master first."
Not everything could be openly shared, even with friends, because this involved heritage; but, actually, Bai Zhi wanted to teach him.
She wasn’t familiar with the name Xiao Qi, but she knew his codename, Late-Night Snack.
The Hero who had, with a fraction of life remaining, led his team abroad to rescue our nation’s scientists and fell unconscious afterwards.
She hoped to offer some help, however slight, because their sacrifices paved the way for their peaceful years.
"Okay," Xiao Qi naturally understood this principle. It was the legacy of someone else’s sect, much like how his grandfather wouldn’t accept disciples lightly. Yet, he felt that perhaps it was because he hadn’t yet witnessed Xingxing’s capabilities.
The three began to ascend, with Wu Wa sandwiched in the middle of Xiao Qi and Bai Zhi.
Just as they neared the top and were about to reach their destination, suddenly they spotted patrolling figures.
"How has my son not returned yet? Could he have encountered some danger?"
An anxious voice erupted at that moment.
Goh You, hearing this, wanted to run but was pulled back by Wu Wa; in the next instant, Bai Zhi jabbed sharply behind his back, silencing him.
Goh You watched helplessly as his father turned back; his world was crumbling, filled with panic.
He couldn’t utter a word, bewildered by how formidable these people were.
Father, if only you knew, you just missed the chance to save your son.