Chapter 132: A Test?

When Qin Yu entered the hall, Qian Xiao had just finished organizing her data, eager to voice her concerns. The current training regimen was counterproductive, prioritizing short-term gains at the expense of long-term physical health.

As Qian Xiao looked up, she froze. Qin Yu, having just walked in and spotted her, was equally stunned.

Looking at the woman before her, Qin Yu felt as though she had traveled back in time, catching a glimpse of her own naive younger self. That era felt so distant now, so far away that she could barely recall what she had once looked like. Yet, she remembered this woman vividly; to Qin Yu, Qian Xiao was a benefactor.

It was more than just the gratitude one feels toward a mentor who discovers their potential; Qin Yu had looked up to her like an older sister. During those wild, youthful days, Qian Xiao had offered her immense support.

Later, however, Qin Yu had left campus for the sake of a man, and they had never crossed paths again. In the blink of an eye, several years had passed, yet the woman remained unchanged—still as elegant and ethereal as ever. But what could she be doing here?

The initial wave of nostalgia in Qin Yu’s heart quickly gave way to confusion. She walked over to Qian Xiao, stood still, and said, "Teacher, you..." She hesitated, leaving the rest unspoken.

As Qin Yu observed her, Qian Xiao was quietly taking stock of her former student as well. She remembered Qin Yu clearly; after all, she was the most brilliant pupil she had taught in years—not just academically, but in character as well. It was a tragedy that, for reasons unknown, she had been bewitched into abandoning such a promising future.

That had been Qian Xiao’s greatest regret: never seeing her reach the pinnacle of the world. Qian Xiao’s eyes flickered, her mind sharp and analytical. Observing Qin Yu’s posture, she had already deduced the essence of her current life.

She looked at Qin Yu, who stood beside her, and hearing her unfinished sentence, a gentle smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I came looking for my son," she said.

Qin Yu was startled by the answer. She turned her head, noticed Xia Cheng sleeping nearby, and recalled what he had told her. A sudden realization dawned on her.

She sat down beside Qian Xiao and said with a smile, "Teacher, you’re truly remarkable to have found your way here."

A spark flashed in Qian Xiao’s eyes, and her smile deepened. She spoke with a mix of worry and resolve, "Because I wanted to find him, I had to. But he looks..." The implication of her trailing sentence was clear.

Qin Yu’s expression flickered. She studied Qian Xiao once more, and satisfied that everything seemed in order, she asked, "Teacher, how have you been lately? I’ve missed you so much."

Qian Xiao patted her hand and laughed. "The same as always, I suppose. I'm doing quite well. The apocalypse arrived so suddenly that I wasn't prepared at all, but thankfully, I awakened an ability. Otherwise... sigh."

"An ability? That’s impressive! May I ask what kind, Teacher?" Qin Yu asked.

"It’s an ice-type ability. I’ve reached the fourth tier now, which is more than enough to deal with a zombie. But in this apocalypse, zombies are hardly the most terrifying thing," Qian Xiao sighed.

Qin Yu remained noncommittal. She looked at her former teacher and felt an inexplicable sense of strangeness. Yet, she knew with certainty that this was indeed her teacher; she possessed several minute habits that an ordinary person could never replicate. And yet, the teacher before her did not feel as harmless as she once had.

Perhaps the cruelty of the apocalypse had forced her to become tougher? Judging by her tone, something must have happened during this time; otherwise, she wouldn't speak in such a manner.

As Qin Yu pondered this, Qian Xiao watched her deep in thought and smiled slightly. "Xiao Yu, tell me, who designed the training program for Cheng-er?"

Qin Yu snapped back to reality, surprised. "Is something wrong?"

"Of course there is! If Cheng-er continues training like this, his strength will increase in the short term, but it will leave behind severe underlying damage. In peaceful times, I could provide him with treatment and ensure his nutrition matched the intensity of his training. But now, with nothing available, this kind of grueling, barren training is essentially draining his very life force!" Qian Xiao’s face was solemn, her eyes fixed on Qin Yu, filled with concern.

Hearing this, Qin Yu felt relieved. She took Qian Xiao’s hand and said, "Teacher, you don’t need to worry. His training was designed by professionals. As for the depletion you mentioned—well, Teacher, do you believe in the existence of cultivators?"

Qian Xiao was stunned. After a long silence, she hesitated and asked, "You mean..."

"Yes, exactly as you think. So, there is no need to worry about exhaustion. One of our companions can refine medicinal pills that nourish the trainee's body. You don't have to worry about a thing, Teacher!" Qin Yu assured her.

Qian Xiao nodded, then glanced back at the sleeping Xia Cheng, her eyes filled with love.

Seeing this, Qin Yu looked at Xia Cheng as well. "Xia Cheng is truly remarkable! He has truly inherited your grace, Teacher!"

Qian Xiao turned her gaze back to Qin Yu with a soft smile. A hint of nostalgia touched her voice as she said, "Him? He takes after his father entirely. Both in looks and in that stubborn temper of his! *Sigh.*"

Qin Yu keenly sensed the pain in Qian Xiao’s tone when she mentioned Xia Cheng’s father, so she wisely chose to change the subject.

"Teacher, when did you arrive?" Qin Yu asked.

"Just a moment ago. A girl led me in. She had medium-length hair and a lively smile—she had such a warm presence. I liked her very much," Qian Xiao recalled.

Qin Yu thought of the team members. The girl her teacher described must have been Xiao Min, right? Could this be considered winning the favor of family? Xiao Min was certainly a lucky one.

"Xiao Yu, now that I think of it, how did you end up here?" Qian Xiao suddenly asked.

"Oh, that’s a long story. I'll tell you when I have the time. It’s a very, very long tale!" Qin Yu said playfully.

Qian Xiao patted Qin Yu’s hand with affection. Just as she was about to say something else, they were interrupted.

A subordinate of Qing Li approached and whispered a few words into Qin Yu’s ear. Qin Yu nodded and let the person leave.

Qin Yu turned to Qian Xiao and said, "Teacher, I have some business to attend to. You see..."

"Go ahead and take care of your affairs; I’ll watch over Cheng-er," Qian Xiao said gently, glancing at Xia Cheng.

Qin Yu nodded and hurried away. Before leaving, she reminded Qian Xiao that there was food in the kitchen if she wanted to prepare something for Xia Cheng.

Qian Xiao nodded, watching Qin Yu depart. Once she was gone, the first floor of the villa was left with only the sleeping Xia Cheng and Qian Xiao, who sat with her head slightly bowed, lost in thought.

"Rat King, is it?" she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of intoxicating allure.