Chapter 216
: Trials and Tribulations?
Time seemed to stand still.
Lou Gao turned around and looked at his disciples, who had also gone through five years and whose temperament had become more composed and capable, but whose eyes were now filled with ecstasy, shock, disbelief and deep affection.
The next second, a huge surprise erupted like a volcano!
"Master!!!"
"It really is Master! Master is back!!!"
"Master, how...how did you change..."
"Master! Master, you're finally back!"
Without hesitation, without delay!
Si Long and his three companions charged forward like arrows released from a bow, no longer caring about their image!
Siyu was the first to rush to Lou Gao's side, tears welling up in her eyes instantly. Like a little girl, she tightly hugged Lou Gao's strong, steel-like legs!
"Master! Waaaaah... Where did you go?! We missed you so much!!"
Siyu cried like a child.
Silong, Sidi, and Sikai also gathered around, looking excitedly at Lou Gao's young face. They wanted to reach out and touch him but hesitated, their eyes filled with excited tears.
Silong wiped his face, trying to suppress his excitement, his voice hoarse.
"Master...you...you're back safe and sound! That's wonderful! That's wonderful!"
Lou Gao looked down at his disciple who was hugging his leg and crying, and then looked at the disciples in front of him who were so excited that they couldn't contain themselves. He felt the teacher-student bond that had transcended five years and was still burning hot.
The immense awe I had accumulated along the way about this city of steel wonders was now enveloped and melted by this warm human touch.
A barely perceptible glint of moisture appeared in his molten gold eyes, and his originally hard features softened completely at this moment.
He stretched out his huge palm and first vigorously ruffled Siyu's hair, then patted Silong, Sidi, and Sikai's shoulders one by one, each pat carrying the joy of reunion and indescribable emotion.
This time, he didn't control his strength, and the slaps made Silong and the others grimace, but each of them had the brightest smile on their face.
"Hahaha! What are you crying for! I'm back perfectly fine, aren't I?"
A hearty laugh echoed from the high-rise building, making the leaves in the garden rustle.
"Stop standing there like idiots!"
Lou Gao waved his hand arrogantly, pointing to the new courtyard prepared for him.
"Let's go! To my new hideout! I'm going to tell you everything you've done in the last five years, in every single detail! Especially you!"
He pointed at Lin Xia, his eyes gleaming with a complex light, full of challenge and anticipation.
He looked at his disciples surrounding him, at this home built upon a miracle, and then at the dazzling sea of lights beneath his feet, created by Lin Xia himself.
A thought emerged with crystal clarity.
A new era belonging to the blacksmith, to Gengjin City, and to all of them, has begun in a magnificent manner that he had never imagined.
"Come on in! Open the jar of fine wine! Tonight, we won't leave until we're drunk! Tell me all about these earth-shattering five years!"
He paused, then glared at Lin Xia deliberately, his tone carrying a hint of "threat".
"You little brat, don't try to fool me! Explain to me every single step you took, starting from how you tricked the Spirit Hall!"
Lin Xia smiled, her eyes bright and open.
"As the teacher has instructed, I will speak frankly and without reservation."
A massive soul-guided crystal lamp cast a soft, bright light, illuminating the faces of the people seated around a specially made alloy round table. The table was a mess of cups and plates—large pieces of charcoal-grilled soul beast ribs were reduced to skeletons, the rich aroma of the secret sauce still lingering.
Several jars of amber-colored ale, which were said to be treasured by Silong and specially supplied by the Xingluo royal family, had been emptied.
Various new-style pastries and side dishes from Gengjincheng are also served there.
Bangilas shrank in size, curling up like a gentle little hill on the cushions in the corner of the living room, snoring contentedly and occasionally smacking his lips, as if he were still savoring the taste of roast meat in his dreams.
Lou Gao's imposing figure leaned against the heavy alloy chair back, his cheeks flushed with a healthy rosy hue from the wine and joy. His molten gold eyes swept over each of his disciples—the composed and capable Si Long, the still somewhat scholarly Si Di, the increasingly composed Si Kai, the lively yet shrewd Si Yu, and the quiet Zhu Zhu Qing sitting beside Lin Xia, her cool demeanor and gentle eyes.
Finally, his gaze settled on Lin Xia, who was in the main seat.
The young city lord wore a relaxed smile, his deep eyes like a tranquil starry sea, showing no trace of the sharp edge he displayed during the day when he controlled a city and clashed with the giants of the continent.
"Good! Good!"
Lou Gao slapped his thigh, the sound as loud as a bell, making the empty wine glasses on the table buzz.
"This welcome feast was delicious! The conversation was great too! I think I understand now just how much trouble you little brats have caused in the last five years!"
Lin Xia did indeed mention some important points earlier—the beginning of the cooperation with the Spirit Hall, the alliance with the Star Luo Empire, the initial negotiations with the Heaven Dou Empire, the expansion of the association network, the concept of urban transformation, and the prosperity brought about by the civilian application of soul guidance technology.
He glossed over the deeper schemes, the specific details of the agreements, and the thrilling undercurrents of conflict.
The atmosphere at this moment is one of warm reunion, of camaraderie between master and apprentice, and of Lou Gao's reintegration into this new world.
"Yes, Master."
Silong picked up his teacup and took a sip with a sigh.
“My junior brother… he has too much on his shoulders. In the past five years, I have hardly seen him take a single day off.”
Siddy nodded in agreement.
"The association has developed to this point, and Geng Jincheng has achieved what he has today. Junior brother has made great contributions."
Siyu was even more direct, saying it with a grin.
"That's right! Master, now that you're back, you'd better 'keep an eye on' Junior Brother and let him catch his breath! He's either in the lab or the meeting room all day long; he's practically turned into a soul tool!"
Although Zhu Zhuqing did not speak, her clear and cold eyes quietly fell on Lin Xia, carrying a hint of heartache and recognition.
Lin Xia listened to her senior brothers' "accusations," smiled, picked up a cup of slightly cool tea, and slowly scanned everyone's faces.
The relaxed and lively atmosphere in the living room seemed to settle down slightly with his subtle movement.
He remained silent for a moment, then unconsciously tapped his fingers twice on the warm, jade-like soul-guided stone tabletop, producing a crisp "tap-tap" sound.
The voice seemed to be a signal, and Lou Gao, Si Long, and the others involuntarily looked at him, waiting for his next words.
Lin Xia raised her head, her eyes clear and calm, her voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears.
"Teacher, fellow students."
He paused for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts, and then spoke clearly.
"I'm naturally at ease about the association and Gengjincheng's affairs with the teachers and senior brothers around. However... Zhuqing and I plan to go out and gain some experience for a while."
"Experience?" (End of Chapter)