The next day, the Mechanical Sect completed all the preparations for departure and set off as planned early the following morning.
"Junior Brother Liang, what’s wrong?" Senior Brother Huang from the Celestial Craft Department asked with some surprise.
"Oh, it’s nothing!" Liang Xin’an replied.
"I feel like you’ve been quite distracted. Is there anything bothering you?" Huang Liang said.
Indeed.
Ever since returning from the village yesterday, Liang Xin’an had been in a daze, looking listless all the time, to the point that even Huang Liang noticed.
Liang Xin’an forced a smile to appear calm, "It’s nothing, just a little worried about Senior Brother Cui."
Of course, Liang Xin’an couldn’t speak his true thoughts, so he used Senior Brother Cui Guangyue as an excuse.
After all, everyone in the Mechanical Sect knew he had the best relationship with Cui Guangyue, and most of Liang Xin’an’s skills were taught by Cui Guangyue, so no one would suspect anything.
Hearing this, Huang Liang said no more, just reached out and patted Liang Xin’an on the shoulder.
"Don’t worry, I left a few clever disciples at home specifically to take care of Senior Brother Cui. I guarantee nothing will happen."
Liang Xin’an nodded upon hearing this, "Hope so."
By this time, the members of the Mechanical Sect were ready to go. Jing Rou stood boldly at the front of the team, waved a hand, and shouted for departure.
The team then moved quickly, soon passing through the mountain pass and heading toward the northwest.
Liang Xin’an walked at the back of the team, occasionally turning his head hoping to catch a glimpse of the figure he longed for, only to be disappointed time and again.
As the village faded farther into the distance, Liang Xin’an’s heart sank slowly, followed by a self-deprecating smile.
Truly wishful thinking.
Even when I said goodbye to her in person yesterday, she said nothing.
How could she possibly come to see me off today?
Liang Xin’an extinguished the last flicker of hope in his heart and hurried toward the front of the team.
Just up ahead lay the entrance to a gorge, and turning into it meant leaving the grounds of the Mechanical Sect for good.
But just then, a noisy sound came from the front of the team, and then someone winked at Liang Xin’an with a playful smile.
"Congratulations, Senior Brother Liang!"
Congratulate me on what?
Liang Xin’an was still a bit puzzled, then saw a graceful figure standing at the bend of the gorge.
Upon seeing this figure, Liang Xin’an stood there as if struck by lightning, dumbfounded.
No one urged him on; the team continued moving forward, with each person passing Liang Xin’an chuckling as they went.
At this moment, Liu Yujiao descended from the rock and walked slowly to stand in front of Liang Xin’an.
"Surprised?" Liu Yujiao said softly, brushing her hair behind her ear as she looked at the dumbfounded Liang Xin’an.
"Uh... a bit... but weren’t you... yesterday?" Liang Xin’an stammered, somewhat incoherent.
Seeing his foolish appearance, Liu Yujiao burst out laughing, "Fool!"
Saying so, she handed something to Liang Xin’an.
"What’s this?" Liang Xin’an took the exquisitely wrapped parcel, asking with some confusion.
"I heard your journey this time is very dangerous, so I stayed up all night making this sachet for peace; wear it and see if it looks good."
A great joy surged through Liang Xin’an’s heart as he fumbled to open the parcel and indeed discovered a sachet inside.
The sachet was intricately crafted, embroidered with auspicious patterns meant to bring peace.
The patterns were vividly lifelike, with not a stitch out of place, showing how much effort Liu Yujiao had put into crafting it.
"Inside is agarwood to soothe and refresh the mind; carry it with you as a token of my heart." Liu Yujiao said gently.
Liang Xin’an felt enveloped in happiness.
He caressed the patterns on the sachet with great care, wanting to say something but left speechless, only able to smile foolishly.
Seeing him like this, Liu Yujiao’s eyes filled with tenderness.
"Promise me, take good care of yourself, okay?"
"So... so you mean... you agree?" Liang Xin’an stuttered.
Liu Yujiao blushed, then murmured softly with some helplessness, "What a fool."
Liang Xin’an now realized how silly his question was.
She had come all the way out to see him off and gave him the sachet.
Isn’t it clear what this means?
"I just can’t believe it..." Liang Xin’an said in a low voice.
Not finishing his words, Liang Xin’an froze.
Because at that moment, Liu Yujiao suddenly stepped forward and embraced Liang Xin’an.
In an instant, Liang Xin’an felt every muscle in his body tense up.
Meanwhile, the teasing shouts of the junior brothers came from behind.
"Oh-oh-oh great!"
"Senior Brother Liang blooming late, this calls for a treat!"
But Liang Xin’an paid no attention to any of it; his mind was blank.
Liu Yujiao was also very embarrassed, but she gathered her courage, leaned close to Liang Xin’an’s ear, and whispered, "Make sure you stay safe; remember I’ll be waiting here for you to return!"
Liang Xin’an’s eyes gradually brightened and he nodded vigorously, "Okay, I’ll remember."
Liang Xin’an wanted to stay a while longer, but after hearing those words, Liu Yujiao seemed to have completed her mission and quickly released him, turning and running away amidst the teasing voices.
Liang Xin’an stood there, grinning foolishly, then suddenly shouted loudly.