That day, the sky was clear.
The air in the back courtyard of Qinglong Academy felt warmer than usual.Red maple leaves drifted gently down,as if time itself had passed softly and far.
I sat beneath a treewith two people who had been with me since the beginning:Mu Yi and Fan Tu—friends from Ziran Village.
Their faces hadn't changed much,but their eyes held a quiet maturity—the kind only earned through time and experience.
Mu Yi was still the same:cheerful, fond of joking,but something in his voice now carried more weight—as if he had learned to carry many things in silence.
Fan Tu was quieter than ever,but when he did speak,his words were always precise,measured, and meaningful.
I looked at them both and asked softly:
"Mu Yi… Fan Tu…Have you heard anything about our parents?"
Mu Yi fell silent.His eyes drifted toward the horizon—not toward anything in particular,just somewhere far.
Then he let out a slow breath.
"Li Yuan… it's been three years.I don't even know if they're still well.Since we were brought here…there's been no news."
Fan Tu answered quietly, his voice steady:
"I wrote a letter once.There was never a reply."
The moment stilled.A breeze moved through,carrying fallen leaves into our laps.
Mu Yi tried to smile.
"But I think they're alright.People in Ziran Village are strong.They knew their children would walk a difficult path."
I looked at them,then spoke with calm certainty:
"I… will leave the academy."
Mu Yi turned sharply.Fan Tu remained still, just watching me.
"I want to explore the world," I said."To see it. Understand it. Feel it for myself—just like I used to imagine."
Mu Yi stood and patted his chest.
"Then carry our spirit with you.The world must be vast… and full of challenges."
Fan Tu added in a quiet voice:
"If you don't return in ten years…we'll come looking for you."
I laughed softly.Not because it was funny—but because of how warm that moment felt.
"I'm not leaving to disappear.I'm leaving… to fully become who I am."
Mu Yi hugged me suddenly.
"Don't forget who you are, Li Yuan."
Fan Tu gave a slow nod.
"And don't forget—a long road doesn't always have to be walked alone."
That day,the three of us sat together beneath the tree,talking about little things,sharing memories of our village,and laughing at childhood stories.
The sun began to set.Stars appeared, one by one.
And I knew—when I stepped away from Qinglong Academy,I wouldn't carry a title,nor the highest power.
But I would carry bonds that were irreplaceable.
And that…was enough.