C47 He Was Suddenly Enlightened
A single phrase snapped him out of his reverie.
As Choo Qin grappled with his confusion, Chen Kai's words instantly enlightened him.
He had been trapped in a dead end, believing that to ascend to the rank of Great Sorcerer, one must balance foundational skills with the discovery of one's source. Yet, he had overlooked that the so-called source is, in essence, a core that connects with the cosmos.
He had once learned a Small Spell called Eternal Evergreen from Qiao Guan at the Rain Listening Pavilion, which suggested that the Sorcerer likely drew power from trees as his source.
But if Choo Qin were to choose a dragon as his source, his prestige would be far superior!
Alyssa was created for him, her soul already deeply intertwined with his. Coupled with the innate sensitivity dragons have to the elements, it was as if she was custom-made for him.
Ultimately, he could even unite with Alyssa, transforming into a dragon himself!
With his mental block resolved, Choo Qin could feel the fiery turmoil within him subside, and he became noticeably more positive and upbeat.
Though he hadn't yet begun, he was filled with an unexplained self-assurance, as if everything was within easy reach.
His days were filled with joy, and his proficiency in rune cultivation at the academy had inexplicably soared.
Feeling elated, he wanted to take the time to properly thank Mi Xueyin for her assistance in the past.
However, he discovered that the young girl hadn't been to school for the past few days.
...
"I'm not quite sure... It seems there's been some trouble at home."
"She's always lived with her grandmother, but I heard they moved recently. I'm not certain where they are now."
When Choo Qin inquired with Kuan Xue, she admitted to being in the dark as well.
"What's this? Has Young Master Choo begun to show concern for our Xueyin? I recall a time when someone wouldn't even spare a backward glance."
Kuan Xue's words carried a sour note.
Choo Qin had been in a gloomy state before, barely acknowledging others.
Even when he and Mi Xueyin would greet one another, his responses were listless. Now, unexpectedly, he seemed to take an interest in others.
Choo Qin felt a sense of retreat.
With Kuan Xue unsure, he reluctantly let go of the idea of sharing his newfound happiness with someone else.
Choo Qin never harbored romantic feelings for Mi Xueyin, but he always felt a camaraderie with her akin to that of classmates sharing a desk. Since he embarked on the journey of mastering runes, Mi Xueyin had patiently explained many of the fundamentals to him, reminiscent of students collaborating on a challenging problem.
For Choo Qin, who didn't have many acquaintances, she was one of the few friends he could actually talk to. When Mi Xueyin failed to show up at school for two or three more days, he grew concerned. A private inquiry with Zhu Mo revealed that she had taken an extended leave due to a family emergency. This struck Choo Qin as odd.
He knew that Mi Xueyin had been raised by her grandmother, enduring a tough life. Fortune smiled upon her early on, revealing her exceptional magic talent. With the academy's support, she was able to pursue her education, earning her the nickname "Civilian Princess" among her peers. Given her resilient nature, it seemed out of character for her to miss school for an extended period, especially when advancing in her mage studies could significantly improve her family's circumstances.
Ultimately, Choo Qin resolved to investigate. With time on his hands, he thought a visit to Long Song City might be worthwhile. At his Rank, his hunches were rarely baseless, and he suspected there was more to Mi Xueyin's absence than met the eye.