C62 As a Teacher

Chu Yan set to work on a Heavy Equipment Inscription Pattern right before Su Yuqing's eyes. Throughout the process, Su Yuqing watched his every move with meticulous attention, observing the nuances of his technique. As Chu Yan etched the pattern, Su Yuqing's expressions shifted—now a faint smile, now a nod, now a furrowed brow of confusion.

Once Chu Yan completed the inscription, a newfound determination sparkled in Su Yuqing's gaze. She had offered to guide Chu Yan, and he, in turn, took the opportunity to ask about the issues he'd encountered while inscribing, sparing no detail.

Chu Yan had braced himself for generic praise—comments on his proficiency or potential. Instead, Su Yuqing, like a true mentor, pointed out every error and inconsistency in his work, leaving no stone unturned. Chu Yan was taken aback by her thoroughness, an attention to detail he had not anticipated.

Recognizing the rarity of such an opportunity, Chu Yan absorbed her feedback with focus, committing her words to memory. He even boldly requested to try his hand at the inscription once more.

Su Yuqing readily acquiesced to his request, her approving smile encouraging him. In that moment, Chu Yan felt like a true apprentice, with Su Yuqing fully embodying the role of teacher. The experience was somewhat foreign to him, but he couldn't deny the profound benefit of her instruction, which deepened his understanding of the art of inscription.

The sensation was akin to a revelation, as if years of solitary martial arts practice paled in comparison to a single piece of sage advice.

When Chu Yan once again completed the Heavy Equipment Inscription Pattern, this time free of errors, Su Yuqing's satisfaction was evident in her smile. Their exchange of knowledge had subtly bridged the gap between them.

"Chu Yan, you have an exceptional aptitude. Should you choose to pursue the art of inscription, I see a significant future for you," Su Yuqing remarked, settling back into her seat.

Chu Yan could discern the inviting undertone in Su Yuqing's words, yet he still shook his head in refusal.

Part of his reluctance stemmed from a clear understanding that his inscription skills were a direct legacy of his memories. This meant he could only etch the inscriptions that had been handed down to him; attempting any others would pose significant challenges.

Moreover, Chu Yan's aspirations lay elsewhere.

He couldn't divulge the secrets of the Return to the Ruins Tower to Su Yuqing, so he explained that his ambitions didn't align with the art of inscriptions.

Su Yuqing didn't press the issue. She nodded and remarked, "True, one's physique can achieve sainthood, as can one's magical power. Compared to these, inscription patterns are ultimately minor."

Chu Yan, taken aback, was about to inquire about her mention of sainthood when Su Yuqing offered him a gentle smile and said, "However, it would be a shame not to harness such a natural gift for inscriptions. Here's a thought: I'll be in Evergreen Town for roughly two more months. If you find the time, come by and work on whatever you like. I'm here to help with any inscription-related queries you might have."

Chu Yan wouldn't dream of passing up such an opportunity.

The memory inheritance of inscriptions from the Return to the Ruins Tower wasn't limited to just the transformational inscriptions, Heavy Equipment Inscription Patterns, and Thunder Inscription Marks; there were more advanced inscriptions to come, and he would undoubtedly seek Su Yuqing's expertise again.

Besides, Su Yuqing's charm and beauty were undeniable.

Why not seize the chance to consult on inscriptions and enjoy the pleasant company of a beautiful woman?

Today, however, Chu Yan had other commitments. After a brief exchange with Su Yuqing, he rose to take his leave.

This visit, he had brought five Heavy Equipment Inscription Patterns and, with Su Yuqing's guidance, completed three more. In total, eight patterns were acquired by Zhao Shude at six hundred Spirit Money each.

Thus, Chu Yan found himself in possession of a substantial pouch brimming with Spirit Money—four thousand eight hundred, to be exact.

With the additional twenty-six hundred Spirit Money he already had, Chu Yan's total now exceeded seven thousand four hundred—a sum that could certainly be deemed a small fortune. Carrying this wealth, Chu Yan said his goodbyes to Su Yuqing and departed from the Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce.

Once Chu Yan had gone, Su Yuqing found herself lost in contemplation over the eight Heavy Equipment Inscription Patterns laid out before her. A closer inspection would reveal the intricate differences between them. The first five were nearly identical, yet each of the last three was crafted with increasing finesse.

"He's practiced extensively, yet lacks a systematic understanding of Inscription. With proper guidance and refinement, he's bound to achieve great things. Such an aptitude for inscriptions explains why he was chosen," Su Yuqing mused, admiring the patterns.

She soon lapsed into a thoughtful silence, murmuring, "A long beard, a crooked nose, a limp—these traits, along with mastery of Inscription, can only belong to the lame master my teacher often spoke of. My teacher mentioned that the Cripple Master had vanished thirty years ago. I never imagined I'd encounter someone connected to him here."

"But then, why wouldn't the Cripple Master take Chu Yan as his apprentice? Is there some hidden hardship, or perhaps another secret reason?"

"If that's the case, I probably shouldn't reveal my identity to Chu Yan just yet, to avoid disrupting the Cripple Master's plans."

"Though he hasn't formally taken on a disciple, the Cripple Master imparted Inscription knowledge to Chu Yan, making him a disciple in essence. In light of that connection, Chu Yan, you really should be calling me 'Senior Sister.'"

With this thought, a faint smile played across Su Yuqing's lips, as if she could already envision Chu Yan's astonished face upon learning the truth. However, her expression soon returned to the serious demeanor she wore while instructing Chu Yan.

"Junior brother, you seem to have strayed quite a bit over the years. Now that your senior sister has found you, let me temporarily fulfill the duties of your teacher and give you the guidance you need."

Meanwhile, Chu Yan had slipped into a secluded alley, reaching for a prepared transformational inscription, when an inexplicable chill ran down his spine.

"Who's casting a curse on me? Chu Xing, Lin Yun, or Lin Ao?" Chu Yan blinked, puzzled.

His visit to the Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce and the encounter with Su Yuqing today were purely coincidental. Truth be told, he had far more pressing issues to handle.

Chu Yan placed the transformational inscription onto his face, his mind focusing intently.

Almost immediately, he sensed the muscles on his face start to twitch subtly, as if invisible hands were softly massaging his cheeks.