That night, Third Old Zhu and Lin Zhong came to Qinglu Academy together. 

When Third Old Zhu heard that Lin Xun had obtained permission from the imperial family for him to train in the Cyclic Derivation Tower, he couldn’t help but feel moved. It was very rare to see such a reserved and uncommunicative man’s eyes widen and brim with excitement and gratitude. 

“Thank you,” he uttered two words when he regained his composure. 

He said it in such a strangely rigid way that it seemed as if he’d never said ‘thank you’ to anyone in his life. Regardless, Lin Xun was gratified.  

He had always been very fond of Third Old Zhu. He admired how the older man could give up everything to repay a favor and how he could risk his life to fulfill a promise.  

People like him were the most worthy of admiration and becoming friends with. 

Not long after that, Zhao Tailai sent someone to pick up Third Old Zhu from Qinglu Academy. 

The arrangement had been previously agreed upon between...