158: Farewell to Xingnan

After Xia Ya entered seclusion, Qin Feng needed to wait for her Breakthrough on one hand, and on the other, he wanted to spend more time with his Family. During these two weeks, he often went home for meals, listening to his father and Second Uncle's chatter about daily life, guiding several Juniors in the Family who had a talent for martial arts, and enjoying this rare moment of peace.

Xiao Chun had been a bit strange these past two weeks; she often dazed off alone or stared blankly at some ordinary plants and flowers. When asked, she only said she felt as if these plants were talking to her, and the Myriad Medicine Qi within her body was flowing exceptionally smoothly.

On the evening of the tenth day of Xia Ya's seclusion, while Xiao Chun was organizing medicinal herbs in the courtyard, a soft, pale green glow suddenly emanated from her body. The surrounding vegetation moved without any wind, as if worshipping her. Her aura climbed steadily, and the original Bottleneck of the Mid-stage Grand Martial Master broke as naturally as water flowing in a channel, rising all the way to the Late-stage Grand Martial Master before slowly coming to a halt!

"Brother Qin Feng! I broke through!" Xiao Chun ran excitedly to find Qin Feng, her small face flushed with excitement.

Qin Feng sensed her aura; it was stable and full of vitality, a truly solid advancement. He understood in his heart that this was likely the natural growth of the Myriad Medicine Body after coming into contact with the Spiritual Qi of the flora in her homeland, Star South City. "Congratulations, Xiao Chun," he said, genuinely happy for her.

Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye.

From the direction of the Quiet Room where Xia Ya was in seclusion, strong energy fluctuations finally came. However, when the movement subsided and Xia Ya walked out, although the aura on her body was much stronger—far exceeding a typical Peak Grand Martial Master—she had not completely crossed that threshold, stopping at the "Half-Step Martial King" Realm.

The excitement on her face was quickly replaced by dejection upon seeing Qin Feng and the others. She clenched her fists, her nails almost digging into her flesh, and whispered, "I'm sorry... I... I still couldn't completely break through to Martial King... I wasted such precious Medicinal Pills..."

A Half-Step Martial King was only a thin line away from a true Martial King, and their strength far exceeded that of an ordinary Peak Grand Martial Master, but it was still one level short. Xia Ya was filled with disappointment and annoyance at herself, feeling that her talent had ultimately held her back.

Qin Feng stepped forward and carefully sensed her aura, finding that her Foundation was extremely solid. Her True Qi condensation even surpassed some newly broken-through Half-Step Martial Kings; she was just missing the final spark of Opportunity to reach Perfection.

"There's no need to blame yourself," Qin Feng's voice was calm yet powerful. "A Half-Step Martial King is already a huge success. Your accumulation is deep, and this Breakthrough has polished your Foundation to be incredibly solid. You're only one Opportunity away from becoming a true Martial King. This is by no means a question of talent; perhaps the Opportunity just hasn't arrived yet. The journey ahead will be your best training."

Ji Ruxue also spoke up, a rare occurrence, her voice cool, "Half-step is still a King. Your combat power is sufficient."

Xiao Chun took Xia Ya's hand and comforted her, "Sister Xia Ya, you're already very amazing! I believe you'll be able to truly break through very soon!"

The comfort from her companions dissipated some of the gloom in Xia Ya's heart. She took a deep breath and straightened her back once more. "I understand. Thank you. I will use the shield and sword in my hands to prove the value of this half-step!"

The comfort from her companions cleared away much of the haze in Xia Ya's heart. She took a deep breath and pulled herself together again. "Mhm! I will master this power as quickly as possible and definitely won't hold everyone back!"

With the team's strength increased once again, Qin Feng knew it was time to leave.

They bid farewell to Qin Feng's father and Second Uncle once more. Although the two elders were reluctant to see them go, seeing so many outstanding companions gathered around Qin Feng and knowing their son had high ambitions, they could only offer countless instructions and watch them depart.

Afterward, the group went to the City Lord's Manor to bid farewell to the City Lord.

The City Lord looked at Xia Ya, who was following Qin Feng. Her aura was significantly stronger, the gloom between her brows had lessened, and she had gained a bit more fortitude. His gaze was complex. He sighed, ultimately saying nothing more superfluous, and simply took out a prepared money bag and a Small Jade Bottle from his robe, handing them to Xia Ya.

"Inside are a hundred thousand Gold Coins and some Medicinal Pills for healing and stabilizing one's essence... Be careful with everything while you're away." His tone carried a hint of subtle concern and the helplessness of a father.

Xia Ya looked at the items her father handed her, stunned for a moment. Her eyes reddened slightly as she silently took them and whispered, "Thank you... Father."

At this moment, the icy barrier between father and daughter seemed to melt slightly.

The City Lord looked at Qin Feng again and said solemnly, "Qin Feng, my daughter... I'll have to trouble you to look after her."

"Rest assured, City Lord," Qin Feng promised with a cupped-hand salute.

After the farewells were finished, the group of four left Star South City in the morning light.

At the city gate, the City Lord watched his daughter's receding, upright back for a long time without leaving. Finally, it turned into a long sigh, mixed with relief, worry, and a sense of closure.

Qin Feng looked back at the familiar city walls and the statue in the plaza, then turned his gaze toward the distance, his eyes sharp and determined.

His concerns in Star South City were resolved, and his companions were now gathered.

The next goal was clear and definite—

Medicine King Valley, Self-Reflection Cliff!

Master, wait for us!