The New Student and the Misunderstanding
A student.
A future powerhouse.
And perhaps, with the right guidance, someone who could one day stand at the very peak of the cultivation world.
Leon glanced at the grave one last time.
Shasa was still standing before it.
She remained quiet for a long while. Then, slowly, she crouched down beside the stone tablet.
A small sunflower lay nearby.
Its golden petals were slightly battered, and its stem had bent to one side. It wasn't much to look at, but Shasa picked it up with great care.
Perhaps it had been growing there all along.
Perhaps she had brought it with her.
Leon didn't ask.
Shasa brushed a little dirt from the flower. Then she placed it gently at the foot of the grave.
Her fingers lingered on the golden petals.
"Old Hermit..."
Her voice was soft.
The wind carried her words across the quiet hill.
She lowered her head and swallowed the lump in her throat.
"I'll come back."
That was all she said.
