On their way back, Dr. Chou suddenly broke the silence.
"Tell me, how many years have you been by my side?"
His young apprentice blinked in confusion. What kind of question is that? Is Master losing his memory because of old age?
And earlier—his master's actions had been incomprehensible. Dr. Chou, the dignified head of the family's medical lineage, had humbly groveled before Kael Renforth, even asking to become his disciple!
"Eight years, Master. It's been over eight years."
Dr. Chou nodded, a somber look crossing his face.
"Eight years… That's long enough. You're no longer my disciple. Return to where you came from."
"What?!"
The young apprentice froze, stunned into silence.
For as long as he could remember, he had followed his master, treated as if he were part of the family. And now, this?
"Master!"
"From now on, do not call me that. Do not tell anyone you were ever my student!"
Dr. Chou's tone was firm, each word like a final nail in the coffin. There was no room for debate.
Tears welled in the apprentice's eyes. His chest burned with disbelief and anger.
"Master, is this because of him? Because of Kael Renforth?"
Dr. Chou let out a deep sigh.
"You've been by my side for years, yet you still fail to see true greatness when it stands before you. Worse, you dare to disrespect it!"
"You are no longer my disciple. Leave!"
The apprentice watched in helpless fury as his master walked away, leaving him rooted to the spot.
His fists clenched tightly.
Kael Renforth!
It was all because of him!
His master—the one who had treated him like a son—had cast him out, severed their bond, all because of that man!
Kael Renforth. That name was seared into his heart. He would never forget it.
Meanwhile, on another path, Lyria caught up with Kael Renforth.
"Let me walk you home."
"You should stay with the matriarch," Kael replied softly. "She needs you more than I do."
But as Kael gazed at her, his heart swelled with a quiet warmth. Just seeing her made everything worthwhile.
"Wait!"
Kael halted, surprised by the sudden sharpness in her voice.
"How much longer are you going to keep hiding things from me?"
Her words caught him off guard.
"Lyria—"
"You still won't say anything, will you? Waiting for the 'right time,' are you?"
Kael's lips parted, but no words came. There was too much—too many tangled threads of the past, too many burdens. He wasn't sure where to begin.
"Fine! Keep your secrets!"
Lyria spun on her heel and stormed off before he could say another word.
Kael stood there, bewildered.
But I didn't even get to explain!
Truly, women were the most mysterious of creatures.
Suddenly, a shadow darted out from the darkness, moving swiftly to block Kael's path.
With a heavy thud, the figure dropped to its knees before him.
"Master!"
Dr. Chou's voice was laden with emotion.
Kael's expression, normally calm and detached, flickered with a hint of surprise.
"What are you doing?"
"Knowledge knows no hierarchy. Wisdom transcends age. Where the Way resides, there resides the Master!"
"You've imparted to me the Guoqin Heart Method. Please, allow me to honor you as my teacher!"
The aging doctor—a man of great prestige and renown—bowed deeply, prepared to perform a full kowtow.
Kael sidestepped swiftly, avoiding the gesture entirely.
"I do not take disciples."
Dr. Chou looked up at Kael, his admiration growing with every word.
Here was a man who rejected material gains, sought no fame, and treated glory as nothing but dust in the wind.
Kael's dignity and integrity only deepened Dr. Chou's respect.
Kael's voice remained steady. "I had intended to teach you the complete Guoqin Heart Method. But if you insist on this unnecessary formality, I will withdraw my offer."
"What?"
The complete book?
Even the single fragment Kael had taught him earlier had been enough to revolutionize his understanding of medicine. And now Kael was willing to pass down the entire method?
Dr. Chou was momentarily struck dumb.
This was not just magnanimity; this was enlightenment.
He stared at Kael Renforth, realization dawning in his heart. After decades of life, he finally understood the vast chasm between himself and a true master.
In Kael Renforth's presence, Dr. Chou felt small—but enlightened.