Traveling by soul-guided train from Tian Dou City to the next destination would normally take about two hours.
But Fang Yang's group chose to drive their soul-guided car alongside their mechas—ultimately spending nearly four hours to reach their destination: Tianling (Heavenly Spirit) City.
The delay came mainly from waiting for Xie Xie behind the wheel.
Soul-guided cars simply couldn't match mechas at full throttle.
Tianling City was a typical mid-sized urban center—not as grand or ancient as Tian Dou, yet possessing its own orderly, vibrant charm.
Buildings stood in harmonious arrangement; streets stretched clean and wide; crowds flowed with palpable energy.
They arrived at high noon—sun blazing overhead.
"Finally here…"
Xie Xie parked the car smoothly by the roadside, exhaling deeply.
He rubbed his sore arms: "Driving's way more tiring than I imagined."
Fang Yang and Tang Wulin guided their mechas to gentle landings.
Cockpit doors hissed open—Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan stepped out with graceful ease.
"Tianling City looks nice!" Xu Xiaoyan scanned the bustling streets and shops, eyes sparkling.
"Way livelier than I expected."
Gu Yue stood quietly beside her, gaze sweeping over the orderly avenues and flowing crowds.
She gave a faint nod: "Mm—a livable place."
Noon sunlight filtered through lush roadside trees, casting dappled shadows that swayed with the breeze.
Distant market cries and food aromas drifted on the wind—a city balancing modern soul-guided technology with old-world tranquility—a haven of comfort and peace.
Fang Yang and Tang Wulin stored their mechas and the car into their storage devices.
"I'm starving…" Tang Wulin rubbed his stomach.
"Let's eat," Fang Yang decided.
"Agreed!" the group chorused.
"What should we eat?" Tang Wulin scanned the street's varied shop signs.
"I don't know this place either," Xie Xie shrugged helplessly.
They exchanged glances—everyone was first-timers in Tianling City.
Fang Yang turned to the silent figure behind them—Wu Zhangkong.
"Teacher Wu—you wouldn't let your students go hungry, would you?"
Realization dawned.
All eyes swiveled to Wu Zhangkong—if they were newcomers, surely their teacher wasn't!
"Fang Yang—speak properly," Wu Zhangkong's frosty voice cut through.
"Teacher Wu…" they pleaded in unison—eyes begging.
Wu Zhangkong's gaze grew contemplative.
After a pause—he sighed: "Fine. I'll take you. Satisfied?"
"YAY!" Joy erupted.
"Follow me," he turned, leading them through winding streets into a modest, clean alleyway.
He halted before a tiny eatery—less than four meters wide.
Through its bright glass window, four worn-but-spotless tables were visible.
The air carried rich, home-cooked aromas—savory, irresistible.
Wu Zhangkong stood motionless before the door—not entering.
His eyes fixed on the familiar threshold—a complex emotion flickering within: deep memory, quiet reflection, a trace of wistfulness.
Fang Yang's group watched in astonishment.
Their perpetually icy teacher… his gaze had softened. Almost… nostalgic.
"Aiyah! Zhangkong?! It IS you! Come in, quick!"
A stout man in his fifties—short-cropped hair, nimble despite his girth—burst from the doorway.
His face lit with genuine warmth, clearly intimate with Wu Zhangkong.
He threw an arm around Wu Zhangkong's shoulders, ushering him inside without hesitation.
"This…"
The students gaped—jaws nearly dropping.
Their teacher—with his severe germophobia, "do not approach" aura—showed not a flicker of resistance.
He simply nodded gently—almost obediently—following the man inside.
Bewildered yet curious, they trailed after.
The eatery was small—furniture aged, decor humble.
Hygiene was merely adequate—a true "hole-in-the-wall restaurant" steeped in earthly warmth.
Yet the mouthwatering food scents made every stomach growl louder.
"Zhangkong—long time no see! How've you been?" the chubby owner guided him to a windowside table, concern in his voice.
Wu Zhangkong slid into the inner seat with practiced ease: "Fine."
"And these…?" The owner noticed the trailing students, smiling curiously.
"My students," Wu Zhangkong said flatly.
"Hello, Boss!" they chorused—polite, intrigued.
"Haha—children, welcome!" He beamed, eyes crinkling with delight.
"The usual. Extra portions today," Wu Zhangkong nodded.
"Right! The usual!" The owner's smile widened.
"I'll get cooking right away! It's good to see you like this, Zhangkong—so good!"
He bustled toward the kitchen—energy crackling.
The moment he vanished—Wu Zhangkong's rare warmth evaporated like mist.
The familiar ice returned to his features.
"Teacher Wu… who is this owner?" Fang Yang ventured—voicing everyone's curiosity.
All eyes locked onto Wu Zhangkong.
"An old friend," he replied—voice restored to its customary chill.
"I see…" They nodded thoughtfully—curious but sensing his reluctance to elaborate.
"Teacher Wu—did you come here often before?" Fang Yang pressed gently.
"Mm."
Wu Zhangkong's gaze drifted toward the window—a faint acknowledgment hanging in the air.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)