Zhong Shenxiu’s decision, in truth, had been a last-minute change on his part, prompted by the incident with the Skeleton Warriors. It served as a stark reminder that he could no longer afford to be careless in his actions.
He called it a seclusion, but in reality, he intended to test the efficacy of that ‘Spirit Milk.’ He did not want Robin to face any risks whatsoever; what if the effects of the ‘Spirit Milk’ were far more potent than he anticipated? That would surely be disastrous.
He needed to personally experience the medicinal effect to gain an accurate assessment, to know precisely how much dosage he should administer to Robin.
Though Robin understood that her master going into seclusion was a good thing, she couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy.
This sadness wasn't rooted in Zhong Shenxiu not immediately performing the Marrow Cleansing transformation for her; rather, it stemmed from the fact that once Zhong Shenxiu entered seclusion, she would be left entirely alone. She felt overwhelmingly solitary.
The last time Zhong Shenxiu was in a comatose state while researching Dark Sorcery, Robin had felt an emptiness in her heart, as if something essential was missing. Now, with Zhong Shenxiu about to seclude himself again, leaving her alone, she felt as though she had lost her anchor.
“During my seclusion, you don’t need to stay by my side. You can go out and wander around freely, get familiar with this town, or do whatever else you wish. If you truly have nothing to do, then go gather herbs! I might need them when I awaken anyway!” Zhong Shenxiu reiterated.
Because practicing the ‘Black Tortoise Art’ possessed a unique characteristic—it would not lead to Qi deviation even if disturbed—Zhong Shenxiu didn't want Robin tethered to his side all day. Someone of Robin’s age ought to see more of the world!
One never truly grows up by being cooped up indoors! Look at Zhong Shenxiu; he had traveled across vast expanses, granting him knowledge and experience far beyond that of ordinary people!
“Robin has noted it!” Robin replied softly, her tone laced with reluctance, as if bidding farewell for life.
“During these days of my seclusion, do not slack on your martial arts practice. Practice at least a few sessions every day. Review the old to learn the new. I will test you when I awaken,” Zhong Shenxiu cautioned, worried that Robin might neglect her training without his direct supervision.
“En, Robin will practice very diligently every day!” Robin put on a determined expression.
“Practicing too diligently isn't good either; haste makes waste! A balance between work and rest is best!” Zhong Shenxiu genuinely feared Robin pushing herself too hard, as that would be detrimental to her temperament.
After a moment's thought, he quickly added, “How about this: you practice all the martial arts I’ve taught you three times each morning and three times each evening. You are not to practice outside those hours. You can do whatever you like then.”
Robin merely nodded gently. What she most wanted to do was simply stay by Zhong Shenxiu’s side, waiting. But Zhong Shenxiu specifically forbade her from doing so!
As if reading her mind, Zhong Shenxiu emphasized again, “Remember, don’t just linger around me. If you do that, you will never grow up! You must learn to mature, learn to stand on your own two feet!”
Robin’s delicate body trembled. No one knew what she was thinking at that moment, only that she nodded softly, displaying an expression of firm resolve!
Perhaps Zhong Shenxiu’s words had struck a chord deep within her heart!
Seeing that he had given Robin all the necessary instructions, Zhong Shenxiu began preparing for his seclusion.
Zhong Shenxiu’s preparations were minimal: he set up a sound-dampening array in the inner chamber, then carefully took out the ‘Spirit Milk’ and drank a single drop.
The ‘Spirit Milk’ was indeed the essence of a celestial treasure. It melted instantly upon entering his mouth, and a sensation of ethereal lightness instantly permeated his entire body; his spiritual sense felt as if it had been forcefully struck open!
Though it was merely one drop of ‘Spirit Milk,’ just as Zhong Shenxiu had surmised, the spiritual energy contained within was immense! This vast power manifested increasingly clearly within Zhong Shenxiu’s body, surging like ten thousand galloping horses or dragons overturning the sea!
Zhong Shenxiu dared not delay any longer, or even with his peerless wisdom, he would surely meet the grim end of bodily explosion! He immediately sat cross-legged, closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, activated the ‘Black Tortoise Art,’ guiding the torrent of energy to circulate through his major acupuncture points, finally directing it back to his Dantian!
Watching Zhong Shenxiu gradually enter the state of meditation, a complex look flickered in Robin’s eyes.
She truly didn't know what she was supposed to do during the days without Zhong Shenxiu’s companionship. Her very existence seemed dedicated to him; suddenly being forced into independence left her feeling adrift.
After clearing away the bowls and chopsticks, Robin stared blankly at the meditating Zhong Shenxiu.
She didn't know how long it would take for her master to awaken, nor did she know what her next steps should be. She had grown accustomed to staying close to Zhong Shenxiu, accustomed to letting her master arrange everything.
Gazing at Zhong Shenxiu’s handsome, delicate face, Robin gradually drifted into reverie…
She recalled the first time she met Zhong Shenxiu. Back then, her heart was so solitary, like a lone skiff lost on a dark, boundless sea! Just as she was enduring agonizing pain, Zhong Shenxiu appeared and offered his help. At that time, she hadn't understood why she had suddenly grabbed his clothes, her actions seemingly beyond her own control—it felt like an instinctual compulsion!
Perhaps this was a destined bond, but Robin couldn't grasp that concept yet!
Subsequently, Robin remembered the joyful life she led following Zhong Shenxiu. Building a small hut together, weaving fish baskets and shrimp traps, shopping for supplies together, cooking meals together… there were too many beautiful memories. Recalling them now still brought a wave of warmth to her heart!
Then, Robin thought about the period of learning skills under Zhong Shenxiu. Although those days were incredibly arduous and tiring, Robin’s heart felt sweet. She was striving to catch up to Zhong Shenxiu’s retreating figure; she wanted to become someone who could aid her master, never a burden!
Following that, Robin remembered the traveling they had done together. The two small figures traversing the mountains and forests felt no loneliness or fear; instead, it was like having their ‘souls set free, their spirits cleansed.’ Robin had learned a wealth of new knowledge and encountered many magical beasts she had never seen before!
...
Memories of every moment she had spent with Zhong Shenxiu played continuously in Robin’s mind; every scene was a cherished memory worthy of preservation!
Only at this moment did Robin begin to vaguely understand: she could be without everything else, but she absolutely could not be without her master!
She was utterly dependent on him now!
At this moment, Robin secretly made a decision!
No one knew what this decision was, they only saw her smile bloom like a rainbow after a storm. It was the deepest smile from the core of her heart, one that would make anything else in the world pale in comparison!
Robin was finally beginning to understand her own heart!
Robin was finally starting to try and grow up!