Once, I wanted to be a good person

Qing Ya holds a special place in Fang Ze's life.

In his two lifetimes, Fang Ze has truly never encountered someone like her, who gives selflessly without seeking anything in return, harbors no ulterior motives, and offers such dedication merely because he once was her student.

When in Emerald City, Fang Ze became the director of the Security Bureau and suggested promoting Qing Ya or transferring her to a different department, but Qing Ya refused. When Fang Ze was promoted to the Provincial Government, he again proposed moving Qing Ya there for a position, but Qing Ya declined once more, saying she only wanted to teach.

This unreciprocated, placid manner of interaction caused Fang Ze to harbor deep respect for Qing Ya, and this respect did not diminish with the growing gap between them but was instead deeply embedded in Fang Ze's heart.

Therefore, when suddenly encountering Qing Ya in Congyun City, Fang Ze couldn't help but feel curious: What could have led this female mentor, who only loves quietly teaching, to leave Emerald City and travel so far to come here?

With this curiosity, Fang Ze followed behind Qing Ya in small steps, wanting to see what Qing Ya was doing.

After following Qing Ya for about ten minutes, Fang Ze saw Qing Ya meet up with more than twenty people wearing martial arts training uniforms.

Among those in training clothes, there were men and women, young and old. Leading them was an elderly woman with white hair.

Though the old woman's face was covered in wrinkles, looking like she was in her nineties, her eyes were as sharp as a sword.

Upon seeing the old woman, Qing Ya quickly bowed and greeted her, "Master. Your disciple is here."

Seeing Qing Ya, the old woman just lightly acknowledged with a nasal "hmm" and then said to the others, "Since Qing Ya is here, let's go."

With that, the group began making their way toward the western side of Congyun City.

"Qing Ya mentor's sect? Where are they going?"

Seeing this, Fang Ze followed with even more curiosity.

This is how they walked, pausing occasionally, finally reaching the stairway leading to the west city wall of Congyun City, where a team of Federal Defense Team members stopped them.

"Military restricted area, do not proceed!"

Seeing they were stopped, the old lady seemed to have expected it. She gestured to a tall man beside her, who quickly nodded, took a document out of his chest pocket, and stepped forward.

"Hello, officer. We are from the Taiyi Sect of Congyun City's martial arts community. We wish to observe the True Meaning of Martial Way of the Bai Family's demigod. This is the document we applied for with the Governing Hall two days ago. Please take a look."

Upon hearing the man's words, the guard did not take the document but said directly, "I'm sorry. As of yesterday, Congyun City has been officially designated as noble territory, and the orders from the administrative office are now void."

"And this morning, we also received notice from our superiors: The battle traces of the demigod contain the True Meaning of Martial Way, which are valuable resources, forbidden for non-official individuals to view."

Hearing the guard's words, the tall man was momentarily stunned, saying, "Void? Forbid non-official individuals from viewing?"

"But just yesterday, people were allowed to go up and watch."

The guard replied earnestly, "Indeed. That's why when the provincial government's official heard about it, they were furious. Thus, this order was made."

Then the tall man talked with the guard for several more rounds, but the guard was unyielding; non-entry meant non-entry.

Seeing no way to convince this guard, the tall man had no choice but to return to the group with the document and explain what happened.

After hearing the tall man's recount, the old lady frowned slightly and said, "The Bai Family's demigod was once a renowned martial arts genius in Xida State, having trained his martial arts skills to the peak."

"And since that war fifty years ago, he never made another move, saving up his Sword Intent. Finally, today, he made his strike."

"This strike embodies a Martial Arts Grandmaster's lifetime of effort and comprehension. Observing it would greatly benefit martial artists, possibly even allowing them to break through their Martial Dao Realm."

"This opportunity for martial artists is a rare occasion. It must not be missed."

She paused and then said, "I will contact the Governing Hall members again, and everyone see if you have acquaintances who might help us get in. Even spending some money would not be out of the question."

With that, she was the first to pick up her phone to make a call. Seeing this, the other sect members also took out their phones to find someone to help.

However, now that the whole of Congyun City has been taken over, all powers have been re-shuffled, leaving no one to help with such a matter, so after busying for ten minutes, they all shook their heads dejectedly.

At this point, the old woman also hung up the call, and from her expression, it was clear that the result was not good.

So after a moment of silence, she said, "This chance to observe was something I specially sought. It was meticulously planned, yet it was missed by just two days, turning the city into private territory and nullifying the document."

Upon hearing the old woman's words, other disciples of the Taiyi Sect discreetly turned their gazes to Qing Ya.

The Taiyi Sect's residence has always been in Congyun City, a place where three states converge and martial arts thrives. Originally, after obtaining permission, the disciples could immediately go up the city wall to observe. But because the old woman was waiting for Qing Ya, they never went. And it was precisely the two-day delay caused by Qing Ya's journey from Emerald City that made them lose such a precious opportunity.

Even though, because of the good atmosphere within the sect, the disciples would not blame or hold a grudge against Qing Ya, there was still some resentment.

Perhaps sensing the frustration from her fellow disciples, Qing Ya sighed softly, clasping her hands and saying, "It was Qing Ya who delayed the time, causing my fellow brothers and sisters to miss this opportunity."

"I will find a way to resolve this matter."

Hearing Qing Ya's words, the few disciples did not mock her, but their eyes were filled with disbelief. Some who had good relations with Qing Ya even comforted her, "Sister Qing Ya, don't put so much pressure on yourself. If we miss this chance, there will be others."

"Yes, yes, Sister Qing Ya. Don't blame yourself. It's just a battle trace, it's fine not to see it."

Hearing the comforting words from her peers, Qing Ya showed a faint smile and then said, "Let me try first. Let's see if it works. Please wait for me."

Saying this, she took out a communication device, one that Fang Ze had given her after she refused his offer a second time. It was a special internal line of the Security Bureau, capable of ignoring regional barriers and allowing cross-city communication within Xida State, meant to conveniently contact Fang Ze whenever Qing Ya encountered difficulties.

Taking out the communication device, Qing Ya hesitated for a moment but eventually dialed a number.

Fang Ze had been watching the group's progress from afar, and seeing Qing Ya pick up the phone, he couldn't help but take out his communication device too.

Sure enough, after a moment, his device rang.

Fang Ze chuckled and answered the call. Qing Ya's pleasant voice came through the receiver, "Fang Ze...?"

Fang Ze looked at Qing Ya and replied, "Hmm," saying, "What's the matter, Mentor Qing Ya?"

Qing Ya pondered for a moment, then spoke somewhat awkwardly, "I wish to ask for your help with something. I'm not sure if you're available."

Saying this, perhaps fearing Fang Ze might misunderstand, she quickly added, "If it's inconvenient, forget it."

Listening to Qing Ya's words, Fang Ze felt a deep emotion. Indeed, after such a long time, Qing Ya had not changed: never seeking reciprocation for favors, nor easily asking for help. This time, it is likely a matter that they truly can't solve, and it's her responsibility, leaving her no choice but to seek him out.