As for Wei Zheng, there was an unmistakable hint of expectation in his eyes.
Fang Cheng’s face was calm, and he nodded slightly to his mother and grandfather, signaling that he was okay.
Shi Chengyi stopped in front of the tombstone, glanced at Fang Cheng, and then gave the driver, Xiao Zhang, standing beside him, a look.
Xiao Zhang immediately understood, took out a carefully wrapped bouquet of white chrysanthemums from the briefcase he carried.
Under the watchful eyes of the Fang Family, Shi Chengyi took the bouquet, removed the wrapping, and personally walked down the stone pavilion to Fang Shijie’s grave.
Driver Xiao Zhang quickly followed to hold the umbrella for him.
Shi Chengyi bent down and solemnly placed the bouquet of pristine white chrysanthemums in front of the tombstone, meticulously tidying the ribbon dampened by raindrops.
After finishing all this, he straightened up and looked at the photo on the tombstone.
Then he turned around to face Fang Cheng and his family, nodding slightly, his tone calm and sincere:
Having said that, he didn’t linger any longer and, with Wei Zheng and driver Xiao Zhang, walked straight down the hill along the slippery steps.
The sound of the rain drizzled on, and the steady backs of the three soon disappeared around the mountain path’s bend.
All that was left was the Fang Family and that bouquet of white chrysanthemums lying quietly in front of the tombstone, standing out sharply in the gray-blue tones of the cemetery.
Outside the West Mountain Cemetery.
The door of a black sedan closed silently, started up smoothly, and merged into the rain-drenched traffic.
Inside the car, Xiao Zhang concentrated on driving, the windshield wipers rhythmically sweeping across the windshield.
Wei Zheng, sitting in the front passenger seat, finally couldn’t suppress his curiosity, turned his head to look at Shi Chengyi, who was resting with his eyes closed in the back seat, and asked in a low voice:
"Teacher, how did the conversation go? Did he... agree?" Newest update provıded by novel※fire.net
Shi Chengyi slowly opened his eyes, his gaze gentle and calm, and shook his head slightly:
Wei Zheng showed a hint of obvious disappointment in his expression:
"Even with you personally inviting him, you couldn’t persuade him?"
Upon hearing this, Shi Chengyi’s lips curled into a faint smile, devoid of any frustration, instead tinged with a bit of admiration.
"Xiao Wei, remember this: a true thoroughbred cannot be harnessed with an ordinary bridle. You must point it to a road worth pursuing, so it willingly gallops."
He turned his gaze to the window, observing the road signs refreshed by the rain, his voice steady and far-reaching:
"Being impatient won’t catch you big fish. We are recruiting not soldiers who follow orders, but a potential leader who might one day lead us martial artists into a new era."
"Especially young people like Fang Cheng, who have already reached the Inner Scenery in cultivation and have a calm and resilient demeanor far exceeding their peers. The more you urge, the more he resists."
"What we need to do is to place... no, place a path before him that he cannot refuse, and then give him enough time to think and weigh."
Shi Chengyi withdrew his gaze, looking at Wei Zheng, who still didn’t quite understand, with an expression of composure.
"This child, full of emotion and loyalty, appearing indifferent to the world on the outside but passionate at heart, seems unambitious yet inherently proud."
"The words I cast today are enough to stir great waves in his heart, and he will surely make a choice that aligns with his own needs."
Saying this, he nodded approvingly, as if evaluating a rare gem:
"Such a talent, if missed, would be our real loss. No matter the cost, we must make him willing to enter the doors of our Special Search Team."
Having said all this, Shi Chengyi spoke no more, leaned back into the seat, and gently closed his eyes again.
The car returned to silence, with only Wei Zheng quietly reflecting on his teacher’s words.
Outside the window, rolling green mountains receded in the rain, their outlines appearing hazy and tranquil.