Chapter 6

In the two days before the start of the school term, Liu Yansong, accompanied by Huilan, arrived at Yanjing University in Yanjing City. Although his parents and siblings all lived in Yanjing, Liu Yansong did not plan to go back and visit them. He knew in his heart that he still had some reservations, both emotionally and rationally, about this strange family bond.

Huilan's surname was Su, and she was a descendant of the Su family, one of the four major families serving the Liu family. Su Huilan had lived in the Liu family since childhood, taking care of Liu Yansong's daily life. It could be said that in Liu Yansong's heart, Huilan's importance even surpassed that of his parents and siblings.

From the memories in his mind, Liu Yansong knew that his parents were both influential figures. His father, Liu Yanrong, was a high-ranking military leader with the rank of general, and he was fifty-two years old. His mother was the head of a large enterprise group, and the website Yunlai Bao, where the previous owner of Liu Yansong's body, Tian Yu Yasi, wrote under a pen name, was a department of this large enterprise group.

His younger sister was named Liu Luhuan, who was fourteen years old, and his two younger brothers were twins, one named Liu Haoxiang and the other named Liu Haoyu, both twelve years old. Liu Yansong understood that because the previous owner of his body was born with a terminal illness, his parents had more children. Although he was somewhat worried, he was more anxious.

Liu Yansong's previous life was that of an orphan, raised in an orphanage since childhood. He had never experienced the protection of family. Now, not only did he have parents, but he also had siblings. Although he was killed by the Liu family's guardian, he had been reborn. What was there to resent? The Taoist who had plotted against him was already dead, and the so-called hatred had naturally dissipated.

Speaking of hatred, Liu Yansong naturally thought of the car driver who had hit him. However, when he came to register at the school, he had already learned what happened afterward through the internet. The perpetrator had turned himself in, and the police, unable to find his relatives, eventually found the orphanage through Jiangnan TV, but the body was unclaimed and had to be cremated.

It was said that the perpetrator had been arrested for drunk driving and would face legal punishment. Since the perpetrator had received the appropriate punishment, Liu Yansong did not want to make things worse. As they slowly walked through the campus, Su Huilan whispered, "Young Master, I will also sign up for the military with you. We can be in the same unit, and I can still take care of you."

Liu Yansong laughed, "Huilan, do you think the military is a place for just anyone? Besides, my terminal illness is cured, and you should focus on your studies and live a life that truly belongs to you."

Su Huilan's face darkened, and she choked, "Young Master, do you dislike Huilan? If I have done anything wrong, you can criticize me, and I will definitely correct it. Young Master, please don't send Huilan away; I will always listen to you."

Liu Yansong stopped and gently pulled Su Huilan's arm, smiling, "Huilan, you haven't done anything wrong. You have always done well. I owe you. I have decided to join the military, and you know the military is not a place where we can be together. Even if my grandfather is a high-ranking military leader, he cannot directly arrange for us to serve in the same unit. All the Liu family men must go to the military for training when they turn twenty. We are not there to enjoy ourselves but to endure hardship and train our courage. Huilan, focus on your studies. I think the ordinary conscription period is only two years. When you graduate, I will also be back from the military. Then we can work in the same unit."

Su Huilan nodded shyly, thinking that what the Young Master said made sense. She really had no reason to join the military, and her family might oppose it. Now that the Young Master had finally cured his terminal illness, he should go and train for two years. After two years, when she graduated, she could still continue to take care of the Young Master. "Yes, I will listen to the Young Master."

Liu Yansong released her arm and gently tapped her nose. "That's a good girl, Huilan. You should work hard and aim to get a master's degree within two years."

Su Huilan playfully stuck out her tongue. "I'm not as smart as the Young Master, who was already pursuing several doctoral degrees before turning twenty."

Liu Yansong sighed, "It's because of the terminal illness, Huilan. You know, I didn't want to waste any time except for studying, practicing martial arts, and writing."

Su Huilan whispered, "I know, the Young Master has suffered a lot since childhood. Now that you are finally cured, you can have plenty of time to do what you love. But... Young Master, I may not have the chance to always be by your side." At the end, Su Huilan's voice carried a hint of sadness. Liu Yansong was the family's guardian and could cultivate supernatural abilities. She thought he must have received the true teachings from the ancestors and would become a god-like figure. When she grew old and ugly, he would still be handsome, and she would not have the face to face him.

Liu Yansong understood Su Huilan's thoughts but had not received the Taoist's true teachings. After devouring the Taoist's golden core and merging with his soul, Liu Yansong's current strength was not much different from the Taoist's prime. However, he would not reveal this secret to anyone, not even to Su Huilan, even if they might become a couple in the future. "Huilan, don't overthink it. I will arrange everything properly." After a moment of contemplation, Liu Yansong could only offer this consolation. He had experienced death and rebirth and felt a bit lost in the world. He hoped to figure everything out during his two years in the military.

Liu Yansong sent Su Huilan back to the girls' dormitory. Huilan was now a sophomore, two years younger than Liu Yansong, but she had been a prodigy since childhood. Watching Su Huilan enter the dormitory, Liu Yansong did not hesitate and immediately headed toward the experimental building.

Liu Yansong's mentor was a sixty-five-year-old academician who enjoyed a special allowance, named Ren Dehou. At the door of Ren Dehou's studio, Liu Yansong gently knocked. "Come in," Ren Dehou's voice was powerful, not at all like that of a man in his sixties.

Liu Yansong pushed the door open, and Ren Dehou smiled, "Yansong, you're here."

Walking into the room, Liu Yansong respectfully greeted, "Mentor, hello."

Ren Dehou waved his hand, "No need for formalities. Come, let's talk. I know you must have something important to discuss." A wise light shone in Ren Dehou's eyes as he calmly sat on the sofa. Although Liu Yansong's affairs were confidential, Ren Dehou, having known him for years, could guess a few things.

Liu Yansong did not sit down immediately. He first went to the water dispenser to pour a cup of warm tea for his mentor, placed the cup respectfully on the coffee table in front of Ren Dehou, and then slowly bowed and sat down on the right side of his mentor. "Mentor, thank you for your guidance over the years. I am twenty years old now, and my family requires me to join the military for training. I will not meet your expectations."

Ren Dehou was slightly taken aback, and then his brows furrowed. He had not expected this outcome. He had been genuinely happy about Liu Yansong's recovery, but now Liu Yansong had come to the school and told him such news. "Yansong, with the achievements you have made, your future is boundless. If you join the military, it will at least delay your studies for more than two years, which will greatly limit your learning."

Liu Yansong naturally understood his mentor's concern, but he had no choice. First, it was a family arrangement, and second, to give himself time to adapt and avoid arousing suspicion from his parents, he had to go into hiding temporarily. Although his father, Liu Yanrong, was a high-ranking military leader, Liu Yansong was not worried. His father was a principled man and would not show favoritism. Moreover, Liu Yansong believed that his father, who was impartial, would not even acknowledge him as his son.

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Yansong smiled bitterly, "Mentor, I know my decision must disappoint you. But this is not just a family arrangement. Because I have been sick since childhood, I am willing to join the military to train and strengthen my body."

Ren Dehou shook his head, "Yansong, your mentor knows some of your background. I am genuinely happy that you have recovered. However, Yansong, you must understand that you are your mentor's pride. If you give up your studies now, it will not only be a loss to you but also to our Yanjing University and even the country."

Liu Yansong was moved by his mentor's words. He did not expect to be so highly regarded. However, he would not lose himself. He knew that even if he could convince the clan leader to stay at Yanjing University, living with his parents and siblings might quickly arouse their suspicions. Liu Yansong had been reborn and had no family in his previous life. Now that he had the chance to have endless family ties, he could not bear to give them up easily.