The journey that followed was very smooth. After two space jumps and more than a month of travel, when they arrived at the Federation headquarters on Obsidian Star, many mechs were already lined up in the air to welcome them, creating a spectacular scene. It was the first time Xiang Wan had ever seen a real army built of iron and steel, all dressed in bronze-gray, lined up in several rows to welcome Xuan Yuanlie. The solemnity and grandeur were truly awe-inspiring.
Xiang Wan had already donned the distinctive uniform of a service soldier and followed behind Xuan Yuanlie. After more than a month of travel, she had read almost all the books in her wristwatch and learned about the history of the entire Cosmic Federation, making her quite familiar with these formations. With her feet firmly planted on the planet's ground, her heart finally settled; the feeling of solid ground beneath her feet was truly wonderful.
"General, welcome home!"
Welcome home!
A deafening roar erupted from the mechs, synchronized and echoing through the sky. Xuan Yuanlie waved his hand, signaling everyone to disperse. A sprightly old man approached, embraced Xuan Yuanlie, and his eyes welled up with tears of emotion.
"Teacher, I'm back."
Xuan Yuanlie's voice was also somewhat excited as he exchanged pleasantries with the old man. This man was none other than Gu Xue'en, Xuan Yuanlie's mentor, the principal of the Federal Military Academy, professor of strategic analysis and practical combat courses, the highest honorary elder of the Gu family, and also a member of the Federal Supervisory Council. Xuan Yuanlie's entry into the military academy, his entry into the battlefield, and his accumulation of illustrious military achievements were inseparable from Professor Gu's support.
Xiang Wan curiously sized up Professor Gu, feeling that it was a bit unreasonable that such a powerful figure, who cared so much about his students, had not appeared when the original owner of the body married Xuan Yuanlie in her previous life.
"You're back just in time. Those old guys in the board of supervisors dared to gossip about my students and even wanted to recommend their own protégés to temporarily fill your position. Humph, they don't even know their own worth. All sorts of Tom, Dick, and Harry want to get a piece of the pie."
"Teacher, thank you for your hard work. Leave these tasks to me from now on, and I will definitely not let you down."
"I knew you'd say that. The journey must have been tiring, right? Take a few days to rest. There's no rush to take up your post; those old guys are going to be anxious! Did you go out and bring someone back?"
Gu Xueen walked up to Xiang Wan, looked her up and down, and said with a hint of disdain, "You're all skin and bones. Why didn't you choose someone strong and healthy so you could at least protect me?"
Before she had even done anything, she was already being criticized. Xiang Wan immediately straightened her clothes and said in a businesslike manner, "Report, sir, uh, leader, as the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover, and you can't measure the sea with a bucket. Your vision is absolutely the best in the universe. Your student's vision is just like yours. Please think about it carefully again."
Upon hearing this, Gu Xue'en pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Hmm, you're quite right about 'don't judge a book by its cover.' With medical technology so advanced these days, a simple surgical procedure can make someone look like a completely different person. It's more reliable to look at their bone structure directly. And 'the sea cannot be measured with a bushel,' any instrument can solve that, so there's really no need to use a bushel to measure it. These are all very ancient proverbs. How do you know these? I didn't realize you had some knowledge of ancient literature. I happen to be interested in this too, so why don't you come with me, and we can have a proper discussion?"
Xuan Yuanlie looked helpless and intended to stop his teacher from dragging him away on a whim. Xiang Wan, upon hearing this, thought, "Well, this old man is so immature! He's just getting excited and wants to pull me away. What a rare opportunity! I won't be lonely anymore." She turned her head and smiled at Gu Xue'en, speaking first to stop Xuan Yuanlie's next move, "Teacher, are you going to accept me as your disciple? I'd be honored to accept your bow!"
Following ancient customs, Xiang Wan gave Gu Xue'en a solemn apprenticeship ceremony, leaving him completely stunned. It took him a while to come to his senses before he pulled Xiang Wan up and asked, "Where did you learn all this? Nowadays, students have almost forgotten how to respect their teachers. Who still knows how to perform an apprenticeship ceremony? Tell me, tell me!"
"Teacher, don't worry, your student doesn't even have a place to stay yet, how about..."
"That's easy, Xuanyuan Lie. Your dorm room is now his. Find somewhere else to stay. We, the teacher and student, have something to discuss. Go back on your own."
Gu Xueen was about to pull Xiang Wan away when Xuan Yuanlie stopped her, glared at Xiang Wan, and then said to Gu Xueen, "Teacher, Xiang Wan is new here and doesn't know any of the rules. She might mess things up for you. It's better if she stays with me."
"What do you mean you don't know the rules? He knows the rules much better than you. He bowed right away. He's so much better than you were back then. Get out of here, we're going back to school!"
Pushing Xuan Yuanlie's hand away, Gu Xue'en grabbed Xiang Wan and boarded a private airship, disappearing in a flash. Xuan Yuanlie sighed and ordered, "Qian Xiaoqi, follow them and report your whereabouts immediately!"
"yes!"
On the airship, Gu Xueen changed his attitude from before and looked at Xiang Wan with a serious expression. Xiang Wan was not afraid of him and let him look at her, occasionally glancing at the scenery outside the window.
"In all these years, I've never seen him with anyone caring, let alone a woman. You're the first one!"
"Thank you for the compliment. I think I'm still a man and won't cause him any trouble."
Xiang Wan spoke arrogantly. Gu Xue'en stared at Xiang Wan for a while, then suddenly laughed, "I finally understand why he brought you along. Well, personal matters are none of my business as a teacher, but if you have any ulterior motives, don't blame me for being impolite."
"You're too kind. I have ulterior motives towards him, and they've even crossed this line. Aren't you going to do anything about it?"
Xiang Wan tapped her chest and answered very seriously.
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