Chapter 103 — ILK Chapter 103

Finale (2) "I wonder how Chengcheng is doing now."

After seeing off so many people, Du Yuan felt a trace of melancholy. She was thinking of Rong Cheng, who had left Black Tower a short while ago to visit her biological parents. Rong Cheng had recovered faster than any other Sentinel and had departed early.

Sang Ye remembered what Rong Cheng had told her long ago and felt a similar sense of loss. Perhaps Rong Cheng would never return to live with them again. Her goals had always been clear: she loved military life, loved rising through the ranks, and loved exploring the unknown. A Golden Crow is born to love freedom; it is hard for them to stay in one place for long.

Unexpectedly, a few days later, Rong Cheng returned. She burst in shouting that she was starving, looking as if she could eat a whole cow. Du Yuan welcomed her with a beaming smile and immediately ordered Sang Ye to the kitchen.

Sang Ye grumbled playfully while rolling up her sleeves. "What do you want? How about Ants Climbing a Tree? It’s spicy, just the way you like it. I’ll make some Claypot Rice in the new pots, too. And a Beef and Tofu Soup."

…

Ants Climbing a Tree is a dish of sautéed vermicelli with minced pork; the bits of meat "clinging" to the translucent noodles look like tiny ants climbing a tree. Sang Ye used a bit of lard to stir-fry the pork until white, added aromatics and bean paste for color and depth, and finished with dried chilies to give it that punchy heat Rong Cheng loved.

Meanwhile, Du Yuan brushed oil inside the clay pots, adding rice and water. When the rice was parboiled, she topped it with Chinese sausage, corn, bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms, drizzling more oil around the edges to create a crispy golden crust at the bottom—the legendary "Guoba." She cracked two eggs over the top and let the residual heat cook them to a soft, golden finish.

The three of them hadn't shared a quiet meal like this since arriving in this world. For a moment, it felt as though they were back at Shifang Sect. Du Yuan kept piling food onto Rong Cheng’s plate, doting on her as if she were still a child.

Rong Cheng ate heartily, but when she finally looked up, she seemed hesitant. Sang Ye felt a premonition; the moment she had been expecting was finally here.

"If you have something to say, just say it," Sang Ye encouraged her. "Master and I will support any decision you make."

Rong Cheng took a deep breath. "I’ve signed up for the Pilot Project to explore the unknown galaxies."

The Pilot Project was a special legion directly managed by the Royal Family. Its members were the pioneers of human civilization, standing at the very edge of the universe to discover new homes and energy sources. It was a journey that lasted at least fifty years, often centuries. It was dangerous, and full crew returns were rare.

Rong Cheng’s biological parents had respected her decision; she had even spent her visit home convincing them to have another child so they wouldn't be alone if something happened to her. Now, she was telling her "other" family.

Du Yuan was stunned. She remembered finding Rong Cheng as an egg. Her biological Golden Crow parents had been flighty and irresponsible, getting bored with brooding and leaving the egg until its temperature hit a critical low. Du Yuan had saved her. Rong Cheng had always been an uncontainable Golden Crow—a soul meant for the sky.

"Be careful out there," Sang Ye said, reaching out to pat her head. "Keep in touch."

Du Yuan bit her lip, her eyes misty with worry and pride. "If you ever get tired, come back to your Master. We'll always have a place for you."

…

Melusine could no longer stay on Black Tower. Duchess Vera Caylen had personally come to fetch her, dragging her back to the Capital. No daughter stays away from her mother forever, especially the sole heir of the Caylen Duchy.

Melusine bid farewell to her handsome Merfolk friend and came to the West Building to say goodbye to Sang Ye. Though she envied Sang Ye’s freedom and Jiang Sili’s courage to abandon everything, Melusine knew her own privileges came from her family name. She would return to the heights of power to fight for the glory of her house.

At the same time, Wu Huansheng’s family arrived to say their goodbyes. They were returning to Planet Mingyang, the heart of the Wu family’s territory. Wu Jianing, now seven years old and beginning to show the tall, elegant silhouette of her mother, would grow up sheltered by the family’s immense power.

Sang Ye hugged little Jianing tightly. "You're always welcome back. I’ll always keep a room for you in the West Building." Jianing had been her first friend on this lonely planet, and the parting was bittersweet.

Sang Ye brought out a jug of freshly brewed Osmanthus Wine. It was low in alcohol, more of a fragrant refreshment that even Jianing could have a small sip of.

The diverse group of people who had gathered on Black Tower—Guides, Sentinels, royalty, and exiles—clinked their glasses together. Like tumbleweeds, they had gathered for a brief season and were now scattering with the wind. But they had all found the right soil in which to plant their roots.

"Tumbleweeds drift far apart," Sang Ye thought, "so let us drain the cups in our hands."