He returns the hug, his expression softening because this is one of the few things that he didn't feel like he'd done wrong. Sizhui and his own sect, at least, hadn't suffered from his own mistakes for the most part.

"Close to a year." When he finally speaks, his voice quieter, smile fading although the thought of going home is a conflicted one now with the knowledge his family is here as well.

"Perhaps, Sizhui, but you have a point. I may serve better here without isolating myself."