Profound Truth Sect, Duck Mountain Island.
Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang walked down Yunxi Peak side by side, following the winding mountain path toward the docks on Duck Mountain Island's outer shore.
The evening breeze brushed past, carrying moisture from Hidden Dragon Lake. Sun Ningxiang's pale pink skirt fluttered gently, and the wind swept her hair behind her ears, revealing her smooth forehead and lending her an even gentler grace.
They chatted along the way, mostly about Sun Ningxiang's cultivation plans now that she had reached transforming strength. Yang Jing occasionally offered a few pointers, his words full of congratulations and encouragement.
Before long, the outlines of the outer docks came into view. Several ferries lay quietly moored along the shore, their boatmen yawning at the bows as they waited for the last disciples heading back.
Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang boarded a ferry. With a push of the boatman's pole, it slowly left the dock and headed toward Hidden Dragon Lake's western shore.
Gentle ripples stirred the lake, reflecting the last streak of sunset on the horizon. As the ferry moved forward, shimmering reflections flowed across its deck, while the evening breeze brought wafts of lotus fragrance, soothing and pleasant.
By the time the ferry docked and they stepped onto the stone stairs on the western shore, the sky had gone completely dark.
Night hung low, dotted with stars. In the distance, lights glimmered in Hidden Dragon Town like scattered stars.
Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang followed the stone-paved road at the town entrance toward the northern part of Hidden Dragon Town.
Compared with the boiling hubbub of the town center and the bustle of its taverns and teahouses, the northern quarter was much quieter. Houses along the streets gradually grew sparse, giving way to neatly arranged mansions and