Moonwatch Mountain, in a camp tent halfway up the slope.
Inside the tent, candlelight flickered, filling the room with warmth.
Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang sat facing each other, chatting in a quiet, gentle atmosphere.
They enjoyed a peaceful, unhurried dinner, relaxed and at ease.
Once their conversation ended and the dishes on the table had all been finished, Sun Ningxiang rose to clear away the bowls and chopsticks.
Her movements were gentle and orderly. She neatly gathered the plates and wiped away the traces left on the tabletop, soon leaving the tent spotless and tidy.
With everything settled, Sun Ningxiang raised her eyes to Yang Jing and softly reminded him to rest and regulate his breathing early, replenish his vitality, and await tomorrow's final showdown. Then she turned lightly, lifted the flap, and left the tent.
After Sun Ningxiang departed, silence returned.
The spacious tent was airy, clean, and elegant, shutting out the mountain's night wind and scattered noises. In the stillness, only the faint crackle of the flickering candle remained.
Yang Jing reined in his idle thoughts, banished the outside world's chatter from his mind, and slowly walked to the meditation cushion in the center of the room. Holding himself straight, he lowered himself into a cross-legged seat.
With his back straight, eyes gently closed, and attention turned inward, he entered his usual state of meditation and breath regulation.
The fierce battles during the day and his afternoon cultivation had not consumed much of his strength, but they had kept his body, bones, and the true qi circulating through his meridians taut and excited. Surging energy lingered throughout his limbs and body, never fully settling.
Now, he sat quietly to regulate his breathing, untangle the faint disturbances in his energy, soothe his physical weariness, and settle his restless