Gu An and Sujin accompanied Bai Sheng on his journey to the Imperial City. Along the way, there was laughter and cheerful conversation; Bai Sheng had never been this happy before. During this time, Gu An would have his avatar take his place while his true body went to gather herbs.
Sujin was a ten-thousand-year-old Great Demon and had already reached the Nirvana Realm, yet she still failed to see through Gu An's true body and avatar switching.
In the blink of an eye, half a year passed.
They still had not reached the Imperial City. There were still two years before the imperial examination, so Bai Sheng was in no hurry. He had set out early to begin with, wanting to roam mountains and rivers and broaden his horizons.
On this day, a fine, ceaseless rain fell.
Bai Sheng and Gu An came to a small pavilion in the mountains to rest. Sujin leaped out from the book chest, jumped onto Bai Sheng's shoulder, and licked his face, as if wanting to wipe the rainwater from his face for him.
Bai Sheng had already grown used to her affection and did not pay it much mind. He was chatting with Gu An about the customs and local character of this region. Though it was his first time here, he had long since read about it in books, so he was very excited, and the rainy day did not affect his mood.
Gu An held a wine gourd in his hand, drinking as he listened to Bai Sheng discuss the past and present, talking about which fine works and famous pieces had been born here, as well as those stories worthy of song and tears.
When Bai Sheng had spoken until his mouth was dry, Gu An tossed him the