Boundless Sea.
Qixia Island.
Peach trees covered the mountains and fields, their blazing blossoms blooming like splendid morning clouds.
Azure seawater lapped against the white beach, the sound of surging waves like celestial music.
Mu Bai sat cross-legged atop a stele by the sea, studying the Blade Dao.
He had always been like this, devoted to cultivation. Once immersed in it, he forgot everything else, neither eating nor drinking.
Yi Chen had rolled up his trouser legs and was strolling along the beach.
Dressed in a simple long robe, his slender yet upright figure exuded an air of unworldly ease and refinement as he walked.
Life on Qixia Island was tranquil, as though it had been cut off from the world and far removed from its clamor, calming one's heart.
"Young Master, are you worried about our lord?"
River Child approached with a grin.
Qixia Island was blanketed by all manner of wondrous forbidden formations that concealed the secrets of heaven, so he need not worry about suffering backlash from the Heavenly Dao Order.
"Does his business require my concern?"
Yi Chen replied absentmindedly.
River Child sighed. "But I'm rather worried about our lord. He has been gone for over a year now, and I have no idea how he is faring."
Yi Chen pursed his lips. "There's no use telling me this. You should go gather some information yourself."
River Child laughed. "The Young Master wants to know too, doesn't he?"
Yi Chen said nothing.
He had long understood River Child's nature. This fellow was shameless; once you paid him any attention, he would cling to you like taffy.
"I actually hope that when our lord returns, the Young Master can spend more time with him. It does not matter what you talk about."
River Child said, "That way,