Chen Qing walked toward his small courtyard. Dusk was closing in, and lights gradually flickered on across the peaks of Xuwang Mountain, like stars adorning the ink-dark ridges.
At that moment, a slender figure stood quietly at the bend ahead, seeming to have waited for some time.
She wore the most common moon-white tight-fitting outfit of Tianbao Supreme Sect's outer sect disciples.
Her long hair was still tied up as neatly as ever, secured with nothing more than an ordinary wooden hairpin, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck.
After several months apart, she seemed to have grown a little thinner. The lines of her profile had become more distinct, yet her eyes remained clear and pure.
"Senior Sister Nie?"
Chen Qing slowed in surprise. "Were you looking for me?"
Hearing his voice, Nie Shanshan turned around. The moment she saw Chen Qing, her eyes lit up like ripples stirring across water, only for the light to quickly fade again.
She nodded, her voice gentler than usual. "I... happened to be passing by to see you, and Uncle Shen."
How could Xuwang Mountain and the outer sect possibly be on the way!?
Chen Qing understood at once but did not expose her. He merely stepped aside from the courtyard gate. "Uncle Shen lives in another courtyard. Senior Sister, come in and sit first."
"Alright."
Nie Shanshan dipped her head slightly and followed Chen Qing into the courtyard.
Chen Qing led her to the stone table, brewed a cup of clear tea, and pushed it toward her.
The two chatted idly for a while. Chen Qing mostly asked about the outer sect, while Nie Shanshan answered briefly.
"Everything is still manageable in the outer sect. There are many rules, and the competition is fierce, but neither is without benefit to cultivation."