The Night Sky Hung with Stars

The night sky was studded with stars.

Li Zhōujūn sat by the small fishpond he had dug in his own courtyard, fishing until he reached a state of complete oblivion.

But suddenly, an enticing aroma drifted from Chu Gecqing's courtyard and slipped into Li Zhōujūn's nose.

Li Zhōujūn slapped his forehead. "I almost forgot that Chu Gecqing invited me over."

With that, Li Zhōujūn hurriedly put away his fishing gear and walked across the spirit spring toward Chu Gecqing's courtyard.

As soon as he reached the entrance, the aroma of roast chicken grew even more intense.

"Elder Li, you finally made it. I thought you were going to break your word." Chu Gecqing leaned against the courtyard gate and teased Li Zhōujūn.

"That wouldn't happen. I generally don't go back on promises I've made." Li Zhōujūn smiled. "By the way, how did your sister Menglan and the others do in the assessment?"

Chu Gecqing nodded. "Menglan's talent is quite good. Her future at Tianhai Academy looks promising. As for the other two, Hu Manrong and Nan Sisi, their talent can only be called passable."

"That's good, then." Li Zhōujūn nodded.

Chu Gecqing asked curiously, "You know that three years from now, when the secret realm beneath Tianhai Academy opens, many Eighth-Rank Dao Masters will descend to fight over its opportunities. By then, the aftershocks of their clashes will surely plunge Tianhai Academy into crisis. Why would you still have your sister Menglan join Tianhai Academy to cultivate?"

"It's fine." Li Zhōujūn smiled.

"I really can't figure you out." Chu Gecqing shook her head, then smiled again. "But regardless, I still have to thank you for saving me."

"It was nothing," Li Zhōujūn said.

"Can I ask how Chu Shengduan is doing now?" Chu Gecqing asked Li Zhōujūn curiously.

Li Zhōujūn