Incense

By the banks of the Yanshui River.

Mo Hua and the "young master" within that black mist had only met each other's eyes for a single glance.

After that, the splendid flower boat sailed once more into the boundless night, gradually vanishing from sight.

Mo Hua's gaze was deep. He silently committed those eyes to memory, then continued along the riverbank, setting foot on the road back to the sect.

The journey thereafter was safe and uneventful.

Half a day later, Mo Hua returned to the sect. First, he reported to Elder Song, who was in charge of attendance, and explained the cause and course of events.

To Mo Hua's surprise, Elder Song, who had never been very reasonable, had an unexpectedly good attitude. There was even the faintest hint that he felt honored by association.

It was as if Mo Hua had taken leave in a very proper way, one that had greatly given him face.

Mo Hua was somewhat at a loss.

After taking his leave of Elder Song, Mo Hua went to pay his respects to Elder Xun.

Mo Hua knew clearly in his heart that Elder Song had surely been so lenient with him for Elder Xun's sake.

Other disciples simply had no right to take so much leave.

In the Elder Residence, Elder Xun was busy with something unknown, his expression grave. When he saw Mo Hua, he only asked a few simple questions. But because he was occupied with affairs, he did not say much. Only the look he cast upon Mo Hua was slightly profound, revealing a thoughtful expression.

Mo Hua was also a little puzzled, but seeing that Elder Xun seemed to be busy with important matters and that it was inconvenient to disturb him, he said respectfully:

"Elder, this disciple will