Yun Qingyue looked at him.
Of course, she knew what he meant.
She merely gave a soft "Mm" and did not press him further.
Lu Chen continued eating.
He cleaned out the bowl of noodles, drinking every last drop of the broth.
He also swept the plate of braised meat and spirit vegetables clean.
As he set down his bowl and chopsticks, he raised his head and looked at Yun Qingyue. Yun Qingyue was looking at him too.
Their eyes met.
Outside the window, the night breeze stirred the bamboo grove behind Clear Moon Pavilion, and the bamboo leaves rustled like a lingering nocturne.
From afar came the faint evening bells of Medicine King Valley, one toll after another, long and distant as they echoed through the mountains.
After a long while.
Lu Chen spoke, his voice very soft. "Thank you."
Yun Qingyue shook her head slightly. "No need." After a pause, she added, "Now that you've broken through to the Longevity Realm, do you need to remain in the valley for a few more days? Master said that when one first enters the Longevity Realm, it is best to receive guidance from someone of the same realm, so as to avoid detours. If you are willing, she can make time tomorrow—"
"No need," Lu Chen said. "It's already stabilized."
Yun Qingyue looked at him. She knew he was telling the truth.
Lu Chen had never been one for empty pleasantries. If he said it was stabilized, then it truly was stabilized.
"Then... when will you return to the capital?"
Lu Chen did not answer immediately.
He turned to look at the sea of bamboo outside the window, shrouded in night.
Under the moonlight, the bamboo grove resembled waves of ink, layer upon layer surging into the distance.
Farther away,