Kindness

On the Mishui River, a Painted Boat drifted along. A cool breeze brushed past, willows swayed on the banks, and fallen leaves floated into the river, sending ripples spreading in circles.

In the days after Ning Chen's departure, the Mishui Riverbank had grown much quieter. Aside from Yin'er carrying a wooden bucket to water the divine tree at sunrise, few people could be seen.

As the setting sun was about to sink, red light gathered over the lake, and a figure in red emerged. His divine sense swept the surroundings, and helplessness flashed through his eyes.

Where had that girl run off to again?

On the riverbank, the divine tree sealed within the Yellow Springs Restriction had become ever more vibrant. Clearly, though Yin'er was playful, she had not forgotten her proper duties and watered it with Jade Pond Divine Water on time every day.

To the west, the last rays of the setting sun gradually faded. Night was approaching. After playing all day, Yin'er skipped back, stepped forward, and flew toward the Painted Boat.

The moment she stepped onto the Painted Boat, a familiar aura reached her. The smile on Yin'er's little face immediately froze.

Inside the Painted Boat, the figure in red sat quietly before the table, carefully repairing the Ancient Zither obtained from the Divine Relic Site. Sensing Yin'er's return, he said calmly, "Yin'er, you're back rather early."

Yin'er lifted the curtain and entered the cabin. Seeing that he had returned, she broke into a bright smile. "You're back. Are you thirsty? I'll pour you some tea."

With that, Yin'er hurried to the tea table, poured a cup, and handed it to him ingratiatingly.

Ning Chen accepted the tea and drank it. Setting down the cup, he asked, "How has your sword practice been?"

"It's all right,