For now, let us not mention the six retired Human Sovereigns who arrived later and descended toward the lake alongside Li Changshou.
Two hours later;
Taibai Palace, Lesser Qiong Peak.
Beneath a willow by the lake, Ling'e sat cross-legged amid drifting mist, her slender fingers plucking the zither strings and producing a pleasant melody with no distinct structure.
The spirit wind brushed her face, adding neither vexation nor easing the sorrow in her heart.
She raised her head and glanced toward the Alchemy Room. It was as though she could see through layer upon layer of formations and glimpse her senior brother, perhaps meditating inside at this moment.
Where did he hide again?
Ling'e's delicate fingers left the strings. She held her chin and pondered for a while, then picked up a stone tablet and carved out a passage of music before gazing blankly at the lake.
What was Senior Brother using a Paper Daoist to do outside this time?
If Senior Brother did not need to deal with outside affairs apart from cultivation, and could play the zither and flute with me every day, fool around and enjoy ourselves, how wonderful would that be.
I could think over our daily meals, make some dim sum, prepare tea. The two of us could sit or lie in the Thatched Cottage, play a game of chess, chat, wait for the sun to slant westward, then stroll beneath the moon and stars and talk from the heart...
Ling'e's cheeks flushed slightly. Naturally, she had thought of some intimate acts—such as embracing beneath a tree and falling asleep, or lying on Senior Brother's arm for a while...
Qi Refiners all needed secluded cultivation. Ling'e did not dare cling to her senior brother all the time. Averaged out, it would be enough if they