Night fell.
In the night sky above Shaking Light Star, the light of the six primary stars streamed down through the Time Boundary Pass, laying a faint halo across the courtyard.
Xu Changqing and Ruo Qunshuang sat beside the stone table in the courtyard.
The children had already returned to their rooms to rest, and the courtyard was exceptionally quiet.
Ruo Qunshuang poured Xu Changqing a cup of tea and said softly, "You've had a hard time out there on your own all these years."
Xu Changqing accepted the teacup and shook his head. "It was nothing too difficult. You, on the other hand, spent so many years in the Grand Void Rift while caring for the children. That was what truly wasn't easy."
Ruo Qunshuang smiled faintly. "With Ping'an there, I didn't have to worry too much.
"That child made quite a name for himself in the Grand Void Rift. With him protecting us, Linglong, He'er, Sui'er, and I all lived very safely."
She paused, her tone carrying a hint of emotion. "It was also because Ping'an helped me that my cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds. Now, I am only one step away from the Nascent Soul Realm."
Xu Changqing nodded.
For Ruo Qunshuang, the Nascent Soul Realm was not merely an increase in cultivation. It also meant a longer lifespan and a qualitative transformation in strength.
In a place like the Northern Dipper Star Region, Golden Core Realm cultivators could only barely gain a foothold. Only upon entering the Nascent Soul Realm could one truly possess the strength to protect oneself.
Ruo Qunshuang asked again, "Your relationship with Director Gu seems quite good?"
Xu Changqing did not hide anything and briefly recounted how he had helped Gu Chenzhou cultivate rare spirit plants at the Spirit Plant Bureau.