Early morning.
The Hillside Courtyard.
Tang Chen opened his eyes at first light.
Hu Liena was still nestled in his arms.
Her long hair spread across the pillow, and one hand rested on Tang Chen's chest, her fingertips touching the black ring.
Zhu Zhuqing slept on the outer side of the bed.
She held Tang Chen's sleeve, her body pressed close to his arm.
Just as Tang Chen was about to get up, Hu Liena opened her eyes.
"Going to the mountain out back?"
"Yes."
"I'll come with you."
She pushed herself up.
Her black nightclothes slipped a little off her shoulder, revealing her fair collarbone.
Tang Chen reached up and adjusted her collar.
"Get changed first."
Hu Liena looked at his hand.
"Will you change my clothes for me?"
Tang Chen withdrew his hand.
"Do it yourself."
Hu Liena leaned against his shoulder.
"Weren't you just fixing my clothes for me?"
Zhu Zhuqing opened her eyes as well.
She sat up and tucked the long hair scattered beside her face behind her ear.
"Grandpa is already waiting outside."
Only then did Hu Liena let go of Tang Chen.
"Then let's go to the mountain first."
"When we get back, I'll tie your hair up for you."
An hour later.
Tang Chen and Tang Yuan finished training.
The Golden-Clawed Bear martial soul slowly withdrew.
Tang Yuan looked at Tang Chen's arm.
"With every successive strike of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer, its power increases."
"Don't keep taking those blows head-on."
Tang Chen flexed his wrist.
"I'll interrupt his buildup."
"Tang San won't just use the Clear Sky Hammer."
Tang Yuan walked to the edge of the stone platform.
"The Blue Silver Emperor, soul bones, hidden weapons."
"He has plenty of tricks at his disposal."
Tang Chen looked down the mountain.