In the Waterside Pavilion within the residence's Inner Garden, a gentle breeze stirred, carrying the fragrance of lotus blossoms and a refreshing hint of coolness.
Li Ling rested his hands on the antique wooden railing and looked down at the water. Carp of every color surfaced below to breathe and forage, swimming about in contentment.
The Ninth Princess wore a flowing, wide-sleeved dress of pale pink. With her ribbons fluttering, she looked like a fairy descended to the mortal world. After watching the fish with him for a while, she could not resist pressing herself against his back and resting her head on his arm. "Husband, why are you taking after White Lion and Flower Leopard, coming out to watch fish first thing in the morning?"
As she spoke, her gaze drifted to the side, and the corners of her lips rose slightly.
Not far from their feet, two cats, one white and one spotted, crouched in rapt concentration, watching the ornamental carp. Their large, gleaming eyes followed the fish as they swam.
"Those two silly cats can watch them all morning!"
Li Ling smiled. "We cultivators spend entire days practicing. Wouldn't the cats think we were silly people too?"
"That's different," the Ninth Princess said. "When cultivators practice, their energies resonate with one another. It feels wonderfully pleasant..."
Before she finished, she hugged his arm and urged him, "All right, husband, stop watching. Let's go cultivate."
Li Ling had already reached Foundation Establishment, while she had not, so she had become increasingly diligent in her cultivation.
The Ninth Princess had no burning drive to rise higher, but if she failed to reach Foundation Establishment for too long, they could not even remain an immortal couple. That was something she could never accept.
Li Ling could only take her good