The Spirit Array's radiance gradually faded, and solid ground met their feet.
The familiar bluestone square of the Northern Spiritual Academy gleamed softly in the afternoon sunlight.
The scent of sun-warmed grass, trees, and earth drifted through the air, mingling with faint shouts and the muffled thuds of spiritual energy clashing at the distant training grounds.
Everything seemed unchanged.
Academy Head Xiao had received word and was already waiting. Dressed in blue robes, his face looked leaner than it had six months ago, but his eyes remained wise and gentle.
His gaze settled on Mu Chen, an unmistakable smile of gratification in his eyes.
"Academy Head Xiao." Mu Chen smiled and inclined his head, offering the courtesy due from a junior.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mu Chen stayed no longer. He bid Academy Head Xiao farewell and left the Northern Spiritual Academy with the three young women, heading toward the Mu Domain.
The road was familiar, as was the scenery.
Fields and paths stretched along both sides of the main road, while rolling hills in the distance traced gentle contours beneath the high, expansive autumn sky.
Occasionally, patrols from the Mu Domain passed by. Upon seeing Mu Chen, they first froze, then saluted excitedly. Their curious gazes swept over the three young women of differing charms behind him before hastily lowering, not daring to look any longer.
They recognized Tang Qian'er. Presumably, the other two held status no lower than that of the Tang Domain Lord's daughter!
Tang Qian'er walked briskly at the front, occasionally pointing out a patch of woods or a stream and turning back to say something to Luo Li and Wen Qingxuan.
Those were places where she and Mu Chen had played as children, and her voice brimmed with delight.
Luo Li listened quietly, occasionally