After Nine Nether awoke, Mu Chen stayed in Luo Shen City for another half month.
During that half month, he and Luo Li were almost inseparable.
By day, they sometimes played board games beside the window of a waterside pavilion, and sometimes strolled along the Luo River, watching the starlight in its waters dwindle into tiny silver-blue specks beneath the daylight.
Luo Li loved listening to Mu Chen share his insights into cultivation. His profile reflected in her glasslike eyes, her gaze attentive and serene.
Occasionally, she would also tell him amusing stories from within the Luo God Clan.
Mu Chen had originally intended to take Luo Li with him, but she refused.
She said she had her own path to walk and hoped to stand beside him as an equal in the future, rather than be a decorative vase.
Mu Chen respected Luo Li's wishes. Beyond leaving her trump cards, all he could do was clear away the most obvious obstacles before he left!
Nine Nether had been rather well-behaved lately, spending most of her time consolidating her newly attained Ninth Grade Sovereign cultivation.
Her relationship with Luo Li remained delicate, but at least they maintained a veneer of courtesy.
Occasionally, when the three gathered together, Nine Nether's wild, teasing remarks always brought a faint blush to Luo Li's cheeks, leaving her helpless to respond.
Caught between them, Mu Chen could usually only rub his nose and smile helplessly.
Time flew swiftly amid the tranquility.
On the night before their parting, moonlight spilled through the diamond-latticed window, filling the room with a clear radiance.
Luo Li leaned against Mu Chen's chest, her silver hair cascading into the crook of his arm, cool and silky.
"You're leaving tomorrow?" she asked softly, her voice especially clear in the silent night.
"Yes."