Inside the reception hall, sunlight streamed through the latticed windows and fell across the understated bamboo mats. A faint scent of ink lingered in the air.
Xue Churan's pale green dress swayed gently, like a lotus leaf stirring in a soft breeze.
Her face was gentle as jade, and a heroic air shone between her brows without diminishing her feminine grace.
Xue Churan and Chen Cong sat facing each other. As their eyes met, both seemed to return to days long past.
She took a small sip of Fragrant Snow Spirit Tea. Its fragrance spread through her mouth, bringing clarity to her thoughts.
Setting down her cup, she looked up at Chen Cong, warmth and emotion glimmering in her eyes.
"Brother Chen, it's been more than a decade since we last met. Now that we meet again, you've become a Titled Douluo. Congratulations!" A touch of wistfulness colored Xue Churan's voice.
Chen Cong smiled faintly. "I never expected you to come to Chang'an City as its city lord, Churan. I was quite surprised when I found out yesterday. I owe you my thanks for your help back at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. My advancement also owed much to your allowing me to read so many books, giving me the nourishment I needed."
Xue Churan shook her head gently. "You give me too much credit, Brother Chen. It was my honor to help you."
They exchanged smiles, as though they had returned to those years when they were young and in their prime.
Xue Churan recalled how Chen Cong had deliberately visited Heaven Dou Royal Academy for an exchange, preparing for a future breakthrough in his Sword Formation Master's artistic conception. As the director of instruction, she had given him considerable help, and they had formed a deep friendship.
"First of