After the meal, Han Yu prepared a room for Li Ping'an.
Straw and a quilt had been laid over the bed inside, making a large, comfortable bed.
Li Ping'an was in no hurry to sleep. Instead, he took a leisurely stroll around the village.
The villagers were especially wary of a stranger, but when they heard that Han Yu had brought him back, they felt considerably more at ease.
Though it was called the Mist Forest, the starry night sky here was exceptionally beautiful.
A cool breeze occasionally blew past. Stars filled the heavens, and the moon hung high above, looking down upon all living beings.
Tonight's unrivaled beauty had none to share it; lying beneath the starry river, all was bright as the heart desired.
"The moonlit sky here is the one sight in the Mist Forest worth showing off," Han Yu said.
At that moment, Li Ping'an was leaning against a stack of firewood.
Old Ox was on his left, and Jiaze was on his right, with Han Yu to Jiaze's right.
The stars filling the sky were all watching them.
Li Ping'an gazed intently at the two highest stars, his mind seeming to drift into the depths of the endless starry heavens.
It was actually quite comfortable here, a place where he could quiet his heart.
It even gave Li Ping'an the urge to sleep here for the night.
Han Yu had watched this same starry sky for over a decade as he grew up and had long since tired of it.
The cries of cicadas drifted on the wind, sending his thoughts wandering.
He chatted with Li Ping'an in fits and starts.
"I'm going to leave," Han Yu suddenly said.
"Oh?"
"Once I've slain all the monsters in the Mist Forest, I'll leave."
"When will you