April Nineteenth, morning.
East of Chang'an City, outside Chunming Gate, at the roadside pavilion.
An unassuming blue-canopied carriage stood ready. Qing Dai was securing the last of the luggage, while Snow Robe stood on the carriage shaft, looking curiously about.
Lu Changfeng stood outside the pavilion in a fitted blue-gray martial outfit. His complexion had improved considerably, and the trace of weariness between his brows from days of "exertion" had given way to vigorous vitality. His aura had grown ever more restrained and harmonious, as though he had undergone an ultimate tempering, his cultivation faintly showing another measure of improvement.
Inside the pavilion, beside the stone table, Li Lingyue personally poured him one last cup of farewell wine.
Today, she wore no elaborate court robes, only a dark-purple everyday gown. Her long hair was simply tied, and she wore little makeup, yet she resembled a peony thoroughly nourished by spring rain, radiant with a splendor that shone from deep within.
Her complexion was rosy and healthy, her eyes clear as water. The sharpness that weighed and calculated other people's hearts had softened, replaced by the quiet, alluring grace of a mature woman. Simply sitting there in silence, she became a sight from which one could not tear one's eyes.
"Lu Prefecture isn't far, but the Secret Realm is dangerous. Caution comes first."
Li Lingyue pushed the cup toward him, her voice calm. "Make your own decisions in all matters on this journey. If you encounter any thorny difficulties, send word through the Fourfold Exchange House or the government postmasters along the way. Someone will come to assist you."
Lu Changfeng took the cup and drained it. "Take care, Your Highness."
No further words were needed. Some things had long since gone without saying.
He set down the cup, gave a