"Whoosh, whoosh..."
By the time the Cloud Boat slowly descended outside the gates of Jade Maiden Peak, the night had deepened until only a thin line of dark blue remained on the horizon.
Thick white frost coated the Snow Pines on either side of the stone steps, gleaming cold and silver beneath the moonlight.
Lin Shisan's footsteps made faint rustling sounds as they landed on the steps.
Zi Yuner followed beside him, her long, deep-purple hair lifting slightly in the mountain wind.
Lin Shisan walked up those familiar stone steps, rounded several bends, and arrived before a courtyard surrounded by Snow Pines.
The courtyard was small, with gray tiles and white walls. A string of dried red peppers hung beneath the eaves, swaying gently in the night wind.
A figure in loose sleepwear was dozing against a veranda pillar, cradling a snow-white little tabby cat. The cat's tail dangled beyond the crook of her arm, swishing back and forth.
Hearing footsteps, the languid older beauty slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze settled on Lin Shisan for two breaths. She blinked, glanced at Zi Yuner beside him, and only then spoke unhurriedly, her voice carrying the rasp of lingering sleep.
"Well, if it isn't that Dark-Skinned Boy. What brings you to my Jade Maiden Peak in the middle of the night? Back then, lightning struck you half to death in my orchard. Now you're the Saint Child of the Danyang Sect. I thought you'd long since forgotten this shabby place of mine. Come to revisit old memories?"
Her tone was as casual as if she were discussing the weather, but a barely perceptible glint flashed through her half-lidded eyes. Her gaze swept over Zi Yuner as swiftly as a gust of wind, yet with the weight of an unsheathed sword.
Zi