Night fell.
Once the ferry left port, misty rain enveloped it, leaving only the faint glow of lights along the riverbank visible.
Soybean-sized raindrops hammered the deck. Xie Jinhuan folded his Oil-Paper Umbrella beneath the Boat Tower's eaves, while Bu Yuehua straightened her skirt a little and asked:
"What did you and Zisu go off to do just now? Why were you being so secretive, looking at me like you had something to say but couldn't...?"
Xie Jinhuan had happened across the Azure Nether Sword Manor's senior disciple. He certainly wouldn't be able to keep a straight face the next time he saw Senior Sister Hua, but he didn't explain in detail just yet. He merely put an arm around Bu Yuehua's shoulders and headed back:
"I'll tell you in our room. Anyway, something interesting happened."
Seeing this, Bu Yuehua asked no more and went upstairs holding the Reed-Flower Chicken, which had fallen straight asleep after eating and drinking its fill.
The ferry ran directly to Misty-Wave City without stopping along the way. The journey took roughly three days, and the boat was practically packed to bursting. Most porters and runners simply squeezed onto the deck or into the passageways, and itinerant performers could even be seen singing ballads and telling stories beneath the eaves.
Nangong Ye had intended to book three rooms, but Xie Jinhuan was kindhearted. Though he no longer lacked traveling funds, he had booked only one room to leave accommodation for fellow cultivators.
Now, Xie Jinhuan passed through the corridor and pushed open the door. Lamplight illuminated the rather small room, where the table, chairs, and stools had all been tidied neatly.
Clad in a black skirt, Big Ice Lump sat cross-legged on the bed, meditating. He had replaced the bedding with clean sheets and pillowcases