"How come you're here?"
You stepped half a pace aside and pushed the courtyard gate farther open.
Ah Yin stepped into the courtyard, her skirt brushing the threshold and stirring a small cloud of dust that drifted lazily through the slanting sunlight before slowly settling.
"I... I sensed that you'd come to Heaven Dou City." Her voice was much calmer than you remembered. "I missed you a little, so I came to see you."
Her gaze slowly swept over the stone table and stools in the courtyard, then passed over the little house where you had once lived together, before finally returning to your face.
You said nothing.
In truth, during your travels across the continent over the years, you had often sensed a faint gaze watching you through the ubiquitous Blue Silver Grass.
At first, you had dismissed it as an illusion. Later, as your spiritual power grew more refined, that feeling became increasingly distinct, until you could even discern its source.
You had examined it carefully-there was no malice, no call, not even the slightest thought being conveyed. It was merely a quiet gaze, silent and imperceptible, utterly natural.
Only Ah Yin, the Blue Silver Emperor, could have accomplished that.
"Have a seat."
You gathered your thoughts and led her to the stone table, took out a tea set, warmed some fresh water with Soul Power, and brewed a pot of clear tea. Steam curled upward, spreading a thin veil of mist between you.
You poured two cups of hot tea and gently pushed one toward her. "Try it."
Ah Yin sat opposite you, her posture much more restrained than before. Her hands rested lightly on her knees, her fingertips curling almost imperceptibly.
You had originally bought this little courtyard together, yet now it seemed as though you