Two days later…
It's been two days.
I've wandered around the city, shopping for cultivation materials and rare herbs to strengthen my secret arts—but no luck.
I'm not sure what to do next.
There isn't much going on here, and honestly, I don't feel like I belong in this city.
Maybe I'll move on—explore more of this world.
I don't know…
I've spent the last 210 years being told what to do, always under my parents' guidance. I never had to make decisions for myself.
But now they're gone.
And I have no choice but to figure it out on my own.
Maybe I'll go visit Mang Lu.
A few days with her might help clear my mind.
A day later…
Knock knock.
"Mang Lu, are you home?"
"Yes, who is it?"
"It's me—Lin Xian. Can I come in? I brought some tea."
"Lin Xian! Yes, please come in.
How have you been these past few days?"
"I've been busy cultivating. What about you, Mang Lu?"
"Busy, as always," she said with a sigh.
"So… are we going to sit down and drink that tea?"
"Oh—right. Sorry.
You're just so pretty, I kind of forgot what I was doing."
"PFFFT!" Mang Lu laughed, nearly spitting out her tea.
"Where on earth did that come from?"
"Sorry. Just being honest."
Mang Lu raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Well… maybe instead of just staring, you could take me out tomorrow.
We could get to know each other a little better.
Then maybe—just maybe—you could see me anytime you want."
"Oh, really? What time should I come by?"
"From sunrise till sunset," she said, almost teasingly.
"I'll be there."