Chapter 935: Orchid (I)
Several months later, at Moongaze Lake.
Formation lights shimmered across the lake isles, reflected in the serene azure waters. Above the main continent, cultivators came and went. Streaks of light chased each other as they descended around the lake. An air of prosperity and bustle filled the scene.
A cloud veiled in white spiritual gauze silently drifted in from the east. As Chen Xuanyu came to a stop above the lake, Li Qinghong stepped forward and immediately expressed her thanks, "Thank you for all the trouble along the way, Senior."
"It’s nothing." Chen Xuanyu nodded, hand resting on his sword. The blue sash on his pleated robes fluttered in the wind, giving him an elegant air as he spoke lightly, "I merely circled Xifeng Island a few more times. It took little effort, and it's hardly worth calling trouble."
He seemed somewhat distracted, clasping his hands as he said, "I still need to make a trip to the Great Western Plains, so I won’t impose further."
Li Qinghong studied his expression carefully and replied gently, "This junior understands. If you will be staying long in the west and not in Tongmo Prefecture, I’ll send Xijun to visit you there instead."
Her words responded to an earlier invitation from Chen Xuanyu, spoken with good reason. Yet Li Qinghong noticed his gaze shift slightly before he nodded and replied, "Very well."
He swept his blue-and-white patterned sleeves, performed a parting salute, and rode his cloud westward. Li Qinghong silently watched him leave, her almond eyes lowering.
Throughout the journey, Li Ximing kept both hands tucked into his sleeves, seemingly feeling chilled. As he and Li Qinghong passed over Xifeng Island with Chen Xuanyu, they saw no sign of Li Xijun, but that didn’t mean they returned empty-handed.
Remnants of Merging Fire still blazed fiercely above Xifeng Island, with gray-red clouds churning in the sky. It was clearly an ominous sign. At the time, Chen Xuanyu had glanced twice, then said to the aunt and nephew, "I fear a Merging Fire cultivator has fallen."