Luoshi gave a quiet nod. "I'll report to the peak first," she said. "Rest well."
Without waiting for replies, she stepped onto her sword once more and ascended toward the summit.
Feng, on the other hand, caught sight of an old friend near a lotus pond. With a quick grin, he excused himself.
"I'll be back later," he said, already jogging away.
Now only Mei and Julian remained.
The courtyard grew quieter, with only the chirps of night birds and the soft rustle of trees. Mei stood beside Julian, her gaze flickering between the stars above and the monk beside her.
She didn't speak at first, as if waiting. Julian, as usual, remained calm, simply observing the tranquility of the sect under the night sky—until Mei finally said softly, "Brother Monk, do you believe fate brings people together?"
Julian smiled faintly, the corner of his lips curving upward in that familiar, knowing way.
