Fang Yuan joined his uncles and clan elders at the grand feast.
Wine flowed, laughter echoed, and plates were stacked high with delicacies.
The Phoenix Soul Pavilion glowed beneath the lantern light, warm with the joy of victory and reunion.
For once, Fang Yuan allowed himself to relax, just a little.
They drank. They dined.
And the night passed in bliss.
But as the embers of celebration died down, his gaze turned east.
There was still someone he hadn't visited.
"I wonder how Fang Lian is doing…" he murmured to himself, half curious, half hopeful.
Without further delay, he slipped away from the main hall and made his way toward the Eastern Ravine, where the spirit mine was nestled deep within the mountainous fold.
That was where she trained now, within the spiritual pond hidden far below the earth.
Two guards stood alert at the entrance, spears in hand, their eyes sharpening when they noticed the approaching figure.
