"What are we doing out here, Senior?" Rong Chao asked as they crossed the academy grounds, moving away from the clustered buildings and toward the vast Celestial Lake. Its surface glittered under the sun, reflecting the blurred sky in shifting shards of light.
Lan Meishan walked ahead of them. Behind him were Linyao, the girl Ningyan had just learned the name of, and Rong Chao. Ningyan and Shenzhen trailed at the back, Shenzhen's fan half-raised, concealing his mouth.
Lan Meishan suddenly halted and turned to face them. They stopped at once, watching him carefully.
"Honestly," he said calmly, "I was only expecting two students to join this program. Not two more who are already at the sixth stage."
"We are honoured that you're willing to guide us, Senior," Shenzhen said, bowing politely.
