With Shenhe's consent secured, Yi Chen immediately turned into an overexcited runaway horse. He grabbed her wrist enthusiastically.
"Senior Sister! Hold tight! We'll be back quick!"
Wind elemental energy surged, and the two slipped silently off Mt. Aocang, streaking toward the bustling Liyue Harbor.
The moment they entered the lively streets, Yi Chen was in his element.
He dragged Shenhe from food stall to food stall—candied hawthorns, Mora meat, Zhongyuan chop suey—shoving each snack into her hands, delighted by the way she frowned slightly at the unfamiliar, intense flavors yet obediently swallowed them.
They squeezed into a crowd to listen to a storyteller passionately recounting Rex Lapis's legends, Yi Chen cheering and tossing Mora when excited.
He stopped at a toy stall to ask Shenhe if a kite looked nice.
He even lingered at Third-Round Knockout, trying to persuade her to try alcohol—only to retreat awkwardly after she refused with a look alone.
Shenhe was pulled along through the crowds, the noise and smells overwhelming.
Normally, such chaos would irritate her—perhaps even stir her baleful aura.
But Yi Chen was beside her the whole time, his hand guiding or holding her. His warm presence formed an invisible barrier, keeping both the external chaos and her inner turmoil at bay.
For the first time, she realized that the "mortal world" could be like this—vivid, noisy, full of sensations she had never known.
She remained quiet, but her eyes were no longer empty. She observed everything Yi Chen excitedly introduced, occasionally pressing her lips together at his exaggerated antics.
Just as Yi Chen lifted two freshly bought sugar paintings—about to hand the little qilin-shaped one to Shenhe—a familiar figure approached from the General Affairs Office.
She seemed to have just finished work, fatigue still on her face.
When her gaze landed on Yi Chen—and then on the silver-haired, ice-cold beauty beside him—Keqing's steps slowed.
Her eyes flicked between them.
Yi Chen's bright smile.
The sugar painting clearly meant for the woman beside him.
Their close—if slightly awkward—stance.
The woman's cool expression paired with complete acceptance of Yi Chen's presence.
Everything was clear.
So that's why he stopped confessing.
With a woman like this—so breathtaking, so distant and pure like a snow lotus—why would he continue pursuing someone like her, a bureaucrat buried in paperwork?
That faint flutter she once felt melted away like a bubble pricked by ice, leaving behind an unexpected mix of relief and quiet disappointment.
She even compared herself unconsciously—and had to admit defeat.
Yi Chen's choice… was perfectly reasonable.
She straightened, restoring the composed, professional smile of the Yuheng.
"Mr. Yi Chen. What a coincidence."
She nodded politely to Shenhe without prying.
Yi Chen was genuinely happy to see her.
"Lady Keqing!"
Seeing his carefree grin, Keqing almost laughed internally.
This man probably hadn't thought that deeply at all.
"No need, thank you."
She declined with a smile.
"Please enjoy yourselves. I won't disturb you."
She nodded once more to Shenhe and walked on.
After turning away, her smile faded into a barely audible sigh.
What a pity…
What that unsaid regret was for—those halted morning expectations, or something else—she didn't know.
After Keqing left, Yi Chen pulled Shenhe along to continue wandering.
Then suddenly, his attention was caught by a regal figure ahead—utterly out of place among the stalls.
The vendor looked flustered just standing near her.
Yi Chen's face lit up. He released Shenhe's wrist and hurried over.
Ningguang turned gracefully, sunlight illuminating her elegant profile, a knowing smile on her lips.
Of course, she had planned this.
The moment Yi Chen entered Liyue Harbor, her informants had reported it.
She'd calculated his lively nature perfectly—and waited for this "chance encounter."
Seeing his genuine delight upon spotting her, Ningguang maintained her composed Tianquan demeanor—but inwardly, she felt rather pleased.
At least the boy hadn't forgotten his former superior.
She swept her gaze over him casually.
"Oh? Assistant Yi Chen? Or should I say—Immortal Yi Chen now?"
"Didn't you write quite confidently that you'd gone into seclusion on an adeptal mountain? And yet, not even half a day later, here you are back in Liyue's bustling streets?"
Yi Chen scratched his head sheepishly.
"Well… the mountain's great, but it's way too quiet! Just clouds and fog—no one to talk to!"
"So I… uh… came down for some air! I'll sneak back tonight—Master probably won't notice!"
He said it proudly, as if sneaking down a mountain were no big deal.
Ningguang's smile deepened. Same old temperament.
Only then did her gaze drift, seemingly casually, to Shenhe standing a few steps behind.
One look—and Ningguang felt a chill.
Silver hair, snow-pale skin, transcendent aura.
This woman was extraordinary—her presence rivaled even her own, carrying an otherworldly beauty untouched by mortal dust.
As Ningguang assessed her, Yi Chen eagerly introduced them.
"Oh right! Ningguang, let me introduce you!"
He gestured proudly.
"This is my Senior Sister, Shenhe! She's amazing—and super kind!"
Then to Shenhe:
"Senior Sister, this is Lady Ningguang! The richest, most powerful Tianquan in all of Liyue!"
Shenhe met Ningguang's gaze calmly and inclined her head in greeting—neither distant nor deferential.
Ningguang's smile remained flawless, but her thoughts raced.
"So you are Miss Shenhe. I've heard much about you."
"And thank you for taking care of Yi Chen during his cultivation."
The words "heard much" carried weight.
And "taking care of" subtly—but unmistakably—claimed Yi Chen as someone entrusted to her.
A quiet declaration of ownership.
"If you like the chapter please vote using power stones and
For Early Access of Advanced chapters please visit Patreon.com/UchihaAce"