Luo Yingbai said: “You’re overthinking it. My dad is just like that. If he was truly determined to keep us apart, he would have sent someone to drag us back by now. He’s definitely hesitating now, which is why he hasn’t given a definitive answer. As long as he’s hesitating, he can definitely be persuaded.”
Xia Xianning saw how seriously Luo Yingbai was explaining and found him adorable, laughing and saying: “If it weren’t for the matters at Changliu Sect, I would just stay and serve tea to the teacher every day, trying to please him until he’s happy. Otherwise, I won’t feel at ease.”
Luo Yingbai said: “Let’s finish our business and go back quickly. I’ll set up a tent for you in our courtyard and fulfill your wish.”
Xia Xianning said: “No need to rush. I’ve already written three self-reflections on the plane and will send one to the teacher every night until he agrees to let us be together.”
Luo Yingbai: “…You’re practically the reincarnation of the God of Literature, Sima Xiangru reborn. I admire you.
Xia Xianning was very modest: “It’s nothing, practice makes perfect.”
They took a taxi to the foot of Sai Yuan Mountain where Changliu Sect was located, got off, and followed the path to find the mountain gate. Looking at it now, everything seemed unchanged, making him feel extraordinarily close.
Xia Xianning clapped three times and recited: “Nine luminaries in order, seven spirits dispersed, I pay my respects, troops manifest.”
After he finished speaking, the branches and leaves of the flowering trees on both sides swayed, and fallen petals scattered like rain, seeming to greet the two of them and spreading a small path of flower petals before them.
A look of surprise crossed Xia Xianning’s face.
Though the path looked beautiful, it was merely a flowery welcome for their return and served no practical purpose. To enter the sect from outside, they needed to activate the formation. The mountain-guarding array Xia Xianning had summoned had not manifested.
Luo Yingbai patted his shoulder: “Let me take a look.”
