The next morning, just as Qing Nianli leisurely stepped out of her room, she happened—by a remarkable coincidence—to run straight into Yichen, who had come specifically to find her.

　　“Nianli,” Yichen said, “I spent a very long time thinking last night. I believe that only by venturing out into the world can I possibly uncover the true answers about my origins. I hope to travel together with you. You resemble the woman from my dreams so closely—perhaps by following you, I may truly gain something.”

　　“Yichen,” Qing Nianli replied, “journeying outside is filled with unknowns and dangers.”

　　“I’m not afraid of danger,” Yichen said firmly. “If danger truly comes, I will stand in front of you without hesitation. I will never let you suffer even the slightest harm. No matter what we face, I will protect you.”

　　Hearing his words, Qing Nianli’s heart grew complicated.

　　On the one hand, she had already discerned the day before that Yichen’s cultivation was merely at the Nascent Soul Realm. Compared to her own Great Ascension Realm, the gap was enormous. When she heard him say he would protect her, she almost laughed aloud—if danger truly arose, it would likely be she who protected him.

　　On the other hand, she recalled the moment when Yichen had faced a ferocious beast and, without hesitation, shielded her behind him. That kindness and sincerity softened her heart once more.

　　“Yichen… you are always so pure and kind.”

　　Suddenly, Yichen took hold of Qing Nianli’s hand. Her cheeks instantly warmed, and her heart seemed to miss a beat.

　　The abruptness of his gesture caught her completely off guard.

　　In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through her mind. She wondered how he could be so rash—yet at the same time, she felt an inexplicable pull, as if ties from a past life had been awakened at that very moment. She felt dazed and confused, overwhelmed by emotions too complex to untangle.

　　Yichen held her hand tightly, as though afraid she might pull away.

　　Qing Nianli was passively led forward by him, her heart still steeped in that swirl of emotions. She tried to steady herself, while sensing the warmth and strength coming from his palm.

　　They hurried together toward where their master was. Qing Nianli’s gaze shifted between the path ahead and their clasped hands, quietly pondering the meaning of this sudden closeness, while those faint, elusive ties from a past life continued to circle her thoughts, leaving her increasingly unsettled.

　　Yichen gripped her hand firmly as he walked briskly toward Jun Lingtian.

　　Along the way, Qing Nianli’s mind drifted, images of tangled emotions and past-life connections intertwining endlessly.

　　When they finally stood before Jun Lingtian, Yichen spoke urgently, “Master, Nianli and I have something to discuss with you.”

　　His words were like a thunderclap, instantly pulling Qing Nianli back from her chaotic thoughts.

　　She came back to herself, a faint blush flashing across her face, then focused her gaze on Jun Lingtian, preparing to face what was to come.

　　“Master, I wish to go down the mountain and venture into the world, to seek answers to the mysteries that have long troubled me.”

　　Jun Lingtian frowned slightly, his fingers gently rubbing the rim of his teacup. “Chen’er, the world is perilous. Have you truly decided to descend the mountain?”

　　Yichen nodded firmly. “Yes, Master. I’ve made up my mind.”

　　Jun Lingtian turned his gaze to Qing Nianli, who immediately understood and stepped forward lightly. “Uncle Jun, Yichen is gifted and intelligent. I also have some personal matters to attend to and could use a companion. He can assist me, and we can look after one another.”

　　“Ah…” Jun Lingtian let out a long sigh and rose with a wave of his sleeve. “Very well. Since you are both so resolute, I will not stop you. Just be sure to take care of yourselves out there.”

　　“Thank you, Master!”

　　“Thank you, Uncle Jun!”

　　They spoke in unison, exchanged a smile, and turned to leave.

　　Jun Lingtian watched the door close softly, a thoughtful glint passing through his deep eyes. He lifted his teacup and took a sip, the fragrance spreading between his lips and teeth.

　　“Letting Chen’er travel with Nianli is not a bad thing…” He set the cup down, tapping the table lightly. “First, he can broaden his horizons. Second—”

　　Before he could finish, a dull bang sounded outside, followed by Yichen’s flustered apology and Qing Nianli’s light laughter.

　　“This child,” Jun Lingtian chuckled, stroking his beard, “must learn how to interact with women.”

　　Outside, their footsteps gradually faded, their voices faintly audible. The smile on Jun Lingtian’s face deepened.

　　At the mountain dwelling, Yichen sat cross-legged on a slab of bluestone, carving a piece of dead wood with focused intent. Wood shavings flew as Qing Nianli approached quietly, a faint fragrance drifting from her hair.

　　“What are you making?” she asked, tilting her head curiously at the forming shape.

　　“A sword,” Yichen replied without looking up.

　　Qing Nianli laughed softly and gathered a point of spiritual light at her fingertip, touching the wooden sword gently. “True sword-forging depends on timing and conditions. One must take Nine Heavens Profound Iron as the bone, fuse the power of the stars as the soul, and temper it with Samadhi True Fire for forty-nine days…”

　　She paused mid-sentence when she noticed Yichen had stopped carving and was staring at her intently.

　　“So that’s how complicated it is to make a truly good sword,” Yichen murmured.

　　Qing Nianli nodded with a smile. “Exactly.”

　　“Nianli, I’ve always believed that a true divine weapon lies not in its material, but in the one who wields it. Like this wooden sword—” With a flick of his wrist, it let out a clear, ringing hum. “I myself am the strongest sword. In my hands, even a withered branch can sever the stars.”

　　Qing Nianli froze. Sunlight flowed over the wooden blade, reflecting the pure conviction shining in Yichen’s eyes.

　　“Yichen, your thinking is truly unique. But you should know—when two experts of equal strength clash, the one with a divine weapon does have an advantage.”

　　Yichen remained unwavering. “No. To me, a sword’s power comes from the heart of its wielder. My conviction is strong enough—this wooden sword is invincible.”

　　Qing Nianli smiled helplessly. “Very well. Still, once we’re down the mountain, I think it would be wiser to find you a proper weapon.”

　　She turned to pack her belongings, her thoughts lingering on Yichen’s unusual perspective. His understanding of the sword was indeed extraordinary, and she began considering where she might find him a suitable weapon once they entered the mortal world.

　　“Nianli, where are we going first?” Yichen suddenly asked.

　　Qing Nianli unfurled an aged map and tapped a spot lightly. “This is our destination—to seek a supreme treasure.”

　　“Then we’ll fly on swords—” Yichen began, only to be stopped by a slender finger pressed gently to his lips.

　　“Shh.” Qing Nianli blinked. “Sword flight in the mortal world is far too conspicuous. Besides… traveling among mortals is about experience.” She gazed at the distant sea of clouds, mischief glinting in her eyes. “This journey through mountains and rivers might be even more interesting than the treasure itself.”

　　Privately, she thought: Since I finally have a chance to descend to the mortal world, I must enjoy myself properly.

　　With that thought, she quietly tucked A Guide to Traveling Mountains and Waters into the very bottom of her pack.