The month-long exchange at Yunze Academy was drawing to a close.
On the final morning, Shen Jingnian led the group to the main hall to take their leave. Inside, Feng Heng was already waiting with several elders and academy disciples.
Shen Jingnian stepped forward and cupped his hands."Dean Feng, thank you for your generous hospitality this past month. Our students from Jumu Academy have benefited greatly. The techniques of Yunmeng have truly broadened our horizons."
Feng Heng returned the gesture with a slight bow, her voice gentle."Headmaster Shen, you are too kind. This exchange has allowed our students to learn from yours as well. On behalf of Yunze Academy, I thank you all for coming."
After a few polite exchanges, Feng Heng personally escorted them out of the academy toward the docks.
Several small boats bobbed gently at the water's edge. Morning mist still lingered over the lake, veiling the distant islands like a soft ink painting.
They said their farewells at the pier.
Elder Lü stood beside Feng Heng, along with several students who had interacted with Lin Fei and the others during the past month. One by one, they boarded the boats. Standing among the group, Lin Fei's gaze drifted past the crowd—until it landed on the figure at the very back.
It was Shen Qingshuang.
She stood by the dock in white, her ribbon fluttering in the morning breeze. Her eyes swept calmly over the crowd. For a fleeting instant, her gaze met Lin Fei's.
Just a moment.
No expression. Cool as frost, still as water.
"Lin Fei, let's go," Li Chen tugged at his sleeve.
Lin Fei snapped back to himself and followed the others into the cabin. The boat pushed off, gliding into the reeds. Sitting by the edge, he looked back through the railing—the white figure on the dock slowly faded into the mist.
About two hours later, they returned to Yunsheng City at Lingyan Ferry, then transferred to smaller boats to enter the city.
Elder Jiang had already booked several upper rooms at an inn. They would rest in the city for a couple of days before renting a return vessel to Jumu.
Their boat arrived at a central water junction, where several main canals converged into a broad expanse. On the eastern bank stood a grand three-story wooden building with upturned eaves and ornate carvings.
At the entrance hung a wooden couplet:
"One river flows across—north and south, all are travelers;Thousands of sails pass by—yet Yunmeng's charm lingers in every heart."
Above it, a plaque read:
"Cloud Arrival Inn."
Stone steps extended from the entrance down to the water, forming a small dock. Boats came and went constantly, and inn attendants bustled about, carrying luggage and greeting guests.
They disembarked and were ushered inside.
The inn was spacious. The first floor housed a large dining hall with over a dozen tables. The upper floors were all guest rooms—Lin Fei estimated over thirty per level.
After checking in, attendants led them upstairs. They had booked ten rooms. Lin Fei and Li Chen shared one on the second floor, with a window overlooking the canal.
"This place is nice," Li Chen said, patting the bed.
"Way better than our dorms," Lin Fei replied, stretching.
They moved to the window. Boats of all kinds passed below—passenger skiffs, decorated barges, cargo vessels. Across the canal, restaurants and taverns bustled with life, music drifting faintly through the air.
After settling in, Shen Jingnian gathered everyone in his room.
"Steward Yang is arranging a ship," he said. "Once it's ready, we'll return to Jumu. In the meantime, you may explore Yunsheng City."
Excitement spread through the group.
"But," he raised a hand, "do not go alone. The city is crowded and complex. You must follow your instructors."
He assigned groups: Elder Jiang would lead one to the western market, while Master Sun and Granny Liu would take another to the eastern district, known for medicinal herbs, artifacts, and spirit beasts.
Li Chen immediately said, "I'll go west with Elder Jiang."
Lin Fei blinked. "Don't you love spirit beasts? Why not go east?"
Li Chen hesitated. "Well… the west has good stuff too."
Lin Fei found it odd but didn't press.
After lunch, the group split up.
Lin Fei and Li Chen followed Elder Jiang to the western commercial district. Boats crowded the canals, many from foreign lands. Shops lined both sides, and a bustling street ran alongside, filled with vendors and shouting merchants.
They stopped before a grand building:
Yuanyang Trading House.
A two-story structure with gold-trimmed beams, gleaming under sunlight. Well-dressed merchants flowed in and out.
"This is the largest trading house here," Elder Jiang said. "Branches across five nations. You'll find everything inside."
They entered.
The hall was vast, filled with goods—artifacts, refined ores, talismans, technique scrolls, and exotic items from various lands.
Elder Jiang let them browse freely.
Li Chen pulled Lin Fei along, weaving through shelves—but ignored the cultivation items. Instead, he headed straight for the section of handicrafts and specialties.
He picked up a jade pendant, frowned, set it down."Too expensive… too plain…"
Lin Fei finally asked, "What are you actually looking for?"
"Just browsing."
But then Li Chen suddenly stopped.
A delicate lotus-leaf umbrella.
Its pale green silk surface was embroidered with blooming lotus flowers, fringed with fine tassels. The bamboo handle was smooth and elegantly carved.
"This one's nice," Li Chen said, examining it carefully.
Lin Fei checked the price—not expensive.
"What do you need it for?"
Li Chen paused, then said quietly:
"For Hu Mei."
Lin Fei blinked.
"She wanted a gift from Yunmeng," Li Chen continued. "This fits—beautiful and practical."
Now Lin Fei understood.
"You're serious about this, huh?" he smiled.
Li Chen shrugged. "A promise is a promise."
Then he turned. "What about you? You promised too."
Lin Fei froze.
He had remembered—but hadn't decided what to buy.
A gentle voice sounded behind them.
"Looking for gifts too?"
They turned. Deng Qian stood there, smiling.
"I want to buy something… but I don't know what," Lin Fei admitted.
"For a girl?" she asked with a knowing smile.
They were both stunned.
Without answering, she picked up a bamboo box.
"Osmanthus candied fruit. A Yunmeng specialty—light and sweet. Girls love it."
She opened it—translucent pieces glistened, carrying a delicate fragrance.
"If that's not enough," she added, handing another box, "pair it with lotus seed sweets."
Lin Fei nodded, impressed.
"Thank you, Senior Sister!"
After paying, they regrouped upstairs in a private room called "Mirror Chamber."
Elder Jiang was already there, sipping tea.
Once everyone arrived, he said:
"As it happens, Yuanyang Trading House is hosting an auction today."
He smiled slightly.
"Let's go take a look."