After bathing and changing attires at Wutong Garden, Xu Fengnian made his way to the Tingchao Pavilion. Upon opening the door, he climbed to the third floor, where white fox-face was searching for sutras on a ladder.

"Holla." Xu Fengnian sent a greeting.

White fox-face jumped down from the long ladder, and the two locked eyes but no one said a word. The atmosphere was neither warm nor affectionate.

In front of the Northern Liang Palace,

Murong Tonghuang followed Xu Fengnian out and off the carriage. He was taken aback by the grand scale of the estate and the underwhelming reception in contrast. For a grand estate like Northern Liang Palace, Murong Tonghuang had expected more servants waiting for Prince Xu to return. Instead, the palace seemed to have only one frail old man standing at the vermilion entrance. It was a chilly day, and the old man, with his hands tucked into thick sleeves, appeared to be shivering from the onslaught of cold weather. He shook his feet against the wind before approaching with a smile when he saw Xu Fengnian. He exchanged trivial pleasantries with Xu Fengnian, like "Welcome back, look at how you've grown." and "Daddy has prepared some winter delicacies, which will do you just so well." and then "What happened to you? How come these ladies around you are all old faces?"

All good things must come to an end.

Upon reaching the desolate border where two provinces met, Xu Fengnian's carriage came to a halt as Qing Niao heard a faint sound from inside. Xu Fengnian lifted the curtain, stepped out, and found himself lost in thought when he gazed at the far less impressive sceneries of Northern Liang compared to the South.

With the arrival of Frost's Descent, the trees withered, leaves fell, and the insects entered hibernation. Outside, the gentle breeze now carried a chilling bite that could penetrate their clothing. Xu Fengnian had set off on his journey during the warmth of spring, and it was already winter upon returning to Liangzhou Province.

The snotty Zhao Biao, who was now positively craning his neck and gawking at Murong Wuzhu, was surprised to discover that she was actually Murong Tonghuang's sister. "Could such an unbelievably beautiful pair truly exist in this world? It seemed that the heavens had bestowed their blessings upon me." He thought.

Zhao Biao's mouth watered uncontrollably as he declared, "Come to me, birdies. I have an insatiable appetite for beauty, and I shall relish every moment with utmost delight."

Xu Fengnian and his group took a slight detour on their way back and arrived at Guangling River.

Today was the height of the August tide, and visitors from far and wide gathered to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle. Swallow Rock, renowned for its picturesque views, stood unrivaled among all as the premier location for tide-watching. On this particular day, the Guangling Navy organized a grand fleet review, and Zhao Yi, Lord of Guangling, graced the occasion. As the tidal waters rushed into the bay, a majestic warship, proudly flying the Guangling naval flag, led the way. Spanning a stretch of three miles along the riverbanks, the huge crowds of people dressed in exquisite garments were drawn by the scene.

A few days ago, Xu Fengnian's body felt like an alchemical furnace as the clash between Zhao Xuansu's purple aura and Wang Chonglou's Great Flavium created a tumultuous spectacle. Overwhelmed by the intensity, Xu Fengnian slipped into a state of unconsciousness, hovering on the brink of death. Upon awakening, Qing Niao informed him that Miss Tehee had rescued him, absorbing the opposing purple aura into herself before departing without uttering a single word.

The mysterious girl had been trailing them everywhere they went on the journey, making numerous attempts on his life. Yet, when the pivotal moment arrived, she unexpectedly emerged to save him. Xu Fengnian just couldn't figure out what her purpose was.

As Deng Tai'e's six seaxes buzzed and chirped, Zhao Xuansu's soul that failed to ascend to the Heavenly Gate and lost its physical attachment still lingered, floating in mid-air.

With the blade in his hand, Xu Fengnian slowly stepped back, mocking, "It's what they say, even a centipede won't die easily. These stubborn old Taoists just won't let go."

Zhao Xuansu, who was unable to enter the Heavenly Gate, turned his gaze back to the ocean where the golden light was pouring, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions.

Following their hasty departure from City of the Peerless, Xu Fengnian, Prince of Northern Liang and his companions caught the attention of Bugsy, whose identity remained somewhat mysterious. Sensing the obscure gaze Xu Fengnian directed toward them, Bugsy walked back to Long Yuxuan, mounted his horse, and rode alongside Xu Fengnian. Without any pretense or disguise, he candidly introduced himself as Zhao Xuansu of Mount Longhu.