The heavy snowfall of winter went almost unnoticed.

Snowflakes drifted lazily, blanketing the mountain ranges and settling upon the great river.

Seraphine sweeps her long hair into an elegant updo before stepping onto the deck, bowing gracefully to the two Autumn Water Pavilion masters who had intervened on her behalf. “Thank you both for your intervention.”

The pavilion masters wave dismissively. “No need for ceremony.”

“The old Palace Lord died only nineteen years ago, yet these people have already forgotten her kindness.” the male pavilion master spits, his contempt for the Jade Cauldron Sect crystal clear. “That Nie Xiu bastard is just as shameless as his master! Those arrogant pricks have hearts smaller than sesame seeds. He didn’t get what he wanted from you today, so he’ll definitely hold a grudge. Watch your back.”

Seraphine nods, her gaze drifting to the endless white expanse beyond the ship. The Jade Cauldron Sect’s vessel has long since disappeared—probably crashed somewhere, hopefully in pieces.

She smirks slightly before schooling her expression back to neutral politeness. “Please, come inside where it’s warm.”

Behind her senior, Qiu Shuangshuang finally connects the dots about Wei Yutong’s earlier comments in the secret realm. She tugs at her senior sister’s sleeve, whispering, “I thought the Nine Heavens Sect war happened centuries ago—like, ancient history stuff. But old Palace Lord only died nineteen years ago?”

Wei Yutong presses a finger to her lips. “Don’t mention such things in front of Palace Lord Velka. You’ll make her sad.”

Qiu Shuangshuang immediately nods. She still wants to become Seraphine’s disciple, after all. Can’t go making the woman upset.

She waves at Xue Bufan, who’s standing awkwardly on the deck. “Young Master Xue! Come join us! I need to tell father and mother how you saved me so they can thank you properly!”

Xue Bufan cups his fists in a formal bow. “I didn’t save you for your parents’ gratitude. I only ask one favor—I need to reach Nanyang Continent. Could your sect’s ship give me passage?”

What’s this? Small favor! Qiu Shuangshuang immediately agrees.

The ship descends at a mountain peak, and they settle in for tea and wine against the snowy landscape. Siyi goes below to change clothes and tend her wounds, while Seraphine personally prepares the tea instead of calling other disciples.

Steam rises from the cups as Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother studies Seraphine’s features, catching glimpses of that spirited woman from years past who saved the world from demonic cultivation. The memories make her emotional, but she doesn’t want to dwell on painful history.

“My daughter has been spoiled since childhood.” she says with a gentle smile. “She thinks she’s some fearless demon king, but this trip probably showed her reality. As her mother, I’m deeply grateful you both intervened.”

She rises to bow to both Seraphine and Xue Bufan. The younger generation immediately stands to avoid the formal courtesy.

Qiu Shuangshuang tries to hide behind Wei Yutong, terrified of being dragged out for a lecture.

“We only have this one precious daughter.” the pavilion master continues, producing six maple leaves from his storage ring. “She’s the apple of our eye. We can’t bear to see her hurt. This great kindness will be remembered by everyone in Autumn Water Pavilion. If you ever need assistance, just send word.”

The leaves are brilliant red, looking freshly plucked from branches.

“These six leaves contain my wife’s and my cultivation essence. They can block a full-strength attack from a Soul Transformation cultivator, preserve life, and can even be refined to assist in cultivation. How you use them is up to you. Please accept this small token of our gratitude.”

Seraphine and Xue Bufan express their thanks, each taking three leaves.

I watch with interest as Seraphine discreetly slips one red maple leaf into her sleeve, comparing it to the crimson trim on her robes.

It’s the exact color of her flames!

I cover my head with the maple leaf, sprouting a few flower decorations on top.

After the gratitude ceremony, everyone discusses the secret realm’s events. Notably, the pavilion masters don’t ask who received the inheritance—they stick to safe, irrelevant topics.

This gives Qiu Shuangshuang a toothache. She finally gathers her courage, jumping out from behind Wei Yutong to declare loudly, “Father! Mother! I’ve decided! I want to become Palace Lord Velka’s disciple!”

Seraphine doesn’t even blink, continuing to sip her tea with perfect composure. “I already refused.”

The pavilion masters exchange complex looks. Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother particularly wants to grab her daughter and shake some sense into her. The girl was born with a complete brain, right?

The pavilion master clears his throat. “Luanyang Palace’s Phoenix Roost Peak lineage requires fire spiritual roots. How exactly do you plan to become her disciple?”

Qiu Shuangshuang’s courage remains undaunted. “Palace Lord Velka has sword-intent talismans! If I become her disciple, I can study the sword intent in those talismans. I want to learn snowfall!”

She raises her hand, pressing her index and middle fingers together in a sword gesture.

Seraphine glances down at her bulging sleeve, where a certain ball is curiously waving the maple leaf back and forth like a fan, apparently worried she might overheat.

Outside, snowflakes drift lazily down, coating bare branches and withered grass in thick white layers. The swirling snow seems eager to join the human conversation under the pavilion’s canopy, but it melts silently upon touching the barrier, never disturbing the gathering.

“You’ve trained with spears since childhood.” Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother points out.

“I’m still young! It’s not too late to learn swords!”

Mother sighs. Daughter remains stubbornly righteous.

In the silence, Seraphine sets down her teacup with a soft “tsk” and says calmly, “Ridiculous.”

Qiu Shuangshuang immediately deflates, instinctively shrinking toward her mother. Her mother gives her an amused look before addressing Wei Yutong. “Yutong, throw your junior sister off the ship. She’s flying home herself, not riding with us.”

“Yes.” Wei Yutong sighs helplessly. “Junior sister, please?”

Qiu Shuangshuang immediately forgets her vow about “Qiu Never-Cry”, tears streaming down her face as she hugs her mother’s arm. “I want to improve! Isn’t that what you always encouraged? I’m trying to be ambitious!”

The room fills with Qiu Shuangshuang’s wailing. She’s clearly comfortable with these people now, but Seraphine really don’t want to get involved in family drama. Seraphine mentally groans before saying with surface calm, “Why must you become my disciple to study sword intent from talismans?”

Qiu Shuangshuang fidgets, thinking. The truth is she admires Seraphine and wants to be her disciple for that reason—the sword training is secondary! But she needed some excuse to justify staying, right?

Mentioning sword intent makes the pavilion master’s eyes light up. “This sword intent is extraordinary. May I ask the swordsman’s name?”

If it’s a living cultivator, perhaps Qiu Shuangshuang could study under them instead!

Seraphine’s lips part slightly, then she says expressionlessly under their expectant gazes, “No name.”

“Don’t know him.”

“Just talismans.” Seeing Qiu Shuangshuang’s hopeful expression, she mercilessly adds, “All used up.”

Qiu Shuangshuang: “Waaah!”

The little swordsman she claims not to know sits on her lap, holding up the maple leaf and using its tip to gently scrape against her pale arm. Seraphine’s whole body shudders—she nearly flings Echo away on instinct.

What are you doing?!

Her ears flush with heat as she discretely reaches into her sleeve, snatching the leaf away to store in her storage ring. To others, she simply shifted her sitting position.

Seeing Qiu Shuangshuang’s pitiful tears, the pavilion master feels sorry for his daughter. An idea strikes him, and he exchanges a glance with his wife before lifting his teacup.

“In my centuries of cultivation, I’ve never encountered such sword intent. The wielder must be a young prodigy of this generation, though I don’t know why they’re hiding their identity. However, there might be a chance to meet this person.”

Seraphine raises an eyebrow. Not a person— an orb.

And definitely can’t meet anyone.

Qiu Shuangshuang, realizing Seraphine truly doesn’t want her as a disciple, refocuses on the secondary goal. Learning snowfall would still be pretty awesome! “Father! Tell! Quickly!”

The pavilion master surveys the room. Besides him and his wife, everyone present is young. He laughs heartily. “Have you heard of the Five Continent Competition?”

Five Continent Competition?

Seraphine tilts her head slightly.

Xue Bufan’s eyes brighten. “You mean the Five Continent Competition in which the Centra Continent Insight Academy Palace recruits disciples?”

“Exactly!” The pavilion master grins. “I have an old friend who teaches at Insight Academy Palace. He sent word that the academy’s headmaster laments how cultivation talent has declined since the Nine Heavens Sect war. Soul Transformationcultivators are rare, nothing like the glory days of a thousand years ago. To address this, he’s reopening the Five Continent Competition to select talented individuals for academy training!”

I open my files, taking meeting notes while putting a question mark next to “Insight Academy Palace.”

A school?

Like… a prestigious cultivation university?

A dark gleam flashes in Seraphine’s eyes as she speaks slowly, “Insight Academy Palace sits at the center of Central Continent. Several immortals ascended from there, leaving behind countless treasures and inheritances. People say that entering the academy opens the door to immortality. But the Insight Academy Palace rarely accepts disciples. The last time was……”

Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother smiles warmly at Seraphine. “Your mother was in the final class. She studied at Insight Academy Palace and fought alongside the current headmaster against the Nine Heavens Sect demons. Their bond runs deep. You’ll surely have a place in this competition.”

Seraphine lifts her chin with an arrogant expression. “Even without those connections, I would participate.”

Seeing her attitude, the pavilion masters smile kindly and stand. “Once the Five Continent Competition begins, disciples from all five continents will compete for spots. All the realm’s talent will gather—naturally, you’ll be able to meet whoever you’re looking for.”

“So hurry back with us for proper training. If you lose to someone else, you’ll probably cry and run away from home again.” Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother teases, tapping her daughter’s forehead.

Qiu Shuangshuang covers her forehead, muttering, “Who would lose…… wait, no!”

She looks up at Seraphine, declaring loudly, “I’m not becoming your disciple just for sword intent! I’m impressed by your demeanor! I want to be as cool as you, Palace Lord Velka!”

Even being rejected, she needs to express her admiration!

The “cool” Palace Lord Velka doesn’t look pleased at all. In fact, she seems distinctly uncomfortable and eager to prevent Echo from hearing such things, as if worried Echo might get strange ideas. She rises to escort the guests out.

“Lady Qiu, safe travels.”

Wei Yutong drags Qiu Shuangshuang away.

Seraphine turns to Xue Bufan.

As her “junior brother.” Xue Bufan looks hopefully at his “senior sister.” “Palace Lord Velka, I’ll head to Nanyang Continent first. See you at the Five Continent Competition.”

“Senior sister” says, “Get lost.”

Xue Bufan rolls away on the Autumn Water Pavilion’s ship, heading south.

Once both Autumn Water Pavilion ships disappear into the snow, I emerge from Seraphine’s sleeve and float to her shoulder with relief.

“At Chongshan Immortal Palace, Xue Bufan voluntarily revealed the presence of the Chongshan Immortal Venerable’s spiritual consciousness. But until now, that ‘Grandpa’ hasn’t shown any intention of meeting you.”

In my perception, the ‘Grandpa’ is an on-demand encyclopedia. I think he’s feeling guilty.

“Xue Bufan was nearly expelled from Lianshan Sect. Now that his spiritual roots are restored, instead of settling scores with his former sect, he’s traveling thousands of miles to Nanyang Continent. There’s something in Nanyang Continent they need.”

“With two Soul Transformation cultivators from Autumn Water Pavilion and Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother wielding the divine weapon Water Dragon’s Hymn, that spiritual consciousness probably won’t dare cause trouble. But if even those three can’t stop it from making waves, it’s beyond what I can handle right now.”

I address Seraphine directly. “If that ‘Grandpa’’s goal is possessing Xue Bufan, this villain won’t make his move until mid-to-late story. Seraphine, should we tell the Autumn Water Pavilion masters about its existence? We could join forces and strike first?”

Of course, there’s also a powerful system!

In my understanding, eliminating the story’s big boss early would end the plot prematurely, freeing Seraphine from the original story’s influence. She wouldn’t get dragged into more protagonist drama!

Then I could help her find a powerful cultivation partner, giving her success in both career and love. Perfect!

But Seraphine only cares about one thing: is this spiritual consciousness righteous or evil? If it’s truly just helping the so-called “chosen one” Xue Bufan cultivate, fine. But if it’s evil, as Luanyang Palace’s Lord, she absolutely won’t allow a second demon lord to emerge.

Though Seraphine appears arrogant and unrestrained, that doesn’t mean she’s not cautious. After a moment’s consideration, she tells Echo, “I thought about it after meeting the pavilion masters, but now I have a better idea.”

“Insight Academy Palace’s current headmaster is the strongest person under the heavenly dao. During the Five Continent Competition, he’ll naturally appear as headmaster. I’ll privately ask him to investigate, given my mother’s connection. He won’t ignore the request.”

I ask curiously, “How strong?”

Seraphine glances at the eager silver orb on her shoulder, her lips twitching as she says, “Very strong.”

So behave yourself!

I sit obediently on her shoulder, saying sweetly, “Oh!”

Seraphine nods with satisfaction, maintaining her arrogant demeanor from the earlier conversation. She waves her sleeve, dispelling the barrier and commanding coldly, “Set sail! Return to the palace!”

The attending disciples bow their heads in acknowledgment. The golden-red ship raises its phoenix banner and flies eastward.

In the lower cabin, Xue Mengtao sits in her cramped quarters, gazing out the window.

Snowflakes drift down, reflected in her eyes.

Several medicinal herbs sit on her bedside table. When she received them from Siyi, she felt none of the expected joy or excitement. Her heart was occupied by other thoughts.

A disciple knocks on her door. “Mengtao, we’ll reach Luanyang City soon. Better pack up. Oh, did Senior Siyi give you instructions earlier? Want me to come with you?”

Xue Mengtao responds through the door, “No need. I’ll go alone. You’re still injured—return to the palace and rest.”

“My injuries aren’t serious. How are you feeling? Can you get out of bed?”

“Yes, I’ll find you after I’m done.”

The disciple outside laughs. “Mengtao, hurry up and reach Foundation Establishment to join the inner sect! Then we can go on adventures together. Promise me!”

“Promise.”

After the person leaves, Xue Mengtao realizes she’s smiling. She touches her face in surprise, murmuring, “So my heart can hold things besides Young Master Xue.”

The outside world is so vast. She doesn’t need to limit herself to courtyard trivialities. She can cultivate freely and earn others’ amazement and envy. She’s grown accustomed to the contemptuous looks of noble young masters and ladies, accustomed to her status. When she followed Young Master Xue, people showed surface respect while inwardly viewing her as a worthless servant.

Her smile gradually fades as she stands, picking up her sword from the bedside table. After the ship lands, she walks out.

Luanyang City bustles as always. The palace’s returning ship draws street corner discussions, while White Water Sect disciples gather in inns, whispering about restoring their sect’s glory.

Since Palace Lord Velka’s announcement six months ago, the White Water Sect disciples have acted like they’ve already claimed great fortune from the Chongshan secret realm. Their pride is so obvious that even street ants know about their sect leader’s secret realm expedition.

Xue Mengtao steps over the inn’s threshold, showing her identification to the approaching server. “Luanyang Palace disciple on official business.”

The server’s expression changes instantly. He retreats behind the counter, crouching low as Xue Mengtao approaches the White Water Sect disciples and says simply, “Follow me.”

The sect disciples exchange glances. Someone recognizes her from previous visits to the palace gates. Since she’s from Luanyang Palace, their master must have returned!

Excited disciples immediately follow Xue Mengtao out. As the last person’s foot clears the threshold, they hear her calm voice: “Your master left something for you.”

The head disciple eagerly rubs his hands together, not even asking about their master’s whereabouts. “What is it? Some kind of treasure?”

He doesn’t bother lowering his voice, apparently wanting nearby people to hear about his master’s wonderful gifts from the secret realm.

Xue Mengtao faces the White Water Sect disciples, her expression serene as she tosses out a storage ring.

Bai Fenghui’s storage ring.

The head disciple’s eyes light up. Thinking only of displaying treasures, he channels spiritual energy. Several people watch as a corpse suddenly appears in the empty space before them.

The watching crowd recoils in horror.

“Ahhh!”

White Water Sect disciples scream, staring in terror at the too-familiar corpse—their sect master!

“M-Master?” The head disciple stammers in horror. “How did Master die? Palace Lord personally promised to protect his life! Everyone heard it! What happened?”

Onlookers’ shocked expressions turn to surprise. They remember Seraphine’s words from that day.

Facing their questions, Xue Mengtao calmly explains, “That day, the palace lord said she’d protect him within the secret realm. She kept her word. Sect Leader Bai died outside the secret realm. If you don’t believe me, ask any disciple who left the realm.”

The head disciple, still reeling from his master’s death, presses, “My master was at Golden Golden Golden Core stage! Who could kill him? Why would they kill him?”

Xue Mengtao’s gaze falls to the cold corpse on the icy ground. “I’ll say this once, so listen carefully.”

“White Water Sect Leader Bai Fenghui kidnapped a Luanyang Palace elder’s disciple in the Chongshan secret realm, attempting to coerce Palace Lord. When that failed, he tried using spirit beasts to kill the palace lord and steal her storage ring. Palace Lord killed him in self-defense.”

The White Water Sect disciples freeze. The surrounding crowd’s expressions shift to anger and fury as they glare at Bai Fenghui’s corpse.

Luanyang City exists because of Luanyang Palace. Most residents live under the palace’s protection. Trying to kill Seraphine means attacking their protector—how can they not be angry?

Someone immediately curses, “He deserved to die!”

Some White Water Sect disciples protest fearfully, “Impossible! How could our master do something so stupid that would offend Luanyang Palace? Even if he really did harm Palace Lord, we’re still in Luanyang City. He wouldn’t watch us get killed by angry palace disciples!”

Is there no possibility? Several White Water Sect disciples change color, and even the head disciple swallows hard, waving his hands in explanation. “This has nothing to do with us! We didn’t know! I didn’t know Master would do such a thing!”

Regardless of the crowd’s anger or the sect disciples’ explanations, Xue Mengtao continues calmly, “This matter is absolutely true and beyond dispute. From now on, Luanyang City is forbidden to White Water Sect disciples. Any White Water Sect disciple found within the city will be killed without question.”

The disciples before her go weak in the knees, many dropping to the ground with faces pale as death. They watch helplessly as she releases a message talisman, countless lights flying from her palm toward the city’s patrolling disciples.

“Cripple your cultivation and leave White Water Sect. I’ll let you leave Luanyang City alive.”

Her eyes, previously melancholic, now burn with cold resolve. “You have ten breaths to decide.”

“I quit! I’m quitting immediately! I wanted to leave White Water Sect ages ago!”

A disciple shouts frantically before she finishes speaking, stripping off his sect robes in front of everyone.

Xue Mengtao ignores the panicked disciple removing his clothes. From her storage ring, she takes out a Thunder Sound Grass and drops it on Bai Fenghui’s corpse. “This is what the palace lord promised you. I’ve delivered it.”

Luanyangx Palace’s Lord keeps her word. She said she’d kill him outside the gate, never spilling blood inside. The promised Thunder Sound Grass is delivered even though Sect Leader Bai might not know if he’s crossed the bridge to the afterlife. Seraphine still honors her agreement.

The head disciple kneeling in front sees the Thunder Sound Grass fall near his knees. His expression shifts.

Thunder Sound Grass—extremely valuable! This single stalk could sell for several hundred premium spirit stones. His throat works as he half-strips his disciple robes, gritting his teeth and grabbing the herb before launching skyward.

A servant girl with mere Qi Condensation cultivation chasing him? He’s worked so hard to cultivate. Once he escapes the city, he can trade the Thunder Sound Grass for spirit stones and find somewhere to—

His triumphant smile never fully forms. A sword light cuts across the sky, stopping his fleeing body. His corpse plummets from above. The pursuing patrol disciple lands, looking disdainfully at the body.

Who are you trying to fool?

The valuable Thunder Sound Grass also falls to the ground, its leaves spreading sadly. No one dares touch it.

In the deathly silence, a hunched old man rushes from the crowd, raggedly dressed with disheveled hair. He grabs the fallen herb and waves it mockingly at the stunned former White Water Sect disciples.

“He’s dead! Dead! Hahaha!”

This is actually the former White Water Sect elder—the one Seraphine previously stripped of cultivation after he persecuted Lianshan Sect disciples to steal compensation. The “instigator” of the whole mess.

Seeing him, Xue Mengtao pauses, her expression clearing with understanding. She slowly approaches, smiling. “I remember now. I was foolish before, not realizing you were still alive. Now we can settle accounts. Senior, I nearly died at the hands of disciples you sent. You still owe me a life and a spirit stone.”

Step by step, Xue Mengtao advances as the old man retreats, defensively clutching the Thunder Sound Grass like a weapon.

“Fine, I’ll accept the Thunder Sound Grass for the spirit stone. But you still owe me a life.” She smiles, taking the herb from the former elder before drawing her sword.

The patrolling disciple raises an eyebrow. “Private fighting is forbidden in Luanyang City.”

Want me to chase him outside the city?

Xue Mengtao considers. “He used to be a White Water Sect elder. Not sure if he still is.”

The former sect disciples shrewdly shout, “Yes! He’s our elder! He comes to our inn every day demanding money and food in his elder’s name. We can’t get rid of him!”

That settles it.

The patrol disciple gestures for her to proceed.

Xue Mengtao draws her sword. A third corpse appears on the street. She gently flicks blood from her blade, bows to the patrol disciple, and calmly walks away.

The crowds part respectfully, watching her departure with awe.

Once away from the crowds, Xue Mengtao’s rigid composure crumbles. She stumbles into an empty alley, covering her face as her body shakes.

She killed someone.

Her whole frame trembles as her earlier calm evaporates like smoke. Tears fall through her fingers as she laughs and cries simultaneously.

She killed someone.

Not forgiving isn’t that difficult after all.

She really is useless, constantly causing trouble for Elder Si, who has to shield her repeatedly. Her soft heart even fell for Bai Fenghui’s trick, implicating the Elder Si.

How could she be so stupid?

Xue Mengtao laughs through her tears, leaning against the wall and looking up at the azure sky. On the viewing platform, a familiar pink figure has been watching her—who knows for how long—and nods approvingly.

Xue Mengtao kneels, kowtowing silently to Siyi and mouthing “Master.”

She doesn’t want to be that quiet Xue Mengtao waiting in a small courtyard anymore, doesn’t want to be a worthless person anyone can manipulate and control from her tiny corner of the world. She wants to become stronger.

She wants more people to respect her, fear her, and not dare bully her.

She received Young Master Xue’s feelings and appreciates their past friendship. Without Xue Bufan, she wouldn’t have entered the cultivation path.

But this time, he was a step too late.

No—maybe he was many years too late.

Rising and wiping her tears, Xue Mengtao walks toward Luanyang Palace. Each step grows more determined, more confident.

Above in the clear sky, thunder clouds gradually gather.

“She’s about to break through.” Seraphine observes.

I press against the window, puzzled. “What happened to Xue Mengtao?”

“Ask Siyi.” Seraphine dismisses the question, busily arranging items on her table.

After entering the secret realm, Xue Mengtao stayed with Siyi throughout. She don’t know the specifics, and Seraphine can’t be bothered to ask. She originally planned to keep Xue Mengtao as bait for Xue Bufan, but the chess piece proved unnecessary. Anyway, those who should die are dead, those who shouldn’t aren’t, and the White Water Sect issue is resolved. What more is there to say?

But this creates problems for a system that wants detailed records. I mime scratching my head with my matchstick, then float over to the table and land on a small bed.

That’s right—after leaving Luanyang Palace’s ship, the secret realm’s battle-hardened Palace Lord Velka with her abundant harvest didn’t immediately enter seclusion or inventory her spoils. Instead, she went to the city and bought a set of wealthy children’s toys, now playing with them enthusiastically.

To me, this looks like the ancient version of a dollhouse that modern kids might play with.

“Look, a vanity table.” Seraphine taps a fingernail-sized miniature vanity. The mirror on top shines bright enough to reflect faces. She clicks her tongue in amazement. “Children nowadays have such interesting toys.”

“You never played with these?”

Seraphine arranges all the furniture in the “house” without looking up. “Never.” As a child, palace elders bought countless toys to amuse her, but she never looked at them, finding them childish. Later, everyone started giving her weapons instead, and the powder-soft little palace lord reluctantly played with those.

I can only see Seraphine’s profile, but under her long lashes, her eyes shine with childlike excitement, completely devoid of her usual palace lord dignity.

“Before age six, mother taught me reading and writing. We often sat on swings while she read me novels.” She looks up thoughtfully, smiling at me. “Mother also took me flying through mountains and cities, teaching me about the world. Unfortunately, I was too young to remember much.”

“What about after six?”

“At six, her lamp ran out of oil. She passed away.”

My bubble displays a sad, crying expression as I pat her comfortingly with my matchstick.

Seraphine chuckled, lifting the bed and setting both it and the little system ball standing atop it into the small house. Then she placed a porcelain doll beside the ball. Picking up the doll and nudging it against Echo, she smiled and said, “You’re always telling me to get married. Today, I’ll find you a bride instead. Let’s call her Coco. Go on, Echo—give your Coco a kiss.”

I push away the “porcelain” Coco with my matchstick, my black dots moving as I declare, “No Coco, no bride. Seraphine, I’ve discovered two things: first, Siyi is genuinely terrifying; second, this is really stupid.”

Despite Echo’s matchstick resistance, Seraphine successfully makes the porcelain doll “kiss” Echo’s surface. She bursts into laughter.

My bubble displays a sighing emoji.

Seraphine has gotten dumber.

After laughing enough, she tosses aside the porcelain toy and leans back on the couch, examining her faded nail polish lazily. “I’m entering seclusion when we return. Don’t know when you’ll see me again. Error is also going into seclusion. You’ll be the only orb left in Phoenix Roost Peak Palace. If you won’t play with the porcelain doll, who will you play with?”

“I can’t exactly call someone to keep you company—you’re a secret system, after all.”

“Echo doesn’t need company.”

Seraphine glances at Echo, her expression helpless. “Alright then.”

She takes the purchases and flies back to Luanyang Palace. Soon, light chimes sound from Phoenix Roost Peak, signaling the Palace Lord’s seclusion.

The bell echoes with the white cranes’ cries.

After the chimes fade, the entire peak falls unnaturally quiet.

I stare at the closed cultivation chamber door, spinning in a circle before landing among the toys Seraphine bought me. My matchstick taps them experimentally.

I fly to the jade bowl containing five orbs and bump against them.

I fly to the novel collection and flip through pages.

I fly out the window and land on the palace roof, finding my usual spot among the tiles and nestling into the snow.

A tiny white speck disappears into the vast, brilliant white expanse, painted orange-gold by the rising and setting sun, clothed in pale moonlight, bathed in endless starlight.

I open my clock and check the time.

Only three days since Seraphine entered seclusion.

I silently retrieves a small purple flower from my storage, placing it on my head.

I gaze toward the distant horizon.

It’s okay. I’ll see Seraphine again soon. I’ll wait a little longer.