Li Hua turned to Mo Xing, her fingers still tracing the ancient carvings on the railing. "How long will it take to reach the boundary?"
Mo Xing's eyes narrowed slightly as he calculated the distance. "At least a day," he answered, watching the spiritual current patterns visible only to those with enhanced perception. "Or possibly before nightfall."
The sound of silk robes rustling against spirit wood announced a new presence. "Excuse me," a melodious voice interrupted. One of the senior disciples had approached, her calm demeanor suggesting years of trial and refinement.
Li Hua turned to meet the eyes of a woman she had never seen before. She acknowledged the stranger with a slight nod, maintaining the reserved demeanor she had perfected in her past life. The calculated distance—just enough to be polite without inviting further familiarity.
