After a moment of silence, Zhou Fei responded coolly, "Indeed? I thought that 'Twenty-Four Bridges' was one of our hidden bases."
Exyún, unperturbed by the revelation, smiled and said, "Tsk. There used to be someone who didn't know how to enter his own door but told thirty-two stories from Sichuan—twelve were genuine, twenty-eight were fabricated..."
Before he finished speaking, Exyún darted through the crowd like a gust of wind. He moved so fluidly that it seemed he had merged with the breeze, leaving behind only the puzzled gaze of a small dog. Zhou Fei, although not as agile as him, followed without much effort.
Exyún landed next to a riverside tavern and stood on the bridge's edge. Fog swirled around him, and he picked up a stone from the ground, accurately tossing it into a window pane. He then waved at Zhou Fei, leaping onto a nearby osmanthus tree with skillful ease, spreading its fragrance widely. Exyún floated down to the third floor roof where an "elegant room" awaited, complete with furniture but lacking a ladder. With his lightness skills slightly falling short, it was not easy for him to reach the top.
Exyún turned to Zhou Fei and said, "Climb up, be careful..."
Before he finished, Zhou Fei landed gracefully behind him. "What are you afraid of?"
"Nothing," Exyún paused before finishing his sentence, softly saying, "Master Chen once said you're incredibly fast. Even Master Lin feared you. I initially thought it was flattery, but now I'm afraid too."
Above them, the roof door creaked open as a large food tray emerged from beneath the table, followed by a small pot of wine.
Exyún brought the dishes and wine to the table, saying, "This is Jinling's best tavern. Here you are."
Zhou Fei didn't move, her expression growing fainter. "I found Zimen's forbidden grounds, saw remnants from Priest Lü, and by chance discovered the key of life-and-death qi. But..."
A wine cup suddenly flew over, interrupting Zhou Fei. She caught it instinctively without spilling a drop. The cool wine scent hit her face.
"Good times," Exyún said in a low voice, "are these gloomy topics making you seek punishment?"
Zhou Fei raised her puzzled gaze to meet his. He suddenly clutched his heart and sighed, "What a life of regrets! Regret for the fragrant osmanthus, short nights, withered peonies, and wine that failed to intoxicate me for three years. Here's my beloved beauty in front of me—unable to marry her, tsk, what joy can there be?"
Zhou Fei: "..."
Exyún turned back to her, winking, "If the beauty could kiss me, I would rest in peace."
Zhou Fei: "Are you thinking about rolling off this roof now?"
Exyún laughed loudly, "Head down? No, that wouldn't be elegant."
As he spoke, he pulled Zhou Fei onto the seat, stretching his long legs on the wooden beams of the roof. In the distance, a boat with music began to sail, its sound faintly echoing in the water. He narrowed his eyes and noticed frost forming on the rim of his cup. After some time, he said, "That was just a jest; if it took three years to see you, I can rule over the afterlife."
A glimmer flashed in Zhou Fei's eyes before she scoffed, "Don't flatter yourself. Would you have lived another three years without me?"
Exyún: "Without me, you wouldn't have faced martial prowess, wouldn't have traveled to Zimen's dangerous grounds..."
Zhou Fei responded seriously, "Right, no need to attempt the world-destroying skill of stepping on the Big Dipper."
Exyún was momentarily speechless before exclaiming in surprise, "By heaven, you're so shameless! You've got my youthful charm!"
Zhou Fei laughed silently.
Suddenly, a small burst of fireworks appeared on the water, suddenly illuminating it. Exyún was startled and turned his head slightly, only to feel a faint, almost girlishly sweet scent approach his lips as if brushed by a feather.
Exyún's breath paused, leaving him stunned.