The night sky was populated by stars and a bright moon.

Mentor Wen operated the flight sword, ferrying the three students back to Luojiang City.

The flight sword landed on the practice grounds of Luojiang Academy. The rune dissipated and the trio disembarked.

Mentor Wen removed his Flight Sword Examination pass from the sword guard and banished the flight sword. The flight sword returned into the space ring. He gave the trio a satisfactory smile.

"I'm proud of your performance in the Gathering of Swords. Fang Lang especially, you've surprised me. Don't get cocky and complacent. We're 21 days away from the Imperial Examination. You gave up your chance to enter the outer sect so best you prepare for the coming exam," Mentor Wen advised.

Under the moonlight, Fang Lang spoke in a steady voice, "I'm working hard."

The Blooming Lotus Sword was strapped to his back.

At the boy's confirmation, Mentor Wen nodded.

He did not doubt Fang Lang's words.

Fang Lang's Sword Draw Technique, Spirit Step and Dual Sword Technique were skills that required a lot of time and effort to master.

The hardship Fang Lang had to go through was unimaginable.

Due to his weak core, the boy had to work harder than others.

"I believe you'll achieve great things one day," Mentor Wen said with a smile. "Alright, go on home now."

Fang Lang, Liu Bubai and Jiang Linglong bowed. Mentor Wen gave them an easy smile before turning to leave. His silhouette disappeared into the night.

The trio left the academy.

Liu Bubai was the first to part ways with them. Jiang Linglong and Fang Lang continued their way down the main street.

It was a quiet and lonely night on the street.

The duo walked on without exchanging words. Moments later, the rhythmic sound of hooves on pavement was heard.

Zhao Wuji arrived with a decorated carriage.

He got down from the vehicle and made a respectful bow at Jiang Linglong. "My lady, the competition has ended. It is time for us to head back to Imperial City."

"I know," came the neutral reply.

Jiang Linglong turned to look at Fang Lang.

The night was dark but the moonlight spilled from the sky.

The stars in the young lady's eyes sparkled.

"I'll know when you come to Imperial City. I'll be waiting."

A bright smile crossed her face and her eyes crinkled into crescent moons.

Standing to one side, Zhao Wuji shivered.

'What What was that?'

He surreptitiously glanced between Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong.

The polite smile on his face twitched. There was a hint of fear in his eyes.

F*ck!

'Fang Lang! What did you do to the lady?

'It was only three days!

'How quick was the boy?'

Zhao Wuji had been careless.

The smile on his face turned ugly. Seeing the cheerful smile beneath Jiang Linglong's veil made his chest pound.

'My My lady, you have to maintain the aloofness of an iceberg!'

Jiang Linglong ignored the concerned Zhao Wuji. With a graceful leap, her slender body twisted into the carriage, green silk dancing in the air.

Zhao Wuji sat in the driver's seat and held the reins. He gave Fang Lang a complex look.

The lady had made her decision. There was nothing he could do.

He forgave the boy.

Zhao Wuji's eyes were drawn toward the sword box on Fang Lang's back.

The Blooming Lotus Sword.

Fang Lang managed to retrieve it when the lady had failed?

A confused expression crossed his face.

With this sword in his possession, Fang Lang and the lady would undoubtedly cross paths again.

'Kid, you have a long journey ahead of you. You made this choice. You will face many hardships and obstacles that are beyond your comprehension'

Old Zhao sighed.

'Hopefully, you won't give up easily. I look forward to the next time we meet.'

Zhao Wuji flicked the reins. The gallant horse whinnied and raised its hooves.

Fang Lang watched as light appeared beneath the hooves. Runes spun slowly on the ground, circling the horse.

Dong!

The horse trotted onto the light and the light scattered into a torrent of starlight. The wind picked up the carriage as the horse traveled the sky.

The blinds of the tiny carriage window fluttered.

The starry eyes of the young lady disappeared completely.

Under the night sky, Fang Lang stood in the middle of the lonely main street.

He stared at the departing horse carriage in the sky and let out a shaky breath.

From the start to end, Fang Lang did not catch a glimpse of the face underneath the veil.

The bright eyes were all he had to remember Old Jiang by.

"Unfortunately, with Old Jiang gone, I'll get less rewards."

Fang Lang sighed.

What a shame.

He tugged the straps of his sword box and turned to leave, green sleeves swaying with the motion.

He looked like an uninhibited free spirit.

A temporary separation for a better meet in the future.

Fang Lang believed the next time he saw Old Jiang, they would have many cultivation-related discussions. He would ensure they had meaningful interactions.

When Fang Lang reached the Fang Manor, the servants were already fast asleep.

His entrance startled the servant in charge of the night guard. The servant put on a robe and came to greet Fang Lang.

Fang Lang asked about Old Fang's whereabouts and the servant informed him the old man was still out dealing with the accounts.

Instead of heading to his room, Fang Lang left the Fang Manor in search of his father. He went to the market street owned by the Fang family.

He saw the candlelight flicker in the dark as he approached.

Fang Lang neared the building and peered into the window. He saw Old Fang squinting in the dim light of the oil lamp. The old man was using an abacus as he checked the account books.

The faint illumination was tough on the old man's eyes.

"Old Fang," Fang Lang called out as he approached with his newly-acquired sword on his back.

The noise startled Old Fang. He put down the ledger, looked up and saw Fang Lang. Happiness crossed the old man's face.

"Ah! The Fang family sword genius is back!"

Old Fang rushed out of the room in excitement.

Fang Lang raised an eyebrow. "Why're you doing the accounts at this hour? Can't you let the accountant do it tomorrow?"

Old Fang waved his hand. The light from the flame made his face red. "You've made your ancestors proud. Headmaster Cui informed me about your victory in the individual event. I must admit, I didn't believe it at first.

"I hear you didn't take up the Sword Guild's offer so I wanted to get you some spirit crystals in preparation for the Imperial Examination. Hence, I'm looking into the accounts to barter with the trading company under the Ministry of Finance. Two mid-grade spirit crystals should give you an edge. 21 days left until the exam!

"As you father, this is the best I can do to help you," Old Fang said with a sheepish smile.

Fang Lang felt a warmth in his chest.

His father's love was mighty as a mountain.

A father's sacrifice for his children was unspoken.

A mid-grade spirit crystal was slightly better than a low-grade spirit crystalit was easier to absorb but the difference was not huge. The going price did not match the quality of the goods.

Spirit crystals could not close the gap between the cores but Old Fang saw how hardworking Fang Lang was and decided he would get his son the mid-grade spirit crystals.

What was all the money Old Fang earned for?

Was it not to make sure his son got a better future?

"Come on. Let's go home. Are you hungry? Were you nervous for the competition? Come, I'll treat you to wontons."

Old Fang extinguished the oil lamp and kept the books. He put on his outerwear and shut the door.

He led his son to a wonton stall that was still open at the end of the street.

After enjoying some steaming wontons, they headed back to the Fang Manor. Old Fang gave Fang Lang a few words of encouragement before retiring for the night.

Fang Lang returned to his own room.

On the table, he found the two mid-sized spirit crystals that his father spent a fortune on within an embroidered box.

A low-grade spirit crystal cost 100 gold coins, a mid-grade spirit crystal was equivalent to 100 low-grade spirit crystals.

10,000 gold coins!

It was not a small sum.

The amount was a dent in the Fang family coffers and likely disrupted the money flow in the family business.

Fang Lang took a deep breath and put away the mid-grade spirit crystals.

"Two mid-grade spirit crystals have been deposited into the space ring."

The space ring notification chimed.

Fang Lang set the sword box down. He sat cross-legged on his bed and pulled out the remaining low-grade spirit crystals provided by the System. He switched into his binding partner's cultivation state and began cultivating.

Outside the room, Old Fang had lingered. He walked over to Fang Lang's room and peered into the window. He watched his diligent son train with the spirit crystals.

'No one knows how hardworking my son is.'

Old Fang did not know what to expect from the Imperial Examination. However, he was sure Fang Lang would not have any regrets. His son was giving it his all!

Old Fang had a wistful smile on his face.

He left the area on tiptoe, careful to stay silent for fear of disturbing his son's cultivation.