After leaving the Grey Ruins, Lin Fei and the others found the river widening, its current calming noticeably. By midday, villages began to reappear along the banks—white walls and dark-tiled roofs scattered like pearls, with smoke rising lazily into the sky. The oppressive tension from before faded, and everyone gradually relaxed.
Lin Fei and Li Chen stood at the bow, gazing curiously ahead. Before them stretched a vast lake region, where countless waterways intertwined. Where rivers poured in, the water appeared slightly murky.
Zhang the boatman adjusted the sails, a relaxed smile returning to his face."We've reached Mirror Lake. Once we cross it, Yunsheng City lies ahead. From here on, the waters are safe."
Lin Fei asked, intrigued, "Master Zhang, what is Yunsheng City like?"
Zhang chuckled. "It's a city built on water—houses stand right above it. There's also a sacred spring called the Spring of Eternal Youth. People who drink from it look far younger than their age. Those in their fifties or sixties appear in their thirties or forties, and those in their thirties look barely twenty. You'll hardly find any elderly people there."
"So incredible?" Li Chen widened his eyes.
Zhang nodded. "Absolutely. The first time I went there, I saw a woman in her thirties—graceful and charming. I tried to invite her for a drink… turned out she already had a grandson a few years old."
The group couldn't help but laugh.
After another half day, the lake water grew clearer, reflecting the blue sky and clouds like a mirror. Ahead lay a boundless expanse of lotus fields. Broad green leaves rose above the surface like open umbrellas, layered densely across the lake. Pink and white blossoms bloomed in abundance, and a gentle breeze carried their refreshing fragrance.
"So beautiful…" Lin Fei murmured, captivated.
Li Chen leaned closer, eyes wide. "I've never seen so many lotus flowers before."
Even the others were awestruck. The boat slowly entered the lotus expanse, weaving through the leaves. Meng Yao and Deng Qian couldn't resist reaching out to brush against the petals. Occasionally, white egrets burst from the foliage, flapping their wings toward the sky.
Soon, they spotted several small boats drifting among the lotus fields. Each carried young girls dressed in blue-and-white robes, harvesting lotus seeds.
"Judging by their attire, they're likely students from Yunze Academy," Elder Jiang said, stepping onto the deck.
Lin Fei nodded, scanning the boats—then suddenly froze.
On one of them, a girl stood lightly upon the water itself, picking lotus seeds. She looked about thirteen or fourteen, dressed in flowing blue-and-white robes. The hem of her skirt brushed the surface without wetting, as if untouched by the mortal world. Her long black hair was tied in a high ponytail with a white ribbon, swaying gently in the breeze—like a figure stepped out of a painting.
A breeze passed, stirring the lotus flowers. She lifted her head—and their eyes met.
Her gaze was clear as autumn water, her face delicate and luminous, her brows like distant mountains, lips lightly pressed. There was a cold, ethereal beauty to her.
Lin Fei stood stunned.
"Lin Fei?" Li Chen waved a hand in front of him. "What are you staring at?"
Lin Fei snapped back. "Nothing…" He looked again—the girl had lowered her head, continuing her work, as if that moment had never happened.
The boat moved on, and the girls disappeared from sight.
Zhao Wuji from the fourth year came over, grinning as he clapped Lin Fei's shoulder."Caught your eye, didn't they? Those girls from Yunze Academy?"
"No way." Lin Fei's face flushed.
"Your face says otherwise," Li Chen laughed.
Not long after leaving the lotus fields, the silhouette of a city finally appeared ahead.
Yunsheng City stretched across the lake like a low mountain range. Without permission, large merchant ships were not allowed to enter directly. They had to dock at Lingyan Ferry outside the city and transfer to smaller boats.
Lingyan Ferry was bustling—piers crisscrossing, ships packed tightly together, flags fluttering, and crowds moving in every direction.
They docked at one of the piers. After Elder Jiang reported their arrival, about half an hour later, officials from the Hall of Longevity came to receive them.
Leading them was a young man in white official robes, slender and refined. Behind him stood several young guards in white attire, swords at their waists.
He cupped his hands."I am Luo Qinghe, steward of the Hall of Longevity. By order of the Eighth Generation Adept of Yunmeng, I have come to welcome our honored guests."
Yang Jian stepped forward, presenting a document."Yang Jian of the Senluo Hall, escorting students from the Great Wood Academy under the orders of the Ninth Generation Adept. This is the state letter."
Luo Qinghe inspected it carefully, then nodded."You must be weary from your journey. Please follow me to the Hall of Longevity."
Several small boats approached. Sleek and elegant, they were carved with water motifs.
"Please board."
They transferred and entered the city through winding waterways.
Yunsheng City was built in concentric circles, canals wrapping around its center. Houses lined the waterways, bridges arching overhead one after another. Willow trees draped along the banks, their branches brushing the water.
"So beautiful," Li Chen said, looking around in awe.
Lin Fei was equally mesmerized. Compared to Senluo City, everything here felt more delicate, more refined—filled with the charm of a southern water town.
As they traveled inward, Luo Qinghe explained the districts—the outer markets bustling with trade, the residential zones beyond.
Lin Fei noticed something else: the people truly looked young. Women who appeared barely thirty walked beside teenage children. Elderly men at stalls looked vigorous and upright, their true age impossible to tell.
Finally, they passed the last stone bridge.
Before them rose a massive circular fortress—the Hall of Longevity. Built of gray stone, it radiated grandeur. At its base were eight stone fish mouths, each pouring clear water endlessly into the city.
"That is the Hall of Longevity," Luo Qinghe said.
They docked and entered.
Inside, the scale was even more impressive. Murals lined the walls, depicting ancient legends. A long corridor led toward the central hall.
At its end stood several figures.
At the front was a woman appearing in her early thirties, dressed in white. Her elegance and quiet authority betrayed a far greater age and status.
As Luo Qinghe announced their arrival, she stepped forward quickly—her eyes searching anxiously. When she saw Shen Jingnian, her expression froze.
Shen stepped forward and bowed deeply, voice trembling."Lan… it's been a long time."
She hurried forward, helping him up, her eyes moist."Brother Yun… you've finally come back."
Only then did everyone realize—this youthful woman was the Eighth Generation Adept of Yunmeng, Shen Lan… and Shen Jingnian's sister.
Shen Jingnian looked at her, sighing softly."The Spring of Eternal Youth is indeed miraculous. You look far younger than me."
"If you had stayed in Yunmeng, perhaps you would too," she replied gently, a trace of reproach in her voice.
He gave a wry smile. "Let's not revisit the past." He gestured behind him. "These are the students here for exchange."
Shen Lan's gaze softened."You've all traveled far. You must be tired."
The students bowed in unison."Greetings, Adept of Yunmeng."
She smiled and then introduced the head of Yunze Academy, Feng Heng—a graceful woman with a scholarly air.
Feng Heng inclined her head."I've long heard of the Great Wood Academy. During your stay, I will handle all arrangements."
"Much appreciated," Shen replied.
After brief introductions, Shen Lan looked at everyone with a warm smile.
"Since you've arrived at the Hall of Longevity," she said gently,"let me show you Yunmeng's sacred site—the Spring of Eternal Youth."