Hand in hand with you, I walk alongside you through life.

After hearing this, Bai Ling burst into laughter, her whole body shaking with delight as she clutched her stomach, unable to straighten up for a long while. Xiaobai squeaked cheerfully from the side, as if mocking Zhao Liang as well.

However, Bai Ling was also quite surprised that Jiang Ran had seen through Zhao Liang’s invisibility technique.
“Are you sure no one saw you at the time?” Bai Ling asked.

“I’m sure—absolutely certain, in fact. When I walked past Jiang Xiaotao and Tian Xiaoqi, they didn’t react at all,” Zhao Liang answered with confidence.

“How strange, then. Could it be that your spiritual power was lacking and the spell suddenly failed?” Bai Ling frowned, puzzled.

“That’s possible, but I’ve already mastered the second level of the Spirit Gathering Technique, and at the time, I didn’t feel any lack of spiritual power,” Zhao Liang replied, not fully convinced by this explanation.

“When you practice your spells, it’s always at the mountain’s peak, where the spiritual energy is abundant. Once back in the village, the energy is much thinner—perhaps that’s the reason,” Bai Ling continued her analysis.

“Mmm, that does make sense,” Zhao Liang nodded thoughtfully.

“All right, let’s not waste any more energy pondering this. I’ve spent more than a month guiding your cultivation. At first, being a teacher was quite novel, but it’s grown dull. You must make it up to me—today, you’ll accompany me for a long, carefree day in the mountains,” Bai Ling said with playful reproach.

“Agreed! Let’s take a day off and wander around the mountains to see what fun we can find,” Zhao Liang, youthful at heart, was all for Bai Ling’s suggestion and clapped his hands in delight.

The two of them, along with Xiaobai the fox, meandered aimlessly down the mountain path, taking in the scenery as they went. They picked wildflowers, teased butterflies, laughing and joking, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

After more than half an hour of walking, a distant rumbling could be heard ahead.

“What place is that? What’s making such a racket?” Bai Ling turned to Zhao Liang.

“Hmm... Oh, I remember now! It should be a waterfall. I’ve been there a few times with Uncle Tian—the water is vast, with a deep pool below, and plenty of fish inside,” Zhao Liang replied, realization dawning on him.

“That’s wonderful! Let’s hurry and take a look,” Bai Ling exclaimed joyfully.

With that, the two of them and Xiaobai jogged downhill. Before long, the roar of the waterfall grew louder, echoing like thousands of galloping horses, like drums and thunder rolling together.

At last, they reached the foot of the mountain, where a waterfall, white as a silk ribbon, hung before them. Looking up, they saw water splashing everywhere, cascading down like a dragon descending from the heavens.

Standing at the base of the waterfall, Bai Ling couldn’t help but sigh, “How magnificent! It’s truly beautiful!”

They lingered there, admiring the splendid scene. The mountainside was lush and verdant, the woods thick with life. Looking down into the pool, the water was clear and shallow, the bottom visible, and several large fish swam leisurely about.

Standing by the water’s edge, they could smell the freshness of earth and the fragrance of the forest. Taking a deep breath, they felt completely at ease.

“Look—a rainbow!” Bai Ling cried out excitedly.

Sunlight refracted through the falling water, painting a brilliant arch of seven colors across the mist.

Zhao Liang followed Bai Ling’s gaze and couldn’t help but praise, “It’s beautiful! This is my first time seeing a rainbow above a waterfall!”

“Hey, Zhao Liang, I’m getting a bit hungry. How about you?”

“Now that you mention it, I am feeling a little hungry,” Zhao Liang replied, rubbing his stomach, which felt somewhat empty.

“Did we bring anything to eat? I left in such a rush this morning, I didn’t pack anything.”

Zhao Liang pointed to the fish swimming in the pool. “Well... Look over there!”

“What? The fish?” Bai Ling asked, puzzled.

“Exactly. I’ll treat you to some grilled fish.”

“Great! Let’s catch some, then,” Bai Ling clapped her hands in approval.

Zhao Liang broke off a sturdy branch from a nearby tree and carved it into a two-pronged spear, perfect for catching fish. He rolled up his trousers and stood at the water’s edge, waiting for the fish to approach.

Bai Ling sat smiling on a large rock by the pool, resting her chin in her hands and watching Zhao Liang eagerly.

This method of stillness before action was one Zhao Liang had perfected during his three months trapped in the valley. Standing motionless in the shallow water, he was as calm as a statue, steady as a rock.

When a large, red-and-white fish drifted within three feet of him, the wooden spear flashed out with a swift, clean motion—quick as lightning, sudden as a startled rabbit.

With a splash, the fish was lifted out of the water.

“Bravo, Zhao Liang! Well done!” Bai Ling applauded from the shore.

Zhao Liang, pleased with himself, brought the fish onto the bank, cleaned and gutted it, then skewered it on a stick.

Before long, a crackling campfire was burning. Zhao Liang set the fish over the flames, turning it slowly. Soon, a rich aroma wafted through the air.

“That smells wonderful,” Bai Ling said sincerely.

Xiaobai gave a few eager squeaks, its tongue lolling out in anticipation.

Zhao Liang divided the grilled fish between Bai Ling and Xiaobai, and the two humans and the fox ate with great relish.