The crisp mountain air felt lighter after the cave's earthy stillness as Fang Yuan and Felicia walked the winding path back towards the clan's central compound.
Felicia, ever the quiet shadow at his side, surprised him.
Her voice—calm, low, and edged with thoughtful curiosity—broke the gentle rhythm of their footsteps.
"Clan Head," she said, eyes forward, tone even, "regarding the wells you create… will they endure? Or will their power fade over time?"
Fang Yuan glanced at her, a flicker of approval passing through his gaze. It was a sharp question—measured, observant. Just like her.
He answered without missing a step, his tone as casual as if he'd long since calculated every detail.
"They'll hold for about a month if left untouched, natural dissipation will eventually set in. But if a cultivator actually uses the cave, draws from the well directly… a week. Maybe a little more, depending on their core strength and absorption rate."
