Nanguo City, an ancient city built into the mountains, was ingeniously designed. The old district's buildings were perched near the mountain's summit, clinging to cliffs. Though the terrain was complex, the structures stood firm, connected by covered bridges—like a sky garden. The new district was built along the mid-mountain plateau, with modern, stylish architecture full of technological flair. The two districts—one old, one new—were tightly linked, yet oddly mismatched.
Due to year-round snowfall, the climate was extremely cold—snow, frost, or ice all year long. But locals were used to it. Inside the city, it was quite warm, thanks to the ever-flowing hot springs—the same water that had warmed A Jun earlier. The city had grown around these springs. As a result, soaking in hot springs became a local tradition, and the city even hosted an annual Hot Spring Festival.
The hot spring water of Xuanwu County was known as divine water. It not only provided warmth but also healed injuries and restored strength. That's why A Jun, though frail, recovered so quickly.
As for the Saintess of Xuanwu County, she usually lived in seclusion atop the mountain, in the central sanctuary of a prestigious academy. She rarely ventured out. Meeting her this time felt like a coincidence to A Jun.
The group walked along the city's winding roads, which still retained their ancient form. The elder told A Jun that the Saintess had returned home thanks to his arrival. Upon hearing from the White Tiger County chief that the children would be coming for training, the elder knew this day would be a reunion for grandfather and granddaughter.
The Saintess, guided by the sacred beast Xuan Serpent, had rushed over just in time to save A Jun from being skewered by the Birdfolk.
Of course, A Jun wanted to thank the girl, but couldn't find the right moment—because Xiao Xi had activated his exclusive chatter mode, constantly trying to strike up conversation with the Saintess.
Watching his younger brother, A Jun shook his head helplessly. The Saintess seemed a bit uncomfortable, clearly not used to such interaction. Thankfully, the clever cat ran over, interrupting Xiao Xi's chatter and engaging with the Saintess—creating a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Gradually, the girl's expression softened. She seemed to like small animals, gazing at the cat with gentle, joyful eyes.
A Jun genuinely felt Xiao Xi had been a bit too forward. Though he knew his brother was a bit scatterbrained, this was still somewhat disrespectful. So he pulled Xiao Xi aside and started talking about the new game they'd been discussing earlier… and it worked. The chubby boy immediately quieted down and began passionately sharing his thoughts with A Jun. The Saintess occasionally glanced back—perhaps sensing A Jun's thoughtful gesture.
The elder city lord also informed A Jun about the upcoming training. It was scheduled for noon the day after tomorrow. They could rest for a full day to prepare, as the challenge ahead would be much tougher—called "Heart Refinement."
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Nanguo City felt very different from A Jun's hometown—simple, quiet, and ancient. At dinnertime, the streets were nearly empty. Locals preferred eating at home and rarely dined out. A Jun occasionally passed a few pedestrians, but most were silent and not particularly warm—though they greeted him politely. Everyone was respectful and courteous, perhaps due to the cold weather.
One exception was the hot spring hotel—warm and inviting. That night, A Jun and the others stayed at a century-old, top-rated hot spring hotel—the largest in town.
Three people and one cat, one suite, two rooms. Yes, the Saintess stayed with them too—perhaps as host to her guests. Still, it was quite an honor.
Even A Jun and the cat were surprised. But considering the upcoming training, which would require the Saintess's help, getting familiar now wasn't a bad idea.
The hotel's architecture was unique—standalone cabins beside the hot springs, two stories tall. The first floor had a large living room and kitchen; the second had two bedrooms and a small lounge, all in a vintage style. A Jun and Xiao Jiuwuo liked it—it felt like home. The Saintess did too, though mostly because it was quiet.
As for Xiao Xi, besides continuing to bond with the girl, his main concern was food. After the earlier battle and no snacks, he was starving—now rummaging through the fridge.
The Saintess didn't have any culinary skills, but as host, she couldn't let guests cook. So she invited everyone to the hotel restaurant to try local dishes. This was perfect for Xiao Xi, who loved eating—especially new delicacies. He was like a child, thoroughly enjoying himself, while A Jun and the cat could only shake their heads. The girl, however, seemed amused by Xiao Xi's antics—her lips curled into a faint smile.
Still, she was used to solitude, so socializing felt unnatural. A Jun asked the cat to help ease her mood—but Xiao Jiuwuo wasn't too willing. She simply sat beside the Saintess, facing A Jun and meowing.
Now, the girl did seem more at ease. She gently patted the cat's head and gave a faint smile.
After dinner, the restless Xiao Xi couldn't wait to soak in the hot spring—but A Jun stopped him. "You just ate. You need to digest first." Xiao Xi had no choice but to stay by his brother's side, constantly asking about everyone's plans. The hotel didn't allow animals in the hot springs, so the cat couldn't join, even though she looked eager. A Jun hadn't planned to go anyway—his body didn't handle hot, humid environments well. As for the Saintess, she had no interest at all. Having grown up here, she was used to it—and she'd never liked hot springs. Her reasons were simple: too many people, open-air, too hot, and…
So in the end, Xiao Xi went alone—but he thoroughly enjoyed himself. He munched on fragrant hot spring buns, savored molten hot spring eggs, and sipped a cold drink—comfortable and relaxed. Of course, surprises were inevitable. Occasionally, his shouts echoed from the bath—unexpected guests had arrived: bathing, swimming, diving… all long-haired, tailed regulars.
That was also why the Saintess avoided the springs—primate-type beastfolk. They came to soak too, and were quite principled: males with males, females with females, never mixed. Very proper, very friendly. But Xiao Xi wasn't used to being surrounded by monkeys—he got bored and even had his food snatched.
Meanwhile, A Jun rested in the room for a while, then took the cat to the balcony to stargaze. The night sky here was beautiful. The two upstairs bedrooms had adjoining balconies—and the Saintess happened to be quietly standing on hers.
Seeing a new friend, someone who had helped him, A Jun couldn't help but greet her. But she seemed a bit unresponsive—perhaps startled, her thoughts interrupted. She glanced at him in surprise, then hurried back to her room. Only the cat meowed at A Jun, as if scolding him for being too abrupt. A Jun scratched his head in confusion and smiled awkwardly.
Soon, it was bedtime. So—where would Xiao Jiuwuo sleep tonight?
A Jun suggested she squeeze in with them, but as usual, the cat refused. She clung to the sofa in the small lounge, blocking herself with a cushion. What now?
They couldn't let her sleep on the sofa—A Jun worried she'd fall off, given her restless sleep. Should he and Xiao Xi sleep on the couch instead? Just as they were at a loss, the Saintess appeared again.
She'd been meditating in her room, not yet asleep, and came out after hearing the commotion. She gently picked up the cat and proposed they share a room.
Xiao Jiuwuo looked at A Jun, then at the girl, and reluctantly agreed. But A Jun still looked uneasy—not because he doubted the Saintess's care, but worried the cat might disturb her sleep. Would she sleep well?
Turns out, he was overthinking. The hotel had a constant-temperature, fresh-air, negative-ion system that adjusted for comfort. The floors were padded with shock-absorbing tiles—falling wouldn't hurt. So, that was settled. Everyone found their place and enjoyed a cozy night.
The next morning, Xiao Xi was up early—and dragged A Jun out of his warm bed. With thoughts of the girl and food filling his head, Xiao Xi had no desire to sleep in. Of course, he'd slept well, his sleeping posture unchanged—completely opposite to A Jun.
A Jun rose methodically, enduring the rush. Xiao Xi kept checking the door to the girls' room—but it was still closed. Apparently, they liked to sleep in.
Unable to wait, and too shy to knock, Xiao Xi ran downstairs alone to make breakfast. But to his surprise, the Saintess was already up—quietly preparing breakfast for everyone. She was good at it. After all, living alone in the sanctuary had made her quite skilled.
Xiao Xi widened his eyes. The breakfast was simple, but to him, it was precious—and surely delicious.
The Saintess saw him, nodded for him to eat, then returned to her room. No one knew if the cat was awake. Xiao Xi ate happily, smiling foolishly as he watched the girl's retreating figure, feeling reluctant. He'd hoped to share breakfast with her—but she'd already eaten, right after her morning exercise.
Her life was highly disciplined—same routine for decades. The Sacred Healer Clan would call it self-regulation. Xiao Xi thought she was a lot like his second brother.
A Jun, having completed his morning routine, headed downstairs—just in time to meet the Saintess at the stairs. They exchanged greetings, but the girl seemed a bit awkward. Just as A Jun wondered why, and the Saintess looked unsure, they heard the cat meowing from the room.
A Jun could tell—Xiao Jiuwuo didn't sound well. He followed the Saintess toward the room, but hesitated at the door, pacing for a while. Aside from Lan'er's room, he'd never entered a girl's bedroom. In his view, boys and girls should keep boundaries—especially sharing a room. He had few female friends.
Only when the Saintess gave him a nod did A Jun rush in. The cat was curled up on the bed, meowing louder upon seeing him. A Jun panicked, rushed over to check—but didn't know what to do. He sat at the bedside, comforting the distressed Xiao Jiuwuo.
The Saintess calmly took out a self-heating hot water pouch—temperature-adjusting, a Nangong family product. Wrapped in a handmade, clean cover, she gently placed it on the cat's belly. It seemed to help.
Soon, Xiao Xi, halfway through breakfast, ran upstairs after hearing the noise. The Saintess gave him a look, and he obediently went to brew brown sugar ginger jujube tea—he'd bragged about his cooking skills before.
Seeing the cat was okay, the chubby boy cheerfully went off to complete his task. A Jun, meanwhile, stayed by the cat's side, unable to help—just keeping her company.
The Saintess reassured him: "It's nothing serious. She'll be fine soon. Go eat—breakfast is ready." Her few words somehow eased A Jun's worry. But strangely, he didn't feel hungry. He stayed, because the cat still looked unwell, clutching his hand with her little paw.
A Jun asked the girl why the cat was so uncomfortable. He was worried. The Saintess gave a brief explanation—and A Jun understood. After all, Xiao Jiuwuo was a girl too. It was a normal reaction. But they'd planned to go out together today—now the cat couldn't join.
Once Xiao Xi carefully brought the tea, the Saintess helped the cat drink it, and A Jun soothed her to sleep. Then Xiao Xi proposed the day's plan—his beloved food was calling. A Jun didn't really want to go, but as Xiao Xi's wingman, how could he not?
So in the end, Xiao Xi took the reluctant A Jun out. The Saintess chose to stay behind and care for the cat in his place.
The hotel where the children stayed was located between the old and new districts. It gave off a sense of deep history—blending the technological flair of the new city with the traditional style of a thousand-year-old town. The atmosphere was rich and aged. People here dressed in a retro yet refined fashion.
During the day, the area was bustling. Food stalls and shops were all open—not exactly prosperous, but lively. Thanks to the Nangong clan's influence, the place was infused with high-tech elements. For example, the food stalls had no owners—they were fully automated. Everything was run by AI. You simply paid electronically, selected your meal, and could enjoy it almost instantly. The robot-prepared dishes were nearly at Michelin-star level.
Xiao Xi dragged his distracted brother around, hopping from one spot to another, eating this, buying that, clearly enjoying himself—his worries seemingly forgotten. But when they passed a particularly striking bridge, they were stunned by the view.
Across the bridge, in the distance, was another town—but it looked completely different: skyscrapers, traffic, neon lights—a stark contrast to their current surroundings. Yet it was separated by just one bridge, albeit a long one. Between the two towns flowed a wide river, likely connected to the waterfall they'd seen outside the mountains.
On the other side of the bridge was the new district of Nanguo's main city. Xiao Xi pulled A Jun onto the bridge, hoping to explore and find more surprises. But halfway across, they were stopped by guards. Turns out, although the towns were physically connected, free passage wasn't allowed—you needed a permit.
Disappointed, the brothers turned back and strolled through the riverside park to calm down. The scenery was pleasant, but Xiao Xi still longed for the unexplored delicacies. A Jun, however, had other concerns.
Just as they were about to leave, they noticed a middle-aged woman near the river railing—elegant, well-dressed, with a refined aura—gazing across the river with eyes full of emotion and sorrow.
The riverside parks on both sides appeared to be part of a unified design, though far apart. Across the river, another middle-aged man stood at the railing, looking back at her. Suddenly, the woman rushed toward the center of the bridge—but was stopped. Unlike Xiao Xi, the guards treated her with respect and reverence, patiently persuading her.
Meanwhile, the man across the river also ran onto the bridge, waving for her to go home. Their eyes met with deep affection and reluctance. After a while, the woman seemed to falter—perhaps due to poor health and the cold, windy bridge. She slowly returned.
A Jun was moved, sensing something deeper. The woman passed by the riverside again, walking slowly, clearly unwilling to leave.
Xiao Xi, ever the warm-hearted one, ran up to greet her, kindly warning that the bridge was off-limits—they'd just learned that the hard way.
The woman slowly responded, composed herself, and smiled faintly, thanking the boys for their concern. Of course, she already knew. From her attire, A Jun could tell she wasn't quite local. She gently thanked Xiao Xi and walked away.
By lunchtime, Xiao Xi had recovered and wanted to try more local dishes—but A Jun stopped him. He was too worried about the cat and their lunch. As a good brother, Xiao Xi followed A Jun back to the hotel, reassuring him that the Saintess's cooking was excellent—breakfast had been delicious!
A Jun hadn't known—he'd skipped breakfast, only nibbling on some of his sister's special snacks.
Back at the hotel, A Jun went straight to the girls' room to check on Xiao Jiuwuo. The cat was still asleep. The Saintess told him she was much better—they'd even had lunch together earlier.
Relieved, A Jun peeked in but didn't enter, then hurried off to find Xiao Xi for lunch—his stomach was finally growling, and he felt a bit off.
Much later, the cat finally woke up in the evening, regaining some strength. The Saintess, unable to refuse her, brought her to A Jun. They all sat on the living room sofa. Xiao Xi played games happily, while A Jun examined the cat from every angle, worried about lingering effects—he had a responsibility to be careful.
Fortunately, the cat responded well. A Jun felt the weight in his heart lighten. Xiao Xi glanced over, then tried to invite the Saintess to play—but she wasn't interested. She simply watched A Jun and the cat quietly.
Soon, it was bedtime—at least for someone like A Jun, who valued wellness. The Saintess seemed to share his rhythm, her schedule just as disciplined.
Xiao Xi kept gaming, while the cat watched with interest. Finally, the Saintess spoke—briefly discussing tomorrow's training. It wasn't so much a conversation as a concise reminder of key points, especially the difficulty. Even Xiao Xi, listening intently, grew nervous—worried for his brother.
A Jun began to understand: "Heart Refinement" meant training the mind and spirit. It involved difficult trials—not just meditation or memorizing mantras. The Saintess warned him: the challenge was dangerous. It attacked the heart. If one lost control, the consequences could be severe. Without a strong mind, it was nearly impossible. She told him he could still opt out.
But A Jun was resolute. He had reasons and courage. Calmly and logically, he expressed his determination. The Saintess was surprised—such a frail boy, yet so firm, clear-headed, and mentally strong. Why risk it?
She looked away, hesitated, then faced them with a drifting gaze. She told A Jun she would join the training to protect him—by the sacred beast's command.
At that moment, A Jun felt the girl before him, though of high status, was kind and approachable. Despite her cold exterior, her heart was warm.
Xiao Xi, hearing that the Saintess would help A Jun, eagerly asked to join too—wanting to protect his brother, and spend more time with the girl.
But the Saintess declined with silence. This wasn't a game, nor was more better.
The cat meowed, wanting the same. A Jun and the Saintess gently reminded her it wasn't allowed. A Jun imagined the challenge would be intense—he didn't want Xiao Jiuwuo to risk it.
The cat sulked, curled into A Jun's cap, and stayed silent until bedtime.