A week had passed in the blink of an eye.
Lin Xiao and Shui Bing'er had finally reached the point where they could more or less control their Spirit Fusion Technique, adjusting its power and releasing it with a degree of finesse.
More than half of their break had gone by.
Now, Lin Xiao's only remaining goal in Tianshui City was to work with Shui Bing'er on developing Ice Explosion.
But that was no easy task.
Lin Xiao had tried having Shui Bing'er replicate the soul power structure from his Flame Explosion technique to construct Ice Explosion, but it failed completely. Even with some adjustments, they couldn't find the breakthrough.
Days slipped by one after another.
With the vacation nearing its end, it seemed unlikely they would complete Ice Explosion before parting. Unless they could find a similar soul bone technique as a reference—or innovate a new soul skill entirely and improve it from there—creating it from scratch was just too difficult.
So, Lin Xiao decided to stop pushing and spend the rest of the time simply enjoying life with Shui Bing'er—exploring Tianshui City, relaxing together.
He pushed open the window.
A cold wind swept in, carrying snowflakes into the room. But Lin Xiao didn't feel chilled—instead, the brisk air left him clear-headed and refreshed. The snow, somehow, even smelled sweet.
After washing up, he stepped outside just in time to bump into Shui Bing'er, already dressed neatly.
"Morning, Bing'er," Lin Xiao greeted her with a smile.
Then, he took a stance—ready to begin his daily Eight Pieces of Brocade routine.
Shui Bing'er mimicked him, joining him in practice.
The Eight Pieces of Brocade strengthened the body, improved soul power circulation, and enhanced physical condition. Lin Xiao had taught her both the moves and the incantations, urging her to practice diligently.
At some point, Shui Yue'er appeared and sat on a distant swing, gently swaying as she watched Lin Xiao and her sister move through their exercises.
"Bing'er," Lin Xiao called casually, "Why not ask your little sister to come over?"
"Yue'er~"
Shui Bing'er waved her over from afar.
"Yue'er, come here! Big Brother Lin Xiao's calling you."
Yue'er flushed slightly and hesitated. Her expression looked a bit shy. She hopped off the swing and jogged over—but halfway, suddenly realizing she looked too eager, she slowed to a more composed walk.
Lin Xiao chuckled.
"Bing'er, your sister's pretty cute."
"She's always been adorable," Bing'er replied with a grin.
Yue'er blushed deeply, clearly embarrassed.
Although she was naturally lively, she always became shy around Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao stopped his exercises and smiled gently.
"Yue'er, want to come out with us later?"
The new semester was about to start for Shui Bing'er.
Lin Xiao planned to spend these last few days with her before returning to Heaven Dou.
He had already received a letter from Ye Qingxian, urging him to return. Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling had even scribbled a note inside—scolding him for forgetting his friends, saying he must be trying to "seduce little girls."
If he didn't head back soon…
Lin Xiao half-feared someone from Heaven Dou would come drag him home.
After all, Heaven Dou City and Tianshui weren't that far apart. With soul beast-blooded carriages and traveling nonstop through the night, it would take only two days.
Yue'er bit her lip and didn't say anything. She just nodded.
Lin Xiao smiled.
"I've heard your voice—it's really lovely. You're cheerful and sweet too. Why so shy around me? I'm Bing'er's friend, not a scary person."
Some children were naturally shy, especially around strangers.
As long as you showed kindness, they would open up with time.
Shui Yue'er gathered her courage and asked in a soft, crisp voice:
"Big Brother Lin Xiao… are you leaving soon?"
Lin Xiao froze for a moment.
He hadn't said anything yet. He was planning to mention it today.
How did Yue'er figure it out already?
Shui Bing'er's expression dimmed slightly, though it quickly vanished from her face.
"Yue'er, why do you say that?"
"Because school is starting," Yue'er said plainly. "And Big Brother Lin Xiao came here just for the vacation. So of course, he'll be leaving soon."
Lin Xiao patted her head.
"Yue'er, you're really smart."
"I am going back soon."
"But remember—every goodbye is just preparing for the next hello."
Worried she might not understand, he explained gently:
"It's like the changing seasons. Winter prepares the world for spring. The snow kills off harmful things in the soil and nurtures it too. When spring comes, everything flourishes."
His words were directed at Yue'er.
But they were meant for Shui Bing'er.
Then Lin Xiao stood up. "Have you both eaten breakfast? Go get cleaned up—we're going out to explore."
After practicing their forms, Lin Xiao had circulated soul power through his body along specific paths several times. Though it looked like slow, elderly calisthenics, the routine burned a surprising amount of energy—he was soaked in sweat.
After bathing—
Accompanied by Granny Shuiyue and Uncle Li—
The three of them set out.
Tianshui City, nestled between mountains and lakes, had the elegant charm of Jiangnan in his past life. Its color palette, though, was all icy blues and snowy whites—giving it the feel of a picturesque Nordic town. Altogether, it was serene and beautiful.
A red-haired boy walked between two long-haired girls dressed in sky blue.
They looked perfectly matched, drawing curious glances wherever they passed.
They strolled through the snack street.
Most vendors sold sweets—perhaps due to the city's culinary culture.
The most eye-catching, by far, were the sugar skewers: glossy, colorful sticks of candied fruit—strawberries, oranges, hawthorn… sparkling in the sunlight, utterly tempting.
Did Bing'er and Yue'er want any?
Lin Xiao wasn't sure.
But he definitely did.
There was nothing like eating sugar skewers on a snowy day.
"Big Brother Lin Xiao—wait for me!"
Shui Bing'er suddenly called out, then dashed ahead to the candied fruit stand. She returned moments later with five sticks of strawberry skewers.
"Here, Big Brother Lin Xiao!"
She handed him one with a sweet smile.
Then she gave three more to Yue'er and the others.
Lin Xiao accepted his and blinked, surprised.
How did Bing'er know I wanted this? Even the flavor is exactly what I like.
Seeing his confused expression, Shui Bing'er giggled.
"I saw you staring at that stall a bunch of times. And your eyes stayed longest on the strawberry skewers!"
She really is observant…
Lin Xiao smiled to himself, feeling warmth rise in his chest.
Spending time with Shui Bing'er was always easy and comfortable.
She wasn't a spoiled little princess or a proud noble girl—just a kind, well-mannered, soft-spoken young lady who paid attention to his feelings. She was genuine… and very, very sweet.
Lin Xiao hoped she would always stay this innocent.
But at the same time—he hoped she would grow strong enough to protect herself.
"Ice Explosion…" he muttered, "still needs more work."
The strawberry skewers were delicious.
Sweeter and more gentle than the tangy hawthorn kind.
Simple. Pure.
Just like Bing'er.