A few days before the trip to Kiachi, a friendly conversation took place between Chen Zoe, Rui and Xi Shen. Unexpectedly, the talk of upcoming Lantern festival that occurring at Kiachi next week became a topic between them.
Rui who often goes to the festival, excitedly begin to talk about it. "Senior, how about we make a trip to Kiachi this time? You always want to go there; it would be fun if we all go together." Rui make a suggestion.
Chen Zoe was really excited about the idea. He had heard wonderful stories about the festival from Rui before and wanted to experience it for himself. "That sounds amazing, I'm in!"
However, Xi Shen doesn't show much interest. Calculating the trip expense and the works he had to complete, Xi Shen refuse to go in a polite way. "I appreciate the invitation, but I have so much work to finish. I can't go this time."
"When are you free anyway? Every time, you had some excuses…" In an upset tone, Rui continued. "It's okay, be here alone and complete your work. Anyway, it's a good thing as well, we don't have to hear your nagging all day."
"Rui…" Chen Zoe angrily called his name to stop his misbehaviour.
To change the mood, Zoe talks about the fun things he wants to do at the festival and eventually it picks Rui's interest and he quickly engaged in the conversation.
But the next day, when they were to apply for few days leave, something unexpected happened. Rui got a message from his father, that he went on a trip and Rui had to look after the clinic until he returns.
"I'm really sorry, senior. I can't go to the festival with you." Disappointedly, Rui said.
Chen Zoe was a little disappointed because he was looking forward to going with Rui, but he can't do anything about the situation. "I understand. We can go another time. Let's cancel the trip, what good came from going alone?"
"What!!! No,no… You have to go; I know, how excited you are about to attend the festival. If you missed the chance, then you have to wait until next year. Don't miss such chance." Rui tried to compel Zoe to go there.
Encouraged by Rui, Chen Zoe sat down at his desk with a determined expression, ready to write a formal request for leave to attend the Kiachi Lantern Festival. He carefully penned down the letter, explaining his intentions and emphasizing the importance of the event.
Once he finished writing, he folded the letter neatly, sealed it with an official seal, and handed it to a junior disciple, asking him to deliver it to the elders.
A day passed, and Chen Zoe anxiously waited for a response. He couldn't contain his excitement, picturing himself at the festival among colorful lanterns and delicious street food.
Finally, the junior disciple returned with a message. Chen Zoe eagerly opened it, expecting to see an approval for his leave. To his surprise and dismay, the message was clear: his request had been rejected.
Chen Zoe blinked in disbelief at the rejection letter. It seemed that the elders were not swayed by his heartfelt plea to attend the festival.
He couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Rejected? Really? They could've at least considered it," he mumbled to himself, shaking his head.
Determined not to let this setback ruin his plans, Chen Zoe decided to come up with an alternative solution, one that wouldn't involve the elders' approval but would still allow him to attend the festival.
"Without taking any risk, what thrill in living a life! I am with you senior. I will take care of this matter without anyone knowing." Hearing Zoe's plan, Rui excitedly speaks.
The next day, Chen Zoe declared to everyone that he going on an isolated training for days and Rui be the only one that accessed to help him from outside. Even he provides two weeks leave for his disciple Long Yuzhen.
Behind the closed doors, Chen Zoe began to put his plan into action. At night, he dug a small hole on the wall and come out of the place at night.
Once he was safely outside, he carefully replaced the bricks, making sure they appeared undisturbed from the outside. To further divert any suspicions, he places some potted plants with the help of Rui to effectively concealed the hole.
They moved to a secure place and Zoe asked Rui to give him the things he requested before. Rui hand over the maid costume, he secretly carried. Using the magical ring, Chen Zoe disguises his appearance back to Ziya and wear the maid clothes, then follow Rui to his residence as Rui's maid.
"Here is the ticket of your freedom." Hand overing the clinic pass to enter and leave the sect, Rui continued. "Senior anyway, you are leaving to Kiachi how about getting me some medical plants in return." He put forward a request.
"Write down the names on a paper, I will buy it for you." Thinking it to be two three plants, Zoe spoke. But later seeing the list, he continued. "Isn't it a way too long?" The paper doesn't have an end.
The next morning, Zoe was prepared to leave the sect, and as he about to come out from the clinic, he encounters Long Yuzhen.
"Are you going somewhere?" Seeing the luggage bag on her hand, Yuzhen curiously asks.
"I got some work to do outside the sect, so going there." Ziya replied.
"Where?"
"Kiachi…"
"You might have to travel few days to reach there. Are you going alone?" Yuzhen concernedly inquires.
"Yeah!" Hearing it, a smile quickly appears on Yuzhen's face.
Not wasting much time with Yuzhen, Ziya walk away. Cheeringly she went outside the sect and startled by seeing Yuzhen again while he carrying a bag.
"What are you doing here?" Cluelessly Ziya asks.
"Well, I got a vacation recently and I was planning to t-take a tour to Kiachi.
When both of our destination is same, I thought it's good to wait for you here…" Yuzhen spoke while making up an excuse.
All happiness washed over from her face just by hearing his words.
"Are you both, going to Kiachi…" Hearing their conversation unintentionally, a female voice appears from behind.
Hearing a familiar voice, Zoe turns back. 'Ling! What is she doing here?'
"I'm also on my way to Kiachi, to attend the festival as you guys. Shall we all go together?" With an expecting face, Chen Ling asks.
Chen Zoe's trip to Kiachi, officially begin with Long Yuzhen and Chen Ling.