The morning after the grand celebration dawned clear and bright over the Kingdom of Liang Yin. The palace grounds, still adorned with remnants of last night's festivities, were now quiet as the guests had begun their departure. Chen Ning, now fully aware that his time in the palace was coming to an end, prepared to return to the Wutai Sect with General Liu.
Chen Ning's feelings about leaving were mixed. While he was eager to return to his responsibilities at the sect, he also felt a tinge of regret about leaving the vibrant world of the palace behind. The time spent in the capital had been both enlightening and emotionally challenging, and he knew that he would miss the camaraderie he had developed with those around him.
In the early hours of the day, Chen Ning met General Liu in the palace courtyard. Liu was already in his traveling attire, his expression a mix of readiness and contemplation. He greeted Chen Ning with a nod as he approached.
"Chen Ming," Liu said, his voice steady. "It's time to head back to the sect."
Chen Ning nodded, his expression reflective. "Yes, General Liu. I'm ready."
The two of them, accompanied by a small entourage of guards and aides, made their way out of the palace and toward the awaiting carriage. Chen Ning and General Liu stood by their carriage, ready to return to the Wutai Sect. The farewell was bittersweet, filled with the anticipation of returning to their duties and the pang of leaving behind the world they had briefly become a part of.
Prince Cheng and Prince Feng had come to see them off, their expressions reflecting a mix of formality and genuine emotion. The princes stood together, flanked by a small retinue, their presence lending a final touch of grandeur to the departure.
Prince Cheng, in his usual grandiose manner, approached Chen Ning and General Liu with an air of both authority and reluctance. "General Liu, Chen Ming," he began, his tone a blend of royal dignity and personal warmth, "I trust your journey back will be smooth and uneventful. It has been a pleasure having you here."
Chen Ning gave a respectful nod, his expression earnest. "Thank you, Prince Cheng. Your hospitality has been greatly appreciated. I look forward to our paths crossing again in the future."
General Liu, always the professional, added with a hint of genuine respect, "Prince Cheng, thank you for your graciousness. It has been an honor to serve during your time of need."
Prince Feng, who had been standing slightly apart, stepped forward with a more casual demeanor. He glanced at Chen Ning with an expression that was a mixture of amusement and something else—a hint of an unspoken challenge. "So, Chen Ming," he said, his voice carrying a playful edge, "I suppose this means you'll be back to your usual self at the sect. Don't get too used to luxury, alright?"
Chen Ning raised an eyebrow at Feng's remark but couldn't suppress a faint smile. "I'll do my best to adapt, Prince Feng. Thank you for your... unique brand of hospitality."
Feng smirked, his gaze lingering on Chen Ning a moment longer than necessary. "Just make sure you don't get too comfortable in that place of yours. And if you ever need a change of scenery, you know where to find me."
Prince Cheng, sensing the undercurrent in his brother's words, interjected with a more formal tone. "Prince Feng, let's not delay our guests any longer. They have a long journey ahead."
With a final nod and a respectful bow, Chen Ning and General Liu prepared to board the carriage. Feng watched them with a contemplative expression, his thoughts hidden behind a mask of casual indifference.
As the carriage door closed, Chen Ning caught a glimpse of Feng's enigmatic gaze through the window. The prince's eyes seemed to hold a promise of future encounters, though their exact nature remained unclear.