Emerging from the house, Bai Yunxi felt a profound sense of relief as the warm rays of the sun kissed her skin.
The sight of the familiar village was a balm to her soul—a stark contrast to the cold, lifeless abyss she had just endured.
As they made their way to her mother's house, the village came alive with whispers and congratulatory greetings.
The villagers, having noticed the couple's extended absence, speculated about the reasons for their retreat. Their imaginations flourished with tales of fervent romance and marital bliss.
Bai Yunxi couldn't suppress a smile as she walked through the village, the whispers of the villagers trailing her like a gentle breeze.
She felt a deep sense of contentment seeing familiar faces again—a reminder of the life she had returned to.
When she entered the courtyard, her mother was seated in a chair, enjoying a cup of tea with a warm smile.
Her hair was neatly pulled into a bun, and she wore a simple yet elegant blue dress. At the sight of her daughter, her eyes widened in disbelief.
Bai Yunxi looked different—more beautiful, exuding a mysterious aura. She appeared slightly younger, but the most striking change was in her eyes.
Once dark, they now shimmered with a captivating shade of emerald green. It was as if nature itself had infused her gaze.
"Both of you, welcome home," her mother called softly, her voice brimming with joy and concern.
She glanced at Su Kang briefly, then back at her daughter. She already suspected who was behind this change.
Rising gracefully, she greeted them, her movements fluid thanks to her new artificial leg and the rejuvenating effects of the longevity pill.
"Come, sit down," Madam An said, gesturing to the chairs. Her gaze lingered on Bai Yunxi's face. "You've… changed so much in just one day."
Bai Yunxi offered a soft smile as she sat beside her. "It's because of the spiritual pill. It helped refine my body."
Madam An nodded slowly, though surprise still lingered in her eyes. "I thought so… but still. You look different. Younger. And those eyes…"
She leaned in, studying them with a mix of wonder and unease. "They look like… polished jade. Are you sure you're still my daughter?"
"They changed during the transformation. Even I was startled when I saw them. Honestly, I still feel a little strange about it." Bai Yunxi sighed.
"Even my mother-in-law said they're beautiful, yet you're still doubting yourself?" Su Kang interjected with a chuckle. "Yunxi, they suit you perfectly."
Madam An looked between the two, then smiled gently. "Hah. I don't know why you're so unsure, girl. You've always been beautiful—but now... now you look like someone who stepped out of a painting."
Madam An had never seen any people with coloured eyes, she knew her daughter's eyes were unusual but they were beautiful.
As they continued talking, Madam An noticed more than physical changes—there was a shift in her daughter's presence.
Of course, she wanted her daughter to be happy—but she couldn't help but feel some unease. Bai Yunxi was a widow with a son. Su Kang was young, talented, and the heir of the prestigious Su family.
The difference in their cultivation talent and realms was also significant.
Still, he had taken steps to elevate her daughter's talent. Even if the marriage remained a secret, Madam An saw sincerity in his gaze. That was enough for now.
After their conversation and a shared meal, Su Kang and Bai Yunxi returned to their residence on the outskirts.
Su Kang knelt in the center of their training room, arranging spiritual stones in a formation.
Once finished, he looked up. "Xi'er, sit here and begin cultivating. I'll monitor your condition."
Though Fate had assured him everything was fine, he wanted to verify it himself.
Bai Yunxi nodded and sat within the array, beginning her breathing technique.
As spiritual energy flowed into her body, it moved with startling ease, like water through a clear stream.
She was amazed by how naturally the energy responded to her. It was as though her body no longer resisted the flow—it welcomed it.
Even without techniques, she felt she could refine the Qi.
Su Kang observed her closely, noting that her meridians were wide open and her cultivation speed was remarkably fast—much faster than he had anticipated.
This… changes a lot of things. With this speed, she might be able to break through to the Foundation Building Realm within a year.
"Fate, what's going on with her?" he asked silently.
"Her body was reconstructed. It's now pure, without any impurities, so her cultivation proceeds more smoothly. Her natural talent may have also been enhanced."
"That's good. I won't need to worry about her low cultivation anymore. Though, this might be because she's already cultivated through these stages once before and is simply regaining her realm—or perhaps it's due to her new talent."
Satisfied, Su Kang didn't interrupt her again. He simply watched as she continued through the night.
When she finally opened her eyes, morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.
She blinked, startled by how quickly the night had passed.
"How was it? Any discomfort?" Su Kang asked as she opened her eyes.
""No… it was smooth. Strangely smooth. I didn't even notice the time passing," she said, her tone laced with disbelief.
"That's a good sign. Cultivation can feel timeless—especially when your foundation is strong," he replied.
"Just as one day in your dream felt like many years, time can become fluid during cultivation," Su Kang explained.
Bai Yunxi nodded, absorbing his words. After a night of cultivation, she felt energized and hopeful.
"I want to go somewhere," she said, her voice soft but firm.
"Good. Where do you wish to go?" Su Kang asked.
"Anywhere. I want to see lights and crowds of people," she replied.
Su Kang understood. The shadow of her ordeal still clung to her. She needed more than cultivation—she needed to reconnect with the world.
He made the necessary preparations and informed Madam An of their trip, assuring her they would return in a few days.
They traveled to Rift Valley, a bustling city where the streets thrummed with life.
The scent of street food, the laughter of children, and the bustling energy of the city washed over Bai Yunxi, filling her with a sense of life and vitality.
That night, they stayed at an inn overlooking the main avenue.
As they dined in the restaurant, she noticed the subtle glances cast in her direction.
Her features hadn't changed much, but her gaze had.
There was depth in those emerald eyes—an unusual blend of youthful innocence and mature clarity.
They shimmered under the lantern light, mysterious and unreadable.
She shifted slightly in her seat. "They're staring at me…"
He understood her unease and reassured her, "They're reacting this way because you possess an extraordinary charm. Your eyes may look different, but many cultivators have unique features."
"You really think it's alright?"
"You are just beautiful. Do not worry about them. It is normal."
His voice was calm, certain. It quieted the anxiety in her chest.
His words eased her doubts. They finished their meal and retreated to their room.
As Bai Yunxi lay on the bed, the sounds of the bustling city outside the window brought her a sense of security.
Su Kang lit the lanterns embedded with spiritual stones, their warm glow filling the room.
He didn't darken the space. He knew she no longer felt comfortable in the dark.
After pulling the curtains shut, he joined her on the bed and gently wrapped his arms around her.
"I've missed you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"I'm here. You don't need to worry anymore. Everything is alright," he murmured, brushing his hand along her back.
There was a moment of quiet, filled only by the soft rustle of their breathing.
"Xi'er, your body was broken and then rebuilt. That dark place aimed to shatter your mind, spirit, and heart—but it also healed you. Maybe it was strengthening your willpower."
He paused, letting the words settle.
"You can view this as an opportunity or a trauma. I want you to emerge from this experience as a new person—someone with a resilient heart, fresh dreams, and strong determination."
These weren't just comforting words. Su Kang had reflected on everything she'd endured.
Even if neither he nor Fate could fully understand that strange space, he hoped she would find meaning in surviving it.
She had never considered it that way. The dream had been a nightmare, but perhaps there was something to be gained from it.
"Okay," she whispered, gripping his robe tightly as she closed her eyes—a newfound resolve burning within her.