In a secluded courtyard of the Xiao Clan estate, the scent of blooming jasmine lingered on the evening breeze. Xun'er stood alone by a lotus pond, gazing at the ripples across the water's surface. Her delicate features, often serene and proud, were clouded by a tangle of emotions. A crescent moon rose quietly behind her, casting a silver sheen over her graceful figure.
Deep inside, her heart was anything but calm. She clutched a silk handkerchief tightly in her palm, knuckles whitening as she tried to steady her breath. She had always known that loving someone as extraordinary as Xiao Tian would never be simple. But knowing and facing were two different things entirely.
Moments earlier, her mind had been spinning with a thousand questions. Why did he act this way? Was her place in his heart really secure? She had vowed to herself to be strong, to accept whatever fate brought her way, but strength felt like a fragile illusion tonight.
Not far from her, hidden in the shadows, Ling Ying kept his ever-watchful eyes on his young mistress. His loyalty was unwavering; he had served her family for years, and his mission now was clear: watch over Xiao Tian, report everything, and protect Xun'er at all costs.
A soft rustle of leaves caught his attention. Ling Ying's sharp senses tingled. He felt the familiar pulse of a formidable mental strength approaching—a presence he recognized instantly.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tian was making his quiet return to Wu Tan City. The moonlight danced across his figure as he moved through familiar streets, his eyes gleaming with a subtle sharpness. He had seen and experienced much during his recent journey, but tonight his mind was set on only one thing: meeting Xun'er.
He sighed deeply, standing before the towering gates of the Xiao Clan. Memories of the past, his training, his struggles, and his secret knowledge as a transmigrator all swirled within him. Things were becoming more complicated, but he was ready to face whatever awaited.
Unbeknownst to him, Xun'er was already preparing her heart for their reunion.
---
In Wu Tan City,
A girl was in deep thinking before a kneeling man.
This man was Ling Ying. After seeing Xiao Tian for the first time kissing Xiao Yi Xian, he didn't spy anymore but came to Xun'er to report.
After all, he was sent by Xun'er to spy on and protect Xiao Tian.
He reported everything: from breaking through to Dou Zhe, then meeting Xiao Yi Xian, knowing about the Woeful Poison Body, and the kiss.
He had already come here a few hours ago and started reporting.
Although Xun'er was calm and composed on the outside, inside she was heartbroken.
Even Ling Ying couldn't sense her despair.
"Why did he do that?!!" Xun'er questioned in her mind in a saddened tone.
After moments of comforting herself, Xun'er thought to herself, "Even if Brother has other women, as long as he has me in his heart, I have no problem!!" she thought.
"Miss, Young Master Xiao Tian should be returning now!!!" Ling Ying from her side faintly stated. He clearly sensed a familiar powerful mental strength which belonged to Xiao Tian.
After stating this, he disappeared into the shadows.
On the other hand,
Xiao Tian had already known about Ling Ying from the time he stepped outside Wu Tan City. After all, he was a transmigrator, of course.
After returning to Wu Tan City, Xiao Tian first visited his own home before coming to Xun'er.
...
Knock! Knock! A soft rapping echoed at Xun'er's door.
Hearing it, a faint smile tugged at her lips. So, he remembered to come to me after all, she thought with a mix of happiness and hidden annoyance.
"Who is it?" Xun'er asked calmly, though her heart sped up.
"It's me, Xun'er!" Xiao Tian's familiar voice answered from outside.
Her heart fluttered despite her lingering anger. "Coming!" she replied, masking her excitement as she stepped forward.
As she opened the door, a tall, handsome figure stood before her. His eyes gleamed in the dim light.
"Brother Xiao Tian…" she murmured softly.
On his side, Xiao Tian's eyes locked onto the beauty in front of him. Dressed in a flowing blue dress, Xun'er looked enchanting, and he found himself momentarily spellbound.
"Beautiful…" he whispered without realizing.
Snapping back to his senses, he quickly added, "Xun'er, you look stunning today!"
"Hmph! Beautiful, huh? But Brother still finds time to visit other women," Xun'er pouted, her tone playful yet laced with jealousy.
Xiao Tian scratched his head nervously. It was exactly what he had feared—this conversation. Still, facing her sharp gaze made him more anxious than he expected.
After a brief pause, filled with Xun'er's quiet anger and Xiao Tian's nervousness, he finally spoke. "Xun'er… I was planning to explain everything."
"No need," Xun'er cut him off, her eyes flashing. "I already know."
"Sorry," Xiao Tian said softly, guilt flickering in his eyes.
"'Sorry' won't fix it," Xun'er huffed, her pout deepening. Then her tone softened into something playful. "You'll have to compensate me!"
Xiao Tian smiled awkwardly. "And what does my little Xun'er want?"
She tilted her head, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hmm… maybe a kiss or two?"
Without hesitation, Xiao Tian stepped forward and caught her lips in his. Their kiss deepened quickly, full of unspoken emotion. After a moment of breathlessness, he kissed her again, each time lingering, each kiss stretching into long minutes.
When they finally parted, Xun'er leaned into him, eyes glowing softly. "As long as Brother Xiao Tian keeps me in his heart, I have no problem with Brother having others," she whispered, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
Xiao Tian cupped her cheek, looking into her eyes. "I love you more than anyone else. That's my promise."
A soft blush bloomed on Xun'er's cheeks, her heart swelling at his words. Ling Ying, thankfully, was nowhere nearby; she had already dismissed him earlier, ensuring their privacy.
"Then Brother must keep his promise," Xun'er teased, her eyes narrowing playfully. Without warning, she bit his shoulder gently but firmly.
"Ow! That hurts!" Xiao Tian laughed, flinching. "Alright, alright, I promise again!"
Xun'er only smiled slyly in response, her eyes filled with both affection and mischief.