Some time had passed…
The weather now felt pleasant, as if nature itself wished to soothe the heaviness in their hearts. The sky was painted with fluffy clouds, soft and light like floating cotton mountains. The sun was bright yet gentle, and a cool breeze danced playfully through the trees, causing the leaves to rustle softly....whispering a melody only nature could compose. The leaves falling from the trees were making the environment beautiful and peaceful. Every gust of wind brought some leaves and dropped them. Though their hearts still carried a lingering weight, it seemed as if the world around them was trying its best to lift their spirits, wrapping them in serenity.
Under the shade of a large tree, Wuzu and Lao Duan sat together, biting into crisp apples. But Wuzu's face twisted in irritation as she grumbled, clearly still upset about how she had drawn her sword on Lao Duan and picked a needless fight with him.
Not far from them, Su Nian and Duie were by the river, catching fish with their bare hands. Laughter echoed as Su Nian couldn't stop chuckling, his joy as unrestrained as a child's. Watching Zhi Yao laugh made Wuzu even more annoyed....though perhaps she didn't fully understand why.
High above, Bai Long circled through the sky, keeping watch from above like a silent guardian. And in the shade of a dense tree, Mo Yan sat quietly, concealing the storm that raged within him. He remained composed, his face calm, though the unrest in his soul hadn't faded. Yet, somehow, the light-hearted play between Duie and Su Nian added a touch of warmth and color to the day...like a wilted flower trying its best to bloom once more.
Sitting atop a stone in the flowing river, Su Nian burst into hearty laughter again.
"I still remember the day the sacred river threw a fish at you!" he exclaimed between laughs.
Then came another wave of uncontrollable laughter as he held his sides.
Duie, on the other hand, stood nearby, caught between embarrassment and mild annoyance...his expression a mix of sulking and helplessness.