---
The cavern echoed behind them as Tianzun and the Little Fairy Doctor stepped out into the warm sunlight filtering through the canopy of Green Mountain Forest. The morning haze curled in the distance, birds chirped in joyous melody, and the scent of pine and distant blossoms colored the air.
Xiao Yi Xian brushed her hair back as she glanced at the boy beside her—his snow-white hair glinting under the light, eyes calm, posture relaxed.
"Do you have any plans from here?" she asked, her voice light as the wind.
Tianzun shrugged, hands behind his back. "No rush. The world isn't going anywhere."
Xiao Yi Xian tilted her head, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Then... would you like to come to my home for a meal? A meal of gratitude."
Tianzun turned to her with a slight smirk. "I don't see why not. I never decline good food or good company."
They began walking side by side, weaving through the gentle slopes and greenery of the forest. Sunlight flickered like golden petals across the path.
"That move you used against the beasts," she began, eyeing him from the corner of her eye, "was that Dou Technique? Or just brute power?"
Tianzun chuckled. "A little of both. But mostly instinct."
"Figures," she said with a laugh. "You're hard to read. Mysterious, composed, arrogant but not unpleasantly so."
Tianzun raised an eyebrow. "That's quite the analysis. Should I be flattered or worried?"
"Depends," she said with a smirk. "But seriously, I'm glad I met you. Feels like I can speak freely with you."
He looked at her, thoughtful. "Then speak."
She paused, then looked forward again. "I... never really had anyone to talk to. Not like this. You feel like a friend I was meant to find."
He didn't respond immediately, but a faint smile touched his lips.
"Then I'll be that friend."
---
🏠 Xiao Yi Xian's Home
Nestled between the roots of two ancient trees stood a quaint wooden hut. The scent of drying herbs, wood, and earth made the place feel warm and lived in. Xiao Yi Xian moved quickly to the small stove and began preparing a meal.
Tianzun helped where he could—chopping, heating water, fetching spices. Soon, the hut was filled with the rich aroma of simmering vegetables and broth.
They sat together at a low wooden table. The food, though simple, was hearty and warm.
"Thanks for the meal," Tianzun said softly.
She blinked. "I should be the one saying that."
But before she could continue, Tianzun leaned back and asked, "Do you have an extra room? I'd like to stay for a while. Help out. Collect herbs. Defend the house. Maybe even help cook. I can pay rent."
She blinked again, clearly surprised. "You? Pay rent?" She laughed, teasing. "No need. Just help out and don't burn the kitchen."
She stood and pointed to a small door to the side. "That one. Spare room. It's yours."
Tianzun gave a small nod.
"Also," she said as she followed him toward the door, "don't call me Little Fairy Doctor all the time. It's weirdly formal. My name is Xiao Yi Xian."
Before she could finish, Tianzun tilted his head. "Yian. Is that alright if I call you that?"
She blinked again, then smiled softly. "I like how it sounds when you say it."
---
🌙 Night & Morning
That night, Tianzun quickly fell asleep in his room, the forest winds gently tapping at the wooden walls.
But in her own room, Xiao Yi Xian lay awake, tossing under the blanket.
> *"Yian... no one's called me that before. And his eyes... his voice. Why does my heart race?"
She sighed, face flushed in the moonlight.
> "Is this... a crush?"
The next morning, Tianzun was up before dawn. He washed, tied his hair, and stepped into the kitchen. With sharp movements and quiet focus, he began preparing breakfast. Two hours later, the hut smelled heavenly.
He walked to her room and tapped gently.
The door creaked open. Yian peeked out, eyes heavy from lack of sleep.
"Come. Breakfast is ready."
She nodded drowsily and went to freshen up.
When she entered the kitchen, she stopped dead in her tracks.
A feast of herbal porridge, spiced tea, and hand-rolled buns sat on the table.
"You did all this?" she whispered.
"Try it."
She did—and her eyes widened. "Tianzun... this is... divine."
He simply sat beside her, watching with calm satisfaction.
> "He's handsome, kind, talented, mysterious, and now he can cook? He's going to ruin men for me."
She didn't say it aloud, but her heart already had.
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End of Chapter 45