The soft golden light of dawn filtered through the windows, spreading gently across the room.
The quiet morning wrapped the space in a rare calm, a peaceful contrast to the intensity of the previous night.
Ye Chen lay on his side, one arm carefully draped around Nalan Yanran, who was still asleep beside him.
Her breathing was steady, her face serene, a faint blush lingering on her cheeks.
For a moment, he simply watched her, captivated by the gentle, innocent expression that contrasted sharply with the proud, commanding persona she showed in the sect.
A twinge of guilt passed through him as he recalled the passion of the night before, but seeing her peaceful face eased his mind. She had been willing… even eager.
That thought brought both relief and a renewed sense of protectiveness.
Nalan Yanran stirred beneath his arm, her long lashes fluttering as she slowly opened her green eyes.
Her gaze met his, and a soft smile curved her lips.
Embarrassed, she pulled the blanket up to cover herself, hiding the faint pink on her cheeks.
"Yanran… have you felt unwell recently?" Ye Chen asked softly, careful not to startle her.
Though he was a man and did not fully understand pregnancy, he knew enough to be cautious.
Even minor discomfort could signal a problem, and he could not risk the safety of the child.
"Not at all," she replied lightly, curiosity in her tone. "I feel fine."
Ye Chen exhaled in relief. The symptoms might take time to appear.
For now, they could enjoy a few peaceful days together.
"If you feel uncomfortable at any time, you must tell me immediately," he instructed firmly. Thinking of the child...his first child..stirred a deep sense of responsibility. No mistake could be allowed.
"I'll be fine, Senior Brother. Don't worry about me," Nalan Yanran said softly, trusting him completely.
Her voice carried a gentle confidence, though she was still learning about the responsibilities of love and intimacy. She relied on his guidance without question.
Slowly, she rose from his embrace. "I should leave now. If someone sees us, it could reach Teacher's ears, and that won't be good."
As the eldest daughter of the Nalan family, her actions could affect her family's reputation.
Staying overnight in a man's room before marriage was unacceptable in their society.
Her body still felt weak from the previous night, powered by Ye Chen's Dragon-Elephant Physique. "I… I can't get up," she admitted.
Ye Chen immediately moved to support her, helping her dress and ensuring she could move without stumbling.
"It's all your fault!" she said playfully, glaring at him, though there was no real anger. Leaning on him, she limped carefully out of the courtyard, her trust in him clear with every step.
Ye Chen watched her go, a small smile forming on his lips.
She was stubborn, but that was part of why she was his.
Returning to his room, he felt a sense of clarity and refreshment.
His body was rested, his mind sharp, and the lingering fatigue from the previous day had vanished.
The morning was perfect for cultivation. Settling onto his bed, Ye Chen began to meditate, absorbing the energy around him. Every breath and movement was precise,
reflecting years of training and discipline. Even with his body strengthened by the Dragon-Elephant Physique, he had to be cautious.
The thought of Nalan Yanran and their child filled him with protectiveness.
The continuation of his bloodline, the safety of the woman he loved...these were his priorities now.
Any misstep could be catastrophic, and he would not allow it.
The room was bathed in soft morning light, shadows dancing gently across the walls. Outside, the world remained calm, while inside, Ye Chen focused entirely on cultivation.
Each movement of energy, each controlled breath, brought him closer to the power he sought.
Yet, even as he pursued strength, his mind never strayed from the child growing within Nalan Yanran.
Minutes stretched into hours, but time felt suspended.
The peaceful morning, the quiet energy in the room, and the thought of protecting someone he loved made everything else fade into the background.
He knew the days ahead would be filled with challenges, but for now, the present was enough.
As Ye Chen continued to cultivate, his resolve solidified.
No matter what came, he would guard Nalan Yanran and their child.
Their future, their family, depended on his strength and vigilance.
The light continued to warm the room, illuminating the path forward.
Outside, the world moved on, but inside, Ye Chen found a rare moment of serenity...a chance to strengthen both body and heart.
This quiet morning was a reminder of what mattered most: love, responsibility, and the life he was destined to protect.
With a steady breath, Ye Chen centered himself. The world outside could wait. Here, in this quiet room, he had a duty and a purpose.
Every pulse of energy, every thought, and every breath was dedicated to safeguarding the woman he loved and the child growing inside her.
The day had only just begun, but Ye Chen felt ready....ready to face the world, to cultivate further, and to protect what was most precious to him.
Peace, purpose, and determination filled him, guiding his every action as the soft morning light promised new beginnings.