Within the grand hall of the Yunlan Sect, the faint aroma of tea lingered in the air.
Dressed in a flowing black robe, Liu Xi sat casually in his chair, a cup of steaming green tea in hand.
Before long, the quiet click of heels echoed from beyond the doorway. A woman in a moon-white gown entered gracefully—her presence elegant and cold, like a snow lotus in bloom. It was Yun Yun.
She stopped a few steps away, inclining her head slightly in greeting. "Master Liu, forgive me for keeping you waiting."
Liu Xi raised his eyes, setting down the teacup. His tone was calm but direct. "Sect Master Yun, I'll soon be leaving the Jia Ma Empire for the Central Plains. How is the collection of the Zong Breaking Pill ingredients progressing?"
Yun Yun's eyes flickered with sudden hesitation. A trace of unwillingness welled up inside her chest, softening her usual composure. Her lips parted lightly. "Leaving… so soon? Can you not stay a little longer, Master Liu?"
"Time waits for no one," Liu Xi replied with quiet gravity. The Hall of Souls' shadow was spreading across the continent, and against true experts of that order, he was still far too weak.
Yun Yun's brows furrowed slightly. "Master Liu, you're already the foremost alchemist of the Jia Ma Empire and its youngest Dou Huang. With such talent, why rush? You have all the time in the world."
Liu Xi gave a faint shake of his head, a wry smile touching his lips. "You wouldn't understand. Best not to speak of it. Tell me—what about the pill ingredients?"
Yun Yun sighed softly. "Time has been too short. After the last empire-wide collection by the royal family and Miteer Clan, resources have run dry. I still haven't managed to gather even one complete set."
"That's unfortunate," Liu Xi murmured, shaking his head. "Without the ingredients, even I can't produce a Zong Breaking Pill."
A sudden thought crossed his mind—the Flower Sect inheritance Yun Yun was meant to gain in the future. Perhaps she still had the chance to find it in the Central Plains. Smiling faintly, he asked, "Sect Master Yun, why not come with me to the Central Plains? You might find your destiny there."
Yun Yun's fair cheeks flushed with color. Her delicate hands clenched unconsciously. "Master Liu… you already have several fine women by your side. You should learn to cherish them."
Her voice was soft yet carried a faint reprimand.
For a moment, Liu Xi simply watched her—her beauty serene, like a goddess from the heavens, her gentle restraint stirring a rare flame in his heart.
He rose to his feet slowly, each step forward brimming with confidence. "I know. But I'm a man who seeks more—surely, Sect Master Yun understands that."
His presence loomed closer, warmth radiating from his body. Yun Yun's heartbeat quickened, her gaze faltering. She took a step back, whispering, "Master Liu… please, restrain yourself."
But each time she retreated, he advanced, his voice low and magnetic. "Why deny it? You have feelings for me too, don't you? Why not be honest with your heart?"
Within moments, Yun Yun's back brushed against the wall—no way left to retreat. Her eyes widened as Liu Xi's tall figure closed in, his arm pressing lightly against the wall beside her head, caging her within his shadow.
"Yun Yun," he said softly, his eyes burning into hers, "tell me your answer… please."
Her breath caught. Memories flickered before her eyes—Liu Xi avenging her master, his unwavering courage, his quiet strength. Her heart trembled as she whispered bitterly, "Even if I'm moved… what of it? As Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect, I bear its honor. How could I—how could I share a man with others?"
So that was it.
Liu Xi's gaze softened in understanding. "I see… so if you were no longer Sect Master, then you could give me an answer."
"I—no, that's not what I meant…" Yun Yun stammered, completely flustered.
But Liu Xi only smiled deeper. "Yun Yun still has Nalan Yanran, doesn't she? If Yanran becomes Sect Master in your place, then you're free."
"Yanran is cultivating in the Gate of Life and Death. She won't emerge for three to five years," Yun Yun said faintly.
"Then it's settled," Liu Xi said decisively. "Five years from now, I'll come back for you."
"Wha—" Yun Yun's eyes widened in disbelief. How had this conversation turned into an unspoken promise of lifelong devotion?
Before she could recover, Liu Xi's gaze softened once more. He leaned in—
And his lips met hers.
"Mmph…"
Yun Yun's entire body froze, her bright eyes widening in shock. She pressed her palms weakly against his chest but found her strength melting away. Her resistance faltered—her heart raced faster.
Liu Xi's hand slipped around her slender waist, pulling her close. The warmth between them deepened, her soft protest fading into quiet surrender.
For a fleeting moment, time stopped.
Then, suddenly realizing herself, Yun Yun's senses snapped back. She pushed against him with sudden force, her cheeks flushed crimson.
"Yun'er, what's wrong?" Liu Xi asked, feigning innocence.
She glared at him, breath uneven, her voice trembling with shame and anger. "You still ask why? Another second, and your hands would've gone too far!"
Liu Xi gave a guilty smile and, with a flick of his ring, produced a jade bottle of pure white sheen. Taking her soft hand gently, he placed it in her palm.
"Yun'er, it was my fault. I… lost control. Consider this my parting gift."
She blinked, staring down at the cool jade bottle. Her voice softened, curiosity overcoming her embarrassment. "What kind of pill is this?"
Liu Xi smiled tenderly. "A Zong Breaking Pill."
"What?" Yun Yun gasped, eyes wide in disbelief. "You're giving this to me? It's far too precious! What about your own breakthrough?"
"When the time comes, I'll make another. Besides," he said softly, leaning close, "I've already received something far more precious, haven't I?"
His arm slipped around her waist once more, his eyes gleaming with warmth.
Yun Yun hesitated only a moment before smiling sweetly. She tightened her grip around the jade bottle, her heart fluttering uncontrollably.
The pill—refined from the last batch of materials Jia Xingtian had sent—had finally found its true purpose.
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When Liu Xi finally departed, Yun Yun personally escorted him down the mountain. Along the way, every Yunlan Sect disciple they passed stared in surprise. Their Sect Master—usually aloof and untouchable—wore a faint, gentle smile they had never seen before.
At the mountain gate, the two exchanged parting glances.
Liu Xi, face radiant with vitality, descended the stone steps leading away from Yunlan Mountain, disappearing slowly into the drifting mists.
Yun Yun stood there, watching until his silhouette vanished completely into the clouds. Only then did she lower her gaze, a trace of longing softening her features.
Her slender fingers brushed across the ring on her hand—the one holding the Zong Breaking Pill he had given her.
"I'll wait for you," she whispered. "No matter how long it takes… I'll be here."
(End of Chapter)
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