"What do you mean by that?" Yu Xiao's brows knitted, lips parting as she drew a shallow breath.
Her voice was barely audible—a fragile thread trembling with uncertainty.
Fingers twisted at her side, and her gaze flickered over Long Jianyu's face, searching for any sign of clarity.
A tremor betrayed the vulnerability behind her question.
Long Jianyu's lips curled in a slow, knowing smile, secrets dancing in his eyes.
He tilted his head, studying the way her brows furrowed, his gaze lingering with patient, almost predatory intent, savoring her uncertainty.
His gaze dipped to Yu Xiao's lips, catching the faint quiver there.
Amusement softened his expression.
He noticed the rigid set of her shoulders, betraying her inner turmoil.
With slow deliberation, he arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes.
A low, amused snort escaped him as he rolled back his shoulders and folded his arms, radiating confidence meant to keep her off balance.
"Guess," he murmured, low and taunting, smirk tugged at his lips.
Before she could respond, he turned on his heel in a fluid, theatrical motion.
His gaze slid from her pleading eyes as he strode away, hands tucked in his pockets, leaving her stranded in bewilderment.
Yu Xiao pressed a fist to her chest, fighting the urge to call after him.
Each unanswered question tightened something inside her, breath caught, hands curling into fists at her sides.
Bargaining? I didn't say anything like that. What should I prepare? Why is he twisting my words? Is he insane?
Long Jianyu's eyes narrowed, his stare piercing—like he could see straight into Yu Xiao's thoughts.
A sly smile tugged at his lips, eager to unsettle her composure.
"Why do I feel uneasy when you're this quiet? Are you cursing me in your mind?" he teased, tone light but his eyes sharp, watching her every reaction.
Yu Xiao's lips parted, but no sound escaped. Cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she glanced away.
Suddenly, Jianyu leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
In one swift motion, he flicked her forehead.
"Silly," he said, warm with affection, the word lingering in the air between them.
Yu Xiao's hand flew to her forehead, her eyes wide in surprise at the tingling sting.
A breathy laugh burst out—half protest, half reluctant amusement—as she rubbed the spot, feeling the warmth of his touch linger.
A pink flush bloomed on her forehead.
Long Jianyu's sharp gaze caught the mark, and a flicker of genuine concern crossed his face.
"Does it hurt?" he asked softly, with unexpected gentle.
Yu Xiao shook her head, waving her hand in frantic dismissal.
"I'm fine, really, it's just—" she stammered, cheeks still burning.
Before she could finish, Long Jianyu stepped closer, movements slow and deliberate. He reached out, cradling the side of her head.
Bending near, he gently blew across the reddened skin.
Yu Xiao froze, eyes wide with astonishment at his unexpected tenderness.
Long Jianyu's fingertips brushed lightly over her forehead, rubbing the tender spot in small, comforting circles.
The sensation of his breath and touch lingered, making Yu Xiao's pulse quicken.
Slowly, she reached up, hesitantly grasping his forearm, eyes searching his face for meaning.
"Alright, enough," she protested softly, shy and flustered. "I told you, it doesn't hurt. It'll be gone soon, I swear."
She slipped from his grasp and hurried toward his painting, feigning interest to calm her racing heart.
"If you like it, then it will be yours," Long Jianyu said, with quiet sincere.
Yu Xiao's eyes lit up.
"Thank you. Then I'll take it with me now."
He stepped closer, a teasing glimmer in his gaze.
"Don't rush," he murmured, gentle but firm. "I'll bring it with me. When we return to the sanctuary, I'll hand it to you officially."
"Got it."
"You don't like to wander around?" he asked, tilting his head curiously.
"Wander around? It's so boring," Yu Xiao replied, wrinkling her nose in mock disinterest.
"Boring?" Long Jianyu echoed, playful.
Before she could react, he stepped closer and gently grabbed her wrist.
"What are you doing?" Yu Xiao gasped, surprised by his sudden action.
"Come with me. You won't be bored—I'll show you around," he promised, grip warm and reassuring.
A smile bloomed on Yu Xiao's lips as she nodded in agreement.
Hand in hand, they dashed off, laughter bubbling between them as they raced through the sea of blooming flowers.
The once serene island now hummed with their joy, the air alive with excitement.
For a moment, it felt as if the world belonged only to the two of them.
Three hours passed, and the vibrant sea of flowers had grown quiet, with only a gentle breeze sweeping through the tranquil landscape.
Beneath the shady boughs of the begonia tree, Long Jianyu sat cross-legged on the soft grass.
One hand, held a framed sheet of pristine paper; in the other, a slender brush poised in quiet concentration.
Yu Xiao had fallen asleep in his lap, her head pillowed against his leg after their wandering.
Watching her peaceful expression, Long Jianyu knew it was the perfect moment to capture her serenity.
With careful strokes, he painted her sleeping form, paint brush gliding across the paper with reverence and affection.
When he finished, Long Jianyu whispered a soft incantation.
The brush and painting shimmered with gentle light, then dispersed into the air, carried away on the wind—leaving only the memory of the moment behind.
He looked down at her, a gentle smile tugging at his lips, admiration shining in his eyes.
Unable to resist, he reached out and softly pushed aside the short strands of hair framing her face.
With tender reverence, he brushed his fingers over her cheek, savoring the warmth and softness of her skin.
"Just rest," he murmured, satisfaction in his voice.
For a brief, peaceful moment, all was still—until a thunderous roar shattered the island's tranquility.
Shinlong appeared, her majestic form looming as she surveyed the scene. She paused when her gaze landed on Long Jianyu beneath the begonia tree.
Her arrival was a sign: the auspicious time had come. It was time to go home.
With a murmured incantation, Long Jianyu summoned a spell, and in an instant, they were transported onto Shinlong's broad back, ready to ride the skies.
Once settled, he gently removed his outer robe and draped it over Yu Xiao's sleeping form, cradling her securely in his arms.
He wanted her to rest undisturbed, taking it upon himself to see to their departure.
They left Flower Sea Island quietly and safely.
Riding the wind atop Shinlong, they soared higher, disappearing behind the clouds.
The world above was clear and calm—a tranquil embrace as they journeyed homeward.
Before long, they arrived at the sanctuary, safe and sound.
Long Jianyu carried Yu Xiao effortlessly in his arms to the bedchamber.
With gentle care, he laid her down, making sure she was comfortable before quietly leaving the room.
He made his way to the main chamber and settled into meditation, seeking calm after their journey.
Yu Xiao remained fast asleep, unaware she had already been returned to the underground sanctuary.
In the middle of the night, two tranquil bodies lay side by side in the same bed, stillness enveloping them.
That peace was shattered by sudden uneasiness radiating from Yu Xiao's shivering form.
"Don't hurt them, it's me. It's me! Please, they are innocent!"
The panicked words slipped from her lips, barely more than a desperate whisper.
Sweat beaded at her temples; her hands clenched the bed sheets in a white-knuckled grip.
Long Jianyu, sleeping beside her, jolted awake.
Alarmed, he quickly sat up and turned to Yu Xiao, finding her face pale, lips trembling, her voice caught in the grip of a nightmare as she mumbled pleading words.
"It's me. Kill me if you want, leave them alone!"
Long Jianyu's face tightened with worry.
Without hesitation, he swept away the barricade pillows that set boundaries between them.
He moved closer and gently shook her shoulders, repeating her name softly until she finally began to stir.
Yu Xiao's eyes fluttered open, tears streaming down her cheeks.
As her vision cleared, she saw Long Jianyu leaning over her, concern etched into his features.
"Were you having another nightmare?" he asked gently.
She drew a shaky breath, lips trembling as she tried to compose herself.
"I'm afraid that nightmare wasn't just a dream," she whispered, eyes brimming with tears.
Long Jianyu sighed and gave her arm a comforting pat.
"Come, sit up. I'll get you some water," he murmured, then slipped out of the bedchamber.
When he returned, he carried a bowl of water and handed it to Yu Xiao.
Noticing her hands still trembled, he gently took the bowl back and helped her drink, steadying it at her lips.
Once she finished, Yu Xiao lowered her gaze and quietly wiped her mouth, cheeks still wet with tears.
Afterward, Long Jianyu took her hands in his, rubbing them gently between his palms, chasing away the cold with his warmth.
"Stone-Honey," she murmured softly.
Long Jianyu paused, meeting her eyes.
"Stop being nice to me. I'm not as good a person as you think I am," she said, her voice wavering.
"You shouldn't say that," he replied, firm yet gentle. "Is this because of the nightmares? They're only dreams, Yu Xiao—none of them are real."
"But… once I had a nightmare, and it became real." Her voice was barely more than a whisper, haunted by old fears.
Long Jianyu leaned in, with concerned gaze.
"How could that be? You were just frightened, that's all. Don't distress yourself," he said, with eyes warm and reassuring.
Yu Xiao sniffled, staring down at her hands still cradled in his.
"I want to be honest with you. If I tell you… would you hate me?"
He frowned, concern and curiosity mingling.
"I won't hate you. Why would I?"
"Are you sure?"
"I promise."
Reassured, Yu Xiao managed a faint smile, summoning her courage.
"The day before I pleaded to come here…"
"Go on," Long Jianyu urged gently.
"I—"
A sudden thump sounded nearby, cutting her off.
Long Jianyu was instantly alert.
"Who's there?" he called sharply.
"Dijun, it's me. I accidentally beamed into the—"
Yun Qingjue's voice faltered as he materialized in the chamber, taking in the sight of Long Jianyu and Yu Xiao together in bed—Long Jianyu's hands still holding hers.
He cleared his throat and quickly looked away.
"How can you barge into my chamber at this hour?" Long Jianyu demanded, tone edged with irritation.
"I have something urgent to discuss," Yun Qingjue replied, then hesitated, glancing again at the scene before him. "But… it seems I'm interrupting. Perhaps we should talk another time."
"Wait. Go ahead, I'm listening," Long Jianyu said firmly.
"Dijun, this matter…" Yun Qingjue began, then glanced at Yu Xiao.
At that, Long Jianyu understood.
"Go back to sleep. We need to talk," he said gently to Yu Xiao.
She nodded quietly and settled back down, pulling the covers up.
Without another word, Long Jianyu slipped out, following Yun Qingjue into the hallway.