Xuefeng made his way to Wuying's room with breakfast in hand, a mix of anticipation and guilt tugging at him. The warmth of the paper-wrapped pancake contrasted sharply with the unease swirling in his chest. He had kissed Princess Shan not long ago, and now, here he was, standing at Wuying's door, acting as though nothing had happened. Sooner or later, the truth would surface.
He hesitated for a moment before knocking lightly. The door opened almost instantly, revealing Wuying, already dressed and radiant, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of midnight silk. Her eyes lit up when she saw him, her smile warm and unguarded.
"Oh, you're up already? I was just about to wake you," she said cheerfully, her voice carrying a note of affection that only deepened his guilt.
"I brought you breakfast," Xuefeng said, producing the pancake from behind his back like an offering.
Wuying's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted it. "Since when did you start waking up early and buying breakfast? You're full of surprises," she teased, unwrapping the pancake and taking a bite. Her face softened in delight. "Mmm, this is delicious. Thank you."
Before he could respond, she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "That's your reward."
Xuefeng froze for a moment, her simple gesture both sweet and agonizing. "No problem," he said quickly, stepping back. "I'll go to my room for a bit. There's something I need to take care of. After that, we can start our training."
He turned to leave, but her voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Wait," she said, her tone laced with curiosity. "What's that on your neck?"
A cold wave of panic washed over him. Did Princess give me a hickey? He pretended not to hear her, quickening his pace toward his room. Once inside, he shut the door and leaned against it, exhaling in relief. Safe for now.
Or so he thought.
When he turned around, he nearly jumped out of his skin. Wuying was already there, standing in the center of the room, her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"What did you do?" she asked, her voice a mixture of concern and command. "Show me."
Xuefeng scrambled for an excuse, forcing a smile. "Uh, I was going to save this for later, but I guess now's a good time. Turn around."
"Why?" Her tone was wary, but her curiosity got the better of her.
"Just trust me," he said gently. "You'll like it. I promise."
Reluctantly, she turned her back to him. Seizing the opportunity, Xuefeng pulled a necklace from his storage ring—a beautiful crystal pendant he had chosen just for her—and carefully placed it around her neck. His fingers brushed against her skin as he fastened the clasp, a touch so intimate it made his heart race.
"There," he said, stepping back. "Now look."
Wuying glanced down, her breath catching as the crystal caught the light, its facets shimmering like tiny stars. Her lips parted in wonder, but no words came.
"I saw it and thought it would match your beauty," Xuefeng said softly, turning her gently by the shoulders so she faced him. "And I was right."
Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she stared at him, her hands clutching the pendant. "Thank you... I love it," she whispered, burying her face in his chest. Her voice was muffled but full of warmth. "You're always so thoughtful."
Xuefeng held her close, his arms wrapping around her protectively. The guilt still lingered, but in this moment, it felt eclipsed by the connection they shared. He stroked her hair, trying to push his conflicted thoughts aside.
"...Kiss me," she murmured, her voice so soft he almost didn't hear it.
"What did you say?" he asked, his breath hitching.
She tilted her head up, her eyes shimmering with vulnerability. "Kiss me," she repeated, barely above a whisper. Tears glistened on her lashes, her emotions laid bare.
Xuefeng's heart tightened in his chest, torn between guilt and a yearning he could no longer deny. The sincerity in Wuying's eyes, the vulnerability she had shown, unraveled him in a way he hadn't expected. He couldn't refuse her—not now, not ever. Gently, his fingers threaded through her silky hair as he cupped the back of her head, guiding her closer. With deliberate care, he leaned in, capturing her lips with his.
Wuying responded immediately, her arms looping around his neck, pulling him closer. She rose on her toes, meeting him with a fervor that caught him off guard. Her lips were soft, warm, and welcoming, fitting perfectly against his as if they had been made for this moment.
This kiss was different—worlds apart from the one he had shared with Princess Shan. With Wuying, there was no battle for control, no underlying games or power plays. There was only her, surrendering completely, trusting him to lead. The realization emboldened him. He deepened the kiss, his confidence growing as her soft gasp melted into the space between them. Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him as if afraid he might vanish.
The world around them fell away, leaving only the quiet rustle of their movements and the symphony of their shared breath. Xuefeng's hands moved instinctively, tracing the delicate line of her spine, memorizing the way her body curved under his touch. Her skin was warm beneath the fabric of her dress, and every subtle sigh that escaped her lips sent a rush of heat through him.
Wuying's hands roamed just as boldly. Her palms glided over his shoulders and down his chest, the firm muscles beneath her fingertips a tangible reminder of his strength. Her heart raced, each beat resonating with the silent harmony between them. Every touch, every gentle caress was an unspoken confession, a promise that neither had the courage to voice aloud.
When their lips finally parted, their foreheads came to rest against each other, their breaths mingling in the stillness. Xuefeng's gaze locked with Wuying's, and in her tear-brightened eyes, he saw a depth of emotion that made his chest ache. Her vulnerability, her unwavering devotion, were laid bare for him to see.
"I'll never give up on you," she whispered, her voice trembling but steady. "I've always been yours, Xuefeng. And I always will be."
Her words hit him like a tidal wave, washing over every fear, every lingering doubt. Without hesitation, he leaned in, his lips claiming hers once more. This time, there was no restraint, no hesitation—only the pure, unbridled expression of everything he couldn't say.
He lifted her effortlessly, his arms cradling her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Her soft laughter bubbled against his lips, light and full of joy, as he carried her to the bed. Gently, he laid her down, his body following hers as they sank into the mattress together.
Time seemed to lose its meaning as they explored each other, their touches growing bolder, their connection deepening with every kiss, every shared breath. His hands roamed freely now, memorizing every curve, every detail, while her fingers traced his face, his jaw, his lips, as if committing him to memory. Each touch was a vow, each kiss a binding promise, as they gave themselves over to the moment completely.
The room was filled with the quiet intimacy of their connection, a sanctuary where only they existed. Every worry, every doubt, melted away, leaving behind only the purity of their love.
When they finally pulled apart, the intensity of their emotions left them breathless. Xuefeng lay back, Wuying nestled against his chest, her head resting just over his heart. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulled her, a comforting reminder of their bond. Her smile was soft, radiant, as she traced lazy circles on his chest with her fingertips.
"I wish we could stay like this forever..." Wuying murmured, her voice soft as silk but tinged with reluctant resolve. She sat up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, and pursed her lips in determination. "But there's too much ahead of us, and we can't waste time. We need to work on this body of yours—make you into a proper cultivator."
Xuefeng chuckled nervously, a bead of sweat forming at his temple. "Cough, I can't wait..." The mere thought of the grueling training she had in store nearly made him choke. "Let me finish with my Spirit Arts first, alright? Just one more left to go."
"Alright then," she replied with a smile that could melt glaciers. Rising gracefully from the bed, she started toward the door but hesitated, glancing back. Before Xuefeng could react, she returned for one last kiss, her lips warm and lingering, as if savoring the moment.
"Hurry," she whispered, her breath brushing his skin like a promise. "I'll be waiting."
As the door closed behind her, Xuefeng slumped back on the bed, a helpless smile tugging at his lips. His pulse was still racing.
What happened with Princess Shan was understandable, but now you have no excuse. Ling's voice rang out in his mind, sharp and mocking. Play with fire, and you're going to get burned.
"Okay, no one asked for your opinion," Xuefeng muttered, though even he didn't believe the confidence in his words. His hand brushed over his chest where Wuying's warmth still lingered. I have everything under control. Really. He paused, trying to shift the conversation. You still want your Fate Fragment, don't you?
Yes! Ling's tone brightened instantly, eager as a child on the verge of unwrapping a present. It's sealed, so you can bring it into my space now. Hurry!
Xuefeng sat cross-legged, letting out a breath to steady himself. Closing his eyes, he slipped into his dantian and entered Ling's space. The air here hummed with latent energy, and with a focused thought, the golden necklace materialized before him. As soon as it appeared, Ling enveloped it in a glowing golden sphere, her excitement practically palpable.
But don't destroy it, Xuefeng warned, his brows furrowing. I'm supposed to wear that from now on, remember?
Relax, Ling replied, her voice laced with amusement. I'm keeping it for myself. If I'm trapped inside your spirit all the time, how can I help you when you're in danger? This crystal is a perfect vessel for me. Once I subdue the Fate Fragment, I'll be able to move inside it and act as your Spirit Artifact.
Fine, as long as it's in one piece, Xuefeng conceded, though he couldn't help the flicker of unease that danced at the edges of his thoughts.
Ling didn't waste a moment. I'll need all your Spirit Qi. Lend it to me.
Take what you need, Xuefeng said, already bracing himself. Meanwhile, I'll refine more Spirit Qi. Call me if anything changes.
Returning to the real world, he retrieved a few spirit stones from his ring and began absorbing their essence. The familiar warmth of cultivation coursed through him, a soothing rhythm that kept his mind sharp and focused. It was almost meditative—until Ling's voracious appetite kicked in.
Suddenly, his Spirit Qi began draining at an alarming rate, a ravenous pull that sent a jolt of panic through him. His hands moved on instinct, yanking out an entire box of spirit stones. One after another, the stones cracked and crumbled as he devoured their essence, struggling to keep pace with Ling's demands.
Minutes stretched like hours. His dantian burned with strain, the once-flowing energy now a roaring inferno. Sweat dripped from his forehead, his breathing shallow, but he pressed on. Three boxes of spirit stones vanished into dust before Ling's triumphant voice echoed in his mind.
I did it! You can bring it out now, she declared.
The necklace shimmered into view within his dantian, gleaming brighter than before. The scratches and dullness that had marred its surface were gone, replaced by a radiant luster that spoke of newfound power.
Pulling the necklace into the real world, Xuefeng examined it briefly before slipping it around his neck. It felt lighter than before, as if imbued with a vitality that resonated with his spirit.
You won't guess what ability I gained from the fragment, Ling teased, her voice brimming with pride.
Xuefeng let out a weary chuckle. Honestly? As long as the threat is gone, I'll be pleased with anything.
You're no fun, she said with mock indignation. Fine, I'll tell you. My new ability is rapid regeneration. And that's not all—I uncovered some of the fragment's memories. Did you know Princess Shan's grandmother was a Fate Fragment Holder? She was a legendary healer. Before her death, she sealed the fragment in this crystal and passed it on to her granddaughter.
Xuefeng stilled, the weight of her words sinking in. So... I stole her legacy, he murmured, guilt settling like a stone in his chest.
Not necessarily, Ling countered. If we hadn't acted, the seal would've broken on Princess Shan's eighteenth birthday. She wouldn't have been ready for it. You saved her as much as yourself.
Xuefeng sighed, running a hand through his hair. Princess, I'm sorry, but I had no other choice. I'll keep my promise to her—no matter what.
The golden necklace glinted around his neck, a reminder of the delicate balance he now had to maintain. For every gain, there was a cost, and for every promise made, a debt to be paid.