After Ming Yue gave her final words of caution, reminding Xuan to avoid any mischievous behavior at the Yun family's residence, she finally relaxed, a gentle smile spreading across her face.
Ming Yue with a warm smile said : "Alright, Xuan. I trust you'll keep your word. Let's focus on making this journey beneficial for both of us."
Xuan felt himself paused, caught off-guard by her smile.
For a moment, the bright warmth in her expression softened her usual serious demeanor, and he felt a sense of admiration.
Xuan thought to himself:"I've rarely seen her smile like this… It's like a light that brightens everything around her."
He quickly shook himself out of his thoughts, hoping she hadn't noticed his moment of fascination.
Xuan grinning slightly said: "Thank you, Ming Yue. I'll keep my promise, especially now that I have your trust."
Ming Yue still smiling, her voice gentle said: "Good. I'll hold you to that, Xuan. This alliance means a lot to the sect, and having you there to support me is reassuring."
For a brief moment, silence settled between them, and Xuan couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her. Ming Yue's gentle smile seemed to reveal a part of her that few got to see , a warmth that contrasted with her usual composed and confident self.
Xuan clearing his throat, quickly looking away said :"Alright then, I'll prepare for the journey. And… thank you, Ming Yue, for trusting me to come along."
Ming Yue's smile softened even more, and she nodded.
Ming Yue: "Of course, Xuan. Just stay true to your word. Now, go on and get ready. We have a long journey ahead."
Xuan nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
As Ming Yue's bright smile faded, leaving her with her usual calm and composed expression,
Xuan felt a lingering warmth in the room. She had agreed to let him join her on the journey to the central region, and he had promised to respect her boundaries and stay focused on his own mission. Yet, in that fleeting moment, he found himself unable to shake the memory of her gentle smile.
When Ming Yue turned to gather a few things for their trip, Xuan remained in the room, standing there as if rooted in place. His mind wandered, replaying the recent conversation and the way her smile had softened her typically serious demeanor.
Xuan thinking to himself: "I've seen her confident, focused, even strict. But this… this smile was different. It was warm and unguarded."
He didn't fully understand why he was so taken aback, but something about her presence in that moment felt new. Her strength, wisdom, and kindness had always been evident, but seeing this softer side reminded him that there was more to Ming Yue than just her role as a powerful healer and protector of the sect.
Ming Yue turned to him, noticing his silence and the thoughtful look on his face. She raised an eyebrow, curiosity flashing in her eyes.
Ming Yue smiling slightly asked:"Xuan, are you alright? You look lost in thought."
Her question snapped him back to reality, and he quickly straightened, feeling slightly awkward.
Xuan blushed and cleared his throat and said:
"Oh, yes. I was just… thinking. About the journey, of course."
Ming Yue nodding, amused : "The journey? It seems like something else is on your mind."
Xuan hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Ming Yue was perceptive, and her gentle curiosity made it difficult for him to simply brush off his thoughts.
Xuan: "It's… nothing important. I just appreciate your trust, that's all. This journey means a lot to me."
She tilted her head, studying him carefully, as if trying to see through his words.
Xuan could feel her gaze, and he realized how her presence had a grounding effect on him. Despite her strength and position within the sect, she carried a grace and kindness that made her easy to talk to.
Ming Yue: "I trust you, Xuan. Just remember what I asked stay focused and respectful in the central region. The Yun family won't tolerate any mischief."
Xuan smiling said : "I understand. I'll keep my promise."
As they finished their conversation, Ming Yue turned to leave the room, her robes flowing gracefully around her. Xuan watched her go, still lost in thought. He felt a quiet respect for her—a respect that seemed to deepen with each interaction. She had seen through his more mischievous side and had still chosen to place her trust in him, something he didn't take lightly.
Xuan thinking to himself :"Ming Yue… she's more than just a healer, more than just Sect Leader Feng Tianlong's wife. She's someone who sees people for who they are."
He took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of responsibility. If he was going to accompany Ming Yue, he needed to prove himself worthy of her trust.
Xuan murmuring to himself :"I won't let her down. This journey is more than just a mission; it's a chance to show that I'm capable of more than others might think."