Time ticked by as Yun Yurou lay in Xiao's embrace, crying out loud. Tears rained down upon Xiao's chest, moistening his clothes. He was surprised by the depth of her emotions. He had regarded her feelings as fleeting, something that wouldn't cause significant issues in her life.
Clearly, he had underestimated her feelings. Now he needed to handle the situation carefully, as it could potentially create a heart demon within Yun Yurou's martial heart, becoming an obstacle on her future path.
'Sigh... This is a lot to deal with...'
Xiao inwardly sighed, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. Mentally, he was mature, and he felt no romantic connection to Yun Yurou. However, Xiao understood the consequences of unchecked feelings, as they could lead to unforeseen problems, he could let it go but that wasn't his style. A few minutes passed with Yun Yurou remaining in his embrace.
As her crying subsided and she calmed down, Yun Yurou stayed silent, still held within Xiao's embrace. After a few seconds, she lifted her head, looking directly into Xiao's eyes. Her own eyes were red, reflecting deep emotions.
One should not underestimate her feelings due to her young age. In the realm of the Quadralia or the cosmos, children mature rapidly. This was not only due to the presence of Qi that naturally enhanced their growth but also because of the environment that forced them to mature quickly. Even at a young age, they were exposed to experiences that demanded maturity.
Furthermore, a young child's feelings were not something that simply stopped. On the contrary, they continued to grow as they pursued what captivated their hearts but then again certain mysteries seemed to hover over Yurou. Xiao slowly raised his hand and stroked Yun Yurou's face, wiping away the tears that remained. He smiled warmly, akin to how a grandfather would smile at his grandchild, and asked,
"What is it, Yun Yurou? Why are you crying?"
Yun Yurou was taken aback by Xiao's sudden touch and warm smile. A slight blush colored her face as she reluctantly lifted her head from Xiao's chest, gazing into his mesmerizing eyes that drew her in. She maintained her gaze, seemingly trying to convey something to him. Xiao understood and asked her,
"Yun Yurou, do you have feelings for me?"
As he spoke, he never broke eye contact. Yun Yurou's eyes widened in panic, but eventually, she closed them and took a deep breath. A few seconds later, she opened her eyes and nodded, answering,
"Yes, that's right. I do have feelings for you, Xiao."
Hearing her response, a happy and warm smile appeared on her face. Yet, beneath her smile, uncertainty, fear, and dread were evident in her eyes. She seemed apprehensive about his reply. Xiao continued to look at her as he spoke,
"Since when?"
"Since the time you fought for me, since the time you helped me overcome my trauma. Since then, you've been my friend. But I guess, over time, my feelings for you have changed. Not seeing you every day fills me with sadness. Not talking to you makes me sad. And seeing you brightens my day. Unknowingly, you became the light at the end of my tunnel."
Yun Yurou finished speaking, maintaining her gaze on Xiao, her gaze hiding behind it several other secrets, certain hidden emotions of memories swirling within her eyes, one she didn't understand but was beginning to. His eyes flickered as he looked into her deep, dark eyes. To be honest, Xiao was surprised. He never expected her feelings to run this deep. How could they reach such a level of intimacy?
Yun Yurou's feelings were profound, and Xiao could sense it. If he were to reject her now, he knew it would devastate her. He couldn't comprehend how such intense feelings had developed within her. If he were to accept her feelings, it might be good, but it could hurt her in the long run. Moreover, she was only ten years old, sure one can take in maturity still the age of 10 isn't one where such emotions should consume you, such thoughts couldn't last long in Xiao's mind, seemingly as if something was preventing him from being....him.
Setting aside the issue of their direct cousin relationship, which was not to be taken lightly in this lower heaven, Xiao realized that unless they had absolute strength, they would face backlash and criticism from others here, plus he wouldn't be here for long and without anything special she wouldn't last with him, only becoming a vessel by his side which will be soon forgotten. Finally, making a decision, Xiao closed his eyes for a few seconds before opening them again and spoke to the concerned Yun Yurou,
"To be honest, I am flattered that you think of me that way. Yun Yurou, I've never thought of you as anything more than family. And you should know that our relationship will never be easy..."
As he spoke, Yun Yurou's complexion grew paler, but Xiao wasn't finished.
"But it doesn't mean that I'm repulsed by or rejecting your feelings. In fact, I am quite fond of you. However, you must understand that our relationship will not be accepted by the world unless we possess absolute strength."
While speaking, he reached out and held both of Yun Yurou's hands, looking at her with tenderness and pain in his eyes. His entire demeanor conveyed sadness at not being able to be with Yun Yurou, a sorrow brought about by the 'cruel' fate they faced.
"To be honest, I cherish you a lot, Yun Yurou. But both of us have average talents, and our fate would be determined by our families. Unless we have absolute strength, we will be under their control, forced to dance to their tune. I care for you, Yun Yurou, but our feelings are not destined to come to fruition."
As Xiao finished speaking, he pulled the dazed Yun Yurou closer, embracing her lightly and soothingly tapping her back.
'Whew... I hope this worked.'
What Xiao did was inform her that he cared for her but that their circumstances as a family made their union impossible. This approach would protect Yun Yurou's feelings and help diminish her attachment. It was a two-fold solution. Xiao was confident that with time, her feelings would fade... Unfortunately, his thoughts were in vain.
If Xiao were to look at Yun Yurou's face at that moment, he would undoubtedly retract his words. Her expression was lifeless, and her mind kept repeating the same words in her mind:
'So family is the problem... family is the problem... family is the problem...'
Unbeknownst to Xiao, his decision at that moment would lead to regret throughout his life or maybe not?. It was a decision that would ultimately give birth to the Ethereal Flame Pheonix Goddess.