After some time, Hun Yu looked at Huang Yi and noticed she had fallen asleep.
Gently, he moved her hands from around him, laid her down on the bed, and covered her with a blanket. He sighed, questioning his actions.
Running away with the princess? If the Sect Master found out, the reaction would surely be severe.
He now had this princess to take care of. Although the system mission had ended and he had the option to flee, he knew he couldn't.
But could he really hide her forever? The Emperor would surely send strong cultivators to find his daughter. However, the system assured him this was the safest place to hide her in the whole empire, so it should be safe.
As time passed, twilight fell, and Huang Yi finally woke up. She stood up from the bed, looking around for Hun Yu.
Just then, Hun Yu opened the door and entered the house, followed by the old man, the village chief.
"Oh, you're awake. Get ready; we have to go and meet the other villagers," he said, noticing her messy hair.
Huang Yi rubbed her eyes, still groggy from sleep, and nodded. She glanced at the village chief, who gave her a curious but friendly look.
She took Hun Yu's hand and walked beside him. He was a little surprised but quickly composed himself.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
Huang Yi nodded, giving him a small smile. "Yes."
They walked through the village hand in hand, drawing curious glances from the villagers eager to meet the new arrivals.
The village was small but lively, with children playing and people busy with their daily routines.
Hun Yu and Huang Yi approached the village square, where a group of villagers had gathered.
Lao Shen, the village chief, stepped forward to address them.
"Everyone, this is Huang Yi and Hun Yu. They've come to stay with us for a while. Let's make them feel welcome."
The villagers greeted them warmly, their faces full of genuine smiles and curiosity.
An elderly woman stepped forward and offered them a basket of freshly baked bread. "Welcome to our village. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Huang Yi accepted the basket with a grateful smile. "Thank you. We appreciate your kindness."
As they mingled with the villagers, Hun Yu kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring that everything was as safe as it seemed.
Despite the simplicity of the village, there was a sense of community and warmth that made it feel like a safe haven.
Hun Yu sat silently, watching Huang Yi chatter happily with the other women. Though they were much older than her, she seemed to fit in well, acting like a normal woman and not a princess.
Huang Yi and Hun Yu spent their first few days getting acquainted with the village.
They helped with essential chores like fetching water and tending to the communal garden. They mostly kept to themselves, avoiding lingering too long.
Their small cottage became their sanctuary, where they spent most of their time with Huang Yi's puppy, Bīng Bīng. Gradually, they started spending more time together in the quiet corners of the village and the nearby forest.
They often took Bīng Bīng with them and enjoyed the tranquility and each other's company. During their walks, Hun Yu taught Huang Yi basic self-defense techniques in secluded glades. Their trust in each other grew stronger.
In their cottage or while exploring the forest with Bīng Bīng, they cooked meals together and played with the puppy. The villagers noticed their absence but respected their need for privacy.
Hun Yu found himself smiling more often, appreciating Huang Yi's presence.
Behind their cottage, they built a small garden together, enjoying the simplicity of their tasks. In the evenings, they would often sit in the garden, talking about their hopes and dreams while Bīng Bīng played nearby.
Their conversations became deeper, and their bond grew stronger.
Hun Yu and Huang Yi focused on each other, with little interaction with the villagers.
They explored deeper parts of the forest, finding hidden spots where they could talk and train in peace.
Huang Yi grew more confident in her abilities, and Hun Yu felt a growing sense of responsibility and affection towards her.
They also spent quiet evenings in their cottage, with Bīng Bīng nestled between them. They continued their routine of spending time together, training, and caring for Bīng Bīng.
On the eighteenth day, as they walked back from collecting herbs in the forest, the sun was setting behind them. Suddenly, a pigeon landed on Hun Yu's shoulder with a letter attached to its leg.
Hun Yu fell silent. How did this pigeon always manage's to find him? He took the letter from the pigeon's leg.
Huang Yi noticed the letter on Hun Yu's hand but remained silent. Hun Yu stored the letter in his storage ring without saying anything, and Huang Yi didn't ask as they arrived at their house.
She placed the herbs inside the house. Bīng Bīng had grown a little in size during these days. Huang Yi stepped outside, looked at the sky and the clean air, and sat on a nearby chair.
These days had been so wonderful that she couldn't imagine living them any other way. Teasing this bad guy, annoying him—it all brought her a happiness she never expected to find in a place like this. It was funny how life worked out sometimes.
Her decision to run away with Hun Yu might have seemed rash since she didn't know him well, but there was a feeling in her heart that reassured her.
Living life like this was so much better than being a princess. She now wanted to leave the empire as soon as possible and live a normal family life with Hun Yu.
Inside, Hun Yu looked at the letter. It was from Yun Xiu; no one else would bother to send a letter. As he opened it, he read:
"Hun Yu, before I told you I want you to return in one month. Now I want you to return immediately. If you are late, I will personally come to pick you up."
The letter ended with another one of her scary drawings. Is Sect Master trying to scare him with these drawings?
Hearing the door open, he quickly hid the letter. Huang Yi entered the house and saw Hun Yu sitting silently on the bed.
She approached him, hugged him, and fell onto the bed, laying her head on his chest.
He wondered what was wrong with her. "What happened, Yiyi?" he asked gently. "Why are you silent?"
"Are you going to leave?" she asked in a low voice, looking into his eyes. She had caught a glimpse of him reading the letter earlier.
Though she didn't know what was in the letter, she had a feeling her bad guy would leave.
He nodded, although he wasn't sure how she guessed. But since she had found out...
"...So?"
"Where are you going? Will you be back?" she asked, hugging him tighter. She felt his hand patting her head.
"What are you talking about? Of course, I'll be back. Do you think I would leave a princess alone for too long?"
"Smooth tongue," she muttered.
She looked up at his face, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and longing. Slowly, she moved her face closer to his.
Hun Yu's eyes widened slightly, surprised by her initiative, but he cooperated, closing the distance between them until their lips met.
The kiss started soft, but Hun Yu's hand moved to cradle the back of her head, pulling her closer.
The intensity built rapidly, their breaths mingling as they deepened the kiss. Hun Yu's other hand slid to her waist, drawing her body against his.
Huang Yi closed her eyes, losing herself in the moment. Her hands clung to him, fingers curling into the fabric of his robe.
Huang Yi pulled back, breathing heavily, her eyes locked onto Hun Yu's. She didn't know how she was so bold today.
"Though we are not yet married, I can allow you..." she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hun Yu, who was not easily affected, felt his heart race. A blush crept up his face, his cool demeanor faltering.
He stared at her, unsure of how to proceed.