"I'd expect nothing less." Shen Yuan swirled the gourd lazily before taking another sip.
The taste lingered on his tongue, and for a moment, he let himself relax completely.
[You really worked yourself hard this time, didn't you?]
Yue Lan's tone softened, a hint of concern slipping through.
[Alchemy, blacksmithing, breakthroughs… it's a lot, even for someone like you.]
"It's necessary," Shen Yuan said, his voice calm but firm.
"There's no room for complacency on the path that I've decided to walk on. It demands at least this level of effort. And it's not just about me. There are people I care about, people I need to protect."
Yue Lan was silent for a moment, her words filled with warmth as she said,
[I know. That's what makes you different, Yuan'er. You don't just strive for yourself. But don't forget, even the strongest need moments of rest.]
