The sky was painted with the soft hues of twilight as Lin Xi, Su Qinghe, and Liú Jùn approached the edge of the forest. In the distance, the southern mountains loomed, their snow-capped peaks catching the last light of the day. The journey had been long, their bodies tired from the constant movement and the weight of their mission. But something else lingered in the air—something Lin Xi couldn't quite place.
As they set up camp for the night, the mood was subdued. Liú Jùn busied himself with the fire, while Su Qinghe stood at the edge of the clearing, his gaze fixed on the mountains ahead. Lin Xi watched him from where she sat, her heart stirring in a way it hadn't before. There was something about Su Qinghe—something beyond his strength and leadership—that drew her in. She couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him, though she wasn't sure if he felt the same.
"You're quiet tonight," Liú Jùn said, breaking her thoughts as he sat down beside her. "Thinking about the next battle?"
Lin Xi shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Not exactly."
Liú Jùn glanced toward Su Qinghe, then back at her with a knowing look. "Ah, I see."
Heat rose to Lin Xi's cheeks, but she quickly dismissed it. "It's not like that."
Liú Jùn chuckled softly. "You don't have to explain it to me. It's just…with everything we're up against, it's easy to forget that we're still human. We still feel things, even when we don't want to."
Lin Xi sighed, her gaze drifting back to Su Qinghe. He stood tall and resolute, but there was a vulnerability about him, hidden beneath the surface. She wondered what he was thinking, what burdens he carried that he never spoke about. Their journey had brought them closer, and she knew they had developed a bond, but there was something unspoken between them. Something neither of them had been willing to acknowledge—until now.
"I don't know what he feels," Lin Xi admitted quietly. "We've been through so much together, but sometimes…I'm not sure if he sees me the same way."
Liú Jùn nodded thoughtfully. "Su Qinghe has a lot on his shoulders. He's trying to live up to the legacy of his family while also protecting you and the relics. But I've seen the way he looks at you, Lin Xi. There's more to it than just duty."
Lin Xi's heart fluttered at his words, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside. Now wasn't the time for distractions. They had a mission to complete, and any emotions she might have needed to be kept in check—at least for now.
"Thanks," she said softly, offering Liú Jùn a grateful smile. "But we have bigger things to worry about."
Liú Jùn patted her shoulder. "True. But remember, you can't fight the darkness alone. You don't have to."
Before Lin Xi could respond, Su Qinghe approached the fire, his expression serious. "We should take turns keeping watch tonight. The mountains ahead are treacherous, and we don't know what—or who—might be waiting for us."
"I'll take the first watch," Lin Xi volunteered, eager for some time alone to clear her thoughts.
Su Qinghe nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than usual. "Wake me if you need anything."
As the night settled in, Liú Jùn and Su Qinghe fell into a restless sleep while Lin Xi stood guard, her sword resting on her lap. The forest around them was quiet, the only sounds coming from the crackling fire and the distant rustle of leaves in the wind. But Lin Xi's mind was far from quiet. Her thoughts kept circling back to Su Qinghe and the growing connection between them.
For so long, Lin Xi had focused on her mission, on protecting the relics and defeating the Black Dragon Emperor's forces. Love, or anything resembling it, had never been part of her plan. But now, with Su Qinghe by her side, things felt different. She could no longer ignore the feelings stirring within her. And as much as she tried to push them away, they kept coming back—stronger each time.
Suddenly, a faint sound broke the silence—a whisper on the wind. Lin Xi's grip tightened on her sword as she stood, scanning the treeline for any signs of movement. Her heart raced, but the sound didn't repeat. Perhaps it had just been her imagination.
Just as she was about to sit down again, Su Qinghe appeared at her side, his eyes sharp with concern. "Did you hear that?"
Lin Xi nodded, her voice low. "It came from the trees."
They stood side by side, their senses alert as they watched the forest. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, out of the shadows, a figure emerged. Lin Xi tensed, her sword ready, but Su Qinghe placed a hand on her arm, stopping her.
"It's him," Su Qinghe said quietly, his voice barely a whisper.
The figure stepped into the light of the fire, revealing an older man with a long, weathered face and sharp eyes that gleamed with intelligence. His presence was commanding, yet there was a weariness about him that spoke of many years spent in hiding.
"Shēng Lóng," Su Qinghe greeted him, his voice filled with both surprise and respect. "We've been looking for you."
Shēng Lóng, the Guardian Liú Jùn had spoken of, studied them with a wary gaze. "And yet, here I am. But I doubt you came all this way just to find me."
Lin Xi stepped forward, her voice steady. "We need your help. The Black Dragon Emperor's forces are growing stronger, and we can't fight them alone. We have one of the relics, but we need guidance—and allies."
Shēng Lóng's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the relic in Lin Xi's pack. "You've come a long way, but the road ahead will only grow more difficult. The Black Dragon Emperor is more powerful than you realize. And if he returns, no one will be safe."
"We know," Su Qinghe said, his voice filled with determination. "But we can stop him. With your help, we can find the other relics and prevent his resurrection."
Shēng Lóng was silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slow nod, he stepped forward. "I will help you. But know this—the path you've chosen will demand more from you than you can imagine. The darkness is not easily defeated."
Lin Xi met his gaze, her heart steady. "We're ready."
As Shēng Lóng joined their camp, Lin Xi couldn't shake the feeling that their journey had just taken a new turn. With his help, they might stand a chance against the Black Dragon Emperor. But as she glanced at Su Qinghe, she couldn't ignore the other shift that was happening—within her own heart.
The battle ahead was daunting, but it wasn't just the fight against Hēilóng Dì that scared her. It was the possibility of losing the connection she and Su Qinghe had begun to build.
And deep down, Lin Xi knew that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop herself from falling.