The next morning, the sun was shining brightly, and the scenery of Dihua Marsh was full of life. Yu Xie, Xianyun, and Shenhe had all arrived here together.
From a distance, they could already see the inn, which was built atop a massive rock pillar. It stood tall, like an unbreakable fortress. This inn was the center of activity for the people around Dihua Marsh and The Guili Plains, a place where they gathered for trade, communication, and rest.
The inn attracted travelers, merchants, and adventurers from all over. Here, they shared stories and experiences, exploring this mysterious and dangerous world together.
When they arrived at the inn, Yu Xie and the others realized they were the first to get there—Ge Chen and Gui Zhong hadn't arrived yet.
Yu Xie stopped beneath the inn, looking up towards the top.
The inn's structure stood tall above them, and although they couldn't see the roof, he wondered if a certain Adeptus, who had always watched over this place, was sitting up there, gazing into the distance.
"Let's go ahead and book the rooms," Xianyun suggested.
"Alright," Yu Xie responded.
The three of them took the elevator to the top floor of the Wangshu Inn, where they were guided by a maid and booked three rooms.
Though the Wangshu Inn wasn't located in the city, the rooms here were just as good as those in the city's inns, and in many ways, even superior.
Next, the three of them went up to the inn's top floor.
From the rooftop, the scenery of Dihua Marsh spread out below them.
White cranes, as pure as snow, stood by the water's edge, gracefully extending their long necks and wings. Dense reeds grew along the water, swaying gently in the breeze, producing a soft rustling sound, as if playing a natural symphony with the white cranes.
The water, calm as a mirror, rippled slightly as the breeze blew, creating small circles of waves that sparkled like pearls scattered on a silver plate.
The clouds in the sky reflected in the water, creating a beautiful picture—blue skies and white clouds perfectly mirrored in the water, making the entire scene look like a dream.
Such a beautiful sight was rare even in Liyue.
While appreciating the scenery of Dihua Marsh, Xianyun couldn't help but steal a few glances at Yu Xie.
The important thing wasn't the scenery, but the person you were sharing it with.
No matter how beautiful the scene, if you're the only one witnessing it, it may eventually lose its charm.
"Gui Zhong and Ge Chen haven't arrived yet. How about we take a walk around the area?" Yu Xie suddenly suggested.
"That's a good idea," Xianyun nodded.
But Shenhe seemed to realize something, "Yu Xie, Master, you two go ahead. I think... I'll rest for a while."
"What's wrong? Did you not feel well after coming so early?" Xianyun asked with concern.
"I'm fine, just a little tired. A short rest will do," Shenhe replied.
"...Alright, you rest up. If you feel unwell, let us know right away," Xianyun said. "Use the communication method I taught you."
"Mm." Shenhe nodded, then turned and went downstairs.
Actually, Shenhe wasn't that tired and didn't really need rest.
She just felt that it would be good to give Master and Yu Xie some time alone. She could also use this time to do something she wanted to do.
She wanted to observe and learn the expressions and actions of people in different situations, thinking this was an essential lesson in integrating into human society.
After Shenhe went downstairs, Xianyun paused for a moment and then turned her gaze to Yu Xie.
"Yu Xie, have you ever tried flying in the air?"
"Flying in the air?" Yu Xie paused for a moment. "No."
"Then let's try it today." Xianyun smiled and took Yu Xie's hand.
At this moment, there was no one else on the rooftop. Xianyun waved her other hand lightly.
In an instant, a gentle breeze surged.
It felt like a pair of strong yet tender hands were supporting both Yu Xie and Xianyun, lifting them into the air.
The two of them seemed to transform into the wind, merging with the thousand winds that swept through Dihua Marsh, floating high in the air.
They drifted through the sky until they finally landed on a small island in the waters of Dihua Marsh.
"How does it feel?" After they landed, Xianyun released Yu Xie's hand and asked with a smile.
"Well... it's a bit like riding a roller coaster," Yu Xie pondered for a moment before answering.
"A roller coaster?" Xianyun was puzzled.
"An amusement ride," Yu Xie smiled. "It's not important. In any case, it feels pretty good."
"Would you like to do it again?" Xianyun smiled as she reached out her hand to Yu Xie, her smile carrying an unspoken affection.
"How about... we explore the area first? This is my first time here at Dihua Marsh, and I haven't had a good look at the scenery yet." Yu Xie looked around.
"Alright, we'll do it your way." Xianyun's smile remained, her gaze still filled with tenderness.
To be honest, Xianyun felt that moments like these, alone with Yu Xie, were a real test for her.
It was like a delicious dish placed right in front of her when she was starving — how could she resist tasting it?
Of course, Yu Xie wasn't a delicious dish, and Xianyun wasn't starving to the point of desperation.
But the principle was somewhat similar.
And so, Yu Xie and Xianyun wandered around Dihua Marsh together.
At first, they walked side by side, with a little distance between their shoulders. However, as time passed, Xianyun unconsciously leaned closer to Yu Xie, and the space between them gradually diminished.
Until, in the end, Yu Xie could smell the pleasant fragrance of Xianyun's hair.
He turned to look at Xianyun.
It had to be said that Xianyun's mature and flawless appearance, coupled with the affection and attention in her eyes that seemed to focus solely on him — who could resist falling for her under such circumstances?
But Yu Xie still harbored some concerns in his heart.
Xianyun was an Adeptus, while he, in the end, was just a mortal.
Even though he had been the Deputy Guard General protecting Guili Assembly a thousand years ago, he was still a mortal who would eventually return to dust after a few decades or centuries.
"I... do I have something on my face?" Xianyun noticed Yu Xie's gaze and asked, slightly shy.
"Ah... no... it's just your glasses..." Yu Xie awkwardly brought up her glasses.
"These?" Xianyun hesitated for a moment before removing the red-framed glasses. "These were a gift you gave me back then."
"So... these are from a thousand years ago?" Yu Xie was a little surprised. "But they still look brand new."
"These are one of the few gifts you gave me, so of course I take good care of them." Xianyun turned toward Yu Xie, revealing a gentle smile. "By the way, do you know why I wear my hair in a ponytail?"
"Why?"
Xianyun didn't answer immediately. Instead, she stopped and leaned closer to Yu Xie's ear, whispering softly:
"Because you once told me that I look good with a ponytail."
Her soft words, accompanied by the warmth of her breath against his ear, caused a ticklish sensation — almost as if they had scratched at his heart.
End of chapter
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