The morning sunlight streamed into the room, illuminating the serene expressions of Xuan Li and Mei Xue as they sat cross-legged, immersed in their cultivation practice. The protective spatial barrier, forged by Xuan Li's master, Verdris, shimmered faintly around them before gradually dissolving into the ether. As the space returned to normal, both of them opened their eyes simultaneously.
Mei Xue stretched her lithe body, her silver hair cascading like a stream of liquid light. She sighed, rubbing her temples. "Last night's cultivation felt a bit… odd. It was as if I was surrounded by a mysterious energy, one I couldn't quite understand."
Xuan Li's gaze sharpened at her words. Without a word, he reached for the locket around his neck .As his fingers brushed against it, Verdris's voice resonated in his mind: "Disciple, I made my move. You and that girl possess different origins. When those two energies interact, there is a risk—her Heavenly Origin may be swallowed by your Cosmic Origin. Be cautious when practicing together."
Xuan Li nodded slightly and muttered under his breath, "Thank you, Master."
Mei Xue tilted her head, her jade-green eyes narrowing. "What are you mumbling about over there?"
Xuan Li smiled faintly, his expression relaxed. "Nothing important. Let's go."
As they stepped out into the city streets, Xuan Li's thoughts drifted. "The next time I'll be in Yuanfeng will likely be years later, perhaps in battle. I should take some time to explore this place." The name of the city, Qinghe, flickered in his mind—a place renowned for its exquisite clothing and noble presence. "I heard the nobles frequent this city... Wait, nobles?" His gaze shifted subtly to Mei Xue walking beside him, her simple, travel-worn attire doing little to reflect her noble origins. A sudden thought crystallized in his mind.
Mei Xue noticed his prolonged stare and flushed crimson. "What are you staring at?" she demanded, flustered.
Xuan Li smirked, making up his mind. Without warning, he grabbed her hand. Mei Xue froze, her voice trembling. "W-What are you planning to do?"
"Come with me," he said casually, leading her down the bustling street.
They arrived at an upscale clothing store adorned with intricate carvings and luxurious fabrics displayed in the windows. Mei Xue hesitated as they entered, her brows furrowing. "Why are we here? If you wanted new clothes, you could've come alone."
Xuan Li stopped and glanced at her. "I am here for clothes, but not for myself."
He gestured for a stylist. A woman with an elegant appearance approached, her expression polite but indifferent. "How can I assist you, sir?"
Xuan Li nodded toward Mei Xue. "I need you to give this lady a noble look."
The stylist's gaze shifted to Mei Xue, who was still wearing her hoodie with her face partially concealed. The stylist raised an eyebrow, her thoughts betraying her professional demeanor. "This girl looks like a pauper. Under that hood, she's probably average at best… but it's a customer's request, so I'll do my job."
"Ma'am, could you remove your hood, please?" the stylist asked, her tone measured.
Mei Xue complied, pulling down her hood. As her silver hair tumbled down like a waterfall and her piercing jade-green eyes came into view, the stylist's professional facade shattered. Her thoughts stuttered to a halt. "Goddess…"
The room fell silent as other customers turned to stare. Murmurs rippled through the air as Mei Xue's delicate features and regal bearing captured everyone's attention. Even the men in the shop couldn't tear their eyes away.
Xuan Li coughed deliberately, snapping the stylist out of her trance. Embarrassed, she straightened. "My apologies, sir. I'll ensure the lady receives a look worthy of her beauty."
Mei Xue was whisked into a private fitting room. Meanwhile, another stylist approached Xuan Li. "Sir, while you wait, would you like to try on some of our garments? You seem like someone who would suit a more refined look."
Xuan Li considered for a moment. "That's true. I've grown taller after solidifying my foundation, and my current clothes feel tight." He nodded and followed the stylist to another room.
Some time later, Mei Xue emerged. The sight of her rendered the room silent once more. She wore a flowing white dress with intricate golden embroidery, its semi-transparent fabric adding a touch of ethereal elegance. The design accentuated her delicate figure while exuding a noble and otherworldly charm. Gasps filled the room as the onlookers marveled at her transformation.
Moments later, Xuan Li stepped out. He was clad in an elaborate outfit of red, black, and gold, the colors complementing his commanding aura. His attire seemed to declare him a figure of authority, someone not to be trifled with.
He looked at Mei Xue and simply said, "You look good."
Mei Xue blinked, a mix of emotions swirling within her. "That's it? That's all he has to say? Every other man here is captivated, yet he's unaffected… Does he not find me attractive? Or… am I starting to…" Her thoughts trailed off as a sudden realization struck. "Wait. Could it be… that I like him? No, impossible! It's just because he's kind, powerful, and… handsome…" She risked a glance at Xuan Li, only to find him already looking at her. Flustered, she turned away, her face burning. "This is dangerous…"
Before either of them could speak, a group of women approached Xuan Li. "Young warrior," one said, her voice sweet, "are you free after this?"
"Come hang out with us!" another chimed in, batting her eyelashes.
Mei Xue's chest tightened as she watched the scene unfold. A pang of jealousy surged through her. Without thinking, she stepped forward, grabbed Xuan Li's hand, and pulled him away. "What are you doing, Xuan Li? We need to leave the city today. Let's go!"
Xuan Li, caught off guard, felt the soft sensation of her hand around his arm. His face reddened slightly as he allowed her to lead him out of the store. As they walked, he muttered under his breath, "Mei Xue… how long do you plan to hold my hand?"
Mei Xue froze, realizing what she was doing. She let go immediately, her face as red as a sunset. "S-Sorry! I was just trying to get you away from those girls. That's all. Nothing more than that, really."
Xuan Li chuckled softly. "I understand. Calm down."
The two spent the remainder of the morning wandering Qinghe City, purchasing supplies for their journey. Mei Xue remained unusually quiet, stealing occasional glances at Xuan Li, who seemed unaware of the effect he had on her.
By noon, they left the city, their destination set: the Forest of Veiled Shadows, the last obstacle before crossing into Tianluo Kingdom. As they walked side by side, the atmosphere between them felt different—charged with unspoken thoughts and feelings neither was ready to address.
The journey ahead promised new challenges, but for now, they traveled in quiet companionship, their paths intertwined by fate.