As I looked at Wei Xiotian, his intense gaze seemed to seep into my very soul. My heart wavered, but I forced myself to break the connection, nodding slowly and dismissing the unspoken tension between us. "Yeah, you can leave this here now," I said, stepping back to put some distance between us.
For a moment, his hand reached out toward me, hesitating, as though caught between holding on and letting go. Then, with a quiet resolve, he pulled it back.
"We have to go together," he said softly, his voice steady yet gentle. "I know you don't like celebrations or crowded places, but this one… it's especially important. It's been prepared by your xinfu."
His words stopped me in my tracks. "I have a xinfu?" I blurted out, my mind spinning with this revelation.
Wei Xiotian nodded solemnly, his hand slowly reaching for mine again.
His touch was warm and grounding, and I couldn't pull away this time. "Yes, you do," he said, his tone quieter now. "I know you have questions and confusion, but… for now, can you set them aside for this celebration? Just for tonight, be my Yu Hengtian."
I stared at him, unsure how to respond. His words carried a weight that I couldn't ignore. His gaze softened as he added, "My lingfu will also be there. I don't want him to think, even for a second, that I would leave you—or that you might leave me."
I asked, "What is a lingfu?"
Wei Xiotian answered, "Look, Yu, we are born out of spiritual vital essence. A xinfu gives us the blood while a lingfu gives us the spirit, and then we are born. Just like that."
"Lingfu means… mother?" I ventured, testing the word.
"Whatever you want to call it, love," he said with a soft smirk.
His words hung in the air, and I could feel the earnestness in them, the vulnerability he rarely showed. For the first time, I truly felt the depth of what this bond meant to him.
After a long pause, I nodded hesitantly. "Alright."
Wei Xiotian smiled, a faint, almost wistful smile that carried a mix of relief and something deeper. "Thank you."
"But can I ask a question—my lingfu's name, my sect, and also anything your lingfu might ask? Something that may be important that I should know. I rarely have any memory of anything between us," I said sincerely, in a serious tone.
Wei Xiotian paused, his smile faltering slightly at my serious tone. He took a deep breath and stepped closer, his presence commanding yet comforting. "Of course, Yu," he said softly, his voice steady as if trying to reassure me. "I'll tell you what you need to know."
He gestured for me to sit, and as I did, he crouched in front of me, his golden-ringed hand resting lightly on mine. "Your xinfu's name is Yu Zhenhai. He's the Sect Master of the Tianquan Sect, one of the most respected sects across all the realms. Your lingfu… his name is Qiu Meiyu. He was known for his grace and strength, a man admired by many, but… he has not been well for many years."
I blinked, absorbing the weight of this information. "The Tianquan Sect? Is that… my sect?"
Wei Xiotian nodded. "Yes, it is. You're its young master, the one destined to inherit its legacy." His gaze turned gentle, as though trying to ease my growing anxiety. "But there's no pressure tonight. No one will expect you to carry the burden of leadership immediately."
Wei Xiotian's expression shifted, his tone becoming more serious. "As for my lingfu," he began, "he's strict, sharp-tongued, and always scheming. He has a way of cutting into your feelings, twisting your words, and setting traps with his endless tricks. He'll likely try to test you with confusing questions or comments meant to unsettle you." His grip on my hand tightened, and his gaze softened slightly. "But don't worry about him. You don't have to face him alone—leave it to me. I'll handle anything he throws your way."
I frowned, uncertainty flickering in my voice. "And… between us? If he asks about us?"
Wei Xiotian's gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable. Then, with a calm yet firm tone, he replied, "Let him ask. Whatever he says or implies, it doesn't change the truth. You're mine, Yu Hengtian, and no one—not even my lingfu—will alter that. If he pushes too hard, I'll handle it."
I looked at Wei Xiotian, curiosity flickering in my eyes. "Which sect are you from?" I asked, my tone careful but sincere. "Is there anything important I should know about you? Something that might come up?"
He straightened slightly, his expression softening into something almost nostalgic. "I'm from the Meilan Sect," he said, his voice carrying a quiet pride. "A sect known for its mastery over the arts of healing and rare flora cultivation. Our lands are lush, vibrant, and filled with life. It's said the Meilan Sect's sacred pools can even restore broken spirits."
I nodded, trying to piece together what little I knew of this world. "Healing and flora… that sounds peaceful."
Wei Xiotian chuckled lightly, the sound low and comforting. "Peaceful on the surface, yes. But Meilan isn't without its complexities. There's a fierce dedication required to master our arts, and the sect holds itself to incredibly high standards. It's not an easy path."
His gaze turned more intent as he added, "But there's something you should understand about me, Yu. As the eldest disciple and protector of the Meilan Sect, my role is not just to heal or nurture. It's also to protect what's mine. My sect. My people." His eyes locked onto mine. "And you."
Wei Xiotian's smile returned, this time softer. "Exactly. And as for traditions, just stay close to me. I'll guide you through everything. You're not alone in this, Yu Hengtian. Not now.
As zhen reminded himself of what to do and what not to, his thoughts swirled in a whirlwind of anxiety and confusion. he barely noticed Wei Xiotian observing him.