The grand banquet in the Kingdom of Dongying was a spectacle of shimmering silks and clinking jade. Torches blazed, casting long, dancing shadows across the courtyard as Su Ning, his face etched with the weariness of recent trials, led Xiao Hong towards the palace. It had been a month since they'd returned, the arid plains of the drought-stricken lands greening once more, thanks to Su Ning's efforts.
As they navigated through the nobles and officials, a man in embroidered robes, his face a mask of curiosity, intercepted them, addressing Xiao Hong. "Who are you?" The question, simple as it was, struck Xiao Hong like a physical blow. A tremor ran through her. The world swam a little, as a kaleidoscope of fractured images assaulted her mind - a village, a temple, the glint of a sword. She wasn't sure who she was anymore, the memories jumbling like shattered glass.
Before her stammered reply could form, Su Ning stepped forward, his voice firm and possessive. "She is my person." The simple declaration, a shield against the prying eyes, settled around Xiao Hong like a comforting blanket.
The banquet, meant to celebrate Su Ning's achievements, was soon overshadowed by another development. General Zhao, a figure of regal bearing with his royal lineage, announced that, along with the immortal Lan Hua, they had discovered one of Zhang Li's hidden lairs and captured his associate, Yueqing. He was now imprisoned in the kingdom's dungeons, bait to lure Zhang Li out of the shadows. A hush fell over the court, the weight of the looming conflict heavy in the air.
A sharp glance passed between Su Ning and Lan Hua – a cousin, a rival in the practice of the arcane arts since childhood. Their relationship had been strained for years, a constant push and pull of ambition and perceived slight, both desperate to claim the legacy of their cultivating ancestor. Zhao, with his royal blood, watched the silent exchange with a knowing gaze.
The celebration commenced, the music and laughter a thin veil over the undercurrent of tension. The Emperor, his eyes sharp and intelligent, raised a goblet towards Su Ning. "You have served our kingdom well, Su Ning. But even the most valiant heroes must know their limits." His words, seemingly innocuous, held a veiled warning, a subtle acknowledgement of Su Ning's past ties to Yinou, the person he knew Zhang Li was keen on using. The Emperor was advising him to cease his interference, or risk unleashing more destruction.
Meanwhile, in the spiritual gardens of Dongying, Susu and Li Yang found themselves alone. "I prefer the view from up here," Susu said, perched on a high wall, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
Nearby, Bai Lin, a young man enamoured with the aloof Lan Hua, tried to gain her attention with a silly jest. Lan Hua, being taller than him, turned her cold gaze towards him. "Away you three-inch fool!" she snapped, a cutting remark that only seemed to fuel Bai Lin's infatuation.
Su Ning, noticing Xiao Hong's withdrawal, turned to her. "You've been quiet. Do you want to go home?"
Xiao Hong's response was sharp. "You're just making an excuse...It's you who wants to go home," she paused, her voice softening, upon seeing his look, "Alright."
Without a word, Su Ning offered his hand. They slipped away from the revelry, venturing into the arid landscape surrounding Dongying. The wind whipped around them, carrying the scent of distant spices and sun-baked earth. Su Ning, his actions unexpected, leaned in and brushed a lock of hair from Xiao Hong's face. To which she quickly stumbled back to.
"You...you never had a problem with it before, " he said, his voice strangely vulnerable. "I'm sorry, Hong Hong." This comment left Xiao Hong more confused than ever, deepening the mystery surrounding who they were to each other.
As their exploration continued, Susu joined Li Yang for some late-night sightseeing. The moon cast long shadows across the gardens as they sat in comfortable silence. Then, Li Yang, emboldened by drink, blurted out, "I love you."
Susu was taken aback, her heart lurching in her chest. She recovered quickly, composure restored. "You're drunk," she said gently. "Let me take you back."
Li Yang refused, insisting on staying to admire the view. With a sigh of exasperation, Susu used a swift kick to the pressure point behind his ear, knocking her unconscious.
When Li Yang stirred awake, she found a cold cloth on her forehead. "Is this cloth too hot or cold?" Susu asked.
"It's perfect," she mumbled, her head still swimming.
Later that night, as Susu yawned, Li Yang made space on the bed. "Come rest," she said.
"I'm not sleeping here with you," Susu protested, her eyes wide. "You snore when you're congested."
That night, as they slept in Dongying, Xiao Hong was plagued by fragmented dreams. Vague faces, cries of pain, and the chilling image of a burning palace danced at the edge of her awareness, leaving her restless and distressed. She felt responsible for the suffering she witnessed in her dreams, even though she did not know these souls.
The sun was already high the next morning on their journey as they returned to their camp. As they rode, Su Ning noticed Xiao Hong hyperventilating in her sleep. He woke her gently. "You were hyperventilating in your sleep."
Xiao Hong, startled, denied it. "You're lying. You're forehead and neck is sweating," Su Ning persisted, his eyes searching her face. The tension between them was palpable, unspoken questions hanging in the air. To keep her awake, Su Ning began to tell a story, of a an immortal named Lin Jian and his beloved Yinou, Xiao Hong was unaware that he was narrating their own past lives.
Later that day, back at the camp, Su Ning tucked Xiao Hong into her bed, his touch full of care and concern.