Cloud Beguile left the bustling main hall and strolled into the rear gardens of the Cloudtop Immortal Abode. The scenery here was picturesque, with birdsong and floral fragrances, winding paths leading to a secluded, idyllic realm, in stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the main hall.
As he wandered through the gardens, breathing in the crisp air, his mood gradually calmed. However, at that moment, a melodious zither music drifted over from the distance, plaintive and longing, as if conveying a story, causing Cloud Beguile to pause and follow the sound.
In a pavilion deep within the gardens, a slender and beautiful young lady sat before an ancient zither, her delicate fingers gently plucking the strings, playing a captivating melody.
The young lady wore a pale blue dress, her ebony hair cascading down like a waterfall, her complexion as fair as snow, her elegant features and bright, shining eyes like twinkling stars in the night sky, enchanting all who beheld her.
She was Cloud Beguile's childhood sweetheart, Su Moonshade.
Su Moonshade was not from a renowned clan, but rather an orphan. Years ago, when Cloud Beguile's father, Cloud Soaring Sky, was out on a journey, he discovered her severely injured and on the brink of death in a remote valley, and brought her back to the Cloudtop Immortal Abode, adopting her into the Cloud Clan.
Though her origins were humble, Su Moonshade was kind-hearted and gentle, and also possessed remarkable talent in Immortal Cultivation. Under the careful nurturing of the Cloud Clan, she had grown into an exceptional cultivator.
She and Cloud Beguile had been inseparable since childhood, like innocent childhood sweethearts. Cloud Beguile, with his carefree and unrestrained nature, would often get into trouble, and Su Moonshade would always be there by his side, quietly helping him resolve issues and caring for his well-being, like a gentle and virtuous older sister.
As time passed, their relationship had gradually evolved into something more profound. Cloud Beguile had come to realize that he could no longer bear to be apart from Su Moonshade. Whenever he encountered bottlenecks in his cultivation or was troubled in mind, a single glance at Su Moonshade's gentle smile or a few words of her soothing comfort would instantly calm his heart.
And Su Moonshade, too, had developed an indescribable affection for Cloud Beguile. She delighted in watching him train diligently on the martial grounds, enjoyed listening to his tales of his adventures outside, and cherished the moments when she saw the joy on his face.
However, the vast difference in their identities and status acted as an invisible barrier between them, preventing them from taking that final step.
Cloud Beguile's identity was that of the Young Master of the Cloud Clan, the heir-apparent, and his marriage was a matter that concerned the entire clan's interests. He could not simply follow his heart. And Su Moonshade, though adopted by the Cloud Clan, was still essentially a humble orphan - how could she possibly be worthy of Cloud Beguile?
So they could only bury their feelings deep within their hearts, silently guarding and cherishing each other, without daring to openly express what was in their hearts.
At this moment, gazing at the zither-playing Su Moonshade in the pavilion, Cloud Beguile's eyes were filled with tenderness and adoration.
"Moonshade."
He called out softly.
The zither music came to a halt, and Su Moonshade looked up, seeing Cloud Beguile standing outside the pavilion. A joyful smile blossomed on her face, like a radiant flower in bloom.
"Brother Beguile, what brings you here?"
Su Moonshade stood up, her tone filled with delight.
"What, aren't you happy to see me?" Cloud Beguile walked up to her, asking with a smile.
"Of course I'm happy, it's just... today is your Coming-of-Age Ceremony, you should be quite busy," Su Moonshade replied softly, her voice tinged with a hint of shyness.
"Even if I'm busy, I have to come see you. After all, you're hiding out here, slacking off," Cloud Beguile teased.
"Who's slacking off? I just don't like the noisiness of the main hall, that's all," Su Moonshade defended, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Alright, alright, my bad. I shouldn't have said that." Cloud Beguile chuckled, then walked over to the stone table, poured himself a cup of tea, and after taking a sip, praised, "Excellent tea! This must be your own brew, right?"
"I'm glad Brother Beguile enjoys it." Su Moonshade's face lit up with delight at his compliment. She also came over and sat down across from him, pouring herself a cup of tea and softly asking, "Brother Beguile, why do you have time to come here? Shouldn't you be in the main hall entertaining the guests?"
"Those old folks just keep spouting flattering words, it's making my ears callous. So I sneaked out for some fresh air," Cloud Beguile said with a wry smile.
"You're still as troublesome as ever." Su Moonshade shook her head with a smile, then said, "But today is your Coming-of-Age Ceremony, you can't neglect your guests. You should head back."
"Moonshade, are you trying to chase me away?" Cloud Beguile put down his teacup and looked at Su Moonshade.
"I-I'm not... I didn't mean that..." Su Moonshade quickly denied, her gaze averted and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Haha, I was just teasing you." Cloud Beguile couldn't help but laugh at her flustered reaction.
"Brother Beguile!" Su Moonshade pouted, but deep down, she felt a sense of sweetness.
The two of them sat there, chatting casually. Su Moonshade told Cloud Beguile about the recent happenings in the Cloudtop Immortal Abode, while Cloud Beguile listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a comment or two, a gentle smile never leaving his face, his eyes filled with tenderness and adoration.
In this moment, their differences in status and identity seemed to have vanished, and there were only two hearts drawing closer to each other.
However, such blissful moments are always fleeting.
"Young Master, the Mistress requests your return to the main hall. The ceremony is about to begin."
Just then, a disciple from the Cloud Clan rushed to the pavilion, informing Cloud Beguile.
"Understood, I'll head back right away." Cloud Beguile nodded, then turned to Su Moonshade and said, "Moonshade, I..."
"Brother Beguile, you should go. This is your big day, don't let me hold you up from your duties," Su Moonshade interrupted him before he could finish, her tone calm.
"Well, then... I'll come find you after the ceremony is over." Cloud Beguile looked at Su Moonshade with reluctance, but still nodded and followed the disciple out of the garden.
Su Moonshade watched Cloud Beguile's retreating figure, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions - adoration, regret, and a deep, inescapable resignation.
She knew, Cloud Beguile's identity had destined him to never truly belong to her. And she, could only forever bury these feelings in her heart, silently wishing him well.