Chapter 194: Chapter 193: Revisiting the Land of Memories
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room.
Yu Xie was still sound asleep when Xianyun slowly opened her eyes.
The first thing she saw was Yu Xie's familiar face.
For a moment, Xianyun froze.
Her face instantly flushed red as she thought she might still be dreaming.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she reassured herself that she was awake—this wasn't a dream.
She could hear the sound of Yu Xie's heartbeat and feel his steady breath just inches away.
Her own heartbeat began to race uncontrollably.
So last night, when she had grabbed onto Yu Xie and refused to let him go—that wasn't a dream?
Xianyun simply stared at Yu Xie. Gone was the usual dignified aura of an adeptus. Instead, she looked like a mature and poised woman who was inwardly shy.
Trying to make as little noise as possible, she leaned closer, her gaze lingering on Yu Xie's face from up close.
Since Yu Xie was still asleep, it should be okay to steal a kiss, right? Xianyun thought to herself.
Two conflicting voices argued in her mind:
"Xianyun, if you kiss him and he wakes up, he might dislike you!"
"Xianyun, if not now, when? Don't worry, he's fast asleep and won't wake up."
"No, you can't!"
"Relax, he let you hold onto him all night. A little kiss won't upset him—even if he wakes up, he won't be angry."
"…"
After much internal debate, Xianyun finally calmed herself, pushing those voices out of her mind.
She continued to gaze at Yu Xie.
A kiss wouldn't hurt, right?
Moving ever so slowly, she leaned in, her soft lips slightly parted.
Finally, Xianyun closed her eyes and planted a light kiss on Yu Xie's lips, like a dragonfly skimming the water.
Then she quickly pulled back, her cheeks burning red.
A sudden gust of wind blew in through the window, rustling the curtains. At that moment, Yu Xie woke up.
Their eyes met—Yu Xie lying down, Xianyun leaning above him. Their gazes intertwined and locked.
"Yu Xie, you're awake," Xianyun stammered, her blush deepening.
Yu Xie remained silent. He could still feel the faint, tender sensation lingering on his lips. Seeing Xianyun's expression, he seemed to piece together what had happened.
"Did you sleep well?" Yu Xie asked softly.
"Yes… quite well," Xianyun replied, sitting upright, avoiding his gaze in embarrassment.
Yu Xie had seen Xianyun embarrassed before, but this was the shyest he had ever seen her.
She resembled a beautiful flower on the verge of blooming, delicate and endearing.
It was a sight that stirred the heart but also made one tread carefully, lest they harm her.
"Well… let's get up," Yu Xie suggested hesitantly.
"Okay," Xianyun nodded gently.
Over breakfast, the atmosphere between them felt slightly awkward.
Xianyun would occasionally steal a glance at Yu Xie, her expression tinged with regret. Did he realize I kissed him? He must be upset with me…
Contrary to her fears, Yu Xie wasn't upset. He simply didn't know how to handle the situation, having never experienced anything like it before.
He worried that saying the wrong thing might upset her.
Thus, the meal passed quietly.
"Xianyun, do you have plans for today?" Yu Xie asked as they stood outside under the eaves.
Xianyun hesitated, then softly replied, "Nothing in particular. Why do you ask?"
"If you're free, would you like to go out for a walk?"
The sudden invitation made Xianyun's heart skip a beat. She looked at Yu Xie, momentarily silent, before a radiant smile graced her lips.
"Sure, I'll go wherever you want to go."
Later that morning, they arrived at the peak of Mt. Tianheng.
The mountain breeze blew steadily, carrying a refreshing chill.
From the peak, they could see the bustling city of Liyue Harbor, the vast expanse of the Sea of Clouds, and the distant plains of Guili.
The two sat on the grass, enjoying the view and the breeze.
As Xianyun gazed toward Guili Plains, a hint of melancholy crossed her face.
That now desolate land had once been a place of great prosperity.
Back then, it wasn't called Guili Plains but Guili Assembly.
It seemed like all the stories started there—those snow-covered fields where she first met Yu Xie, the countless moments they shared, all within the bounds of Guili Assembly.
Lost in thought, Xianyun stared into the distance. Her beautiful face bore a complex expression, a mixture of nostalgia and longing.
Noticing her expression, Yu Xie wanted to say something but couldn't find the right words.
In that moment, the wind danced between them, carrying strands of Xianyun's hair. The sight of her beauty in the breeze was breathtaking.
"Yu Xie, let's visit Guili Plains," Xianyun suddenly suggested.
"Alright," Yu Xie replied with a smile.
"Then…" Xianyun hesitated briefly before extending her hand. "Hold my hand, and don't let go."
Without questioning her, Yu Xie took her hand—firmly yet gently.
Xianyun smiled softly and waved her other hand.
A breeze arose beneath their feet, lifting them into the air, merging them with the countless currents of wind.
Before long, they arrived at Guili Plains, landing gracefully.
All around were remnants of old buildings, worn down by time. It wasn't hard to imagine that this place had once been filled with life and laughter.
"Let's go," Xianyun said, not letting go of Yu Xie's hand as they began walking forward.
Feeling the warmth of her hand, Yu Xie chose to remain silent.
"This is it," Xianyun said after a while, stopping in her tracks.
Before them stood the ruins of an ancient building. Its foundation remained intact, but its structure was weathered and crumbling.
Time's relentless hand had left its mark—most things couldn't withstand its passage, leaving behind only decay and forgotten memories.
That's why Yu Xie was grateful that Xianyun and others still remembered him, despite a thousand years having passed.
"What is this place?" Yu Xie asked hesitantly.
"This was once the Guili Pavilion, the heart of Guili Assembly where we gathered to discuss matters. It was the tallest building in the city," Xianyun explained, her gaze filled with nostalgia.
"Guili Pavilion…" Yu Xie repeated the name softly, staring at the ruins. But no memories surfaced.
He felt no connection to this place, even though it had once been a central part of his life.
End of chapter
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