The gibbous moon, not quite full, hung high in the sky. Stirred by the scattered starlight, its light instantly cascaded down like flowing water, sprinkling upon the withered leaves of late autumn and leaving behind a dappled pattern.
For a time, only the steady breathing of the three people could be heard within the cave.
Outside, the howling late autumn wind swept past the cave entrance, its echoes stirring faintly within... as if reluctant to break the tranquil warmth of the moment.
"Is that truly what you think?"
After a while, Su Bei's voice broke the silence.
"Think about what?"
Ji Nanjue and Dan Wulan tilted their heads up at the same time, looking at Su Bei with puzzled expressions as they asked in unison.
They didn't know what this abrupt, out-of-context question was referring to.
Su Bei pondered for a moment, then slowly began,
"Ascending the throne... becoming the Eastern Emperor."
As he spoke, he tightened his embrace on the two women in his arms.
