The twin moons hung high in the night sky as Xiao Feng and Shuye returned to their peak chamber. It had been a long day—filled with subtle tension, brewing schemes, and the looming threat of the Sect Trials. Yet in this quiet moment, as the door closed behind them, the world outside seemed to fade.
Shuye stretched her arms above her head, her robes shifting slightly to reveal a teasing glimpse of her collarbone. She tilted her head and smiled. "You held back earlier, didn't you? You could've cripple That Disciple,But you Held Back "
Xiao Feng chuckled. "I didn't want to clean up any more blood. You said it ruins the tiles."
Shuye walked closer, her steps light and deliberate. "Is that discipline... or softness?"
"Maybe it's you rubbing off on me."
Her eyes narrowed playfully. "Oh? Then let me rub off some more."
She closed the distance between them, resting her hands on his chest. Xiao Feng placed his fingers lightly on her waist, their eyes locking. Then, without another word, she leaned in and kissed his neck gently.
A sharp inhale escaped him. He responded by cupping her face and pressing a firm kiss to her lips. The kiss deepened, slow and consuming, as if both of them needed this reassurance—this moment that belonged only to them.
Their robes loosened like fallen leaves in wind, one after another. And what followed was a playful, tender night full of breathless laughter, stolen kisses, and whispered promises beneath the silk sheets of their chamber.
The red string that bound them pulsed faintly with warmth.
---
The next morning, golden sunlight poured through their window. Shuye stirred in his arms, her hair a soft halo across his chest.
"You're clingy in your sleep," she murmured.
"I don't want you to blow away," he replied.
She giggled softly. "Idiot."
They rose together and, after a quiet meal, prepared for their journey. Today, they would climb the Sacred Wind Mountain—a place reserved for reflection and prayer. Beyond the mountain lay the edge of the world, where sky met sea. It was said to be where Wind Saints meditated before transcending mortality.
As they descended through the sect on their way to the mountain path, whispers followed them like shadows.
"That's Xiao Feng, right? The one bonded with Elder Shuye?"
"I heard he's a devil cultivator. Uses forbidden wind arts."
"Can you believe she picked him? He's not even a proper inner elder. Just a core peak brat."
"She's blinded by love… or manipulated."
Xiao Feng said nothing, but he could feel Shuye's grip tightening slightly on his hand. He glanced sideways.
"Don't let them get to you," he said.
"I'm not angry for myself," she whispered. "I'm furious for you."
The climb was steep, but the view was worth it. Sacred Wind Mountain stood proud behind the sect, towering over all the peaks. Wind Element gathered here naturally, dancing in visible streaks around the rocks and trees. Spiritual cranes flew overhead, their cries melodic.
At the summit, they stood hand in hand before the Wind Altar. Beyond the altar lay a flat cliff, and beyond that—the vast ocean shimmered, endless and deep.
Xiao Feng breathed in the salt air. "It reminds me of freedom."
Shuye closed her eyes. "And peace."
They sat beneath a twisted wind pine, watching the waves far below crash against the distant cliffs. No words were needed. The wind whispered for them.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they began their descent. When they returned to their peak chamber, night had fully fallen. Instead of going inside, Xiao Feng led Shuye to the roof.
The night was cool but gentle. They sat wrapped in a thick cloak, Shuye cuddled close against his side. Her head rested on his shoulder, and for a long time, neither spoke.
Then she said, softly, "Do you think we'll survive tomorrow?"
Xiao Feng didn't answer immediately. He looked up at the stars, then down at the red string that shimmered faintly around their wrists.
"I don't know what the trial will bring," he said finally. "But I know that I won't lose. Not while you believe in me."
She looked up at him, eyes shining. "It's not just belief. It's fear too. I've seen strong men die for less than what you're about to do. What if I lose you? What if the string snaps?"
Xiao Feng turned to her, lifting a hand to gently stroke her hair.
"Fate is just wind," he said. "It changes direction with the lightest breath. But us? We are anchored to each other. Not even death can come between us, let alone fate."
Her lips trembled. He pulled her close, resting his chin atop her head.
"I came from nothing. I was born from a fragment of another soul. But here, with you, I feel whole. And I won't let anyone take that away."
She sniffled quietly, then smiled. "You always know what to say."
"Only because you always know what I need to hear."
They stayed there under the stars, bathed in moonlight. Shuye eventually dozed off against him, her breathing soft and even. Xiao Feng stayed awake a while longer, eyes scanning the distant lights of the Wind Sect below.
He knew tomorrow would be difficult. Enemies waited. Schemes were ready to unfold. But in this moment, with Shuye in his arms, none of that mattered.
He whispered a promise into the wind.
"I will protect her. Even if I must become the storm."
And far below, in the shadowed corners of the sect, another letter was sealed—written in blood and ash.
"The moment he steps into the arena, let the storm devour him. One way or another... the string will break."
But fate, unpredictable as the wind, had its own plans.
---[To Be Continued]---