The sun dipped low over the horizon as we soared through gentle clouds. Below, glowing lanterns flickered in the distance, and the air was filled with music and laughter.
"Brother Zhen, let's stop here." Feng Xuan gestured toward the golden valley ahead.
Yang Kai's eyes sparkled. "Master, look! There's a festival down there!"
I nodded. "Alright, we'll stay the night."
We descended into Golden Field City, where flowers decorated the streets and fireworks danced in the sky. Joyful crowds bustled through the markets, and the scent of roasted meats and sweet wine filled the air.
Mu Lingyao glanced around. "Let's rest at that inn over there."
"Alright." I carried Yun Sha in my arms, her delicate form light against me, and walked into the inn's lobby. The receptionist's eyes widened, but said nothing as I approached the counter.
"Book four rooms."
Feng Xuan nodded and took care of the arrangements.
I turned to Yang Kai. "You'll sleep alone tonight, alright?"
Yang Kai saluted playfully. "Don't worry, Master!"
I took out 100 mid-tier spiritual stones and handed them to him. "Go enjoy the festival. Buy what you want."
Yang Kai's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Master!"
As he rushed off into the night, laughter in his step, I carried Yun'er upstairs into our room. She was quiet the entire time, clinging to me like I might disappear.
I gently laid her on the bed and turned to leave, giving her space.
But she reached out and grabbed my sleeve. "Don't leave."
I looked back and smiled. "I'm not going anywhere."
She sat up and hugged me tightly, her body trembling. Tears rolled silently down her cheeks.
I pulled her into my arms, petting her soft hair. "Don't worry, I'm here."
Her voice quivered. "It's my first time… so be gentle."
I blinked. "Ah… It's my first time too."
She laughed softly through her tears. "Really?"
And just like that, the night stretched on—a night filled not with carnal desire, but with healing, warmth, and the promise of something eternal.
---
Next Morning…
Sunlight streamed through the window. I stirred, blinking at the weight on my chest. Yun'er was sitting on me, staring into my eyes.
"Huh… is something wrong?"
She shook her head gently. "No… Just… thank you for saving me from that place."
I smiled and stroked her cheek. "I told you—I won't let anyone take you from me."
She leaned down and hugged me tightly.
Later, we got dressed and headed downstairs. The others were already seated around a large table, breakfast spread out in abundance.
"Come on, Yun'er. Let's eat."
We sat down, and the mood was light, filled with smiles.
Yang Kai stuffed a steamed bun into his mouth and asked, "Master, how did you meet Mistress Yun Sha?"
"It's a long story."
"Tell me the short version!"
I chuckled. "She was injured in a jungle. I helped her. Later, she taught me how to fly on a sword."
Yang Kai blinked. "Wait—so Mistress was stronger than you?"
I smiled. "I think so."
Yun Sha pouted. "Hey! Don't forget you injured a Rank 3 Beast when you were only Foundation Establishment – 9th Layer!"
Yang Kai's eyes widened. "Really?! Master, you're amazing!"
I waved a hand dismissively. "It was just luck."
Feng Xuan smirked. "Then what about those four instant breakthroughs yesterday? Was that luck too?"
Yun Sha laughed sweetly. "He shocked me with that trick once too."
We all shared a laugh.
Then I looked around. "So… where should we go now?"
Feng Xuan shrugged. "No idea."
Mu Lingyao blinked. "We've been flying around so much, I forgot what direction we were even going."
Yun Sha leaned into me and smiled. "Wherever you go, I'll follow."
And in that moment, I realized it wasn't the destination that mattered—only the people beside me.