On the river that ran languidly through the heart of Birch City, a small wooden boat drifted. The current barely stirred beneath its base, making it seem as though the river itself held its breath.
Atop that boat sat two figures.
One was a young man clad in a loose black robe, his long raven-black hair tied half up, his features sharp and proud, and his eyes… those infamous crimson-red irises that glowed faintly in the moonlight. Zheng Xie.
Beside him, with her legs crossed and posture deliberately lax, sat a stunning young woman with cascading blonde hair like threads of sunlight and eyes like polished emeralds, glinting even beneath the night sky. Her veil was off now. Her beauty unveiled. The face behind the façade—the infamous "Mystic."
She leaned against him, her head resting lightly against his shoulder, arms gently wrapped around his.
Zheng Xie exhaled softly, his eyes wandering over the still waters. "Mystic," he began, his voice low, calm, but ever-serious, "your technique has grown stronger. Your charm spread across that plaza, the emotions of every person present were enormously heightened. I admit it—I'm impressed."
Mystic turned toward him slightly, mischief dancing in her expression. "Oh my~ So, you do pay attention to me. Careful now, Xie-ge. You say things like that, and a poor girl might just misunderstand."
Her voice was sweet, but her words were knives wrapped in silk—playful and dangerous. Her lips curled into a sly grin. "Don't tell me the 'pure-hearted lover' is so shallow he fell for his own comrade's charm technique?"
Zheng Xie didn't even blink. He merely reached up and gently cupped her chin, turning her face toward his own so that their gazes met.
His voice was soft but sharp as glass. "You already know the answer… or do I need to remind you?"
Mystic's throat bobbed. Her playful demeanor faltered just a little before she clicked her tongue and twisted her face away, muttering, "Tch. Buzzkill. It was just a joke, alright? Mister 'In Love Forever' has no sense of humor."
Zheng Xie let go and leaned back lazily, letting the boat sway gently beneath them. "Good that you know where the line is."
Mystic raised a brow, then puffed out her cheeks in exaggerated annoyance. "Hmph! You're lucky I like you, you know. I left plenty of things unfinished just to come here for your silly little drama."
She wrapped her arms around herself dramatically, giving a little shiver. "Sacrificing so much for my comrade… oh, how noble I am. If only the world knew!"
Zheng Xie gave her a sideways glance and a wry smile. "I'm honored," he said dryly. "Truly, I'm blessed to receive such priority from the great Mystic herself. I'll offer a prayer to the Heavens tonight."
Mystic grinned, smug again. "You should! I am the best operative in the Syndicate of the Devils, after all. Unlike that lazy Casanova bastard who flirts more than he works."
Zheng Xie chuckled faintly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "What did he do this time?"
Mystic sighed, dramatically tossing her head. "Or rather—what didn't he do? Leader gave him direct orders to take over the entertainment and influence channels in the East District. And what did he say?"
She pitched her voice low, mocking. "'A true artist does not waste time on mundane affairs.' Pfft."
Zheng Xie shook his head. "And you want me to take over that?"
"Absolutely not," she snapped. "You're just as hopeless."
"Exactly," he said smugly, folding his arms. "I don't do paperwork."
Mystic facepalmed, grumbling curses under her breath. "You're both the worst."
Zheng Xie smiled lightly, looking toward the distant shoreline. "And yet, here you are. Helping me plot this out."
"Only because I didn't want to see your heart shattered again. Besides…" She leaned in, her breath warm against his neck. "This kind of romantic manipulation? Is way more fun than paperwork."
Zheng Xie raised an eyebrow but didn't respond. His gaze remained focused on the far end of the riverbank. Mystic followed his gaze, her brow furrowing slightly.
"So," she said casually, "how long do you think it'll take your little missy to find us? Or has she already given up on you?"
Zheng Xie smiled, a mysterious curve to his lips. "She's close."
Mystic narrowed her eyes. "You're confident."
"She always follows me. Even when she pretends not to. Even when she lies to herself," he said softly. "She's always there."
Mystic stared at him, then blinked slowly. "...She's behind me, isn't she?"
Zheng Xie's smile widened. "Yes. Just reached the shore."
Mystic didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she raised her hand and flicked her blonde hair back over her shoulder. "I knew it."
He gave her a meaningful look. "The act begins now."
…
From the misty banks of Birch City, the lone silhouette of a girl in a black robe stood unmoving. Her gaze—fixed, unwavering—burned toward the gently drifting boat out on the river.
Her fingers trembled. Rage and heartbreak intertwined in her chest, coiling like serpents fighting for dominance.
And on the calm waters of the wooden boat… sat two figures.
One was Zheng Xie—her Zheng Xie. His black hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, and his arm, that once only ever held her with reverence, was now encircled by the embrace of another.
The veiled blonde beauty.
The same vixen who had danced with him earlier. The same enchantress who had stolen away his gaze. His affection. His warmth.
No. That wasn't right.
It wasn't real.
Ling Xue gritted her teeth. Her fists clenched at her sides so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. 'He's under a charm technique. I know it. I know it. Brother Xie would never… never fall for someone like her.'
She raised one trembling fist into the air, pointing it toward the river with resolute fury.
A pulse of radiant blue Qi condensed at her palm.
With a roar of power, the energy shot forward—striking the surface of the water.
The once-gentle ripples crystallized in an instant. The flowing current froze into a sheet of shimmering azure ice, creaking and groaning beneath the weight of her wrath.
Ling Xue inhaled once, then took her first step forward.
The ice didn't crack beneath her. Her balance didn't waver. She strode across the frozen river as if born to it, every movement lithe and graceful.
Within moments, she reached the boat. And with one final leap, landed on its edge.
She was face-to-face with her enemy now.
That woman.
The blonde beauty with seductive emerald eyes—Mystic.
Her arm was still locked around Zheng Xie's, her body leaning into his, like she belonged there.
A vein bulged on Ling Xue's temple. Her throat tightened.
She opened her mouth and let a single word fall like a blade.
"Leave."
Mystic blinked innocently, tilting her head. "Hmm? I'm sorry, did you say something?"
Ling Xue took a deep breath, suppressing her urge to slap that smirk clean off her face. "I said," she repeated, more firmly now, "leave him alone, you vile enchantress. Don't think I can't see through your charm technique."
Her eyes flared with righteous fury. "If I were to complain about your technique, you'd rot in the cellars of the Verdant Lotus Plain before the day was done."
Mystic's lips curled. Her expression darkened into a smile that dripped mockery.
"Then do it."
"…What?" Ling Xue blinked, startled by the immediate response.
Mystic laughed lightly, the sound like bells dipped in venom. "Go ahead. Complain about me. Let's see who the enforcers believe: me, a devoted maiden enjoying a night with her lover…" Her voice dipped into a sultry purr, "…or you, the jealous third party trying to sabotage a happy couple's moment."
Ling Xue's mouth opened—words clambering in her throat, searching for coherence—but Mystic pressed on.
"Better yet," she said, running a hand along Zheng Xie's arm, "why don't we let him speak for himself? Surely his voice would be enough."
And then, as if on cue, Zheng Xie moved.
His head turned slowly.
His crimson eyes met Ling Xue's—and they were devoid of all emotion. All warmth. A hollow lake of still water.
His voice came out flat, lifeless. "Please, Sister Ling Xue," he said, "leave us be. You've rejected my feelings time and time again. Even earlier tonight, you appeared burdened, uninterested. I understand now."
He paused.
"I, Zheng Xie, will take an oath here and now: I will never court you again. Please… let us have our peace."
His words hit her like a hammer through the chest.
Ling Xue staggered back a step, her breath caught in her throat. Her heart cracked.
And then, she laughed.
A horrible, broken laugh.
"Haha… haha… HAHAHAHAHA!!" It burst out like bile from a wound that could no longer stay shut.
Even Mystic—playful and composed—flinched at the sound. Her fingers tightened reflexively around Zheng Xie's sleeve. Her grin wavered.
'Damn… she really is broken,' Mystic thought. 'Mask… you lunatic. Just how much have you manipulated this pure maiden. You vile bastard, I should stay away from you as much as possible. Who knows, what if I join her next?'
Ling Xue raised a hand, her trembling fingers reached toward Zheng Xie's face.
Before they could reach him—Mystic's hand slapped hers away, hard. "Ah-ah," she said mockingly. "Didn't your mother teach you not to touch what doesn't belong to you?"
That was it.
Ling Xue snapped.
"Don't touch me, you vile snake!" she screamed, slapping Mystic's hand away. The aura around her surged, a silver sheen overlaying her black-robed figure like a tempest forming.
"Enough," Zheng Xie said suddenly, his voice louder now. "That's enough, Sister Ling Xue. I ask you… once more… please leave."
The emphasis.
Again Sister Ling Xue.
Not Xue'er.
Her entire body shook.
Her hand fell limp. Her lips quivered. Her eyes burned.
"Why?" she whispered.
Her voice broke the wind.
The river stilled.
Mystic flinched. Even she, behind all the smugness, felt the weight behind that word. The boat groaned beneath them as though echoing the agony in her soul.
Ling Xue grabbed his sleeve. Her voice rose. "Why can't you see, Brother Xie?! This woman is using you! She's not yours—she's a spider weaving lies! Please… please see through it. You're under a spell, don't let her take you away from me!"
Her voice trembled. "I never meant to push you away. I… I thought I wasn't worthy. That you deserved someone better. But I… I love you. I always have!"
Zheng Xie didn't respond.
Not yet.
Ling Xue's tears streamed freely down her cheeks now, her voice cracked under the weight of her own guilt. "Please… Brother Xie… don't leave me…"
Suddenly, Mystic's composure snapped.
With an audible smack, she tried swatted away Ling Xue's hand that was clinging to Zheng Xie's sleeve. Her emerald eyes flashed with fury and desperation. "Don't you dare think I don't know what you're trying to do!" she spat, venom in every syllable. "Channeling your Qi directly into him—what a reckless fool! Do you have any idea what happens if you forcefully remove my charm art? You'll shatter his mind! You'll turn him into a husk!"
But Ling Xue was already moving.
She no longer hesitated. No longer cared.
Her silver Qi surged forth from her palm and entered Zheng Xie's body in a controlled, smooth stream—her qi was precise, focused. She guided her energy like a scalpel, slicing away the remnants of Mystic's charm technique layer by layer, without harming his spiritual sea.
Mystic's expression contorted into sheer disbelief. Her lips parted but no words came. Sweat pearled at her temples, sliding down the side of her face. She tried to hide it but wasn't able to do so.
Seeing the technique unraveling faster than she could rebind it, Mystic lunged forward, grabbing Ling Xue's wrist, trying to yank her hand away.
But it didn't work.
Ling Xue didn't budge.
Mystic's teeth gritted as she pushed harder, but Ling Xue didn't even flinch. She was focused entirely on Zheng Xie—her gaze unwavering, her presence firm, her Qi unwavering.
And then—
A blast of force.
Ling Xue overpowered her effortlessly and flung her to the side. Mystic shrieked as her body twisted in the air and hurtled toward the edge of the boat, skimming over the railing.
But before she could fall into the icy river, a hand shot forward and grabbed her wrist.
Zheng Xie.
His reflexes, sharp and precise as ever, had caught her at the last moment as he yanked her back onto the boat with a swift tug.
Mystic collapsed to the wooden deck, coughing, her eyes wide in shock. She looked up at him—only to find his expression no longer hollow or dazed.
It was warm.
Alive.
Filled with depth, emotion, and clarity.
He stood tall, gently pulling Ling Xue back before she could lunge at Mystic again. His arms wrapped around her shoulders like a shield, keeping her still. His crimson eyes locked with hers.
"Xue'er," he whispered, his voice like a gentle lullaby brushing across her ears, "calm down."
She froze.
His tone wasn't one of reprimand.
It was one of concern. Of love.
"I'm happy," he murmured, "to know that… my love wasn't one-sided. But seeing you like this… broken, so consumed by pain—Xue'er, it tears me apart."
His embrace grew tighter. Then, ever so slowly, he turned her around to face the crumpled Mystic, while still keeping her close to his chest.
Behind them, the frozen river was beginning to crack as his Qi melted the unnatural frost. The boat continued to drift slowly, and with a single gesture of Zheng Xie's hand, a soft breeze blew over them—his elemental Qi ferrying the boat closer to the far shore.
Mystic, still on her knees, panted heavily. Her eyes, wide and dazed, flicked between Ling Xue and Zheng Xie. Her breathing became erratic, her poise shattered. She looked like a cornered fox in the moment before it bites.
Zheng Xie tilted his head slightly, his gaze meeting Mystic's—subtle but commanding.
A silent message passed between them.
It's over.
The mission was complete.
Mystic got the message loud and clear. She scrambled to her feet and, without a word, leapt off the boat the moment they touched land.
She didn't look back.
She didn't need to.
Because she knew—he would handle the rest.
Back on the boat, as the quiet settled and the waves lapped gently against the wooden sides, Zheng Xie slowly loosened his embrace. He turned Ling Xue around to face him, lifting her chin with delicate fingers.
Her eyes were red and swollen. Her cheeks streaked with tears.
His heart clenched.
"Xue'er," he whispered, "please stop crying… I'm here. I'm back. I've always been here. And I'll stay… I can't bear to see your tears fall because of me."
Ling Xue choked back a sob, gripping the front of his robe as if she feared he might disappear if she let go.
Her voice trembled. "Brother Xie… promise me. Please promise me you won't leave me… not again. Not ever."
Zheng Xie's response was a smile that held the warmth of the sun.
He leaned down, resting his forehead gently against hers. His voice was the softest whisper, but it echoed loud in her soul.
"Yes… I promise."
She broke down then—not from sorrow, but from overwhelming relief.
She wrapped her arms around him tightly, her head buried in his chest, and held on like she was holding the world itself.
Zheng Xie rested his chin atop her head, his eyes calm and thoughtful as he watched the moon's reflection on the water.
She had fallen asleep in his arms, her tears long dried. A soft smile played on her lips as she breathed steadily, finally at peace.
He gently stroked her silver-white hair, his thoughts drifting.
'Mystic's techniques have truly evolved,' he mused. 'So potent even without full activation. She's become… dangerously effective.'
His crimson eyes narrowed slightly.
'Useful. But dangerous.'
He tucked that thought away for another time.
For now… only the girl in his arms mattered.
And the soft words he would whisper to her, again and again, until she believed them.
"I love you, Xue'er. No matter what you've gone through. No matter what you carry. I'll stay with you… always."