From then on, Yun Yun spent most of her time in meditation, focused on breaking the Amethyst Lion King's seal as soon as possible.
Yet, in the quieter moments, she would occasionally assist Ye Chen when he cooked, the air between them softening as an unspoken familiarity grew.
Far away, in the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire.....within the grand halls of the Nightglow Palace, residence of Princess Yao Ye, the eldest imperial princess.
Yao Ye had shown a gift for governance since childhood, excelling at both diplomacy and leadership.
Her insight and precision in handling state affairs had earned her immense respect.
Recently, her performance had only become more impressive.....every decision precise, every gesture calculated with grace and authority.
Her talent had not only won the admiration of the empire's ministers but also the secret approval of the mysterious power behind the throne, who now viewed her as the empire's future.
Yet, beneath that radiant poise and political brilliance… was a sorrow none could see.
Each night, when the palace was silent and her attendants dismissed, faint sobs could be heard from behind the locked doors of her private chambers.
"Scoundrel… one day, I'll tear you limb from limb!"
Her trembling voice, cold and filled with hate, echoed softly in the darkness.
Outside, not far from the princess's bedchamber, stood a slender figure.
Anyone else would have been executed for intruding upon the princess's quarters.....but there was one exception: the youngest imperial princess, Yao Yue.
The girl was dressed in a royal violet gown traced with silver embroidery, her beauty already blossoming despite her youth.
Beneath her noble bearing, a mischievous spark danced in her clear eyes.
Her narrow waist was cinched by a silver belt, outlining her graceful figure.
She was only fourteen or fifteen, elegant yet spirited—a gentle appearance that belied her playful, impulsive nature.
But tonight, that usual sparkle was gone. Her brows were knit tightly, her small fists clenched as she marched toward her sister's door.
Creaaak—
"Who's there?"
Startled, Yao Ye looked up from where she sat, dressed in a crimson silk robe, her fingers still damp with tears.
When she saw who it was, her expression softened with relief. "Yao Yue? What are you doing here at this hour?"
"Elder Sister," Yao Yue said seriously, striding into the room.
"Tell me—who is this scoundrel? Did he hurt you? Just say the word, and I'll avenge you!"
Yao Ye blinked, momentarily stunned.
"Scoundrel? What scoundrel are you talking about, Yue'er?"
"I'm not making it up!" Yao Yue pouted. "I heard you crying, and then you said you wanted to tear some scoundrel to pieces!"
Realizing what her sister must have overheard, Yao Ye exhaled quietly in relief.
So, the little one didn't know anything beyond that.
"Yue'er," she said softly, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders, her tone grave. "Don't ask about this again.
And don't tell anyone what you heard tonight. Promise me."
"But, Sister—"
"Please." Her eyes darkened with a pain that silenced all further protest. "That man… is a demon I never wish you to meet."
Inside the cool, quiet cavern, Ye Chen and Yun Yun had settled into an unexpectedly peaceful rhythm of living together.
Though the days passed harmoniously, they had not shared that kind of intimate connection again since that night.
Ye Chen understood her far too well. Once she broke the Amethyst Seal and regained her former strength as a Dou Emperor, this fragile closeness between them would likely shatter.
Yun Yun might not draw her sword against him again, but she would leave without hesitation.
On the fifth morning of their cohabitation, Ye Chen slowly opened his eyes from meditation.
Turning his head, he gazed at Yun Yun lying upon the stone bed....serene and flawless like a sleeping goddess.
Rising quietly, he walked over to her side, his eyes tracing the graceful lines of her figure before settling on that delicate face, her brows faintly furrowed even in sleep.
"Teacher," he murmured softly, "when you return, I don't know how long it will be before I can look at you like this again."
After a moment of silence, he took out a large black robe from his storage ring and gently draped it over her slender form.
Then, without another word, he turned and walked toward the cave entrance.
The moment he turned away, Yun Yun's long lashes trembled, and her eyes slowly opened. She watched his tall silhouette fade into the darkness outside.
Her jade-like hand brushed the robe covering her, and ripples stirred within the calm lake of her heart.
Her beautiful eyes shimmered with a strange light. A faint, helpless smile curved her lips.
So many years spent cultivating alone… yet I was undone by someone younger than myself…"
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