You're finally back!!!

That evening, the blood-red sunset spilled its glow across the tranquil hall of the Five Gods Mountain. The small moon peak where Xiaoyao and her grandfather stood was bathed in a faint golden light. Xiaoyao’s heart beat faster with the warmth of the lingering rays, her eyes shining with determination and hope.

Suddenly, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth seemed drawn by an invisible force, converging at the center of the hall. Xiaoyao sensed a familiar yet powerful presence slowly awakening. She lifted her head abruptly, and in midair, the Divine Farmer’s Cauldron rotated gently, emitting a soft yet dazzling green light that filled the entire hall with vibrant life.

Xiangliu appeared dressed in pure white robes untouched by dust, his sleeves fluttering lightly in the breeze, as if an immortal descended from the heavens above. His rare silver hair gleamed like the first snow of winter—pure and radiant—tied loosely at the back with a few wisps falling over his forehead, adding an air of wildness and mystery. His deep eyes resembled stars in a cold night, flickering with aloofness and a chilling clarity, as if able to discern the very essence of the world. His presence exuded an otherworldly grace; every gesture and movement spoke of nobility and elegance, as if he were out of place in the mortal realm.

Xiaoyao’s heart pounded as if it might leap from her chest. She had awaited this day for three centuries. Biting her lip hard, she restrained tears from falling. Before her stood Xiangliu, more extraordinary than she remembered, yet bearing an almost imperceptible fragility. Slowly, he opened his eyes, and the starlit depths of his gaze met hers, as if countless unspoken words passed between them. Time seemed to freeze in that moment; all color faded from the surroundings, leaving only the two of them in this radiant hall.

A faint smile curved Xiangliu’s lips, tender and warm, like the gentlest sunlight of spring, melting away all the fear and unease in Xiaoyao’s heart. He spoke softly, his voice low and magnetic: “Xiaoyao.” That simple word struck like thunder upon the lake of her heart, stirring ripples of emotion. She could no longer hold back, tears streaming down her cheeks as she smiled more brilliantly than ever, as if to transform three hundred years of longing and waiting into the tears shimmering in her eyes.

Her tears hovered but stubbornly refused to fall as she stepped forward—each step crossing a thousand years of anticipation. A flicker of surprise flashed in Xiangliu’s eyes, quickly replaced by tenderness. He reached out slowly, as if afraid this was but a dream. Their fingertips brushed lightly, and in that instant, time seemed to stand still. Xiaoyao felt warmth and familiarity flow from his touch—their shared reality, vivid and strong. Unable to contain herself, she wept freely, yet her smile remained radiant; all her fears and unease vanished in that moment.

Xiangliu gently wiped away her tears, and they exchanged a look filled with unspoken words. The world around them lost its color once more, leaving only the two of them bathed in the brilliant green light, their joy of reunion surging like a tide that engulfed everything.

When Xiangliu appeared again before Xiaoyao, she had grown from the little girl who once needed his protection into a woman capable of standing on her own. He returned with eyes deeper and a will more resolute. Their reunion required no many words; a single glance sufficed to convey their true feelings. Xiangliu smiled softly, a smile both relieved and expectant, knowing their story was only just beginning.

Complex emotions flickered in Xiaoyao’s eyes—joy mingled with an indescribable bitterness. She gazed at Xiangliu’s familiar yet strange face, her heart a tumult of feelings. The sunset’s afterglow, filtered through the cauldron’s green light, illuminated his silver hair with an almost unreal tenderness.

“Xiangliu...” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, as if afraid to shatter the fragile tranquility of the moment. Her fingers instinctively clenched the hem of her robe, the tips whitening with the effort. The thought “We are strangers in this lifetime, never to meet again” pressed heavily on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

Xiangliu’s eyes, deep and piercing, seemed to see through her inner struggle and conflict. A faint trace of sorrow tinted his gentle smile. He took a step closer, so near they could feel each other’s breath. Xiaoyao’s eyes moistened once more. Drawing a deep breath, she summoned her courage and met Xiangliu’s gaze—eyes that seemed to perceive the depths of her soul.

“Xiangliu, between us... there are too many misunderstandings and missed chances,” she said softly, yet with unyielding resolve. “I once thought our path had reached its end, but now, standing before you, there is only one thought in my heart—that no matter the past, I want to face you honestly.”

Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flickered in Xiangliu’s eyes. He gently raised his hand to cover Xiaoyao’s clenched fist with his own. The warmth of his touch seemed almost magical, gradually calming the turmoil within her.

“Xiaoyao, all that has passed was never my wish. I too have struggled countless times in the darkness, yearning to walk beside you. But fate was different, and our positions led us down separate paths,” he said, his voice low and sincere, each word coming from the depths of his heart.

Overwhelmed with joy, Xiaoyao wept freely.