Chapter 45: Just a Little Longer
As dawn broke, Yu Xiang opened her eyes.
The cool morning dew lingered in the air, and Chen Yin was leaning against her head. They were nestled together in a heartwarming embrace.
Yu Xiang was reminded of their time on Mount Yu, how they would often find a tree to lean against and fall asleep, nestled against each other.
If it weren’t for the veil covering her face, Yu Xiang could almost believe she was back on Mount Yu.
Living that carefree life.
As the morning glow began to paint the sky, Yu Xiang sat up. Chen Yin’s gentle voice reached her ears:
“Good morning. Did you sleep well, Miss Yin?”
Yu Xiang purposely snorted. “You kept your word. No touching, and you didn’t lift my veil.”
“From the sound of it, you wanted me to lift your veil and see your true face?” Chen Yin asked with a playful smile.
Yu Xiang didn’t reply and simply turned her head.
“I’m leaving.”
“What are your plans, Miss?”
“You’re better off not knowing.” Yu Xiang glanced at him sideways.
Chen Yin could only shrug.
“Then I won’t pry.” He bowed slightly. “I wish you a safe journey.”
“…Don’t worry about me.”
Yu Xiang lowered her gaze. “You should be more concerned about yourself.”
“Don’t forget, you’re now known as the person who protected a demonic witch.”
Chen Yin maintained his carefree smile, seemingly unconcerned.
Yu Xiang seemed displeased by his nonchalant attitude and couldn’t help but frown. “Aren’t you worried at all? The outside world is filled with rumors, and the righteous cultivators searching for you will soon find this place.”
“You’re not like Shen Shuanglian. If they catch you, you won’t be able to defend yourself.”
Chen Yin waved his hand dismissively. “I’m not afraid.”
“My Master is Immortal Yu Ling. They wouldn’t dare do anything to me, even if they had ten times the courage.”
…Unless those old geezers weren’t afraid of Master causing trouble at their doorstep every day.
“…Hmph. Suit yourself.”
Yu Xiang turned to leave, her hair swaying gracefully. But she paused before disappearing into the forest, her beautiful eyes glancing back at him.
“A word of advice.”
“Don’t get too close to Shen Shuanglian,” she said softly.
Chen Yin chuckled. “Are you jealous, Miss Yin?”
“Don’t flatter yourself. Why would I be jealous of you?”
“Then why do you care about my relationship with Senior Sister?”
“Because…” Yu Xiang hesitated for a moment, then finally said, “She’s the chief disciple of the Mist Spirit Sect.”
“And the Mist Spirit Sect… is full of bad people.”
Chen Yin blinked.
After saying that, Yu Xiang didn’t linger any longer. With a few light leaps, she disappeared into the distance.
Chen Yin watched her leave, pondering the meaning of her last words.
…It was clear, from Xiang’er’s actions in his previous life, when she had destroyed the entire Mist Spirit Sect, and from Elder Mo Jie’s attitude earlier, that the Mist Spirit Sect was also a key part of his investigation.
But did Xiang’er suspect Senior Sister as well?
He quickly dismissed the thought.
If it was truly related to the destruction of Changli Palace years ago, then Senior Sister, like him, would have been just a child at the time. It was unlikely she knew anything.
But if one day, he had to stand against the Mist Spirit Sect for Xiang’er’s sake…
…How would he face Senior Sister?
Chen Yin sighed and murmured, “This is too difficult.” Then he turned and walked back towards the cave.
A while after Chen Yin left, Yu Xiang’s figure reappeared.
She gazed at his retreating figure, her eyes filled with longing.
“Senior Brother, do you know?” She murmured to herself.
“Last night… for a moment, I truly hoped…”
…That you would lift my veil.
That you would notice my disguise.
That you would hold my hand and help me take revenge on those who wronged me.
“System, am I… being too selfish?”
Dragging Senior Brother into my revenge, into this complicated mess.
“Selfish! You’re incredibly selfish!”
The System’s exasperated voice echoed in her mind. “I don’t know about your Senior Brother, but I’ve had the worst luck because of you!”
“Do you know how much I had to sacrifice to fix the deviation from the plot records caused by your reckless actions?”
“Let me tell you, if you continue to act on your own and disobey the System, don’t blame me if everyone ends up dead!”
Yu Xiang lowered her eyes, her lips trembling slightly after a long silence.
“…I understand.”
“Don’t worry. Once this is over, I won’t involve Senior Brother in this matter anymore.”
…Yu Xiang, you’re so foolish.
You had made up your mind to walk this thorny path of revenge alone.
Even if it meant never seeing your Senior Brother again, you were willing to leave him in a peaceful and happy world.
But you’re so weak. You made such a firm decision, yet the moment you saw him, it all crumbled. Hope bloomed in your heart again.
You hoped he would ruffle your hair with a smile, like he always did, and shield you from all harm.
…But it’s impossible.
Yu Xiang gently slapped her cheeks, her eyes hardening with determination.
This was something she had to do alone. No one could help her.
Not Master. Not Senior Brother.
Even if it meant eternal damnation and a lifetime of infamy…
…She wouldn’t hesitate.
***
By the time she returned to the cave, the sky had finally begun to brighten.
As Chen Yin entered the cave, carrying two plump fish, he saw Shen Shuanglian wrapped in his robe, sitting quietly against the cave wall, her knees hugged to her chest.
“Hmm? You’re up early today?”
“…I went to bed early yesterday. So I naturally woke up early.” Shen Shuanglian’s voice was weak and hoarse, laced with a hint of melancholy.
Chen Yin efficiently placed the fish aside, preparing to clean them. “This is our last meal here. After this, we should leave this place.”
“Let me show you my special skill. My grilled fish is famous on Mount Yu.”
He started a fire, skillfully skewered the fish, and placed them over the flames.
Staring at the sparks flying from the fire, Shen Shuanglian turned her head, her clear eyes fixed on Chen Yin’s profile, silent.
“What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”
“No… I just wanted to look at you a little longer.”
Chen Yin chuckled as he grilled the fish. “It’s not like you won’t see me again. Why are you acting like this is our final farewell?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll come find you soon.”
Shen Shuanglian hugged her knees, resting her head on her arms, her eyes flickering.
“Really?”
“Of course, it’s true.”
“But I don’t believe you anymore. You’ve broken your promises too many times.”
Chen Yin sighed helplessly. “Then, set a punishment. If I break my promise, I’ll accept it. How about that?”
Shen Shuanglian thought for a moment and said softly, “I want you to marry me.”
Chen Yin’s hand froze as he grilled the fish. He turned to her in surprise.
“Are you… serious? Are you sure?”
Shen Shuanglian nodded earnestly.
“You’re the chief disciple of the Mist Spirit Sect, the most dazzling prodigy of the younger generation. And I’m just an unknown Cloud Ascending Realm cultivator.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Shen Shuanglian shook her head. “I don’t care.”
Chen Yin continued grilling the fish in silence, lost in thought.
The air grew quiet, only the crackling of the fire breaking the silence.
Shen Shuanglian slowly looked away, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. “Do you… not want to?”
“Of course I do.”
Chen Yin stared at the cave entrance, his voice distant. “But I’m afraid that what I’m doing might take a long time.”
“And I… don’t want to make you wait too long.”
“It’s okay.”
Shen Shuanglian looked into his eyes intently. “I’m willing to wait.”
Chen Yin fell silent. “…It might be a very long time.”
“Do you know how long I’ve already waited for you?”
She said seriously, “From my previous life to now, I’ve waited for you for over twenty years.”
“But last time, all I got was a sudden goodbye and a cold tombstone.”
Chen Yin lowered his head and whispered, “…I’m sorry.”
“I’m not afraid of waiting.”
She seemed to be feeling cold and hugged her knees tighter, her voice soft.
“I’m afraid of waiting at the airport for a ship.”
Her voice was soft and timid, like a child who couldn’t afford the toy they desired.
Chen Yin remained silent for a long time, then turned and gently wrapped his arms around her neck, kissing her forehead.
“…Don’t worry.”
“This time, even if you’re waiting at the airport for a ship…”
“I’ll bring the ship to you.”
“I swear.” His eyes were bright and gentle as he looked at her.
Shen Shuanglian lowered her head and hummed softly.
“The fish is almost ready. Let’s eat.”
“Okay…”
“What’s wrong? Don’t you want to eat?”
“It’s hot. Can we wait a little longer?” Shen Shuanglian asked timidly.
Chen Yin knew she wanted to eat slowly, to prolong their time together.
He didn’t expose her and simply nodded.
“Okay. And if you really don’t want to leave, we can stay another day—”
“No.” Shen Shuanglian shook her head resolutely.
“If we stay any longer… I’m afraid I won’t want to leave.”
Chen Yin didn’t say anything more and just quietly accompanied her as she ate the grilled fish.
Compared to the fish he usually grilled on Mount Yu, this one lacked many seasonings and wasn’t as flavorful.
But Shen Shuanglian ate with relish, chewing each bite carefully, savoring every piece of meat.
As if she could delay the dawn by eating slowly.
As if she could postpone their parting.
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