Chapter 55: Recognition
The radiant white light flitted by like a shooting star, and the elegant figure glided smoothly through the air. Those present exhaled deeply, having just recovered from the intense pressure they had felt moments before. They turned to see the two who had been locked in a fierce struggle now embraced tightly together. It was, indeed, the battle-hardened Bai Zhanfeng, affectionately holding the shoulder of that enchanting woman in a familiar manner.
Faintly, it seemed they could hear Bai the Hero's voice—rich and excited—without a hint of the indignation or embarrassment one might expect after a defeat, boldly proclaiming that the enchanting woman was his.
Dizzy and with a ringing in their ears, they gazed through a hazy fog, a dazzling swirl of colors, where they could only catch a glimpse of a pure white figure—ethereal and graceful, radiating a mix of crimson and ivory.
Standing at the railing, Xianyue's flowing garments danced in the breeze. Those below could only admire her from afar, perceiving her as a delicate flower, fragile enough to be toppled by the slightest wind. Yet there she stood, as still as a mountain, timeless and resolute, seemingly impervious to any force.
Sunlight streamed through the pavilion's gauzy curtains, illuminating her face and accentuating the upturned corners of her lips, reminiscent of the tranquil moonlight on a quiet night.
Behind her, those who gazed at her silhouette felt an insurmountable distance between them, while the guests seated nearby stared at her face, their astonishment and fascination unmistakable.
In that fleeting moment, it became clear to them why the noble and remarkable men among them could not tear their gazes away from her. Though she might not have struck one as the epitome of beauty at first glance, once her allure was recognized, all other women in the world appeared mere shadows, wholly incomparable. Even when standing beside her, they seemed to diminish, their presence almost tarnishing her radiance.
At that instant, Nian Xiaoyu's flushed face turned pale, her large eyes dazzled by the brilliance before her, unable to open.
Xianyue held a jade flute in one hand, its warm luster captivating, while the other cradled a vibrant, colorful box. She looked at Feng Jiulian, her eyes crescent-shaped with joy. Those clear, bright eyes sparkled with untainted delight.
The light in her gaze was a constellation of warmth, devoid of coldness or mockery, akin to the sunlight enveloping them, yet capable of warming the heart.
Lan Yixuan observed her, and amidst the gentle spring of April, in the Blossom Mountains where they first met, he had never witnessed such a radiant smile. Even when cradling fine wine, he had never seen a smile so exquisite.
Gentle, satisfied, and imbued with happiness, her demeanor was endearingly sweet—so sweet it was almost dazzling.
Feng Jiulian took a couple of steps forward, halting in front of Xianyue.
After ten years apart, his Moon was now standing tall and graceful, every smile and frown enchanting. He felt a sense of comfort, but seeing her delicate form stirred within him an involuntary ache and guilt; she was far too thin.
The princess of the Feng Kingdom, the cherished jewel of its citizens, should have been sheltered and pampered, not wandering this perilous world.
Feng Jiulian tilted his head, sighing inwardly. He maintained his habitual smile, while Xianyue crouched down, her pale face lacking color, filled with sadness and fatigue, yet still remained the one he had yearned for over the past decade.
Having worried and longed for so long, seeing him smile in front of her made Xianyue feel an even greater sense of fulfillment.
She looked at Feng Jiulian's hand and, without hesitation, moved closer. He smiled, and the sorrow that had filled his gaze for the past ten years seemed to dissipate like a shooting star, the heavy mist blown away by the sunlight.
"What do you need the snow toad for?" he asked softly, his touch tender as if cradling a precious treasure, his voice warm like the gentle spring breeze brushing against Xianyue's face.
Xianyue squatted, tucking the jade flute back at her waist while handing the colorful box to Qinghen beside her, smiling as she leaped down from the railing. "This is for you."
Her words were devoid of hesitation, a matter-of-fact assertion. She referred to him simply as "you," not "brother," and in Feng Jiulian's world, it seemed only her radiant and sunny smile existed.
Xianyue leaned into Feng Jiulian's embrace, holding him tightly, eyes closed, absorbing the warmth he provided, so familiar it felt almost like drowning in it.
Everyone watched in stunned silence, eyes wide, utterly astonished—indeed, shocked, bewildered by an unprecedented sight.
They all wondered who this extraordinary little girl could be and what her relationship was with the prince of the Feng Kingdom.
Through the gaps in the railing, they could distinctly sense the once-reticent and aloof prince now allowing the girl to press against his chest. Under the sunlight, her pale face was beyond their description. Was this truly the rumored indifferent prince of the Feng Kingdom? How could they feel that his smile was even warmer than the winter sun?
Ning Yunyan pushed aside the curtain, standing at the outer edge amidst a crowd, but at that moment, no one noticed her dignified grace as a princess of the Celestial Empire. She was not the moon, and those surrounding her were not stars; they were all gazing at the moon on the other side.
Her exquisite handkerchief twisted tightly in her grasp, her nails digging into her palm, yet she felt nothing. Instead, she bit her lip, overwhelmed with jealousy.
Bai Zhanfeng, Lan Yixuan, Xuanyuan Hao, even Jun Pinyu—all their gazes fixated on that woman, along with Feng Jiulian. She was the lofty princess, possessing both beauty and talent, and yet she stole all the attention. On what basis did she overshadow her?
Those accolades should have belonged to her. Why was everyone's heart absent from her? She was exceptional—what made her inferior to them?
Avoiding Bai Zhanfeng, she remained indifferent toward the others, yet was that one individual her only exception?
Filled with resentment, she noticed Bai Zhanfeng felt the same. The two embracing felt harmonious, almost sweet, yet he found them infuriatingly annoying.
Was the Crown Prince of the Feng Kingdom so impressive? He had no strength, merely hiding behind a woman. What good was that? He could utter flattering words and feign concern, but she could do that too.
"Too dangerous," Feng Jiulian sighed, his worry becoming more pronounced.
Xianyue looked up, blinking her eyes innocently, extending three fingers of her right hand in promise. "I won't let it happen again."
Her face nestled against Feng Jiulian's chest, nuzzling like a little cat.
"I'm very worried," she began, but just as she was about to speak, a gust of wind swept by, and her left hand was suddenly pulled. Unaware, Xianyue stumbled back and collided with a solid wall, turning to see Bai Zhanfeng's face, which resembled a large lid, and swiftly shook off his grip.
"Is this the person you love enough to protect for a lifetime?" Bai Zhanfeng pointed at Feng Jiulian, his expression dripping with disdain. It was clear he was deeply displeased with Xianyue's choice.
Xianyue glared at him, and Bai Zhanfeng, fearing the intensity in her gaze, unconsciously released his hold.
She freed herself from his grasp and stepped up to Feng Jiulian, intimately intertwining her arm with his. Her gaze swept across each person present; perhaps their displeasure wasn't as pronounced as Bai Zhanfeng's, but they shared a strikingly unified curiosity. Her gaze lingered on Lan Yixuan and Xuanyuan Hao for a few seconds before returning to Bai Zhanfeng, decisively nodding. "Yes, for a lifetime."
To love is but a fleeting sentiment; genuine affection for someone rarely lasts a lifetime, yet Feng Xianyue's devotion to Feng Jiulian was for eternity.
No matter who it was, whether Lan Yixuan or Xuanyuan Hao, those who stood against her brother were her enemies.
She released Feng Jiulian's hand, tilting her head. "I know Bai Zhanfeng won't harm me, which is why I dared to take action. I won't allow anything to happen to myself."
Her bright eyes shimmered with unwavering promise.
What would happen to Feng Jiulian if Xianyue were to face danger? She believed Feng Jiulian felt the same; without her, he would surely be heartbroken.
Feng Jiulian remained silent, quietly observing Bai Zhanfeng, a friendly smile on his face devoid of blame, yet his eyes glimmered with scrutiny.
The eldest son of the Bai family from Chu Country was renowned in the martial world, gallantly dressed and embodying righteousness. He could see through others with ease, unlike that Lan gentleman, whose thoughts remained a mystery.
His martial prowess was exceptional; if he were by Xianyue's side, no one could harm her. However, would he truly treat her well for a lifetime? A fleeting glance at Nian Xiaoyu, whose face had turned ashen, filled him with a sudden unease. To him, Xianyue was already fourteen, an age at which he should be seeking a suitable suitor for her. His Moon was the most remarkable girl in the world, deserving of any man, and she must never share the affections of the same man with another woman.
Such thoughts were hardly ahead of their time; had his mother not passed away, Feng Xuanling's later years would likely have been devoted solely to her. If that young man from the Lan family had feelings for Xianyue akin to Bai Zhanfeng's, he would have no lingering concerns. The same could be said for Xuanyuan Hao, who was also commendable, though he was ambitious and destined for political alliances in the future. In a prosperous era, Jun Pinyu would also make an excellent choice.
Feng Jiulan had an affectionate attachment to his sister, but unlike other brothers, his love for her led him to believe that no man in the world was worthy of her. He wished for her to remain unmarried for life, staying at home under his care; such a notion had never crossed his mind.
Every time he fell ill and writhed in pain on the ground, he grit his teeth and endured, always yearning to know whether she was faring well and if she was safe. Furthermore, he worried for his Moon; if he were to depart, what would happen if she became sad? Who would comfort her in times of sorrow? If she were bullied, who would protect her?
If he were gone, who would take care of her? He had yet to find someone he could trust to care for Xianyue for a lifetime; he could not simply leave her behind.
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