Chapter 93: Heart-to-Heart
Xian Yue heard the voice and lifted her head to see Lan Yixuan seated across from her. Bathed in the flickering firelight, his complexion, though still somewhat pale, appeared much improved since he had first awakened. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, forming a faint smile. "You're awake."
Rising to her feet, she casually retrieved the bracelet from her bosom, slipping it onto her wrist. She circled the campfire and squatted down beside Lan Yixuan, removing the duckweed poultice from his forehead. In the past, whenever she had a fever at Pear Blossom Lodge, she would dig up this herb, crush it, and wrap it in cloth to apply to her brow. It was cool to the touch, drawing out heat swiftly, and as she reached to check Lan Yixuan's forehead, she found that it was no longer burning.
After discarding the herbs, Xian Yue did not throw away the cloth. They had fallen from the cliff without any change of clothes; although the temperature here was not cold, it was certainly far from warm. The nights remained chilly, and given that Lan Yixuan's fever had not fully subsided, she had already used the layer of gauzy fabric from her own outer garment to bind his shoulder and back wounds, leaving no spare cloth.
Seated beside him, Xian Yue turned her attention to the fish roasting over the fire. It had been cleaned thoroughly, and the rich aroma wafted through the night air, enticing her senses. After flipping it several times, she brought it closer, fanning it with her hand, a contented smile gracing her face, akin to that of a satisfied kitten. While it may not rival the culinary skills of the renowned Lei Yun, for the famished pair, it was undoubtedly a heavenly delight.
She turned to Lan Yixuan, offering the plump, oily fish to him. "Eat up."
After waiting for a while, however, Lan Yixuan showed no inclination to take it. She understood that he had severe cleanliness issues, but he wasn't particularly picky—after all, hadn't he eaten dried rations at the foot of Yanshan Mountain just the other day?
"Lan Gongzi, will you eat or not?"
Lan Yixuan raised his gaze, casting a faint glance at Xian Yue, his brow arched as if to convey, "I won't eat; what can you do about it?"
Under normal circumstances, Xian Yue would have brushed this off. If he chose not to eat, that was his decision; she would simply have more for herself. Yet the situation was different now. Xian Yue could hardly bear to see anyone show her kindness. To earn her complete trust was no easy feat, as it had only been achieved by Feng Jiulan in the past, and now Lan Yixuan had joined that small circle.
"You will eat whether you like it or not; I refuse to coddle you," she declared, thrusting the roasted fish into his hands. It was not merely about taking care of him; in this strange, perilous place, they faced countless unknown dangers. If Lan Yixuan did not regain his strength, his ability to protect himself would be severely compromised.
Though Lan Yixuan held the fish she had thrust upon him, his eyes remained fixed on her. Following his gaze, Xian Yue glanced at her jade bracelet on her left wrist, momentarily taken aback. She suddenly met his contemplative gaze, which bore a hint of dissatisfaction, causing her to feel both enlightened and exasperated.
Lan Yixuan never compelled anyone to do anything directly, yet his unyielding presence made it difficult to resist his unspoken wishes. For instance, at that moment, she had initially thought he had mentioned it casually, not expecting it to be significant; he preferred to express his desires in subtler ways.
"Didn't you say to keep it?"
Xian Yue looked down, gently tracing her fingers over the lustrous green of the bracelet, her voice light with amusement.
Lan Yixuan tore off a small piece of fish belly and held it to his lips, casting a sidelong glance at Xian Yue, his expression a blend of amusement and curiosity. "When did you start being so obedient to my wishes?"
His voice retained a hint of laughter, but Xian Yue knew his mood was not as bright as his smile suggested. "If you like it, then keep it."
Such was the quintessential style of Lan Yixuan's democratic nature.
With a soft laugh, Xian Yue leaned closer to him, removing the jade bracelet from her left wrist and placing it into his palm. "Please keep this for me."
She had never considered retaining this bracelet, and certainly did not have such intentions now. It pained her to think that the one person she had entrusted had treated her this way. Initially, she had contemplated throwing it into the fire to destroy it. But on second thought, it wasn't hers to destroy so easily; perhaps it would be best to return it to Jun Pinyu when she got back, offering them both closure.
"If this precious item were to shatter, I could never compensate you for it."
Lan Yixuan lifted the jade bracelet, turning it over in his palm. Indeed, it was a fine piece of jade, but in the end, it was merely a stone. For someone like Lan Yixuan, acquiring something of even greater value was a trivial matter. Xian Yue understood this well.
"Then return the shattered fragments to Jun Pinyu."
As Lan Yixuan's right hand shifted slightly, his gaze remained fixed on Xian Yue, watching her eyes shift with emotion. Xian Yue pressed her lips together; in the past, she might have found this all perplexing or dismissed her own thoughts. However, now she was fully aware of his little games. This man, apart from being cunning and unscrupulous, was also rather petty, though few could see through this facet of him.
"You know, don't you?"
Lan Yixuan scrutinized Xian Yue, attempting to discern any subtle hints of discomfort in her expression under the flickering firelight, yet he found none—no anger, no resentment, no trace of bitterness.
Xian Yue calmly nodded.
"Why don't you suspect Hua Chuxue?"
Xian Yue smiled, crouching down and stepping forward a few paces. There was still a plump fish on the grill, and she expertly flipped it with a wooden stick, her back turned to Lan Yixuan. "She lacks the time and intellect to devise such a seamless plan."
While she could feign emotions, she was also quite impulsive; such a meticulous scheme seemed far beyond her capabilities. Turning back to him, the firelight illuminated her eyes, which sparkled brilliantly. "Hua Chuxue cares for you deeply. While she might target Prince Chu and the Queen, she would never harm you. If those dark-clad figures were sent by her, there would not have been sounds of struggle on the cliff while you were pulling me back."
"I have encountered the one who pushed me off the cliff."
Xian Yue smiled as Lan Yixuan's gaze remained fixed on her. This was Jun Pinyu's greatest oversight; perhaps he did not even realize she still had a vivid memory of that dark-clad man.
"Do you remember the time Bai Zhanfeng and I went to the Yinyuan Stone? When we returned, I was drenched in blood? Let me tell you, that wasn't my blood. On the way back, I met a man covered in blood; it was he who informed me about your conspiracy with Yan Sihuang, urging me to tell the Crown Prince. I found it strange that he would suddenly reveal such significant information to a stranger."
"You did nothing."
Lan Yixuan gazed intently at Xian Yue's elegantly arched brows and eyes, his conviction evident.
Perhaps Jun Pinyu was aware at that moment that this woman was perpetually nonchalant, showing no inclination to intervene as long as it did not concern her. His actions seemed solely aimed at sowing discord between them. A woman as carefree and unrestrained as the wind would never allow herself to be entangled in the open and covert rivalries of nations.
"I remember that person's eyes."
Though the face remained a blur in her memory, she distinctly recalled the eyes—dark and profound, cold as ice, with a piercing, frigid gaze.
"The last time, didn't my brother fall ill early? When I sought out Jun Pinyu, I saw those eyes again. They felt so familiar, but I couldn't place them until I fell from the cliff."
Had the person who pushed her off the cliff not been that individual, she might still be left with vague suspicions, too afraid to assert certainty. But now, the unyielding truth lay before her, leaving no room for evasion. In truth, she preferred to believe that all of this was orchestrated by Hua Chuxue. She had initially felt a fondness for Jun Pinyu, as he exuded a warmth reminiscent of her brother—a warmth akin to the gentle breeze of March.
Even if she hadn't taken the initiative to approach him, he would have sought her out eventually. Reflecting back, her encounter in Zhao'an City with Xuanyuan Hao had clearly been meticulously planned by him. He must have wanted to facilitate her connection with Xuanyuan Hao, fully aware of Lan Yixuan's identity and recognizing that she might be different for him. Using her to provoke Lan Yixuan would undoubtedly yield significant results with minimal effort.
Xian Yue retrieved another roasted fish from the fire, turning to leave. Upon her return, she held the purple robe and undergarments that Lan Yixuan had changed out of earlier, tossing them in front of him. "Put these on."
Lan Yixuan examined the garments closely, noticing the seams and the back bore faint signs of repair. Yet, if one weren't looking for them, they would be nearly undetectable. He looked up at Xian Yue, an uncontrollable smile gracing his face, and obediently donned the undergarment, patting the space beside him to invite Xian Yue to sit. Without hesitation, she plopped down beside him.
"The queen of Chu and my mother were close friends. I have known Hua Chuxue since we were children. She was always so well-behaved. When I was twelve, my mother suddenly summoned her from Chu. At that time, she was only eight—innocent and kind-hearted, tending to injured birds and delivering medicine to the wounded eunuchs and maidens. She lacked the petulance typical of a princess, and everyone in the palace adored her. Yet, she chose to cling to me, following closely behind. My mother advised me to take good care of her, and for two months, we were inseparable. While it couldn't be said that I liked her, I at least didn't harbor any aversion toward her compared to the sycophants surrounding us. Then one day, she vanished without a trace."
Lan Yixuan paused, and Xian Yue's gaze remained fixed on his face. The transformation in Hua Chuxue's demeanor was undoubtedly connected to that disappearance. This was the first time she had heard Lan Yixuan speak so candidly about his past with her.
"I had people search every corner of the palace. During that time, the King of Chu repeatedly sent envoys urging her return. After several excuses from Hua Chuxue, we managed to dodge the issue. After half a year, everyone believed she wouldn't come back, yet she returned unexpectedly."
"Disheveled and with murky eyes, she grabbed my hand and fled at an astonishing speed, bringing me to an extremely secluded palace."
A slight frown creased Lan Yixuan's brow as he raised his right hand, a trace of pain and struggle hidden in his expression. "I killed my mother with this very hand."
He raised his right hand before Xian Yue, a resolute look clouding his features.
Xian Yue's eyes widened in shock. Lan Yixuan had killed her mother! As far as she knew, the queen of Lan was still alive and well in Feng Country, basking in the love of the Lan king and the adoration of the people. Could it be that the current queen was not actually the queen of Lan at all? If that were the case, how had the Lan king failed to notice?
She recalled Hua Chuxue's words—that anything Lan Yixuan cared about would be ruthlessly destroyed by the palace mistress. If this were true, it implied that Lan Yixuan's previous aloofness toward her stemmed from a fear of that woman. The mere thought of a woman capable of instilling such trepidation in Lan Yixuan sparked Xian Yue's curiosity about her true nature.
At the time, she had wondered how a mother could pursue such ruthless actions against her own son. If Lan Yixuan's biological mother was indeed dead, then who was the person in the palace? What were her intentions? Now, she firmly believed that Lan Yixuan's life was far more complex than she had imagined.
"Was Hua Chuxue hiding in that place during her disappearance?"
Xian Yue focused on Lan Yixuan's hand, suddenly struck by another thought that caused her expression to shift dramatically as she stared at him, a hint of alarm in her eyes. Lan Yixuan met her gaze, retracting his hand with a nod.
"Yes, just as you think."
"Is it the current queen's doing?"
Hua Chuxue had once confided in her how afraid she was, feeling as though a massive urn loomed beside her every night, with a pair of eyes watching her closely. It was evident that Lan Yixuan shared a strong bond with his mother. The colder and more unfeeling a person, the more they yearned for warmth. If pushed to desperation, how could Lan Yixuan have been forced against his mother? The impact of that incident must have left deep scars, haunting him to this day.
What profound enmity could compel someone to transform another into a "human pig"? Such a person must truly possess a heart of ice and unparalleled cruelty.
Lan Yixuan remained silent, not uttering a word. In that fleeting moment, an idea flashed through Xian Yue's mind, prompting her to blurt out, "Is it related to Hua Chuxue?"
According to Lan Yixuan, Hua Chuxue had only been eight years old at that time, sheltered in the depths of the palace, pure as untainted water and powerless. Her disappearance for half a year, followed by her sudden reappearance, could not be mere coincidence. No wonder Lan Yixuan had treated her so indifferently; one reason might be the lingering sentiment, and he bore an undeniable responsibility for what she had become today. However, this matter remained an unresolved knot between him and Hua Chuxue—an issue they both avoided discussing, thereby becoming an insurmountable deadlock. Furthermore, Hua Chuxue had consistently blamed Lan Yixuan for her troubles while absolving herself of any responsibility for the wrongs done to his mother. Were their positions reversed, she too would find it challenging to wholeheartedly care for her.
Noticing Lan Yixuan's reluctance to delve deeper, she refrained from pressing further.
"Does she know that you are aware she is not your mother?"
Xian Yue felt her question was rather foolish. Someone as resourceful as Hua Chuxue, who could abduct a queen and seamlessly replace her without anyone noticing, would surely have realized that by now. Perhaps she had deliberately allowed Hua Chuxue to escape, intending for her to bring Lan Yixuan to see his tormented mother. At that moment, he faced two choices: either accept the impostor as his mother or face death. She truly wondered what kind of king the Lan monarch was.
Xian Yue gazed at Lan Yixuan, her heart aching for him. The environment shaped the individual, and Lan Yixuan was no exception. He bore the weight of a mother's love while being forced to accept a pretender in her place, yet he faced it all with unyielding composure. Xian Yue reached out, taking hold of Lan Yixuan's right hand, drawing a heart in his palm before placing her five fingers together.
If not for that flawlessly unblemished mask, perhaps he would never have made it this far, let alone one day stand against her.
"What did you draw?"
"Mr. Lan, if I were you, I would have acted in the same manner."
Xian Yue gazed intently into Lan Yi Xuan's eyes, unwavering, meeting his gaze head-on.
In that moment, she genuinely would have made the same choice; everyone desires the survival of those they cherish. Yet, for Lan Yi Xuan's mother, such an existence was akin to a fate worse than death. Unable to rescue her, Lan Yi Xuan might only subject her to further humiliation and torment. Sometimes, for certain individuals, death is not a wound but rather a release.
Lan Yi Xuan smiled faintly, the expression appearing somewhat strained, yet it was the most authentic version of himself: "She is my mother's twin sister, named Gong Shao Qiu. They grew up together in the Xue Yu Palace, where she was regarded as the saint."
Xue Yu Palace? Xian Yue suddenly understood; on that day, when Hua Chu Xue spoke, she mistakenly assumed the palace master was a princess.
"My mother possesses a tranquil nature, devoid of desires, unconcerned with worldly affairs. However, Gong Shao Qiu is different—she is fiercely competitive, always striving to surpass my mother, intent on winning at all costs. She covets everything my mother possesses, yet despite her relentless efforts, she has never managed to outshine her. At that time, the master of Xue Yu Palace, Xue Lan Luo, was a renowned figure in the martial world, celebrated for his extraordinary looks. Gong Shao Qiu admired him, but he confided that his heart belonged to my mother, enchanted by her indifference. They were too alike in their ambition, and thus were ill-suited for each other. Though they were kin, my mother treated her with great kindness, and deep down, she harbored feelings for that man as well. Ultimately, for the sake of familial ties, she left Xue Yu Palace and became acquainted with my father. What transpired with Gong Shao Qiu thereafter remains a mystery."
In truth, Xian Yue empathized with Gong Shao Qiu's sentiments; she sought to excel and outdo her sister. However, regardless of her efforts, she was perceived as inferior in the eyes of others. At a youthful age, when feelings began to blossom, possessing an identical face but lacking in the same allure, the man she admired informed her that his affections lay elsewhere, directed at her sister—the very person she yearned to surpass. For someone so competitive, such a revelation is difficult to accept. Yet, Xue Lan Luo's observation was not unfounded; their excessive ambition would undoubtedly lead to mutual destruction if they were to unite.
No wonder no one in Lan Guo has yet to recognize the two identical faces. Having grown up together, Gong Shao Qiu easily mimicked her sister's every gesture.
"Mr. Lan, your aunt exhibits signs of mental instability; her psyche is warped."
Upon hearing Xian Yue's description, Lan Yi Xuan raised an eyebrow. Between them, there was no kinship; perhaps there might one day be a resolution to their blood-soaked enmity, but their relationship was a matter of life and death. At least, that was how it appeared to him. Her reluctance to harm him previously stemmed from a desire to see him suffer. Now, she might be inclined to act, yet he was no longer an easy target. In his heart, she was merely a deranged individual, her mind twisted—a notion he readily agreed with.
"Mr. Lan, I have drawn a conclusion."
Xian Yue raised her index finger, waving it before Lan Yi Xuan: "Regardless of what Gong Shao Qiu has done, it cannot be for your benefit."
Lan Yi Xuan took her hand, nodding in agreement, the burden of his earlier smile lifting as a sense of relief washed over him.
Xian Yue smiled too; revealing a secret that had long been tucked away would surely lighten her heart. Though concern and uncertainty may linger before expressing her thoughts, she truly did not dwell on the past. Everyone has their own growth journey, filled with challenging decisions. As long as one perseveres, that is enough. Often, when considering others' choices, we must empathize rather than point fingers, lest we distance ourselves due to a single incident.
The fact that Lan Yi Xuan could confide in her filled her with joy; he had genuinely opened his heart to her. Should they escape this valley of death, she would undoubtedly venture to Lan Guo in the future, thus allowing her to prepare for Gong Shao Qiu in advance.
Xian Yue yawned, tears spilling forth like a turbulent sea. Lan Yi Xuan reached out, wiping away the traces of her tears: "I will keep watch tonight; you should rest."
Xian Yue glanced at Lan Yi Xuan and nodded. In this utterly unfamiliar place, particularly at night, she would undoubtedly feel uneasy sharing a slumber with someone. After a long day, exhaustion weighed heavily upon her.
She reclined, resting her head on Lan Yi Xuan's lap. Suddenly, she opened her half-closed eyes and looked at him: "Mr. Lan, I will assist you."
That woman, Gong Shao Qiu, was a ticking time bomb; only through her demise could Lan Yi Xuan find true peace.
Xian Yue settled into a comfortable position against Lan Yi Xuan, closing her eyes, and soon drifted into sleep.
Lan Yi Xuan retrieved the purple robe set aside and draped it over her. The night breeze carried a chill, but the nearby bonfire blazed brighter, casting a soft warmth upon them, rendering the cold negligible. He gently patted Xian Yue's back, tenderly arranging her tousled hair, gazing down at her slumbering form. Her warm breath brushed against his leg, rhythmic and sweet, while the moonlight illuminated the night in all its beauty. With the shadows of trees dancing behind him, he found an unparalleled tranquility he had never experienced before.
Xian Yue slept for less than three hours before awakening, yet she appeared much revitalized. The brightness in her eyes shone like sparkling gems, indicating her newfound clarity. During her time in Li Hua Zhai, her sleep schedule had been erratic—staying up later than any pig and rising earlier than a rooster.
As her eyes fluttered open, dawn was just breaking. Upon noticing her wakefulness, Lan Yi Xuan gently patted her back: "Why are you awake? Go back to sleep for a while longer."
Xian Yue understood that he thought she hadn't rested enough. After all, during their shared time, with Lei Yun and Lei An attending to her, she often slept until the sun was high in the sky.
"I won't sleep any longer."
Xian Yue removed the robe covering her and handed it to Lan Yi Xuan: "You should wear this; I will go fetch something to eat."
As she spoke, she stood up, but Lan Yi Xuan grasped her hand, turning her around. Looking down at her, he said, "I'll go."
Just as he attempted to rise, he inadvertently pulled on his shoulder wound, causing him to wince in pain.
"Your priority now is to recover from your injuries. Back in Li Hua Zhai, I would have gone out at this hour to gather food for myself and Liu Xin You. I'll be fine."
As soon as she finished speaking, her white figure gradually faded into the misty dawn, agile and spry.
When the sky lightened, but she had yet to return after the hour of Chen had passed, Lan Yi Xuan began to feel anxious. In this vast expanse, countless hidden dangers lurked, and this place was far from her familiar Li Hua Zhai. Supporting himself with one hand, he steadied himself and spotted a small figure in the distance. That figure gradually grew larger; upon seeing Lan Yi Xuan, she waved her hand, her smile stretching from ear to ear, bouncing closer: "Mr. Lan!"
She called out from afar, her face beaming, the slight disarray in her breath evident in her excitement. Her eyes sparkled brighter than the stars in the night sky. Grasping Lan Yi Xuan's hand, she pointed northward: "I just discovered a small cave over there. We can take shelter there for now, and once your injuries are healed, we can leave."
Yesterday, while foraging for wild fruits, she had attempted to locate an exit, but the area was so vast, every corner looked the same, merely trees upon trees, and she worried about losing her way alongside Lan Yi Xuan.
Xian Yue released Lan Yi Xuan's hand and crouched to gather her belongings.
"Are you not worried about Feng Jiu Lan?"
Xian Yue's bent waist stiffened as she turned around, her face filled with concern as she replied, "I'm worried. The Kingdom of Feng must be in disarray now."
Jun Pinyu is a person of Xuanyuan Hao; I bear her no grudge, and I have even assisted her. If he wishes to see her dead, and if anything were to happen to her, my brother would be thrown into turmoil. If an incident were to occur in the Kingdom of Chu, he might even declare war, allowing Xuanyuan to reap the benefits. He had planned all of this long ago; the news of her fall from the cliff must have spread throughout Feng by now.
Xian Yue looked up at the sky, the midday sun glaring down harshly. She had never expected to be so completely used this time; she could only blame her own carelessness and misplaced trust. Then, she smiled, "But the Kingdom of Feng will not suffer any losses regardless."
The royal family of Chu is merely a facade; the Bai family is the true pillar supporting half of Chu. Bai Zhanfeng is well aware of the original course of events. Even out of guilt, Bai Zhanfeng would not act against the Kingdom of Feng. She harbored no ambition; her only concern was for her brother's health during his long journey.
"Young Master Lan, you must heal your wounds quickly. If not, when you next see Xuanyuan Hao, you will merely be his subordinate."
However, with that strong and intelligent woman supporting Lan Guo, it should be safe for the time being.
The cave was not large, but it was ample enough for both Xian Yue and Lan Yixuan. The entrance faced the sunlight, providing good lighting and lacking excessive dampness, making it an excellent choice for the presently thinly-clad Xian Yue and Lan Yixuan.
This place was rarely visited, and the cave was quite clean. Knowing Lan Yixuan's obsession with cleanliness, Xian Yue had tidied up swiftly before bringing him inside. As soon as they entered, Lan Yixuan's gaze was drawn to a slender vine swaying gently in midair.
"The stones are cold and hard; you should sleep there. I'll go out shortly and weave two large nets; it will be more comfortable to lie on those."
Lan Yixuan watched Xian Yue's lips move slightly. Her right hand curled slightly, revealing a long, jagged gash in the center of her palm, gruesome in appearance. She had not ceased using that hand since yesterday, and the wound showed no signs of healing.
She bore injuries just like he did.
"Young Master Lan, you must recover swiftly; only then can you—"
While she continued to chatter, Lan Yixuan suddenly grasped her right hand. Xian Yue winced in pain and instinctively exclaimed, "What are you doing?"
Lan Yixuan chuckled softly, "You still feel pain, I see."
His voice was laced with tenderness as he gently took her right hand, retrieving a white porcelain vial from his waist pocket. After biting open the stopper, Xian Yue frowned, watching the pale purple powder spill into his palm. It stung a little, but its effects were apparent; she felt the gash slowly drawing together. She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but Lan Yixuan held it tighter. "It's just a minor injury. Why don't you apply it to yourself? It would help your wound heal faster."
His last words were barely audible; withholding it from herself was simply to keep it for her. She had nearly exhausted the reserve medicine she had brought from the Pear Blossom Studio yesterday.
"If it scars, won't that be even uglier?"
Lan Yixuan did not raise his head, chuckling lightly.
Xian Yue ceased her struggles, allowing Lan Yixuan to tend to her while continuing to speak. "Uglier? Where's the ugliness in that? It would be best if you could leave a scar, a long one, like a centipede, to remind you that I acquired this hideous scar while taking care of you."
Xian Yue's eyes widened, her cheeks flushed, and her indignant expression was utterly adorable.
"So I don't need this powder; your scar was left from picking dragon fruit for Feng Jiulan, while my numerous wounds were genuinely earned while saving you."
Her casual tone rendered Xian Yue speechless.
After applying the medicine, Lan Yixuan released her hand, tidying up and stowing away the supplies. "Apply it once daily; avoid water for half an hour, and it will heal swiftly."
Lan Yixuan approached the cave entrance, resting one hand against the stone wall. "We cannot linger here for long; we must quickly search for an exit."
In truth, he would prefer to stay in this place, just the two of them, subsisting on the wild fruits she gathered and the fish she grilled, watching her wash his clothes like a wife. But he understood that she could not let go of Feng Jiulan.
Xian Yue wholeheartedly agreed; had she not heard from Bai Ao about the perils of the Valley of Death, she wouldn't have cared about her injuries and would have dashed out with Lan Yixuan long ago. But she could not afford to take that risk now.
She stood behind Lan Yixuan, peering past the arm he had propped against the stone wall, gazing out at the lush mountains and rivers in the distance. "Let's split up; you search for an exit while I prepare some food. If all goes well, we can rest in the cave and restore our strength."
Lan Yixuan turned around to look at Xian Yue, but her gaze did not meet his. Through the dense foliage, it seemed she had traversed mountains and rivers, flying toward the distant, unknown Kingdom of Feng. She could not help but think of the indifference and estrangement she had felt at the royal tomb's exit.
"Xian Yue."
He called her softly, "Was I in that illusion?"
He was certain yet uncertain.
Xian Yue lifted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes sparkling. After a long pause, she nodded slowly, "There was my brother, you, my father, and Bai Zhanfeng, Jun Pinyu. Ning Yunyans and Hua Chuxue were all there."
She fixed her gaze on Lan Yixuan's concerned yet visibly anxious eyes and smiled brightly, exuding a sense of ease. "I believe that nightmare will never become reality."
Her brother would not abandon her; Lan Yixuan's kindness toward her stemmed not from her status as a princess but from their shared nature. Had it not been for their deep feelings, he would never have risked his life.
Lan Yixuan pressed his lips together and embraced Xian Yue, following her gaze to the dense thickets. With sincerity and determination, he said, "I will ensure your safe passage out of this place."
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