Xuan Yan walked through the academy's bustling cafeteria, his sharp gaze sweeping over the various groups of students.
Spotting a familiar figure sitting alone at a corner table, his lips curled into a soft smile.
She sat quietly, focused on her simple meal of vegetables, her presence unassuming as ever.
Seems like she noticed her presence and turned to look at him.
Xuan Yan could see that she is surprised to look at him and with a chuckle, he walked to her.
Without hesitation, he pulled out a chair to sit beside her.
"It's been a while, Xie."
Her reaction was immediate and she abruptly stood up, almost knocking over her chair. "A-Ah! Sir Xuan Yan." she stammered, her face quickly turning red.
He chuckled softly, waving a hand to calm her. "Sit down, Xie. You're making a scene,"
Her hands fluttered nervously before she hesitantly lowered herself back into her seat.
Her body fidgeted slightly in her seat as an overwhelming happiness washed over her heart and she couldn't control the growing smile on her cheeks.
'H-He remembers my name...'
"Relax," Xuan Yan said, resting his elbow on the table and leaning slightly toward her.
"Am I that intimidating?"
She quickly shook her head. "N-no, it's just… I didn't expect you to sit with me,"
He raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Why not? We're friends, aren't we?"
Her eyes widened again at his words. "Friends?" she muttered, looking into his eyes.
With a tilt of his head, he asked "Or do you not see me that way?"
Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she waved her hands in protest. "No! It's not that! Of course, I do!"
"Good," he said with a soft smile.
"Then stop calling me 'sir.' It makes me sound old. Call me Brother Yan or something like that."
She hesitated, her lips pressing together nervously.
Looking at her hesitation, Xuan Yan let out a sigh "Seems like you don't want to be my friend after all."
Her body stiffened, and she quickly shook her head. "No... its just.. I-I... am just."
She took a deep breath to calm her small fluttering heart "H-Hm, Brother Yan."
Hearing her say it, a satisfied smile spread across his face. "Much better," he said, leaning back slightly.
His gaze shifted to her plate, and he noticed she was eating only vegetables. "You're not eating any meat?" he asked, picking up a chicken wing from his own plate and placing it on hers.
"You need protein, Xie. Don't neglect your health."
She looked down at the chicken wing, then back up at him, unsure of how to respond.
Finally, she nodded and quietly said, "Thank you, Brother Yan."
As she started eating, Xuan Yan struck up a casual conversation. "How's your cultivation going?"
She paused mid-bite, then looked up at him. "I'm close to reaching level 10," she said, a hint of pride in her voice.
His eyes lit up with genuine encouragement. "That's great progress, Xie. You're doing really well."
Her cheeks flushed again at his praise and she lowered her head trying to suppress the smile on her face "Thank you, Brother Yan."
He smiled warmly. "So, when are you planning to get your first spirit ring?"
"In a few days," she replied. "The academy is organizing a trip for students who need spirit rings. A teacher will be accompanying us."
"Hmm," Xuan Yan mused thoughtfully. Then, as if making a decision, he said, "I'll come with you."
Her head shot up in surprise. "Brother Yan, you want to come with us? Do you also need a spirit ring?"
He chuckled and replied "No, I don't. But I'd like to join you."
"Why?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
He reached over and lightly pinched her nose, causing her to yelp softly in surprise. "Of course, I need to."
"I will be there to protect you. Spirit beasts can be dangerous, you know."
She looked down at her plate, her hands fidgeting as her cheeks flushed a deep red. "Thank you, Brother Yan,"
He smiled looking at her cute flushed face "There's no need to thank me..."
With a shy smile, she looked up at him "We can also spend some time in forest..."
"Of course we can."
...
After lunch-
With nothing pressing on his schedule, Xuan Yan decided to explore the academy grounds.
The campus was still new to him, and he figured a leisurely stroll might help him get more familiar with it.
As he wandered through the quiet hallways, admiring the grandeur of the architecture and the occasional distant chatter of students, a melodious voice called out from behind him.
"Yan'er."
He froze mid-step, his back stiffening as a sudden wave of dread washed over him.
Reluctantly, he turned around, he raised his gaze to look at Hu Liena "Sister Nana."
With a knowing smile she asked in playful tone "Yan'er, where have you been hiding? You ran off earlier with some vague excuse,"
Xuan Yan scratched the back of his head, laughing awkwardly. "Ah... Sister Nana, I... uh..."
Before he could fumble together a coherent excuse, she cut him off with a wave of her hand. "Forget it. Have you eaten yet? If not, let's head to the cafeteria together."
His heart sank.
He had already eaten and wasn't particularly keen on stuffing himself again.
But saying no to Hu Liena wasn't exactly an option.... her persistence was as legendary as her charm.
Clearing his throat, he said, "Actually, Sister Nana, I was just looking for the cafeteria. Since I haven't been to the academy much, I kind of... forgot where it is. You know how big this place is."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying his excuse but choosing to humor him anyway.
Her lips curved into a soft laugh. "Oh, Yan'er, you're hopeless. Come on, then. I'll show you the way—and I'm treating you today, so you'd better eat lots."
"Alright..."
As they walked, she glanced back at him occasionally "You really don't come to the academy often, do you? It's no wonder you don't know your way around. What are you doing all the time back in Spirit Hall?"
Xuan Yan chuckled, keeping his answers vague. "Training, mostly. You know how it is, Sister Nana."
She gave him a sidelong glance, "You're always so secretive, Yan'er. It makes me even more curious about what you're up to."
He laughed again, deflecting her question as they entered the cafeteria.
It was bustling with activity, the hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes filling the air.
Hu Liena strode to a table, gesturing for Xuan Yan to sit.
"Stay here, I'll get us some food."
Before he could protest, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving him to awkwardly wait.
Despite his earlier reluctance, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of warmth at Hu Liena's insistence.
Moments later, she returned, balancing two trays laden with food.
Xuan Yan's eyes widened at the sheer amount she had brought... bowls of soup, plates of roasted meat, steamed buns, and even desserts.
"Sister Nana, this is..."
"Too much? Don't be silly, Yan'er. You're a growing boy. You need to eat plenty."
He sighed inwardly but smiled nonetheless. "Thank you, Sister Nana."
As they ate, Hu Liena's conversation flowed effortlessly.
She regaled him with stories of her training and interactions with the other students, her laughter filling the space between bites.
Xuan Yan listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with a comment or question.
Though he had been apprehensive at first, the meal turned out to be enjoyable.
Despite her teasing, there was genuine kindness in her gestures.
...
A few more days passed-
Mo Xie lay on her bed, clutching her pillow tightly, her heart pounding in excitement.
Tomorrow was the big day... the day she would venture into the forest for her first spirit ring.
Yet, her thoughts weren't entirely on the spirit ring. They were consumed by one person.
"Will Brother Yan really come with me?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.
She rolled onto her side, hugging the pillow closer.
'He said he would. But... what if he forgets?'
After all, Xuan Yan was no ordinary student.
He was the Pope's disciple, a figure destined for greatness.
Compared to him, she was just an ordinary girl.
The thought made her heart sink a little. "Maybe I'm just being silly," she muttered.
"Someone like him probably doesn't think about someone like me that often..."
Yet, she couldn't shake the memory of his warm gaze, the way he had spoken to her so gently, and how he'd insisted on accompanying her.
It felt so genuine, but... what if it was just politeness?
She flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling, 'What if he doesn't come? What if he was just being kind?'
Her excitement fought against her insecurities, and she couldn't stay still.
Tossing her pillow aside, she sat up, then stood, walking around the small room.
The energy bubbling inside her was too much to contain.
Before she knew it, she was hopping lightly in place, unable to stop the grin spreading across her face. "But if he does come…" she murmured, a warm blush creeping up her cheeks.
"He will be there, protecting me..."
She spun around, holding her arms out like she was dancing, and then flopped back onto her bed with a dramatic sigh. "Ahhh! This is too much!"
Her antics didn't go unnoticed.
A soft knock was heard at her door, and her mother's voice called out, "Xie'er, are you alright in there?"
Mo Xie froze mid-roll, her face heating up in embarrassment.
She scrambled to her feet and hurried to the door, cracking it open just enough to see her mother's concerned face.
"I'm fine, Mom," she said quickly, trying to sound calm.
Her mother gave her a skeptical look. "You've been jumping around like a rabbit in there. What's gotten into you?"
Mo Xie's face turned redder, and she waved her hands dismissively. "N-nothing! I'm just... excited about tomorrow!"
Her mother's expression softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I see. It's your first spirit ring, after all. But try to get some rest, Xie'er. You'll need your energy."
Mo Xie nodded hurriedly. "I will, I promise!"
Her mother shook her head, amused, and patted her on the head. "Alright, goodnight then."
"Goodnight, Mom," Mo Xie replied, closing the door as her mother walked away.
She leaned back against the door, her heart still racing. "Calm down, calm down," she whispered to herself, pressing her hands to her cheeks.
"Just sleep, Mo Xie. Tomorrow's a big day..."
But even as she crawled back into bed, her mind was filled with thoughts of Xuan Yan.
Her heart thumped as she imagined him by her side, his golden eyes watching over her.
Sleep didn't come easily that night.
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!
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