Reunion

The sky was dark and gloomy, the earth was hard and unforgiving, the air was as heavy as Mount Tai, and the world was utterly hopeless.

Dugu Qing walked out of the Aureole, feeling as if all her strength had been drained, her consciousness hazy, and she slowly walked forward by inertia.

A small pebble is blocking the middle of the road.

The hero who once vanquished the Demon King lost his balance and, as if struck by a heavy blow, collapsed to the ground with a thud.

Dugu Qing lay on the ground, too weak to even struggle, her consciousness fading, her mind in a daze, and she drifted off to sleep.

One day, two days, three days...

The wheels of time rumble and crush all the deepest, most unforgettable wounds.

Peach trees covered the fields and the air were laden with large peaches, their rich fragrance filling the air.

Dugu Qing slept in the darkness for an unknown amount of time before slowly waking up.

A crisp mountain breeze, warm sunshine, and lively birdsong greet you.

His stomach was empty, and he had no time to think. He walked to a peach tree, picked a peach, and took a small bite.

Fern's gentle figure suddenly jumped into my mind.

He chewed on the crisp, sweet red peach, but his mouth was filled with bitterness.

A gentle breeze swept across the land, rustling the peach tree branches and making the sky rustle.

With barely managing to muster the last bit of strength, Dugu Qing unleashed a single finger strike. The surging demonic power transformed into an unparalleled divine weapon, crashing down on the mountainside beside him and carving a deep tunnel into the mountain.

His face was pale, but he mustered his strength and staggered into the cave. He slumped down and lay down, as weariness washed over him, and he fell into a deep sleep.

One year, two years, three years...

Sorrow flows like a river, while time marches on relentlessly.

Dugu Qing hid in a mountain cave, unaware of the passage of time outside, and slept for a long time.

Suddenly, a flash of light, a surge of energy, crossed his mind.

He opened his eyes, his body regained its strength, and he quickly walked out of the cave, boarded Flying Boat, and sped towards the Magic City.

In the 12th year of the Feishi Era, in the Northern Countries of Auwest.

The grave of the great mage Fern is a famous scenic spot in the Magic City.

Upon entering Magic Capital, Dugu Qing quickly learned the location of Fern's grave after making a few inquiries.

He walked through the bustling street and came to a quiet flower shop.

The shop is filled with a variety of colorful flowers in full bloom, exuding a rich fragrance.

Dugu Qing reached out, her fingertips gently brushing across the flowerbed, selecting white roses and tulips, and placing them into the potted plants.

"Hey handsome! Want to send flowers to your friend?"

The female store manager saw off a group of customers and walked in with a bright smile.

Dugu Qing looked at the shop manager, her peripheral vision falling on the stunningly handsome young man reflected in the mirror behind him, her expression dazed.

I can't believe that after all these years, I haven't changed at all!

Time can be cruel and merciless at times, but it can also heal the soul!

"How much?"

Two silver coins!

Dugu Qing paid the bill, carrying the potted plant, and continued onward until he arrived at Yaoguang Great Cathedral, the final resting place of Fern.

Scattered throughout the cemetery were small groups of tourists, and elegant, vibrant Purple Orchids lined both sides of the road, forming vast fields that guarded Fern's tombstone.

Dugu Qing sighed, his gaze sweeping heavily over every character on the tombstone, before bending down to place the potted plant in front of it.

The Purple Orchids swayed in the wind all around, complementing the white roses and tulips brought by Dugu Qing, creating a riot of colors.

A thousand words surged within him, yet he swallowed them all back, bowed solemnly, and turned to leave.

After that, Dugu Qing rented a place to live near the cemetery.

According to the rules of Magic Capital, renting a room requires paying three months' rent upfront and one month's rent as a deposit, and then you can move in.

Dugu Qing became more and more familiar with the shops on the street each day.

He knew exactly which food shop had the best flavors, which bookstore had the best books, which toy store had the most fun toys, and which shop owner was the stingiest... He knew it all by heart.

Every afternoon, without fail, he goes to Fern's grave to visit his deceased lover.

Then, enjoy shopping and strolling at your leisure.

Time flies.

As autumn fades into the past, a cold wind blows, and the temperature in the world drops sharply. Pedestrians on the streets are all dressed in heavy winter clothes.

Dugu Qing's Air-Conditioning Magic activated automatically; her white robes fluttered as she adhered to the rule of a straight line between three points.

In the morning, I strolled through the streets, selecting items I liked. In the afternoon, I visited Fern's tombstone and chatted to myself.

The sky was austere, the wind and clouds cold and desolate.

A series of light footsteps suddenly came from the floor, paused briefly, and then quickened abruptly.

Just as Dugu Qing was about to turn around, a white figure rushed up to him.

Frieren moved with light steps, her figure like a flowing breeze, suddenly appearing behind Dugu Qing, reaching out to embrace him, her voice trembling.

"Sixty years! Sixty years have passed since we last met, Dugu Qing. I almost thought we'd never see each other again in this lifetime!"

Frieren hugged Dugu Qing tightly, nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder affectionately.

He no longer cared about being a student's lover or maintaining a good image; his eyes were brimming with decades of pent-up longing.

"Frieren! Long time no see."

Dugu Qing was slightly taken aback; his hard shoulders instantly softened.

"I've not seen you for so many years, you scared me to death! I thought you..."

Frieren took a step back, patting her chest in relief to calm herself.

Looking at Frieren's soft, round face, Dugu Qing felt a warmth in his heart. He reached out and ruffled her hair.

"Frieren, I... I'm fine. How about you? What have you been busy with all these years?"

Frieren sighed, her expression helpless.

"What else could I be busy with! Of course, it's eliminating the Ocean Demons! The transformed Ocean Demons aren't very strong in combat, but they have a lot of eggs, and they produce a whole brood in their lifetime... After fighting in the south and north for so many years, I've finally eliminated most of the Demons, but it's exhausted me."

Dugu Qing patted Frieren on the shoulder.

"That was truly remarkable. To reward our hero, I'd like to treat you to a big meal."

A chilly wind swept by, and the flowers scattered all over the ground swayed in the wind, creating a dazzling wave of blossoms.

Dugu Qing and Frieren walked out of the cemetery and chose an ordinary home-style restaurant, sitting down by the window.

Outside the glass windows, there was a magnificent cathedral.

The waiter handed over the menu, which was printed with local dishes unique to the Magic City.

Frieren didn't stand on ceremony; she tapped the menu with her fingertips and rattled off several of their signature dishes in one go.

Dugu Qing was overjoyed to be reunited with Frieren and ordered several more dishes.

A few moments later, the food was served one after another.

Dugu Qing raised his lemonade and clinked it against Frieren's.

"Cheers."

Frieren shed her aloofness and picked up a silver fork to enjoy her meal. Her long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she occasionally raised her hand to tuck a stray strand behind her ear, her face radiating happiness.

Dugu Qing looked at Frieren and suddenly felt that Frieren under the candlelight was very charming and unforgettable.

He shook his head inwardly, dismissing the strange thought, and continued enjoying his meal.

"Actually, all these years, without Fern urging me to get up, I've always slept until 11 o'clock. When I go to restaurants for breakfast, the owners all think I'm eating lunch, which is quite nice."

Frieren smiled mischievously, picked up the tuning fork again, and relaxed her expression.