Nan Xunran slowly opened his eyes. Jiang Ruxi had remained quietly by his side, her gaze full of deep affection as her hands gently massaged him without pause.
Jiang Ruxi's gaze stayed fixed on Nan Xunran, filled with boundless love.
Nan Xunran opened his eyes, his face as calm as ever.
Jiang Ruxi's eyes were full of tender attachment as she gazed at Nan Xunran, as though the two of them were the only people in the world.
After waking, Nan Xunran remained composed, his face handsome and his expression gentle.
He slowly raised a hand, extending his slender fingers as if to touch some invisible force.
A moment later, light flickered in the void, and an object emitting a strange radiance slowly appeared. He gently placed it in Jiang Ruxi's palm.
It could be considered a small gift of grace for Jiang Ruxi, or perhaps a meager repayment for her long companionship and devotion.
His gaze was placid, betraying little emotion.
A gentle breeze stirred Jiang Ruxi's hair, making her look all the more graceful and lively.
Her smile seemed capable of melting all that was cold and hard, making even the air around her fresh and sweet.
To Jiang Ruxi, every action Nan Xunran took was immensely meaningful. Even a small gift of grace was enough to fill her with contentment and joy.
In the quiet, secluded courtyard, Nan Xunran slowly rose from the mist-shrouded spring.
His tall, straight figure appeared and vanished amid the mist, like a perfect statue.
Droplets slid down his muscular body, gleaming with a crystalline light.
Jiang Ruxi came over with light steps, her brows like kingfisher feathers, her eyes like rippling autumn waters, and her long hair smooth as silk.
She gently wiped the droplets from Nan Xunran's body.
Her gaze was attentive and tender, every movement filled with careful devotion.
Then she dressed Nan Xunran in magnificent, exquisite robes, her fingers deftly arranging the garments.
Once Nan Xunran was fully dressed, he walked outside, with Jiang Ruxi close behind him.
As they came out of the great hall, a petite figure came racing toward them like a whirlwind.
She wore a bright dress, like the loveliest flower of spring.
Her eyes were bright as stars, sparkling with life; her rosy cheeks were radiant with a brilliant smile, and her black hair fluttered in the wind.
Nan Luoning threw herself at Nan Xunran without hesitation, shouting, "Big brother!"
Before Nan Xunran could react, Nan Luoning had wrapped him in a tight embrace.
Like a cheerful little bird, Nan Luoning hugged Nan Xunran tightly, her arms around his waist as she rubbed her little face against his chest.
Seeing this, Jiang Ruxi's eyes flickered with complicated emotions, but she still respectfully took a few steps back and stood to the side with her head slightly bowed.
"Big brother, you're finally back! I missed you so much!" Nan Luoning looked up, her big, bright eyes full of joy.
Nan Xunran stroked her head and said softly, "I missed you too."
"Big brother, so many interesting things happened while you were away!"
Nan Luoning's eyes sparkled as she said excitedly, "The Crimson Plume Sacred Land is amazing! There are so many formidable Dao Children there, and I even took part in the Dao Child selection!"
"At first, I was a little nervous, but whenever I thought of you, big brother, I was filled with courage!"
Hearing this, Nan Xunran gave a soft laugh and asked, "The selection process was difficult, wasn't it?"
Nan Luoning lifted her chin and said proudly, "Of course. I'm a genius girl, after all. Those challenges couldn't stop me.
"I worked hard at cultivation in the sacred land, and my cultivation improved a lot! I'm even stronger now than I was before!"