She leaned close to Nan Xunran and said with a cheerful grin, "Brother, when I become super strong, I'll be able to protect you even better!"
Nan Xunran patted her head. "Our Luoning is the best."
Nan Luoning tilted her head. "Hehe, but in my heart, nothing is more important than you, Brother. When I was at the Crimson Plume Sacred Land, I missed you every day!"
Nan Xunran chuckled and looked at Nan Luoning. "That's good. From now on, you must never slack off on the path of cultivation."
Nan Luoning nodded obediently. "Don't worry, Brother. I'll work even harder. Besides, I've already mastered quite a few powerful Technique Methods!"
She blinked and looked at Nan Xunran expectantly, waiting for his praise.
Nan Xunran nodded slightly. "Mm, Luoning has always been clever."
She enthusiastically described the scenery of the Crimson Plume Sacred Land, recounting her marvelous experiences while cultivating and stories about her fellow disciples.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she talked on and on, waving her arms and changing expressions.
Nan Xunran listened quietly, his expression mild and his gaze resting calmly on Nan Luoning.
He listened to every detail, and when Nan Luoning paused, he offered a few simple words, a gentle nod, or a brief comment, showing that he was listening attentively.
He carried an otherworldly bearing, as if the clamor had nothing to do with him and only Nan Luoning and her words could draw his attention.
In this quiet yet lively atmosphere, time slipped quietly by.
Nan Luoning finally finished all her stories and caught her breath, an excited flush still on her face.
Nan Xunran smiled gently and asked, "Finished?"
Nan Luoning nodded, still not quite satisfied.
Nan Xunran slowly rose and straightened his clothes. "Then I'll be going," he said mildly.
With that, he gave a faint smile, then stepped away, his figure receding into the distance.
Nan Luoning stood rooted to the spot, staring in the direction he had gone.
She knew that was simply Nan Xunran's nature: aloof and proud.
And she could only watch over him in silence, looking forward to those occasional moments of closeness and warmth.
The sky was blue as a jewel, and a few white clouds drifted lazily by.
A gentle breeze brushed past, bringing a hint of coolness and lightly stirring Nan Luoning's hair.
As soon as Nan Xunran set off, Jiang Ruxi hurried after him, her skirts fluttering like a swaying flower.
Jiang Ruxi followed close behind Nan Xunran, her thoughts churning.
She gazed at his retreating figure, which exuded indifference, and felt a sense of loss.
She knew full well that Nan Xunran had always presented himself to the world as a graceful young gentleman, elegant and charming.
Yet beneath that seemingly beautiful exterior lay an indifferent heart.
Only someone close to him, like Nan Luoning, could see the real him.
Thinking of Nan Xunran's attitude toward Nan Luoning, Jiang Ruxi felt a surge of bitterness and helplessness.
The real him was heartless and indifferent, showing little warmth even to those close to him.
Jiang Ruxi fixed her gaze on Nan Xunran's retreating figure, her heart filled with indescribable feelings.
Although she knew how indifferent Nan Xunran was, she still could not control herself. Unwilling to remain a mere bystander, she wanted to try to get closer and fight for that sliver of possibility.
His retreating figure seemed to exert a tremendous pull, drawing her onward.
Jiang Ruxi's determination was like a flame, burning ever more fiercely in her heart.