Consciousness stirred in the darkness, like a seed long buried in the soil beginning to sprout. It pushed upward with all its strength, seeking to break through the obstruction and reach the light. After exhausting everything, a tiny crack split the dark canopy, and endless light poured in...
The brilliant glare made it impossible to open his eyes. Once the boundless light faded and his eyes readjusted to his surroundings, Zhao Xuan regained control of his body. Yet all that came from his limbs and bones was weakness.
"Mm..."
Zhao Xuan forced himself up and looked around, only to discover that he was in his residence at Ling Yun Pass. The room was decorated in the style of the southern Star Luo Empire. Both the building and furnishings were wooden: exquisitely carved windows, a round table made from precious timber, and an empty bookshelf. All of it looked rather familiar.
As he sat up, his leg seemed to touch something. When Zhao Xuan turned to look, he saw the girl dozing at the foot of his bed slowly open her eyes. The confusion of waking vanished swiftly when she saw him.
"Zhao Xuan, you're awake. Are you hungry? Do you want me to bring you something to eat?"
Hermione looked at the awakened Zhao Xuan. The weariness on her face eased slightly, and she hurriedly asked him.
Zhao Xuan did not answer. He merely gazed quietly at Hermione. Sunlight streamed across the girl's fair face, lending her already beautiful features an added softness.
Perhaps Zhao Xuan's undisguised gaze made her a little shy. Hermione's face abruptly reddened, and she shot him a glare. "What are you looking at? I asked you a question."
Zhao Xuan suddenly smiled. The girl's eyes were slightly red, as though she had cried earlier, and