The last embers of the campfire gradually cooled. One by one, the companions returned to their tents to rest, the excitement and exhaustion of the day turning into heavy drowsiness. The camp fell quiet, leaving only the steady footsteps of the night patrol and the chirping of unknown insects in the distance.
Xiao Xiaoxiao, however, felt no sleepiness at all. She sat alone on a large rock at the edge of the camp, gazing at the bright moon hanging in the sky, tightly clutching the Calming Sachet Tang San had given her. Xiao Wu's teasing from the day, her companions' laughter, and Tang San's calm yet occasionally concerned gaze replayed over and over in her mind.
Especially the sight of him standing in front of her and taking the lightning head-on, as well as the slight furrow of his brow when he meditated alone to regulate his breathing—both were like tiny thorns piercing her heart, leaving her restless.
The night wind swept past, carrying a chill, and she could not help drawing her clothes closer around herself. Her gaze drifted once more toward that familiar tent—Tang San's tent. There was no light inside, nor any fluctuation of Soul Power. He should already be asleep, right? Was his arm still hurting?
Just as she was lost in thought, a low voice sounded from behind her.
"Still not resting?"
Xiao Xiaoxiao jumped and spun around. Tang San was standing a short distance behind her, though she had no idea when he had arrived. He was still wearing the fitted clothes from the day, with a coat casually draped over them. The cold moonlight fell across him, making his figure look somewhat thin.
"I... I can't sleep." Xiao Xiaoxiao hurriedly rose to her feet and instinctively hid the sachet behind her back. "You...