Shuiyun Sect Master Miaochen
In a quiet room on the third floor of Fuyun Inn, a woman sat serenely on the bed, like a fairy from another world.
The woman was tall and slender, with a graceful figure. Every gesture she made exuded a lively charm. Even without makeup, her stunning beauty was enough to make everything else in the world pale in comparison.
At this moment, she was immersed in the profound realm of cultivation, her Spiritual Qi surging around her, and her clothes seemed to be billowing in the wind, making a rustling sound, clearly indicating that she had reached a critical point.
Time seemed to stand still, yet also passed in the blink of an eye. After a long while, as her Spiritual Qi gradually subsided, her clothes billowed and slowly calmed down, and she returned to normal.
Miaochen slowly opened her eyes, a flash of joy passing through them. She clearly sensed that her cultivation level had risen slightly again. Her years of diligent practice had finally paid off, and a look of satisfaction quietly appeared on her face.
She rose gracefully, gently smoothing the folds of her clothes with her delicate hand. With light steps, she opened the door and walked downstairs, intending to find some food to soothe her rumbling stomach.
Downstairs in the lobby, Huo Cangliang was looking around anxiously and somewhat frantically, like a headless fly.
His palms were sweaty and trembling slightly as he repeatedly murmured Miaochen Chen's name in his mind, trying to spot the figure he had longed for for decades in the crowd.
After searching around, the familiar face did not appear. His eyes instantly dimmed, and all his expectations shattered like bubbles. His disappointment was palpable.
Just then, light footsteps came from the stairwell steps, each step feeling as if they were treading on Huo Cangliang's heart.
He subconsciously looked up, and in an instant, his eyes widened, a glint of light flashing across them, like a brilliant shooting star streaking across the night sky.
"It's her, it's her, it's definitely her!"
Huo Cangliang screamed wildly in his heart, his body trembling uncontrollably, his feet seemingly nailed to the ground, unable to move for a moment.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, he seemed to be infused with boundless power and excitedly strode forward to meet them.
Their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still.
A hint of surprise flashed in Miaochen's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. However, the slight trembling of her eyelashes betrayed the turmoil in her heart.
Huo Cangliang broke the deadlock first, his voice trembling and dry, barely concealing his voice. "Miaochen... it's been a long time."
Miaochen nodded slightly and replied softly, "It has indeed been a long time, Senior Brother Huo."
That one word, "Senior Brother," was like a high wall, instantly creating distance and causing Huo Cangliang's heart to clench.
He rubbed his hands awkwardly, racking his brains for something to say, but could only manage to stammer out, "How... are you doing?"
Miaochen smiled faintly, as if she had a thousand words to say, but in the end she only said in a low voice, "It's alright, thank you for your concern, Senior Brother."
Huo Cangliang gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar beauty before him, his eyes reddening, the unspoken guilt and longing stuck in his throat.
"Back then... I wronged you." He finally mustered his courage, his voice so low it was barely audible.
A hint of melancholy flashed in Miaochen's eyes, and then she looked up and looked away.
"The past need not be mentioned again." These few words, though brief, struck Huo Cangliang's heart like a heavy boulder.
At this moment, the surrounding hustle and bustle seemed like a distant memory. The two stood there, separated by time and regret, unsure how to cross this chasm.
Seeing Miaochen's indifferent expression, Huo Cangliang felt a pang of sadness and quickly said, "Miaochen, it's been so many years since we last met. Let's go to the private room on the second floor and catch up. I... have a lot to tell you."
Miaochen hesitated slightly, but finally nodded gently.
The two went up to the second floor one after the other and entered a private room.
Huo Cangliang hurriedly called the waiter and ordered a table full of food and drinks, all of which were Miaochen's favorite dishes.
Soon, the wine and dishes were served. He personally poured a full glass of wine for Miaochen, handed it to her with both hands, and hesitated for a moment before saying, "These wines, you have traveled all over the world, you must have experienced many interesting things, would you like to share them with me?"
Miaochen took the wine glass, took a small sip, and said calmly, "These are just ordinary things on the path of cultivation, nothing special."
You, on the other hand, are doing quite well these days.
Huo Cangliang's expression stiffened slightly, and he hurriedly replied, "My Azure Cloud Sect... is just so-so. This time, when we heard that you might be here for the Grand Martial Arts Tournament, we took the initiative to lead our team here."
Of course, my main reason for coming was to see you.
As he spoke, he served food to Miaochen, his movements gentle yet somewhat reserved.
"I know that I was not in control of my own destiny, and I failed to live up to your deep affection and caused you to suffer.
I have never stopped regretting these things.
Miaochen's eyes trembled slightly. She put down her chopsticks and looked directly at him. "What's past is past. Why bring it up?"
Huo Cangliang's eyes were full of sincerity. "I just want you to know that I have never forgotten you. From now on, if you are willing, I am willing to spend the rest of my life making it up to you."
Miaochen chuckled lightly, "Senior Brother Huo, neither of us are the young people we used to be. Let's not say such childish things anymore."
After saying that, she picked up her wine glass again and drank it all in one gulp, but the loneliness in her eyes quietly spread through the aroma of the wine.
Huo Cangliang looked at Miaochen with a burning passion in his eyes that was not extinguished by Miaochen's indifference.
He gripped the corner of the table tightly with both hands, his knuckles turning white from the force, and leaned forward slightly, almost pleadingly saying, "Miaochen, I know that I made a thousand mistakes and a million errors in the past, hurting you deeply."
During those sleepless nights, I felt as if I were being slowly tortured by the blade of regret.
"I was forced by my Lineage and had no choice in the matter, but giving you up was the most foolish decision of my life."
His voice trembled slightly, his eyes reddened, and then he took a deep breath, as if summoning immense courage.
"Now I am free from all constraints. I only want to spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to make up for my past mistakes, protect you, and rekindle our relationship. Please give me this chance."
Miaochen raised her Liu Mei slightly. Seeing Huo Cangliang's persistent pestering, she suddenly felt a mischievous urge to play a trick on him.
She parted her lips slightly and said teasingly, "Oh, Senior Brother Huo, you're speaking so sincerely. Aren't you afraid of your partner? Coming to me so eagerly, you'll probably have to kneel on durians when you get back."
Upon hearing this, Huo Cangliang was first taken aback, then his old face stiffened, and he forced himself to explain, "Miaochen, don't say that. From beginning to end, I only have you in my heart. As for her... she has no say in my life!"
"Cough cough!"
Huo Cangliang coughed twice and continued, "For so many years, I have been thinking of you. I just want to meet you again one day and protect you for the rest of my life. Please don't tease me anymore, and please give me a chance."
As he spoke, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He stared expectantly at Miaochen, hoping to hear a glimmer of hope from her.
Seeing his expression, Miaochen sighed inwardly, but still didn't let up. A tender moment ensued, and the atmosphere in the private room quietly heated up.