Entering the Ancient Region

Deep within the Ancient Realm stood a courtyard paved with spotless blue bricks. Several century-old magnolia trees had been planted around it, their pure white petals covering the branches. Whenever the wind passed, a fine rain of blossoms fluttered down, settling upon the carved railings beneath the eaves.

In the blue-stone lotus pond at the corner of the courtyard, several golden-scaled koi lazily swished their tails, shattering the reflections of clouds and sky upon the water. A faint magnolia fragrance hung in the air, mingled with the mellow scent of ancient trees. The place was so tranquil that it seemed removed from the mortal world.

At the center of the courtyard stood a sandalwood swing. Two long brocade ropes embroidered with entwining lotus patterns hung from its vine-wrapped frame, and the soft couch tied to their ends was covered in snow-white fox fur. A warm glow enveloped the two people leaning against one another upon it.

Xiao Ling reclined against the inner side of the couch, one arm around Xun Er's waist while his other hand absently rocked the swing rope. His moon-white robes billowed in the breeze, and his long black hair hung loosely over his shoulders, swaying gently with the swing's motion.

Xun Er nestled in his embrace, the hem of her pale violet skirt spread across the grass. Her long dark hair was held up by nothing more than a white jade hairpin, though several loose strands had escaped and tangled with the locks falling from Xiao Ling's shoulders.

The swing slowly rose and slowly fell. The wind lifted their intertwined hair tips, brushing across their smiling brows and eyes.

Xun Er slightly raised her head and gazed at Xiao Ling's handsome profile, the tenderness in her smile nearly overflowing. Xiao Ling lowered his gaze to her