If the Spring Breeze Cherishes the Flower's Intent

"Future?"

The cold tide from the far northern lands had spread from the imperial mausoleum all the way to Di'an. Shielded by all manner of formations, Nine Dragon Peak within Di'an's palace city saw little snowfall. Though the mountain forest had been dusted with a thin layer of white, the master and servant climbing through it could still feel the texture of the earth beneath each step. Hearing his master's question, the purple-robed eunuch murmured in surprise and looked up.

The python-robed young man with a longbow on his back did not turn around. His starry eyes, dark and fathomless, gazed toward the mountaintop as he walked and softly asked, "Could it be that you've never thought about your own future?"

The purple-robed eunuch fell silent for a moment before replying quietly, "I did, in the past."

"Tell me."

"Life while infiltrating the sect was always precarious. I was forever thinking of when I might return to Your Highness's side. That was probably the future this servant desired then."

"Heh."

The python-robed youth glanced back at his chief attendant and curled his lips noncommittally, yet there was not the slightest trace of amusement in his empty, desolate eyes.

Seeing this, the purple-clad eunuch hastily lowered his head.

"Your Highness, every word this servant spoke came from the heart—"

"I know."

The python-robed youth cut him off and turned back around, saying faintly, "Back then, arranging for you to fake your death and flee was a desperate measure. I had no means of holding you in check afterward. Once you left the palace, you had many chances to disappear for good, yet you ultimately returned. Whether out of loyalty or some other selfish desire, I am grateful to you. That is why I asked what sort of future you want."

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