"What are you thinking about?"
A cool yet gentle voice sounded from behind him.
A white figure quietly came to his side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him.
She was still dressed in white, more beautiful than the auspicious snow above.
Her features remained exquisitely beautiful, untouched by worldly dust.
Only those once-cold eyes, whenever they looked at him, would brim with an affection that could not be dispelled.
It was Lu Xueqi.
The years had left their mark on her, too.
Her Cultivation had also reached the Shangqing Realm, making her the undisputed leader of Small Bamboo Peak's new generation.
Her bearing had grown calmer and more reserved, like a peerless divine weapon hidden in its sheath, its edge concealed.
But the one thing that had never changed was her devotion to and protection of the man beside her.
Li Xiaoyu turned to look at her, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
He reached out and naturally drew her into his arms.
"Nothing. I was just feeling a little wistful."
He spoke softly.
Lu Xueqi rested her head lightly against his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his heartbeat.
"Thinking of him again?"
"Mm."
Li Xiaoyu nodded, making no attempt to hide it.
"I was just thinking that if we'd had another choice back then, perhaps everything would have turned out differently."
Lu Xueqi fell silent.
She knew this was the knot that would forever remain in Li Xiaoyu's heart, and a regret she would carry forever, too.
"It wasn't your fault."
She consoled him gently.
"Everyone has their own path to walk. That was his choice, and his fate."
"Perhaps."
Li Xiaoyu sighed and let the heavy subject drop.
Holding the beauty in his arms, he gazed at the Sea of Clouds churning in the distance, his