Song Wen's expression softened as he raised a hand to caress Qing Lian's cheek.
"Qing Lian, all these years, there had not been a moment when I did not miss you—your appearance, your voice... every smile and frown of yours. But what happened back then was a wrong I committed against the Willow Serpent Clan... I did not dare return to the Willow Snake Clan. I feared not only that they would pursue the past, but even more that I would see disappointment on your face, that the past would chill your heart toward me. After all, I stole the Willow Snake Clan's greatest treasure and brought disaster upon the Willow Serpent Clan."
Qing Lian rubbed her face against Song Wen's hand. Feeling the warmth from it, two rosy clouds immediately bloomed on her cheeks.
"Extreme Yin, let the past stay in the past. You saved Eldest Brother now; he certainly will not pursue old matters again. With Eldest Brother's standing in the clan, he can suppress the dissatisfied voices within it. How about, once Eldest Brother wakes up, you return to Willow Snake with us? I... I never want to be separated from you again."
As she spoke, a trace of shyness flashed through Qing Lian's eyes. She slowly lowered her head, as if wishing to bury it in her full bosom.
"I do not wish to be apart from you either. But Venerable Biwu is still alive. If I return to the Willow Snake Clan, the risk will still be too great."
Qing Lian immediately looked somewhat aggrieved. She lifted her eyes and gazed at Song Wen pitifully.
"Extreme Yin, if you are unwilling to return to the Willow Snake Clan, then I will not return either. I will stay by your side forever. You cannot drive me