At that moment, Xiao Yao suddenly stretched out an arm and pulled the beauty before him into his embrace. His palm rested lightly against her back, the strength in his movement restrained, yet exceedingly gentle, as though afraid of startling her.
The night wind stirred their hair. The chill of the roof tiles was dispelled by the warmth of their embrace. He rested his chin atop her head, his voice slightly muffled. "Consider it... a farewell hug."
Yun Yun's body stiffened for an instant before slowly relaxing. Her fingertips rested on his shoulder. She neither pushed him away nor responded, merely allowing him to hold her.
The faint herbal scent lingering around him, mixed with the dampness of night dew, inexplicably made her nose sting. She had thought she had already made up her mind, yet now that he held her, a trace of reluctance still welled up in her heart.
After a moment, Xiao Yao slowly released her. His fingertips unconsciously brushed the wind-tousled strands by her shoulder. His tone returned to calmness, though the lingering bitterness in his eyes had yet to fade. "If you encounter danger on the road, don't force yourself to endure it. Keep the communication jade token with you. It contains a wisp of my Soul Force. Whenever you crush it, no matter when, I'll know immediately and do everything I can to reach you."
As he spoke, Xiao Yao took out a jade token and placed it in her palm.
Yun Yun put away the jade token in her hand and raised her head to look at his earnest expression. Her throat tightened slightly, and in the end, she merely nodded. Her voice was as soft as a sigh. "All right. You too... take care of yourself. The Xiao Clan has only just