Across Myriad Rivers and Mountains, Would You Watch Them with Me?

"Xiao Chen, what's wrong?"

Ah Yin noticed that Dugu Chen's gaze seemed slightly unfocused and called out to rouse him.

Dugu Chen shook his head, his eyes shining brightly. "Sister Ah Yin, your smile is truly beautiful. It's the gentlest and purest smile I've ever seen."

Ah Yin's face flushed faintly. She cupped her cheeks with both hands, and her face instantly grew scorching hot.

She looked at Dugu Chen shyly. "R-Really?"

Seeing Ah Yin's face redden slightly from his teasing, Dugu Chen flashed a brilliant smile.

"Of course it's true. I, Dugu Chen, never lie. Sister Ah Yin's purity and kindness are rare in this world. You possess a beauty untouched by worldly corruption!"

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

By now, Dugu Chen had been in this village for more than a month.

During this time, he had explored all the areas around the village. Not only had he driven the wild beasts in the surrounding mountains more than a dozen li away, but he had also used his power as a soul master to help the villagers solve as many difficult problems as possible.

These things might have been difficult for ordinary villagers, but to Dugu Chen, they were no more than the flick of a finger.

And over this past month, he had gained an even deeper understanding of just how vast the gap was between ordinary people and soul masters.

Soul masters possessed extraordinary power, while ordinary people had martial souls but no soul power within them, leaving them unable to cultivate. This fundamentally and completely divided their statuses.

Early one morning.

Dugu Chen and Ah Yin sat at the table as usual, eating breakfast.

Yet while eating, he was unusually silent. Even the food in his hand no longer seemed appetizing!

Ah Yin noticed something was off about him. Her eyes flickered slightly as she asked softly, "Xiao Chen, is something troubling you?"

Dugu Chen instantly fell silent.

Only after a long while did he slowly raise his golden eyes and look at Ah Yin with a serious expression.

"Sister Ah Yin, I think it's time for me to leave!"

At those words, Ah Yin's smile froze. The chopsticks in her hand slipped from her fingers and landed on the table with a clatter.

"Th-That suddenly?"

A strained smile appeared on Ah Yin's face. She hurriedly picked up her chopsticks and absentmindedly shoveled rice into her mouth.

Dugu Chen nodded slightly. "I've been in this village for over a month now. I came out this time to travel across the continent, so I can't stay in one place for too long!"

Ah Yin's gaze trembled faintly. She sat motionless with her bowl and chopsticks in hand, while Dugu Chen also stopped eating. The two of them fell silent together.

They simply sat there quietly, remaining silent for a long time!

Not until sunlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating more than half the table, and the steam drifting from the dishes had already dissipated.

Ah Yin was the first to come back to herself, forcing a stiff smile onto her lips.

"The food has gone cold. I'll go heat it up!"

As she spoke, Ah Yin slowly stood and reached for the plates of food.

The instant she turned around, a broad, burning body wrapped tightly around her. Even through their clothes, Ah Yin could still feel that masculine warmth.

"Sister Ah Yin!"

Dugu Chen gently encircled her slender waist with both arms and softly called to her.

Ah Yin's body suddenly stiffened, and her footsteps halted at once. The two embraced tightly, one before the other, until the warm sunlight shone upon their faces and they gradually came back to their senses.

"Xiao Chen..."

Ah Yin's voice trembled slightly, soft and gentle, while her eyes were filled with panic.

Dugu Chen said nothing. He reached out and placed the food Ah Yin held back onto the table, then turned her around to face him.

Looking at Ah Yin's slightly damp, reddened almond-shaped eyes, Dugu Chen felt as though something had stabbed his heart. Only one thought remained in his mind.

He wanted to pull her tightly into his arms and cherish her with all his strength.

Dugu Chen gritted his teeth inwardly and gently hooked an arm around Ah Yin's waist. Her body immediately tipped forward, crashing into his chest.

"Xiao Chen, you..."

Ah Yin's cheeks instantly turned as red as the sunset clouds. Her pearly teeth lightly bit her lower lip, and she looked so shy that she seemed ready to bleed.

Dugu Chen said nothing more. He merely held Ah Yin tightly, his arms wrapped firmly around her as he spoke in a steady, resolute voice.

"Sister Ah Yin, come with me. From now on, I'll protect you!"

At those words, the softest part of Ah Yin's heart was struck at once. The last of her resolve vanished in an instant, and her eyes held both emotion and joy.

"Xiao Chen, have you really decided to leave?"

Ah Yin raised her almond-shaped eyes and looked at Dugu Chen with a gaze as gentle as water, asking softly.

Dugu Chen nodded firmly. He reached out to stroke Ah Yin's lovely hair, his eyes exceptionally tender. "Sister Ah Yin, across myriad rivers and mountains, would you be willing to see them with me?"

Those words were both an invitation to Ah Yin and a silent confession.

After all, companionship was the longest-lasting confession. Over this month together, Dugu Chen's heart had already become filled with this kind-hearted girl.

A faint mist welled up at the corners of Ah Yin's eyes. She closed them and, as though gathering all the strength in her body, nodded heavily.

"I... am willing!"

Upon hearing her answer, Dugu Chen was so excited that his heart nearly leaped from his chest. Looking at Ah Yin's soft pink lips, he swallowed hard.

Almost unconsciously, he reached out and pinched her chin, slowly tilting her face upward.

Their eyes met. Ah Yin's almond-shaped eyes were half-open, half-closed, as though endless spring rain filled them. Ripples spread across those still, jewel-like lakes, their surface shimmering with light.

"Sister Ah Yin, may I?"

Dugu Chen's lips curved into a smile as he looked at her tenderly.

If Ah Yin refused, he would not force her. Matters of the heart had to be taken slowly; haste would not bring success!

Ah Yin gazed at him dreamily without speaking.

Silently, she lifted her face and closed her shy eyes, a flush spreading across her cheeks.

Dugu Chen's heart leaped with joy. Lowering his head, he pressed his lips to her rosy, full lips, and the soft sensation instantly flooded his heart.

The fresh fragrance of grass and trees spread through the air at once, cool and faintly sweet. It was the scent unique to Blue Silver Grass.

Ah Yin's body stiffened at first, then immediately softened.

Her pale, jade-like hands slowly explored upward from Dugu Chen's chest, passing over his neck before finally crossing behind his head and tightly holding his head in place.

Ah Yin began responding to him in silence. Her movements were somewhat awkward and clumsy, yet she cooperated completely. Occasionally, her teeth even bumped against Dugu Chen's, making the moment both sweet and amusing.

Though Dugu Chen was experiencing his first kiss as well, he had lived two lives. A mere kiss was hardly beyond him.

He immediately took control, beginning to guide Ah Yin step by step according to his rhythm...