Lovesick Heartbreak Red

"I haven't even spoken yet."

"You've been looking at it the whole time."

He reached out and picked another fruit.

The two stood under the shade of the tree, neither of them releasing their dragon power.

The small white beast poked its head out of the grass, glanced at the ripe fruit on the ground, and then withdrew half of its body.

Gu Yuena stepped aside.

The little animal then ran out, grabbed the fruit, and burrowed back behind the tree roots.

Long Yao at her.

"It's afraid of you."

"Soul Beast revere those of superior bloodlines."

"It was the same when I first arrived."

She suppressed the last trace of her aura.

The white head peeked out from behind the tree roots again.

Gu Yuena looked at it but did not go any closer.

Is this all you learned in the human world?

"More than."

Long Yao buried the fruit pit in the loose soil under the tree and turned to look at her.

"And if you see a pretty person, you can take a second look."

She paused.

A lake breeze rustled through the treetops, and a few strands of silver hair fell to his lips.

Gu Yuena brushed her hair aside, her purple eyes still fixed on him.

Are you talking about me?

Are there other people here?

She did not respond immediately.

A moment later, she switched the red fruit to her other hand.

"The Dragon God never spoke such words."

So what you're seeing now is Long Yao.

The two were not far apart.

She slightly raised her chin, not backing away from the compliment.

"Do you talk to people like that at the academy?"

"I'm telling the truth."

Gu Yuena stared at him for a long while before a slight smile finally appeared on her lips.

That's a simpler way to put it.

He didn't argue, but simply removed a thin twig that was tangled around her shoulder.

The branches twined around his silver hair, casting a soft glow with his movements.

Long Yao did not tear it off directly.

He held the long hair and slowly untangled the thin branch.

Gu Yuena stood still.

His hand stopped at her shoulder, just inches away from her neck.

She was able to disperse the branches on her own, without using Elements.

"Alright."

Long Yao released his grip.

Her silver hair fell back down her back.

She raised her hand to tidy the ends of her hair, then turned and walked towards the stone table.

The tea is getting cold.

He followed them.

The tea on the table was still warm.

Gu Yuena didn't wait for him to do anything. Instead, she picked up the teapot and filled each cup halfway.

The water flowed very steadily.

Long Yao sat down opposite her.

"First?"

Pouring tea is not difficult.

She put the teapot back and pushed the cup in front of him.

"I simply haven't done it."

He took the teacup and took a sip.

"Good."

"The tea is yours, and the water was boiled by you."

"The people who pour the tea are different."

Gu Yuena's fingers stopped beside the handle of the teapot.

She looked at him, and after a moment, took a sip herself.

This time, she didn't complain about the hardship.

On the lake, a silver fish leaped out of the water and then fell back into the blue waves.

Long Yao closed the Bamboo Box and left it beside her.

The rest of the tea is for you.

Gu Yuena glanced at the tea leaves in the box.

"What if you finish drinking?"

Come to the Skywater Academy to pick it up.

She raised her purple eyes.

"I've left, and you're still sitting by the lake?"

Most likely.

"Will you also brew tea for me?"

Long Yao pushed her empty cup over.

You've learned it today.

The silver-haired woman did not reach out.

She looked at the cup and smiled gently.

"Long Yao, I invited you here as a guest, not to have you teach me how to do things."

"I didn't bring my cultivation manual with me either."

He picked up the teapot and refilled both of their cups.

Gu Yuena then picked up her own cup.

She did not mention the Dragon God again, nor did she ask about the origin of the source.

The shadow of the tree moved across the stone table and fell between two teacups that were placed very close together.

She moved the Bamboo Box to the side, making room for him to put his hand down.

"After you finish this drink, accompany me for a while longer."

Long Yao the path that stretched along the lake.

"Good."

Gu Yuena finished the tea in her cup.

The bitterness has dissipated.

A faint, sweet taste lingers on the tip of the tongue.

She put down her teacup and looked at the lake.

Let's go.

Long Yao stood up and put away the tea set on the stone table.

The Bamboo Box remained in its original place.

Gu Yuena did not ask.

She knew that since Long Yao had stayed, no one would touch the box of tea.

The two walked along the lakeside path.

The lake water flowed slowly along the shore.

Her long silver dress brushed against the blades of grass, picking up a speck of dew.

Gu Yuena raised her hand to brush it away.

Long Yao at her.

"The roads here are cleaned daily."

"Arranged by Di Tian?"

"No."

Who is that?

"Soul Beast on the outskirts."

Gu Yuena stopped in her tracks.

Not far away, a small blue deer was munching on grass.

Noticing her gaze, the fawn raised its head and retreated behind a tree.

Long Yao did not approach.

They know this is where you live.

"So that's why you're clearing the way for me?"

"They just want you to be more comfortable when you wake up."

Gu Yuena looked down at her feet.

There were no weeds on either side of the stone path.

The fallen leaves were neatly piled up beside the tree roots.

She had never paid attention to these things before.

While she slumbers, she only needs to use the Lake of Life to restore her Divine Core.

After waking up, she continued to cultivate.

As for the lakeside roads, the changes in the fruit trees, or what the surrounding Soul Beast did each day, she never asked.

"Has this been the case all these years of my slumber?"

"Almost."

You know perfectly well.

I've lived here for a long time.

Gu Yuena turned her head to the side.

"You've also been to the Star Dou Great Forest?"

"I've been here before."

"Greetings to me?"

"I have seen it."

"Was I still asleep at that time?"

"Um."

Why didn't you awaken me?

Long Yao stopped by the lake.

You need to rest.

Gu Yuena did not press the matter further.

She gazed at the silvery shimmering surface of the lake, her fingers gently resting on her side.

"If you had awakened me back then, the Divine Realm might have discovered Douluo Continent much sooner."

Therefore, it cannot be awakened.

"You've been thinking of me all along?"

"They're also considering the mainland's interests."

Gu Yuena turned to look at him.

"The Dragon God once ruled over all races, but now he has begun to consider the needs of the human race."

"Humans are also part of the continent."

"The Soul Beast Clan is hunted by humans."

"So you need to regain your strength."

Gu Yuena fell silent.

The lake water parted ahead, and a group of small silver fish darted through the water plants.

She raised her hand to draw a stream of water.

The water condenses into round droplets in the palm of the hand, and the Nine Elemental Origins do not leak out.

Long Yao at it.

You do not need to cultivate today.

"I just wanted to give it a try."

Gu Yuena dispersed the water droplets.

The water shimmered back into the lake without splashing.

"After the Divine Core is repaired, my power will be more stable."

"The Nine-Origin Core-Restoration Circuit has been established."

"But I have not yet recovered to my peak condition."

Take your time.

Gu Yuena looked at him.

You never seem to be in a hurry.

"There's no use in rushing."

"The Five Great God Kings of the Divine Realm are already aware of my existence."

They are temporarily unable to descend to the lower realm.

"Temporary does not mean forever."

"Then let's wait until they can come down."

Long Yao continued forward.

Gu Yuena followed beside him.

Hearing this, she felt no worry.

Long Yao spoke calmly.

This is not to belittle the Divine Realm.

Rather, he was already prepared no matter when the Divine Realm arrived.

At the far end of the lake, several fruit trees stretched out their branches.

Red berries hang among the leaves.

Gu Yuena picked one and handed it to Long Yao.

You try it first this time.

Long Yao took the fruit and took a bite.

"Sweet."

"I have already tasted it."

"So that's why you gave it to me?"

"Um."

She picked the second one and held it in her palm.

Long Yao looked at her.

Do you like the fruit here?

"Well enough."

"Then pick more."

"I can't eat all of this by myself."

"Take it back to the bottom of the lake."

Gu Yuena nodded.

She used her Elements powers to lift a few fruits and place them in a bamboo basket by the lake.

The basket was originally placed under the tree.

It was clearly left behind by a nearby Soul Beast.

Instead of putting the fruit directly into her storage space, she carefully placed them one by one.

Long Yao stood aside, not interfering.

Gu Yuena put the last fruit into the basket and lifted the bamboo basket.

"Let's go back."

"You haven't finished your tea yet."

"I have finished drinking."

The tea leaves in the box.

"I'll drink it again next time."

Long Yao looked at her.

"Didn't you say there was no tea here?"

"Now we have it."

She turned and walked back.

Her silver hair swayed gently with her steps.

Two figures walking side by side were reflected on the lake.

A man in a blue robe.

A person in a silver dress.

Gu Yuena took a few steps, then stopped and turned back.

"Long Yao."

"Um?"

"Next time you come, bring some sweet tea."

You don't like bitter tea?

The aftertaste is too slow.

Long Yao nodded.

"Can."

Gu Yuena then continued on her way.

She carried the basket of fruit and walked very slowly.

The Lake of Life remains still.

No cultivation today.

No divine thoughts from the Divine Realm approached.

She simply drank a cup of tea, walked along the lake for a while, and brought back a few fruits.

Such a day has never happened before.

Now, she doesn't think it's bad.

Star Dou Great Forest.

On the Lake of Life.

Gu Yuena carried a bamboo basket and walked a few steps along the lake before stopping.

The lake reflected her silver dress.

Long Yao put away the tea set and turned to look at the woods.

"I'm going to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."

Gu Yuena looked up.

"Going to gather herbs?"

"Take a flower."

What flower?

"The Lovesick Heartbreak Red."

Gu Yuena looked at him but didn't ask any further questions.

She had already heard of this rare and precious plant.

The Lovesick Heartbreak Red, are extremely selective in choosing their owners.

Only those with the utmost sincerity can make it recognize their master.

Who are you going to give it to?

Long Yao picked up the Bamboo Box from the table.

"Get it first, then we'll talk about it."

Gu Yuena did not try to stop her.

She placed the bamboo basket on the stone table and turned to walk towards the center of the lake.

"Bring some sweet tea when you come back."

"Good."

A streak of blue light swept through the forest.

Long Yao's figure then disappeared on the Lake of Life.

Sunset Forest.

The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

Deep in the valley, spring water, both cold and hot, converges at the same pool.

White mist rose slowly along the mountain wall.

A chill had settled on one side of the icy spring, and a thin layer of frost covered the surface of the water.

On the other side, waves of heat surged, and the rocks on the shore were reflected red by the spring water.

Long Yao landed at the mouth of the valley.

The grass beneath my feet bent slightly, then quickly straightened out.

He neither activated the source nor disturbed the plants and trees in the valley.

As you descend the stone steps, the confluence of the springs gradually comes into view.

At the center of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, a large patch of rare medicinal herbs grows.

The Immortal Ganoderma, the Infernal Delicate Apricot, and the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass each occupy a separate area.

The medicinal properties of different attributes intertwined without eroding each other.

Long Yao's gaze passed over the Immortal Herb and landed on a white flower.

That flower grew alone by the spring.

The petals are pure white, the stems are slender, and the stamens in the center glow with a faint red light.

It was neither affected by the cold spring nor scalded by the hot spring.

The surrounding vegetation leans outwards, creating a quiet and peaceful space.

The Lovesick Heartbreak Red.

Long Yao approached the flower plant.

The petals did not move.

He stopped in front of the flower and bent down to look at the red stamen.

The Lovesick Heartbreak Red does not require Soul Power to activate.

They are also unaffected by the pressure from the powerful.

It recognizes only a sincere heart.

If one's will is not strong enough, even with extraordinary cultivation, one will not be able to harvest it.

Long Yao reached out, her fingertips stopping in front of the petals.

He didn't touch it immediately.

Memories from countless reincarnations swept through my heart.

Over the long years, he met many people and parted ways with many others.

Those memories have not faded.

But it didn't make him keep every past experience in his heart.

He remembered the silver-haired woman by the lake.

I remember her sitting at the stone table, her brows furrowed the first time she drank tea.

I remember her walking slowly along the lake, carrying a basket of fruit in her hand.

He also remembered her asking him if he could bring some sweet tea next time he came.

Long Yao lowered her eyes.

This sentiment needs no proof.

He reached for a short blade and made a shallow cut on his chest.

Fresh blood gushed from the wound.

A drop of heart's blood falls onto the petals of the Lovesick Heartbreak Red.

The crimson color slowly spread along the pure white petals.

The flower stalk did not change immediately.

Long Yao stood still, neither forcing him with his Soul Power nor nourishing him with his origin.

He just looked at it.

A moment later, the red stamen in the center of the petal lit up.

The red light spread outwards along the veins of the flower.

One piece, two pieces, three pieces...

The pure white petals gradually turned pale pink, and the roots slowly rose from the soil.

The Lovesick Heartbreak Red, left the rocks on its own.

The entire flower fell into Long Yao's palm.

The crimson color on the petals did not dissipate; instead, it seeped into the heart of the flower, transforming into a fine red vein.

Long Yao clasped her hands together and carefully held the flower.

The petals of the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, gently unfold.

It has already recognized its master.

The wound on Long Yao's chest healed on its own.

He didn't let the wound leave a mark; he only glanced down at the flower in his palm.

The herbs by the spring continue to grow quietly.

The place where the two springs of ice and fire met remained unchanged despite the departure of the immortal.

Long Yao put the Lovesick Heartbreak Red into a jade box.

Before the box lid was closed, the red light from the flower's center shone on his fingertips.

He raised his hand and carefully put the jade box away.

He then turned around and walked out of the valley along the stone steps.

When Long Yao returned to the Lake of Life, the sun was already setting.

Gu Yuena sat at a stone table by the lake, a bamboo basket at her feet.

A few fruits were missing from the basket, and an empty teacup had appeared beside it.

She looked up at Long Yao.

Did you bring sweet tea?

"I brought it."

Long Yao took out the tea leaves and placed them on the table.

Gu Yuena reached out and picked up the tea box, opened it, and glanced inside.

What does it taste like this time?

"Sweet and refreshing."

She took out a few tea leaves and put them into the teapot.

Long Yao did not sit down, but instead put the jade box in his other hand into his sleeve.

Gu Yuena's gaze fell on his cuffs.

What did you bring back?

"A flower."

Where did you get it from?

"The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."

She didn't ask any further questions, but simply poured him a freshly brewed cup of tea.

Long Yao took the teacup and took a sip.

The tea has a light flavor and a quick, pleasant aftertaste.

"Good."

Gu Yuena looked at him.

"Bring this again next time."

"Good."

The lakeside fell silent.

Sunlight gradually filtered through the woods, casting a pale golden hue on the lake's surface.

Gu Yuena picked up her teacup and sipped it slowly.

Long Yao sat down opposite her without mentioning the flowers in the jade box.