Long Xiaoyao came to his senses at that moment as well.
"Senior Gu Yuena, this disciple will take his leave."
Gu Yuena did not correct him.
Long Xiaoyao spread his dark dragon wings and shot into the sky.
A streak of dark-gold light passed through the forest and soon vanished into the distance.
The lakeside grew quiet again.
Gu Yuena lowered her head to look at the silver fruit in her hand.
"Ten thousand years from now, will I really keep pestering you?"
"Yes."
"And I'll seek you out on my own?"
"Yes."
"And protect you too?"
"Yes."
Gu Yuena raised her eyes to Long Yuan.
"What about you?"
"I'll wait for you."
"What if I don't become the person you described?"
"Then I'll get to know you as you are all over again."
Gu Yuena said nothing.
She lowered her head and took another bite of the fruit.
A silver bird landed on her shoulder, gently fluttering its wings.
Long Yuan sat beside her without urging her.
The lake reflected their figures.
One dressed in black, the other in white.
Gu Yuena glanced at Long Yuan and shifted half a step closer.
The distance between them shrank a little.
"We won't look for fruit today."
"All right."
"Sit with me for a while."
"All right."
Gu Yuena withdrew her gaze.
She did not bring up what would happen ten thousand years later again.
But she had already committed every word Long Xiaoyao had just spoken to memory.
The Lake of Life.
Afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, falling on the blue stone beside the lake.
Gu Yuena sat beside Long Yuan.
Only a palm's width remained between them.
The silver bird perched on her shoulder, occasionally lowering its head to preen its feathers.
A gentle breeze blew across the