"I reckon the Yin-Yang Spirit-Gathering Pill we took gave us a far greater chance of forming a Golden Core than ordinary Yin-Yang Spirit-Gathering Pills," Li Xiaoya answered solemnly.
"Really?" Zhang Hong cried in delight. "Then don't we have a very good chance of forming our Golden Cores?" Unable to contain her joy, she took Li Xiaoya's hand.
"Yes!" Li Xiaoya also felt a surge of happiness. He let her hold his hand, excitement rising within him. But then he seemed to remember something, and his expression suddenly darkened.
"You aren't still blaming me, are you?" Much of the joy faded from Zhang Hong's face, and she asked the question cautiously.
"I know you had your difficulties," Li Xiaoya murmured. He suddenly recalled how they had refined the Yin-Yang Spirit-Gathering Pill together. Their emotions and states of mind had mingled like water and milk. Though neither could remember the specifics afterward, they could sense each other's feelings and intentions. He paused, hesitated, then continued, "And I know you truly love me, Senior Sister. It's just that I..." At this point, he found it too difficult to put his feelings into words.
"As long as you understand how I feel, that's enough." Zhang Hong took his hand and gently pressed it against her cheek as she spoke softly.
"Senior Sister, you're so good to me," Li Xiaoya murmured, deeply moved, as he drew her into his arms.
Besides, don't you have a place for me in your heart too? Nestled against Li Xiaoya's chest, Zhang Hong breathed in his unique scent and murmured inwardly.
They shared a tender moment. Then Zhang Hong pulled away of her own accord and smiled. "Right, our cultivation has improved so much now. Why don't we see whether we can break through this wall and get out?"