Late at night.
All was silent.
Chen Lin sat cross-legged on the guest room bed, circulating the Azure Origin Sword Art.
Through the wall, rapid breathing and muffled sleep-talk reached his ears clearly.
"Stay away... I didn't mean to... don't grab me..."
Chen Lin opened his eyes.
His figure flashed, and he appeared out of thin air in the bedroom next door.
Moonlight spilled onto the bed through a gap in the curtains.
Zhang Ruoxi lay curled beneath the covers, her hands clutching the sheets, her forehead drenched in cold sweat and her brows twisted in distress.
Chen Lin walked to the bedside and sat down.
He extended his right index finger, a faint but pure azure spiritual glow lighting its tip.
He gently touched his fingertip to the girl's smooth forehead.
Gentle spiritual power flowed into her sea of consciousness like a nourishing spring rain, instantly dispersing the bloody, hideous fragments of her nightmares.
Zhang Ruoxi's tense body relaxed little by little.
She unconsciously nuzzled his palm, her breathing growing slow and steady. Even the corners of her lips lifted into a faint, peaceful smile.
Chen Lin withdrew his hand, watched her quietly for a moment, then turned and left.
Early the next morning.
At the dining table.
Chen Lin finished his last mouthful of congee and looked at Zhang Tianyang and his wife. "Uncle Zhang, Auntie. Ruoxi's had a fright these past few days. I'm planning to take her to Macau for a little sightseeing, to help her unwind."
Zhang Tianyang's hand paused as he reached for a fried dough stick, then he was overcome with delight.
"Good! Good! Macau sounds wonderful!" He nodded repeatedly, then gave his wife a pointed look. "Yuting, hurry and help Ruoxi pack! Bring a few extra pretty outfits!"
Yang Yuting's face was