The sunset's lingering glow draped gently over every corner of the town like golden gauze, lending a touch of romance to the normally bustling place. Hand in hand, Mu Chen and Luo Li strolled along its flagstone streets, like a heavenly couple. They had just poured out their hearts to each other amid the sea of flowers at the edge of town, and now they were savoring this rare moment of peace.
They chatted and laughed, and every so often, Mu Chen turned to gaze at Luo Li's exquisite profile, his heart brimming with sweetness. Luo Li kept her head slightly lowered, a shy smile playing on her lips, as though she could not pull herself free of the lovely atmosphere. They reached the square in the center of town, where an ancient fountain stood, its waters shimmering with multicolored light beneath the setting sun.
Just as they were about to find somewhere to sit beside the fountain, a burst of noisy voices shattered the peace. A group of young cultivators in lavish clothing swaggered into the square. Arrogance gleamed in their eyes, and their leader was a tall man with a cold, stern face. After sweeping his gaze across the square, he fixed it on Mu Chen and Luo Li, a flicker of disdain crossing his eyes.
"Well, well, if it isn't Mu Chen. How do you have the leisure to whisper sweet nothings here?" the man drawled mockingly. Mu Chen frowned slightly. He recognized him as Su Yan, a scion of a clan with whom he had had several minor clashes. Su Yan had always envied Mu Chen's talent and popularity, and was forever looking for opportunities to make trouble for him.
"Su Yan, we don't want a confrontation with you. You'd better leave," Mu Chen said coldly.