After a long while, Zhu Zhuqing shifted in his arms, finding a more comfortable position, and whispered, " Brother Feng."
"Um."
"Let's... never be apart again, okay?"
Tang Feng tightened his arms, pulling her completely into his embrace, and placed a kiss on the top of her head.
"Okay, we'll never be apart again."
The flames finally went out completely, leaving only a few scattered red dots in the ashes.
The cave was enveloped in gentle darkness, and two hearts, after a long journey, finally found their home.
The two, having tasted the forbidden fruit for the first time, spent a period of time in the cave forgetting worldly affairs and indulging in shameless pleasures.
During the day, they would wake up in each other's arms in the morning light, listening to the eternal roar of the waterfall outside the cave.
Tang Feng got up first and went to the stream to fetch some cool spring water, while Zhu Zhuqing tidied up the blanket on the stone platform and neatly folded the clothes that had been scattered the night before. These trivial, everyday things were fresh and sweet to them.
Tired, they walked hand in hand out of the water curtain.
Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows; the stream is crystal clear, revealing swimming fish and fine pebbles.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped barefoot into the icy stream, initially cautious, but gradually relaxed, even taking advantage of Tang Feng's unpreparedness to gently splash water all over him.
Tang Feng wasn't annoyed. Just when she launched another "sneak attack," he suddenly bent down, picked her up, and waded into the deeper water amidst her soft cries.
"Put me down!" Zhu Zhuqing hugged his neck, her cheeks flushed.
"Don't you like playing in the water?" Tang Feng raised an eyebrow, making a move to let go.
Zhu Zhuqing hugged him tighter, a sly glint in her eyes. "You dare!"
But it always ended with them begging for mercy, and then they sat side by side on a large rock by the stream to dry their soaked clothes.
They had a fish-catching competition. Zhu Zhuqing was agile but always let the fish escape. Tang Feng then grabbed her wrist from behind and taught her how to predict the fish's swimming trajectory.
Later, she actually caught a silver fish, and overjoyed, she turned around and hugged him, not caring that their soaked clothes were sticking together.
Nighttime, by the campfire.
Tang Feng flipped the game skewers on the tree branch, the oil dripping into the fire, crackling and releasing a fragrant aroma.
Zhu Zhuqing sat next to him, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, watching the firelight dance on his focused profile.
Tang Feng tore off the tenderest piece of meat and held it to her lips. The simple food tasted especially delicious because of this thoughtful gesture.
In the stillness of the night, they slept in each other's arms.
Outside the cave, the waterfall roars, but inside, it's a warm and secluded haven.
Sometimes, when we wake up in the middle of the night, we find our hands still tightly clasped together. We smile at each other and drift back to sleep.
On the morning of the fifth day, sunlight shone into the cave through gaps in the water curtain.
Tang Feng stroked the smooth back of the person in his arms and said softly, " Zhu Zhuqing, we should go back to the sect. Grandpa will worry if we stay away for too long."
Zhu Zhuqing shifted slightly in his arms, without any hesitation. "Yes, I'll do whatever you say. Wherever you go, I'll go."
The two got up and quickly tidied up their belongings in the cave.
There wasn't much to bring: a few blankets, a few water bladders, some leftover dry food and medicine.
But Zhu Zhuqing tidied up very carefully, arranging each item neatly, as if she were performing some kind of ritual.
When they reached the cave entrance, the two stopped simultaneously and turned back to look.
The cave, though not very spacious, still bore the marks of smoke from a campfire on its stone walls, and a pile of firewood they had gathered over the past few days lay in one corner.
This place witnessed their entire journey from entrusting each other with their lives to achieving a deep understanding, and they spent several wonderful days together.
Tang Feng held Zhu Zhuqing's hand and whispered, "From now on, this will be our secret base."
Zhu Zhuqing blushed slightly, but firmly hummed in agreement, deeply imprinting this moment of warmth and intimacy into her heart.
Tang Feng spread his Dragon Flame Wings and pulled Zhu Zhuqing into his arms. This time, Zhu Zhuqing took the initiative to reach out and wrap her arms around his neck, resting her face on his shoulder.
The flapping of the wings created a powerful gust of air that swirled up fallen leaves from the cave entrance.
The two soared into the sky, passing through the silvery curtain of water like a waterfall, and flew into the vast sky.
The sunlight was perfect, shining down on them.
Zhu Zhuqing looked down at the forest rushing past below, then looked up at Tang Feng's resolute profile, her heart filled with an unprecedented peace.
This time, they were no longer alone.
After flying for a while, Zhu Zhuqing asked softly, "When we get back... what should we tell everyone?"
Tang Feng looked down at her, a warm smile in his eyes, "To be honest, you're mine, Clear Sky Sect is your home."
Zhu Zhuqing felt a warmth in her heart and buried her face deeper into his chest, feeling the vibrations in his chest.
For the first time, she felt that no matter what she faced in the future, she had the courage to face it calmly.
Because this time, she was no longer alone.
The sky is azure, the road ahead is long, but it is enough that two hearts are closely intertwined.
Zhu Zhuqing leaned against Tang Feng, her gaze sweeping over the ever-changing scenery below. The lush forest gradually transitioned into rolling hills, and in the distance, a winding river shimmered in the sunlight, like silver threads pulsating across the earth.
"So beautiful," she murmured.
Tang Feng looked down and met her upward-looking eyes.
Those cat-like eyes, which used to always hide wariness and aloofness, now reflected the sunlight and his image, as soft as newly melted spring water.
He whispered, "I'll take you to many more places in the future. The snowfields of the Far North, the white sand coast of Vast Sea City, the volcanic lake deep in the Sunset Forest... We'll go wherever you want to go."
These words, though spoken softly, were like a pebble thrown into the clear lake of Zhu Zhuqing, creating ripples upon ripples.
In the past, her life consisted only of training, competition, and obedience to her arranged marriage. Where she went, what she did, and what kind of person she became were never her choices.
She felt Tang Feng's respect for her wishes, his approval of her choices, and his complete acceptance of her as an independent individual.
Zhu Zhuqing felt a lump in her throat and her eyes suddenly burned.
She hurriedly buried her face in his shoulder, hiding the tears welling up in her eyes, and said in a muffled voice, "Anywhere is fine as long as I'm with you."
Tang Feng tightened his grip, said nothing more, but slowed the flight to allow her to better appreciate the scenery along the way.
Two days later, the familiar mountain range could be seen in the distance. The layered peaks of Cloud Mist Mountain appeared and disappeared among the clouds.
Tang Feng said, " Zhu Zhuqing, we're almost there."
Zhu Zhuqing's heart involuntarily quickened.
She is about to step into this land with a completely new identity, no longer a guest, no longer a partner, but someone Tang Feng has chosen, the future mistress of this sect.
Noticing Zhu Zhuqing's nervousness, Tang Feng tightened his grip on her hand. "Are you scared?"
Zhu Zhuqing was silent for a moment, then nodded honestly. "A little... I'm afraid they... won't like me."
Tang Feng reassured him with certainty, "Don't worry, Grandpa has mentioned you several times before, saying you have a strong will and are a good granddaughter-in-law."
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but laugh, and most of her anxiety dissipated.
As the distance closes, the details of Cloud Mist Mountain gradually become clearer.
When Tang Feng folded his wings and landed in front of the mountain gate, he immediately attracted attention.
Several disciples guarding the mountain gate excitedly gathered around. "The young sect leader is back! Miss Zhu Zhuqing has returned with him!"
After greeting everyone, Tang Feng led Zhu Zhuqing straight towards the main hall.
The disciples from various sects they encountered along the way all bowed respectfully, their gazes towards Zhu Zhuqing friendly yet curious.
As they approached the main hall, a loud voice rang out first. "You brat! You finally know how to come back?!"
Tang Lie strode out of the hall, seemingly furious, but his eyes were full of undisguised concern.
His gaze swept over the two people standing side by side, lingering for a moment on Zhu Zhuqing's slightly shy yet frank expression, before settling on their hands that remained clasped tightly together.
The old man raised his eyebrows, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Good! Good! Finally, something decent has been accomplished!"
He stepped forward, patted Tang Feng on the shoulder with his large hand, then turned to Zhu Zhuqing, his gaze softening. "Girl, you've suffered. The sect already knows about what happened in the Star Luo Empire. From now on, this is your home. Anyone who dares to utter a single word against it, I'll be the first to beat them to death!"
This heartfelt yet unpretentious acceptance brought tears to Zhu Zhuqing's eyes.
She bowed deeply and said, " Zhu Zhuqing thanks Grandpa."
"Hey, that's a good shout!" Tang Lie's mustache twitched with delight, then he lowered his voice and winked, "This kid didn't bully you, did he? If he dares to treat you badly, tell Grandpa, and Grandpa will teach him a lesson for you!"
Tang Feng rolled his eyes at him helplessly.
Zhu Zhuqing smiled, then shook her head. "He treats me very well."