[…]
The group carefully retrieved the Fire Starstones, adding them to their growing collection of treasures. As they exited the volcanic crater, Wan Ling and Han Qingyu’s storage artifacts brimmed with treasures, each item enough to make an Inner Sect disciple wealthy.
…
After spending enough time, they made their way back while carefully looking for any remaining treasure that they might have missed.
By the time they reached the edge of the volcanic region, the sky above had darkened, stars shimmering faintly overhead.
The group paused on a high ridge overlooking the fiery landscape, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and triumph.
“This trip was worth every second,” Wan Ling said, her voice filled with gratitude and adoration. “Brother Yuan, thank you for leading us.”
Han Qingyu nodded in agreement. “You’ve shown us what true strength and leadership looks like. I learned a lot from this trip.”
Shen Yuan smiled faintly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “This is just the beginning.”
He turned around and asked the two of them, “Now, what should we do? Return back to the sect?”
Wan Ling tilted her head in thought while Han Qingyu nodded her head, “Yes Brother Yuan, the Aurora Zone Myriad Competition should be starting in a while, we can make it in time if we hurry back.”
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow, “Hmm? Why wasn’t I notified about this by my sisters or mother when they had the time?”
“Maybe they had forgotten about it, or they might have wanted you to find out about it on your own?” Han Qingyu said in an unsure tone.
Shen Yuan lowered his head in thought, ‘I should head back as well, need to get that Core Disciple position as well, there shouldn’t be any issue with that from what happened during the match with the Ironwood Mountain Sect.’
He raised his head and looked towards Wan Ling, “Ling’er, come here.” he gently said.
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Wan Ling shyly looked at him before moving forward. Han Qingyu looked annoyed as she saw Wan Ling’s shy expression.
“Yes, Brother Yuan?” She asked in a low voice.
Shen Yuan thought for a second, “Your current cultivation techniques will only limit your future achievements, do you want to change it?”
Wan Ling looked towards Shen Yuan in confusion as it was nearly impossible to change the cultivation technique after cultivating with one.
But nonetheless she trusted Shen Yuan enough that he won’t joke about such stuff, she slowly nodded her head and resolutely said, “Yes, I want to cultivate a better technique.”
“Are you sure? You will have to go through unimaginable pain while changing your cultivation technique.” Shen Yuan looked at her and said in all seriousness.
Wan Ling gulped as she felt scared for a bit but remembering about a future where she will be left behind by Shen Yuan while he soared high above the heavens, her will toughened as she nodded her head heavily, “Yes, I’m sure.”
“Good,” Shen Yuan smiled and patted her head, “That’s good, I expected nothing more from my strong-willed little wife.”
Wan Ling went beet red as she heard him calling her his little wife.
Han Qingyu’s fist clenched as she looked at the lovey-dovey atmosphere in front of her.
Shen Yuan took out a bottle with a pure white crystalline pill inside and a glowing orb, he extended his hand towards her, “Here, take these, someone will inform you how to use them and what to do.”
She hesitated for a second looking at the new items in front of her, but took them in the end.
Clutching the items tightly against her chest, she looked at Shen Yuan timidly, “Umm… Brother Yuan… are you sure I can change my cultivation technique with these items? And what is this crystalline white pill?”
Shen Yuan looked at her meek face before laughing lightly, “Haha, it’s the pill that will help you change your cultivation technique seamlessly, you don’t need to worry much about the other stuff.”
Wan Ling and Han Qingyu’s eyes lit up as they heard about the effects of the pill.
But Wan Ling hesitated, her delicate fingers clutching the crystalline white pill and glowing orb as if they were priceless treasures. Her conflicted gaze met Shen Yuan’s calm and reassuring eyes.
“Brother Yuan… I can’t accept something so precious,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “This pill—it’s too valuable. It must have taken years of effort or unimaginable resources to refine.”
Shen Yuan smiled gently, stepping closer. His hand reached out to tilt her chin up, so her eyes were locked with his. “Ling’er, you’re part of my life now. What’s mine is yours. There’s no need to feel burdened by it.”
“But…” Wan Ling bit her lip, her hands trembling. “I haven’t done anything to deserve such a gift…”
Shen Yuan chuckled softly, his voice warm and soothing. “You’ve given me your trust, your heart, and your unwavering resolve. That’s worth more than any treasure.”
He leaned in closer, his firm tone filled with affection. “Take it, Ling’er. This is the first step to ensuring you never fall behind, so you can always stand proudly by my side.”
Wan Ling’s eyes filled with tears as she slowly nodded, her grip on the items tightening. “Thank you, Brother Yuan… I’ll treasure your kindness.”
“Good girl,” Shen Yuan said, patting her head softly.
His gaze shifted toward the glowing orb in her hands. “Now, I’ll send you to a secluded space where you can focus entirely on your cultivation. The chamber is specially designed for this process, and the time dilation will help you make the most of it.”
Wan Ling looked at him with wide eyes. “A secluded space? With time dilation? Is it… your treasure?”
Shen Yuan chuckled. “You could call it that. It’s a special place I control, perfect for secluded cultivation like this.”
As he prepared to send her inside, Wan Ling hesitated again, fidgeting nervously. “Brother Yuan… before I go, can I… um… can we…”
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at his lips as he saw her cheeks turn bright red. “You can ask anything, Ling’er.”
“I…” Her voice was barely a whisper as she struggled to form the words. Finally, she steeled her resolve and stepped closer. “Can we share… a kiss before I go?”
Shen Yuan’s smirk softened into a tender smile. Without a word, he closed the distance between them, his arms gently wrapping around her waist. Wan Ling’s heat seeped into his body as he breathed in his scent.
Wan Ling’s breath hitched as he leaned in, his gaze locked onto hers.
Han Qingyu turned around with a pink face as the intensity of the moment was far too much even for her.
On the other hand, their lips met in a deep and intense kiss, a perfect blend of passion and tenderness.
Wan Ling’s hands instinctively rested on his chest, her heart pounding wildly as she melted into his embrace.
Time seemed to freeze as the warmth of their connection surged between them, her nervousness giving way to a sense of belonging and trust.
Shen Yuan pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as he whispered, “You’ll do great, Ling’er. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Wan Ling’s face was flushed, her eyes glistening with emotion as she nodded. “I’ll make you proud, Brother Yuan.”