With a wave of his hand, a shimmering portal appeared behind her, radiating an ethereal glow. Shen Yuan guided her gently toward it, his calm presence filling her with confidence.
As Wan Ling stepped into the portal, Shen Yuan watched her figure disappear, his face held a gentle smile.
Once she was gone, he exhaled deeply and turned to see Han Qingyu with her face turned in another direction, but feeling the absence of Wan Ling, she slowly turned her head back.
Only to see Shen Yuan looking at her with a teasing smile. Her face began red again as the scene of Shen Yuan pulling Wan Ling into a hug flashed in her mind.
“Enjoyed what you saw?” He teasingly asked.
Shen Yuan’s teasing smile deepened as he stepped closer to Han Qingyu, who was desperately trying to mask her embarrassment.
Her silver eyes darted away, though the faint redness on her cheeks betrayed her composure.
“So, Qingyu,” Shen Yuan began, his voice laced with playful amusement. “How long were you planning to keep staring? Did you enjoy the scene that much?”
Han Qingyu snapped her head toward him, her expression a mix of indignation and flustered embarrassment. “I wasn’t staring!” she retorted, though the crack in her voice undermined her words. “I just… didn’t want to interrupt.”
“Interrupt?” Shen Yuan chuckled, his tone light. “I didn’t realize you were such a considerate person. I’ll have to thank you for giving us that private moment.”
Han Qingyu’s fists clenched, her composure wavering. “You!! I was always a considerate and polite person!”
“Of course,” Shen Yuan said, nodding with mock seriousness. “You’re always polite and considerate, Qingyu. That’s one of your most charming qualities.”
Han Qingyu’s silver eyes widened as her face turned a deeper shade of red. “You—! Stop teasing me!”
Shen Yuan laughed softly, his playful demeanor shifting to one of genuine warmth. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop. For now.”
He stepped back, scanning the fiery landscape around them. “It’s time we head back to the sect. The Aurora Zone Myriad Competition is coming up, and I have a few things to prepare.”
Han Qingyu composed herself, adjusting her posture. “Are we taking the same route back?”
Shen Yuan shook his head. “No. We’ll take a different path. There’s no point retracing our steps when there’s more of this region to explore.”
With a wave of his hand, a shimmering portal appeared beside him, and from within emerged a majestic Northern Wind Horse.
The creature stood tall and proud, its sleek silver mane flowing like a gentle breeze, and its hooves faintly glowing with icy light.
Han Qingyu’s eyes widened slightly as the beast appeared out of nowhere. “Your artifact really never ceases to amaze me.”
Shen Yuan smirked as he patted the horse’s neck. “Of course, it’s one of the best artifacts one can possibly find. But only one has been rested well enough for the journey back.” He turned to her, his smile turning mischievous. “I suppose we’ll have to ride together. What do you think, Qingyu? Want to join me?”
Han Qingyu hesitated, wanting to speak up, but remembering Shen Yuan’s nature she knew that would be futile, “I can just walk—”
“Walk? Through this harsh terrain? Don’t be stubborn,” Shen Yuan interrupted, his tone teasing. “Come on. It’ll be faster this way, and besides…” He leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. “You might enjoy it.”
Han Qingyu huffed, clearly flustered but unwilling to argue further. “Fine,” she said, trying to maintain her composure. “But don’t get any strange ideas.”
Shen Yuan chuckled as he mounted the Northern Wind Horse, extending a hand to her. “Strange ideas? Who, me? I’m the picture of innocence.”
Han Qingyu shot him a glare but took his hand, allowing him to help her onto the horse. She settled in front of him, her posture stiff as she felt her back on his chest.
‘Hmm. I should talk with Wan Ling about her.’ She thought while glancing at the stiff body of Han Qingyu in front of him.
‘Lan’er, connect me with Wan Ling through Harem Connect.’
[Sure thing.]
[Connection Established.]
[Ling’er, can you hear me?]
[Brother Yuan? What happened?]
[I wanted to discuss Han Qingyu with you.]
[Oh, I know about her already, hehe, she has been after you for longer than me, and through our interactions I also realized how much she loves you.]
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow in surprise.
[I didn’t know you were so perceptive, but yes, I wanted to ask your opinion about her.]
[Hmm? Why?]
[Oh yes, you don’t know, but I don’t add any members to my harem without the agreement of all of my harem members.]
Wan Ling’s voice paused as surprise washed over her,
[Huh? Really? Then does that mean Master, Senior Huo Rong, and Elder Shen Yuxin agreed about me joining your harem?]
[Haha, were you stressing about how to face them later? No need to worry, they already know about you and I also have their agreement about the two of you.]
Wan Ling paused as she didn’t think his entire harem would already know about her.
[Well, I don’t have any problem with Sister Qingyu, and the others have already agreed anyways. Hehe, go get her Brother Yuan.]
[Haha, you don’t have to say that, winning the hearts of the two of you was one of the main objectives about the trip to this region.]
‘But you already had our hearts Brother Yuan.’ She thought to herself with a sweet smile.
[Okay, I should go now.] Stay tuned to empire
[Hehe, have fun Brother Yuan.]
Shen Yuan shook his head at her words before opening his eyes as the Northern Wind Horse carried them swiftly through the rugged terrain.
The oppressive heat of the volcanic region gradually faded. The air turned cooler, and the rocky landscape gave way to lush greenery.
Towering trees flanked their path, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze, and the faint sound of flowing water reached their ears.
Han Qingyu, seated stiffly in front of Shen Yuan, tried her best to keep her composure. The close proximity was enough to make her heart race, though she would rather die than admit it.
Shen Yuan, on the other hand, seemed entirely at ease, his arm resting casually on the horse’s reins.
“Relax, Qingyu,” Shen Yuan teased, his warm breath brushing against her ear as he leaned closer. “You’re as stiff as a board. I might start to think you’re afraid of me.”
“I’m not afraid,” Han Qingyu blurted without thinking, her silver eyes darting forward as she tried to ignore the warmth radiating from his body. “This… setup is just unnecessary.”
“Unnecessary?” Shen Yuan chuckled. “Would you prefer to walk all the way back to the sect? I thought you’d appreciate the convenience.”
Han Qingyu huffed but said nothing more, her cheeks tinted pink as she focused on the road ahead.
The sound of water grew louder, and soon they emerged into a clearing dominated by a stunning waterfall.
Crystal-clear water cascaded down a rocky cliff, pooling into a serene, shimmering lake surrounded by vibrant greenery. The air was cool and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers.