Huo Rong led Shen Yuan straight back to his courtyard within the Inner Sect through various Spatial Portals, where they sat beneath the Cherry Blossom Tree.
The serene atmosphere made their minds peaceful.
Shen Yuan leaned back against the cherry blossom tree, the soft pink petals drifting down around him as the gentle breeze passed through the courtyard.
Huo Rong sat across from him, her crimson robes a striking contrast against the delicate scenery. Her gaze softened slightly as she looked at her younger brother, her expression a mix of curiosity and affection.
“So,” Huo Rong began, crossing her arms as she leaned slightly forward. “Want to tell me what happened during your journey?”
Shen Yuan chuckled lightly, his gaze drifting to the sky as he began recounting the events.
“It started with the exploration of that misty forest, then the volcanic region.
“The heat, the treasures, and of course, the rogue cultivators who thought they could get something from us. Wan Ling and Han Qingyu also improved a lot during this time, but the challenges they faced were far from simple.”
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Huo Rong listened intently, her eyes narrowing sharply as he spoke. “And these rogue cultivators? Did you deal with them thoroughly?”
Shen Yuan smirked, his tone nonchalant. “Of course. I made sure they wouldn’t trouble anyone again, or at least they wouldn’t be a problem for a long time. But the real progress wasn’t just in defeating those weaklings.
“Han Qingyu found her resolve to push past her limits, and I helped her begin a new path with the Verdant Ember Phoenix Legacy. Wan Ling, too, started walking a new path with the Bloodline I got for her through Yue Lan.”
Huo Rong’s expression warmed a flicker of pride in her eyes. “It seems you’ve done more than just explore the surrounding region, Yuan’er. You’ve guided them in ways even most Masters wouldn’t bother with for their disciples. That’s commendable.”
Shen Yuan met her gaze, his usual teasing demeanor softening into something more serious.
“They’ve placed their trust in me, Sister Rong. I can’t let them fall behind. But it wasn’t just about them. This journey reminded me of the responsibilities I carry—not just for myself, but for those around me.”
Huo Rong’s eyes softened further, her lips curving into a faint smile. “You’ve matured, Yuan’er. I can see it in the way you speak, in the way you carry yourself now. But don’t forget, even someone as strong as you need support.”
Shen Yuan leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking with hers. “And I’ve always had that support from my family and you, Sister Rong. You’ve been my guide, my protector. Without you, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.”
Huo Rong’s cheeks flushed faintly, a rare display of vulnerability. She looked away for a moment, her fingers brushing against the delicate petals of the cherry blossom. “Yuan’er, where did you learn to say the right things at the right time? But I didn’t do this for praise. I did it because you’re my family.”
Shen Yuan reached out, gently taking her hand in his. “And because of that, I owe you more than words can express.”
The air between them grew still, the gentle rustling of the cherry blossoms being the only sound.
Huo Rong turned back to him, her eyes glimmering with an emotion she rarely showed to others—affection, tinged with something deeper.
“Yuan’er,” she began, her voice softer than before. “You are really becoming more and more attractive as time passes. I can’t imagine my life without you as a brother and as my… husband.” Her cheeks flushed pink as she finished her words.
Shen Yuan’s breath hitched slightly, his gentle gaze never leaving hers. The distance between them seemed to shrink, the soft pink light of the blossoms casting an ethereal glow around them.
“Big Sis Rong,” he murmured, his voice filled with playfulness. “I didn’t know you could express yourself like that. Looks like all the time we spent during dual cultivation did wonders for you.”
Shen Yuan leaned in closer, his playful smirk softening into a more tender expression as his fingers brushed against Huo Rong’s flushed cheek.
The faint pink glow of the cherry blossoms illuminated her face, accentuating her beauty and vulnerability in a way that made his heart race.
“Big Sis Rong,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a deeper, more intimate tone, “you’ve always been more than just my big sister. You’re my partner, my love.”
Huo Rong’s breath hitched at his words, her crimson eyes shimmering with a mix of emotions—desire, love, and a hint of shyness.
But there was no hesitation in her gaze as she leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yuan’er… you’re the only one I’ve ever wanted. The only one I’ll ever need.”
Her words acted as the final catalyst. Shen Yuan closed the remaining distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss.
The intensity of their kiss was palpable, a fire igniting between them that had been stoked over their time together but now burned with unrestrained passion.
Huo Rong’s arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. Shen Yuan’s hands found their way to her waist, holding her firmly yet tenderly, as if afraid she might slip away.
While kissing, he began to softly fondle her, his hands exploring with a reverent yet possessive touch, as if imprinting the memory of this moment.
Her soft lips moved against his with a fervor that matched his own, their lips growing wet from the intensity of the kiss.
The cherry blossoms around them flew in the breeze, their delicate petals cascading down like a blessing upon the pair as it created a beautiful painting around them.
The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the heat of their kiss and the love they shared.
When they finally broke apart, their foreheads rested together, their breaths ragged.
Huo Rong’s cheeks were flushed, her crimson eyes half-closed as she gazed at Shen Yuan. “Yuan’er… you always know how to make me lose control.”
Shen Yuan chuckled softly, his hands gently caressing her back. “As if you don’t do the same, Big Sis. Every time I look at you, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have you by my side.”
Huo Rong smiled, her lips curling into a mischievous smirk. “How sweet of you. But you’re not getting off that easily.”
Before Shen Yuan could respond, Huo Rong pulled him into another kiss, this one softer but no less passionate.
Her fingers tangled in his hair as she poured her emotions into the act, leaving him breathless.
‘As if I want to be let off easily.’ He thought while pulling her closer in a hug.
As they finally parted again, Shen Yuan leaned back against the cherry blossom tree, pulling Huo Rong onto his lap.
She rested her head against his chest, her arms draped lazily around his shoulders as they enjoyed the quiet intimacy of the moment.
“You know,” Huo Rong said softly, her voice carrying a teasing edge, “we should probably head back to our duties soon. The Sect Master might not appreciate me spending all day under this tree.”