With a reverence akin to a sacred ritual, he helped her out of her outer robe, his movements unhurried yet tender. Her skin shimmered softly with the lingering qi, the marks of an immortal who had waltzed with the flames and emerged unscathed.

He led her to the bath, where the water undulated in a soft embrace as she stepped in, fragrant steam swirling around her like a diaphanous veil. She sank into the comforting warmth with a sigh of relief, her body finally allowed to relax.

Four Eyes settled beside the tub, his hand resting gently over hers, their fingers weaving an unspoken connection above the glistening water.

Time slipped away in silence. The soothing sound of water, the rhythmic cadence of breath, and the palpable pulse of shared intimacy created a cocoon around them.

Then, Ling Li broke the stillness with a whisper, "You know I'd endure it all again. For you. For Shi Min. For all of our kin."

Four Eyes leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her temple, warmth radiating from the gesture. "I know. But tonight, let me be the one who gives."

With her eyes closed, she surrendered to the moment, allowing herself to be held — not as an immortal, not as a matriarch, but simply as Ling Li.

In that hushed, sacred sanctuary, the outside world melted away, leaving only the two of them intertwined in the depths of their love.

Between Lanterns and Breath: Ling Li and Four Eyes

The gentle heat of the bath had loosened the knots in Ling Li's muscles, but it was the soothing aura of Four Eyes that truly unraveled the tension woven deep within her. He tenderly dried her, enveloping her in a robe crafted from the softest cloud silk, transporting her to their bed as if she were made of ethereal starlight and fleeting memories.

The room was dimly lit, infused with a warm glow from a single lantern that painted golden shadows dancing upon the walls. Outside, the wind caressed the trees, whispering secrets of the night, while inside, time seemed to stretch, slowing to a languid pace.

Ling Li lay on her side, her silver hair cascading across the pillow like a celestial veil shimmering in moonlight. Four Eyes settled beside her, one arm cradling her head tenderly, the other resting lightly upon her waist, as his thumb traced delicate circles over her robe, anchoring her firmly in the present moment.

"You're quiet," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm, rich with warmth.

Ling Li turned to meet his gaze, her eyes filled with softness. "I'm just… here. With you. It feels good."

Leaning in, he brushed his lips lightly against her forehead, a tender kiss that spoke volumes. "I missed you: every single day, every fleeting hour. I wondered if you were pushing too hard. If you were in pain."

"I was focused," she replied softly. "But thoughts of you, of them, and what lies ahead never left my mind."

His hand moved with reverence to rest on her belly, a sacred gesture that spoke of the life they were nurturing together. "They're growing. I can sense it. Their qi is faint but tangible, like nascent stars waiting to ignite in the vast expanse of the universe."

A smile blossomed on Ling Li's lips, her fingers curling around his wrist in an intimate embrace. "They'll be strong. And they'll be loved fiercely."

Four Eyes inched closer until their foreheads touched, an electric connection sparking between them. "You have sacrificed so much — the Nirvana Elixir, the pills, the protection. You carried every single one of us within you."

"I'm their mother, and I'm your wife," she whispered, her voice bathed in warmth. "It is my duty, my honor."

He exhaled slowly, the warmth of his breath mingling with her skin. "And I am your husband. So tonight, let me bear you, let me be your strength."

With a sigh, she closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the warmth of his presence.

His fingers traveled softly to the delicate curve of her collarbone, tracing the faint shimmer of qi residue left behind by the soul flame. "You're radiant," he murmured, his tone softer now, filled with awe. "Not just from the elixir, but from the essence of who you are."

Ling Li opened her eyes, finding his gaze once more. "You always see me."

"I always will."

They lay enveloped in a comforting silence, the weight of the world slipping away into obscurity. No titles bound them; no responsibilities pressed upon their shoulders. Just two intertwined souls, breathing in harmony.

As the lantern flickered low, casting a gentle dance of light before darkness claimed the room, Ling Li whispered, "Stay close."

Four Eyes drew her into his embrace, her head nestled against the steady rhythm of his chest.

"Always," he promised. "Sleep deeply tonight, for tomorrow night, I plan to keep you delightfully awake." He teased, a playful glimmer in his eye.

Ling Li playfully swatted his chest, a blush creeping across her cheeks as she buried her face in his warmth. "You!" she exclaimed, laughter bubbling up within her.

And the night cradled them, a tapestry of dreams woven between heartbeats and whispered secrets.

Morning Orders: The Path to Hidden Valley

The first blush of dawn spilled like molten gold across the marble floors of Peonies Castle, casting long, shimmering streaks through the intricately carved lattice windows. A crisp morning air filled the halls, imbued with the sweet scent of dew-kissed grass and the delicate fragrance of blooming lotus blossoms from the lavish garden below. A gentle breeze stirred the silk curtains, whispering secrets of transformation as it danced through the corridors.

Ling Li stirred from the depths of slumber, her silvery hair cascading over her pillow like a cascade of moonlight. She instinctively reached out, her fingers brushing against the cool, empty space beside her. A soft smile graced her lips, a bittersweet acknowledgment of solitude.

Four Eyes was already gone.

Knowing him as well as she did, she could easily imagine his early rise; he had likely slipped away to join the strenuous training, already locked in combat with El Capitan or mentoring the younger disciples. His absence was not a sign of neglect but rather a testament to his unwavering dedication.

With a determined sigh, Ling Li rose, her essence flowing seamlessly as she concealed her divine aura, transforming back into a mortal guise. Every motion was fluid, a graceful dance of strength and resolve, despite the weight of ten days spent in solitary contemplation. She donned her flowing robes, the fabric swirling around her like ethereal mist, before descending the grand staircase that spiraled down into the heart of the castle.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.