The next dawn, at the hour of Yin.
Yu Xiao felt a sting of cold seeping into her skin. She didn't realize what was happening; her eyes were still heavy with sleep.
As the moments passed, the cold grew worse, and she heard her robes whipping in the wind.
Still, she didn't move, instead burying her face into something firm she couldn't identify.
Gradually, she blinked open her eyes and saw only black fabric before her.
The wind blew even harsher, making her flinch.
Instinctively, she hugged the shape she clung to even tighter.
As her hands wrapped around it, she froze, her eyes widening in shock.
Why did she feel like she was hugging someone familiar?
Slowly, she looked up and saw the chiseled lines of Long Jianyu's jaw.
Only then did she realize that he was carrying her while she slept, bringing her somewhere unexpected.
Looking around, she noticed that their surroundings were a vast expanse between heaven and earth.
Are we flying?
That question churned in her mind.
Frightened by the height and dizzying sensation, she squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face deeper against Long Jianyu's chest, gripping his robe tightly.
"Are you afraid?" he finally asked, sensing Yu Xiao's unease.
"Stone-Honey, where are you taking me? It's still dark—and so cold!" she complained, but Long Jianyu only curved his lips, amused by her panicked reaction.
"Do you remember my promise? I'll show you right now. Hold on as long as you can, and don't be afraid. With me, you have nothing to worry about."
Yu Xiao lifted her face to look at him, speechless, the words caught in her throat.
It wasn't long before they suddenly halted in midair.
Below them stretched a vast, tranquil lake, cradled by towering mountains. The sunrise began to break through the thick clouds, unveiling its light.
With it, the surroundings became clear, bathed in the gentle fog of the early morning.
Long Jianyu stood in the air, his strong arm wrapped securely around Yu Xiao's slender waist as he silently observed the serene scenery.
Yu Xiao, gazing up at his face, felt a shiver of nervousness creep down her spine, acutely aware of the sudden closeness between them.
She released a soft sigh and finally found her voice.
"What are we going to do here?"
Her curiosity caught Long Jianyu's attention.
He looked at her softly, offering a reassuring smile.
Leaning close, his lips almost at her ear, he spoke in a gentle whisper.
"Just wait and watch," he said confidently, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
Moments later, the first rays of sunlight spread across the landscape, shining directly upon them. Both turned their attention to the gentle warmth.
Long Jianyu gathered his spiritual energy, channeling the fresh vitality of the sun and allowing it to flow into them both.
As the soft sunlight merged with their forms, Yu Xiao felt invigorated and thoroughly enjoyed the sensation.
"Do you like it?" Long Jianyu asked, sincerity shining in his eyes. "The first light of sunrise enhances spiritual energy. From now on, we'll make this our daily ritual."
Yu Xiao glanced at him, rendered speechless by the experience.
Meanwhile, Long Jianyu continued to gather the sun's energy with unwavering focus.
After an hour of ritual, Long Jianyu stopped, lifting his palm upward as a captivating essence of spiritual force swirled above it.
He showed the phenomenon to Yu Xiao, explaining each detail.
She listened intently, her attention fixed on his every word until Long Jianyu finally dispersed the energy.
Afterward, he gently took Yu Xiao's hands and pressed his thumb to her wrist. He smiled in satisfaction when he sensed that her vitality had become stable.
A soft sigh escaped his lips, his brows knitting together as he gazed at her.
"So, your energy is replenished by the sun. Now I understand," he said, tilting his head thoughtfully.
Yu Xiao looked confused and poked herself absentmindedly in response.
"Let me guess, someone concealed your true nature. Am I right?"
Yu Xiao offered him a confused look, unable to respond to his question.
A moment later, Long Jianyu extended his hand, palm facing downward.
Spiritual force began to swirl beneath his palm, and the vast, tranquil lake below formed a powerful vortex, the water churning into a dark and ominous hole.
All along the shore, water was pulled into the swirling motion.
It was the first time Yu Xiao had witnessed such a phenomenon. She looked at Long Jianyu, shock written across her face.
I can't believe he can manipulate such a vast lake so effortlessly! He's so powerful!
She was amazed by the thought.
Once the surge of water settled, Long Jianyu withdrew his spiritual force, but the vortex remained.
"Shinlong! Come out!" he called in a deep, commanding voice.
Yu Xiao, watching intently, furrowed her brow in curiosity.
Who is Shinlong?
Within seconds, a sudden force erupted from the water—huge and powerful. Droplets scattered as the surge shot upward.
A wave of panic washed over Yu Xiao, and she instinctively hid her face against Long Jianyu's neck.
Even in midair, the world around her seemed to shake with intensity. She couldn't make out the form that emerged from the water; her last glimpse was only a blurry shape.
In just a moment, the surroundings returned to peace.
Yu Xiao slowly peeked out from behind Long Jianyu's neck, her eyes darting around to scrutinize the area.
As she looked below, the water had returned to its calm state.
That was strange. Where did the mysterious form go?
Long Jianyu noticed her curiosity and teased her innocence.
"Are you looking for Shinlong?" he asked mischievously.
"Who is Shinlong?" Yu Xiao finally asked.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupted, shaking the entire place.
Yu Xiao jolted in shock and looked up.
Something unusual began to emerge from behind the clouds.
The deafening sound was so frightening, it seemed to vibrate through the very air.
Long Jianyu, ever calm and fearless, watched Yu Xiao's panic and noticed her unease.
For a brief moment, Yu Xiao felt numb, her nerves trembling as she watched the unfamiliar form flying downward toward them.
A small voice escaped her trembling lips. The longer she stared, the clearer the figure became.
"A—a dragon!" she squeaked, tightening her grip on Long Jianyu.
"Don't be afraid," Long Jianyu said softly, comforting her trembling form.
Shinlong, the dragon beast, dove downward and spiraled toward them.
Yu Xiao hid her face in fear.
Long Jianyu, sensing her distress, did nothing but hold her close until Shinlong slid into place before them, pausing midair to face them.
"Stop moving! You're scaring her," Long Jianyu commanded.
Shinlong obediently stilled, her nostrils flaring with a puff of white smoke.
Then Long Jianyu lowered his head and whispered to Yu Xiao, "She's friendly—she won't hurt you."
Slowly, Yu Xiao peeked out and saw the enormous dragon, her scales a mesmerizing mix of white and azure.
Despite her size, the dragon didn't look frightening; by her gentle appearance, Yu Xiao sensed she might be kind, though she remained unsure what truly lay beneath the surface.
Unexpectedly, despite Yu Xiao's fear, it was Shinlong who leaned closer, gently nudging her nose against Yu Xiao's hand.
If she were human, it would be as if Shinlong was asking for attention at this very first meeting.
Long Jianyu noticed this and glanced at Yu Xiao with a questioning look, his brows knitted in surprise.
He knew Shinlong's nature well.
Even when she recognized someone, she was always cautious and never acted this way with strangers.
Yet today, without hesitation or prompting, Shinlong seemed unusually gentle and tame.
This was the first time he had introduced Yu Xiao to her.
Normally, Yu Xiao should have been the one afraid of the dragon, but instead, Shinlong was the one reaching out, as if eager to be acknowledged.
Could it be that Shinlong recognizes Yu Xiao?
Once again, Shinlong nudged Yu Xiao's hand twice with her nose before glancing at Long Jianyu, as if asking for his approval to be touched.
Yu Xiao looked at Long Jianyu with curiosity.
"She wants you," he said gently. "Go on, greet her."
With his encouragement, Long Jianyu held Yu Xiao's wrist and helped her reach out to Shinlong.
The dragon leaned in, allowing Yu Xiao to gently caress her muzzle.
"She likes you," Long Jianyu remarked.
Yu Xiao smiled, still bewildered.
"I don't know why she likes me. I've never met her before."
"But she recognizes you. Shinlong is very particular about the people she interacts with. It's been three years since she's wandered beyond these boundaries. When I went into isolation, I let her stay here. People are unpredictable, and I'm afraid she might be at risk."
"You weren't just a good Dijun to Qingjue—you're also a good master to Shinlong," Yu Xiao said with a smile.
"And, of course, a mighty benefactor of mine."
Long Jianyu, flustered by her praise, offered her a knowing look.
"Alright, Shinlong. That's enough. It's time to go."
"Where are we going?" Yu Xiao asked.
Long Jianyu leaned in closer.
"Didn't you say before that you love to watch beautiful scenery? With Shinlong and me here, we'll grant your wish."
His words made Yu Xiao feel sheepish all over.
"What? Have you changed your mind?" he teased.
Yu Xiao shook her head, her brows furrowing.
Why does it feel like he's giving off boyfriend vibes? We just slept together last night—just slept, nothing else. But something about the atmosphere feels different...
"Let's go," Long Jianyu said, cutting off her swirling thoughts.
"Alright."
Long Jianyu whistled, and Shinlong spiraled gracefully through the air.
In just a moment, she swooped beneath them, allowing them to climb onto her back.
The surge of wind was intense—Shinlong was indeed a powerful flyer.
Yu Xiao gripped Shinlong's white mane tightly, her expression a mix of awe and anxiety as the wind whipped around them.
Long Jianyu chuckled softly at the sight of her reaction.
He moved forward, wrapping an arm around her waist and staying close behind her as they soared, descending toward the surface beneath the clouds.
"Still afraid?" Long Jianyu whispered.
The sensation of his breath against her skin sent a slight jolt through Yu Xiao, tingling with nervousness.
She said nothing, remaining quiet as she took in the beautiful, vivid peach clouds scattered across the sky.
Silence enveloped them as they soared through the air, the moment feeling almost dreamlike.
Not long after, they emerged from the thick clouds, revealing a breathtaking sight below—a vivid, colorful sea of flowers stretching across a vast island.
Yu Xiao's lips parted in awe as she gazed at the landscape: clusters of thousands upon thousands of flowers, forming mountains of color on the single, expansive island.
Long Jianyu smiled quietly, clearly amused by her wonder.
He patted Shinlong's back, signaling her to land in the flower sea.
In an instant, Shinlong descended gently, bringing them safely to the ground.
Long Jianyu helped Yu Xiao down, her face alight with happiness.
"It's beautiful!" Yu Xiao exclaimed, clasping her hands to her mouth as she took in the surroundings.
"Go ahead, enjoy yourself," Long Jianyu said calmly.
With his encouragement, Yu Xiao cheerfully dashed into the flower fields, eagerly touching the blossoms one by one.
Long Jianyu followed at a distance, watching over her with careful eyes to ensure her safety as she enjoyed the spectacular place.