Back on the open field, Bao Uyen gradually regained her composure after Van Thien's gentle comfort.
Van Thien looked at her.
"How are you feeling?"
Bao Uyen still held his hand tightly.
"I'm fine now..." She looked up at him. "Thank you."
Van Thien gently stroked her hair.
"It's good that you're okay."
He scanned the surroundings, falling deep into thought. The image of the towering water pillar and Bao Uyen's uncontrollable power remained sharply etched in his mind.
Just then, Bao Uyen called out to him.
"Brother Thien, what are you thinking about?"
Startled, Van Thien quickly snapped back to reality. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening as he looked at her.
"It's nothing. Don't worry."
Bao Uyen looked at him, lowering her eyes slightly.
"Are you... thinking about..."
"...what happened earlier?"
Van Thien looked at her, gently placing his hand on her back.
"Don't overthink it..."
"I already told you..."
"No matter what happens to you..."
"...I will definitely protect you."
Her glistening eyes looked up at him.
"...Brother Thien..."
Van Thien smiled faintly.
"Don't worry too much."
"I'm right here."
Hearing this, Bao Uyen's anxiety melted away. She nodded.
"I trust that you will always protect me."
Van Thien stood up.
"Alright, let's head back."
"Yes." Bao Uyen nodded.
The two of them got into the vehicle. Before the wheels could spin, his necklace flared with light. As they drove away from the temple gate, the shattered cracks from the recent battle gradually mended, reverting to their original state.
It was as if no battle had ever taken place.
Deep beneath the riverbed, the Red-Eyed Black Dragon stared at the hologram screen.
"How is the progress on the final phase?"
A black-robed subordinate stepped forward.
"My Lord, the final phase is nearing completion."
The Red-Eyed Black Dragon tapped his fingers rhythmically against the armrest.
"Good. Proceed with the final stage of the plan."
"Understood!"
The Red-Eyed Black Dragon walked to the viewport, staring out at the rushing water outside.
"It's almost... time."
Meanwhile, Van Thien and Bao Uyen were driving across a massive bridge. Van Thien broke the silence.
"Come to think of it, we haven't eaten anything since morning."
"How about we find a place to grab a bite?"
Sitting behind him, Bao Uyen still held onto him tightly.
"I know a really good place nearby. Let's go there!"
"Sure," Van Thien replied.
Bao Uyen rested her head against his back, feeling a deep sense of warmth and security.
The vehicle crossed the bridge and traveled for a while, weaving through the streets of Quang Yen. Bao Uyen suddenly pointed ahead.
"It's that restaurant over there, brother!"
"Alright, pulling in."
The vehicle pulled up to the Vuang Tin horseshoe crab restaurant. The interior was rustic and cozy. The moment they stepped inside, a familiar voice rang out.
"Oh, Uyen! Long time no see, girl! What brings you here today?"
Bao Uyen scratched her head, embarrassed.
"Hey Sis, I've been so busy lately that I couldn't drop by."
The waitress waved her hand dismissively.
"No worries!" Her eyes then shifted to Van Thien. "Who's the handsome guy here, huh?"
Bao Uyen quickly introduced him.
"This is Brother Thien."
The waitress scanned him from head to toe, then pulled Bao Uyen aside, whispering loudly.
"Not bad, girl! I didn't expect you to land such a handsome guy, huh!"
Bao Uyen's face flushed bright red.
"Sis! I only see him as my older brother!"
The waitress nodded knowingly, but a mischievous grin played on her lips.
"Right, right... I get it."
The smirk from Miss Thu made Bao Uyen blush even harder.
"I'm not talking to you anymore!" Bao Uyen huffed. "Just give us the usual dishes from the 7-course set!"
The waitress gave an "OK" sign and headed into the kitchen.
Van Thien looked at Bao Uyen curiously.
"Do you know her?"
Bao Uyen replied, "Miss Thu is an old acquaintance of mine here."
"The owner is a friend of my father, so I eat here quite often."
Van Thien nodded.
"That's good then."
"Knowing you have someone like her around makes me worry a bit less."
Bao Uyen pouted at him.
"What do you mean by that? Does having her around mean you don't need to care about me anymore?"
Van Thien froze.
"No... I will always care about you."
Bao Uyen stared at him intensely.
"Are you serious...?"
Van Thien nodded repeatedly.
Seeing his reaction, Bao Uyen turned her head away, a soft smile spreading across her lips.
"...Well, that's acceptable."
After a short while, Miss Thu brought out the 7-course set.
"Alright, the horseshoe crab set is fully served! Eat up while it's hot!"
Bao Uyen quickly interjected, "Got it, Sis. You can go back inside now."
Miss Thu gasped in mock shock.
"Wow, look at you! You land a handsome guy and now you're kicking me out, huh?"
"I didn't mean it like that!"
Seeing her so flustered, Miss Thu couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Just kidding! I have a ton of work waiting for me anyway. Enjoy your meal, you two!"
Before walking away, she looked over at Van Thien.
"Make sure you take good care of Uyen for me, alright? She looks tough but she cries easily. Be gentle when you comfort her, you hear me?"
Bao Uyen's face burned crimson again.
"Miss Thu!"
Miss Thu chuckled and hurried back into the kitchen.
Bao Uyen looked at Van Thien, her face still red.
"Don't mind what she just said. She was just teasing us. Don't believe her."
Van Thien only offered a gentle smile. The two of them then began to enjoy their meal.
But as they started to eat, the surface of the water in the glass suddenly vibrated.
Van Thien froze.
"…Is it the wind…?"
But outside, the air was dead still. Far out on the river, the distant sound of a drum echoed ever so faintly, and a strange wind swept through the door.