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Qi Yuan glanced at the slender figure of Yan Ruyan and spoke calmly, "Let's go."
Without waiting for a response, he took the lead and flew ahead. Yan Ruyan's expression was hard to read, but she followed quietly, her instincts telling her that survival lay in staying close.
Moments later, Qi Yuan arrived at a fog-shrouded area. He scanned the surroundings with his spiritual sense and couldn't help but marvel at Xin Ruyin's formation skills. A layered illusion formation combined with a lethal one — a complex trap that could easily confound Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"Her talent is remarkable," Qi Yuan muttered to himself. If given another decade, Xin Ruyin could likely craft formations that could even trouble Nascent Soul stage cultivators.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he retrieved a sound transmission note, whispered a few words into it, and sent it into the mist.
Yan Ruyan observed the situation curiously. She had noticed several figures lurking nearby — clearly Chen family members keeping watch. Their presence confirmed that this location was under surveillance.
After a moment, the thick fog parted, creating a path.
Qi Yuan was about to step forward when a voice rang out from behind.
"Don't let them in!"
The Chen family disciples, noticing the opening in the formation, seized the opportunity to strike. Gaining favor with their ancestor by ambushing Xin Ruyin was a tempting prize.
Yan Ruyan turned back to face them, her eyes flashing coldly. Frost crept across the air as snow began to fall.
"You want to die?" she muttered.
The Chen family cultivators hesitated. Her power was clear, yet greed outweighed caution for some.
A bald man barked, "Now's our chance! Attack!"
With renewed courage, the group charged forward.
Yan Ruyan's fingers moved through a series of intricate seals, her aura plummeting to an icy chill. Frost coated the ground, air, and trees — a frozen sculpture of deadly beauty.
"Frozen Plains..."
With a downward thrust of her palm, a wave of icy energy erupted outward. The cold spread rapidly, freezing the first attacker solid — his lifeless body encased in glistening ice.
The others panicked, summoning spells and magic tools in a desperate attempt to resist, but the cold was relentless.
Two Foundation Establishment cultivators turned to flee. One of them, a middle-aged man, grabbed his companion and shoved him into the spreading frost.
"Sorry," he muttered, sprinting away.
The icy wave swallowed the man left behind, freezing him where he stood. The surviving cultivator glanced back briefly. His clansmen's shocked stares pierced him like daggers, but he clenched his fists and kept running.
Better their hatred than an early grave.
Yan Ruyan let the deserter go without concern. She had no orders to chase him, and wasting energy seemed pointless.
---
A year later, Qi Yuan reunited with Xin Ruyin. She seemed older now — her once soft features carrying a matured elegance.
Seeing him again overwhelmed her. The burden of her struggles, the constant pressure, and the fear of losing everything finally caught up to her.
"Senior..." Her voice broke as she stumbled forward, throwing herself into his arms. Tears flowed freely, soaking his robes.
Qi Yuan stiffened in surprise. Moments ago, she'd been composed. Now she clung to him, trembling with grief.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly, wrapping his arm around her. His hand rested gently on her back, offering comfort.
Xin Ruyin's sobs shook her slender frame. Memories flooded her mind — Qi Yunxiao's betrayal, the Chen family's siege, and Xiaomei's sacrifice. The weight of it all felt unbearable.
Qi Yuan held her tighter, his hand moving to stroke her hair.
"You're safe now," he murmured. "I'm here."
For the first time in months, Xin Ruyin allowed herself to feel relief. The warmth of his embrace washed away her despair, leaving her vulnerable but comforted.
After some time, she regained her composure and stepped back. Pulling out a camellia-embroidered handkerchief, she wiped her tear-streaked face.
"I'm sorry for acting so shamefully," she said softly.
"It's fine," Qi Yuan assured her. "I came as soon as I received Xiaomei's message. I'm just glad you're safe."
Xin Ruyin's expression darkened. "Xiaomei's condition... it's my fault."
She cast her gaze downward, guilt tightening her chest. "If I hadn't dragged her into this, none of this would've happened."
Qi Yuan took her hand, still holding the embroidered handkerchief. Gently, he wiped the tears she had missed.
"Don't blame yourself," he said firmly. "I'll take care of everything."
Xin Ruyin stared into his eyes, warmth blooming in her chest. His presence — his steady voice — soothed her turmoil.
For a moment, impulse overtook her. She leaned closer, her lips parting slightly...
Footsteps echoed from the doorway.
Startled, both stepped back quickly, composing themselves just as Yan Ruyan entered.
Xin Ruyin's expression hardened with suspicion. "Senior... who is she?"
Qi Yuan glanced at Yan Ruyan and answered smoothly, "This is Bai Yan, my subordinate."
Yan Ruyan shot him a sharp look but remained silent.
Xin Ruyin's gaze lingered on her, unsure whether to believe him.
Meanwhile, Yan Ruyan smirked slightly. Another woman in Qi Yuan's life — how predictable.
(End of this chapter)
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