Night had deepened over Jade River City, wrapping its rooftops and glowing towers in a velvet hush. Lanterns still burnt in the distance, but most of the cultivators had settled down for the night.
The faint hum of spiritual energy lingered in the air as Shi Tian made his way through the quiet corridor of the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, his steps soft against the polished floor.
He opened the door to their suite and stepped inside.
The room was dim, lit only by a pair of low spirit lamps, casting warm golden hues across the floor and walls. The scent of magnolia blossoms lingered from the incense, calm and faintly sweet.
And then he saw her.
Shen Xiaoli sat cross-legged on the spiritual bed, her body wrapped in faint blue light. Snow-like mist hovered around her form, drawn in gently with each breath.
Her eyes opened slightly as she sensed his presence.
"You're back," she said, her voice serene, as steady as her breathing.
He nodded. "Mhm. The city is bigger than I thought. Lots of trade, lots of cultivators. But nothing dangerous. By the way, I found our location; we teleported a little far away from home. If we want to return, it might take some time, days. But I have informed Mother to reduce her concern."
"Oh!"
"I think we take a day to rest and look for a fast way to reach home." Shi Tian pondered and said.
Shen Xiaoli also thought for a moment and replied, "Okay, anyway, I've started replacing my old cultivation technique with the one left behind in the Empress Yao's Inheritance. It's going to take time to adjust."
"Is it going well?" he asked, moving quietly across the room.
"Yes. This one suits my body far better. I can feel it syncing with my meridians already. The frost essence flows more naturally now."
"Good, you can practise in peace; I will gather more information tomorrow!" Shi Tian said.
"Thank you!" Shen Xiaoli replied with a rare soft smile. After that, she closed her eyes and focused on the cultivation.
Her silver-blue hair shimmered under the spirit lamp's light, draping down her back like a cascade of moonlight. Her robe, though modest, clung softly to her frame, made slightly damp by the exertion of internal circulation.
Shi Tian watched her for a moment, silently appreciating the elegance of her figure—the discipline etched into her posture, the serene grace she always carried.
And then, he turned away.
He didn't want to disturb her cultivation. She was focused—serious.
Even if a small part of him ached to tease her…
He moved silently to his side of the room and sat on the edge of his bed.
His body ached a little. Tension from the last few days lingered in his bones—battles, travelling, the secret realm, that crazy phoenix trial. He lay back slowly, adjusting the thin blanket over him.
And then his thoughts wandered.
Despite himself.
She was just a few feet away.
If he turned his head slightly, he could see her outline. The slope of her back. The elegant nape of her neck. Her posture was perfect—like a carved snow sculpture.
Shi Tian shut his eyes.
Don't think anything weird. She's cultivating. Be decent.
But her scent drifted over—cold and faintly sweet, like snow melting on plum petals. His heartbeat slowed, but not in the way it should have. His body relaxed, but his mind did not.
He turned to the side, facing the wall, gripping the edge of his blanket.
And still, part of him imagined the night scene of the caves in the secret realm where they slept on the same bed. Although he wanted to make a move on her, it was too early.
After a while, the cold air in the room felt less like chill and more like comfort. Her presence was serene. Even without words, it grounded him.
And so, somewhere between wild thoughts and soft breathing…
He drifted into sleep.
Shen Xiaoli, still seated, slowly opened her eyes moments later.
She glanced at him—now curled under his blanket, his back facing her, chest rising and falling steadily.
A strange warmth fluttered in her chest. Because of him, she was alive right now; he risked his life to save her. Though she would also do the same.
Her lips pressed into a soft, unreadable line.
Then she closed her eyes and resumed her cultivation.
....
Morning came quietly...
Soft sunlight filtered through carved window panels, spilling across the floor in fractured beams.
Shi Tian blinked awake, his lashes fluttering as his body adjusted to the faint chill of the room.
The silk blanket was wrapped around his waist, twisted from a night of tossing between half-dreams and self-restraint.
He sat up slowly, rubbing his temple.
He turned to look at Shen Xiaoli, who was still sitting with closed eyes on the bed, meditating; a chilly aura was continuously emanating from her body.
"She is taking longer than I expected." Shi Tian said inwardly. Without disturbing her, he went to the bathroom to freshen up.
As he came out of the bathroom, he saw Shen Xiaoli's closed eyes were open now.
"Sister Xiaoli, have you finished switching your cultivation technique?" Shi Tian asked curiously.
"Almost." Shen Xiaoli replied. She stood up off the bed. "The cultivation technique of Empress Yao is much more profound than I imagined. But it is very strong too. Just switching the technique, I can feel my cultivation speed has increased."
"Good. As expected from an ancient strong expert." Shi Tian replied happily.
"Hmm, by the way, did you buy the map of the surrounding region? We should prepare maps before the return journey." Shen Xiaoli asked.
"I forgot; don't worry; I will go out and buy it today." Shi Tian said.
"Hmm. We can leave after I finish my cultivation; my strength will increase again. Add more security." Shen Xiaoli spoke.
"Want to have breakfast first?" Shi Tian asked.
"Okay!"
Shi Tian came downstairs to order some meals for breakfast.
The ground hall of the inn was a restaurant; many people were sitting in the hall, chatting, whispering to each other.
"Hey, have you heard about the auction?"
"Auction?"
"Are you talking about the Jade Treasure Pavilion's auction?"
"I heard about it; everyone is talking about the auction. It will be a grand event; many influential people are coming this time to join the auction."
Shi Tian overheard the conversation between men.