The one who leaped into Zeke's arms was Kiana, and her only covering—a bath towel—slipped off amidst the sudden movement, leaving her bare against Zeke's chest.
The sensation was indescribably exquisite.
Yet Zeke's expression froze.
"You..."
"Don't talk! You humans always have these convoluted explanations; I can never win against you. Regardless of resemblances or another Kiana...just let me hold you for a moment... I think I now understand what it means to like someone. But, you won't stay with me, will you?" Kiana smiled, her face pressed against Zeke's shoulder as she took a deep breath.
Zeke felt droplets falling from Kiana's face onto his body. In that instant, he became completely rigid.
After all, this was still Kiana, naked and shedding tears. Ultimately, he didn't push her away.
'Sigh, just this once...'
Zeke sighed inwardly, allowing Kiana to embrace him tighter.
Unnoticed amidst their close proximity, Fu Hua held a small sake pot, cracks gradually forming where her hand gripped it tightly.
"Crack!"
"Hmm?"
Zeke turned, quietly observing Fu Hua.
"It's nothing. The sake pot is low quality anyway; there wasn't much left inside. Don't look at me, this is your romantic entanglement—deal with it yourself, oh-ho~"
Fu Hua smiled faintly, her lips curving into a perfect crescent moon shape, eyes shimmering gently like clear jade waves, devoid of any hint of disturbance.
Moments later, Fu Hua stood up, picked up the unconscious Senti floating nearby, turned around, and departed from the bath area without a word.
Fu Hua carried Senti on her back towards their sleeping quarters, silent along the way.
Suddenly, Senti nudged Fu Hua's shoulder with his chin and gently bumped heads with her, asking,
"Old Antique, you seem upset?"
"...No."
"I can tell; don't try to hide it from me. What's wrong? Tell me what's bothering you, maybe I can help!"
"Sigh... It's just that we're nearly ready to leave, and after spending some time here, it feels a bit hard to let go."
Fu Hua chuckled softly, her gentle laughter drifting pleasantly through the wind.
Senti, naturally trusting Fu Hua's explanation, furrowed her delicate brows, shaking her head with concern. She replied,
"I'm afraid there isn't much I can do about that. However, we could have Zeke give us coordinates or something. Once our affairs in our world are settled, we might be able to come back for a visit later—shouldn't be a problem."
"You're right. By the way, does your bump still hurt? Was pranking Zeke quite a painful lesson?"
Fu Hua gently nudged Senti's head, smiling as she asked,
Senti puffed up her cheeks and huffed.
"Old Antique, you've turned mischievous! Wait, I guess you've always been like this. Whenever I get the short end of the stick with Zeke, you always side with him and mock me! We're supposed to be on the same team!"
"Have I really?"
"Of course! It's outrageous!"
"Well, let's say I have then. By the way, would you like some late-night snacks? I'm feeling inclined for a drink, so why not prepare something for you too?"
"Yes, yes! I want... hmm, seems like you're quite skilled at cooking, Old Antique. Never mind, surprise me; just make it tasty."
"No problem. Wait for me at our usual pavilion while I whip something up." Fu Hua lightly tapped Senti's bottom and released her hold.
With a leap, Senti bounded away joyfully, calling out:
"Wahoo~ Time for midnight munchies!"
Watching the girl hop and skip under the moonlight, Fu Hua shook her head, chuckling softly before heading towards the imperial kitchens.
True to her word, it was indeed a late-night feast. After gorging herself, Senti slumped over on the table and quickly drifted off into sleep.
She always acted this carefree, enviable as it may seem.
With a wave of Fu Hua's hand, a burst of energy gently carried the lightly dressed Senti back to her sleeping quarters.
Fu Hua then draped a long white robe over her own thin azure silk garments—similar to what she wore at the hot spring bath, akin to an ancient-style bikini—and made her way to the pavilion. Leaning against a stone pillar, she gazed up at the moon with a distant look in her eyes.
Holding a small wine jug, Fu Hua lifted it to her lips, letting the fiery liquid flow down her throat.
'What is happening to me?'
Pressing a hand against her chest, Fu Hua felt a strange emotion stirring within her, her thoughts drifting away.
She recalled her first meeting with Zeke.
The desolate Taixuan Mountain, herself akin to a walking corpse, the aloof yet proud young boy, and the lively innocent girl—in those days, both Zeke and Kiana were still small children. Then, through a mix of persuasion and trickery, she was led down from the mountain, acquiring new students and disciples along the way.
Later, Zeke brought the Book of Fuxi back into Fu Hua's life.
In essence, it marked the true return of Fu Hua's heart from the land of eternal silence to the world of the living.
As time passed, Fu Hua gradually forgot the solitude and determination she had once felt while guarding Shenzhou alone. Somewhere along the way, she placed all her hopes on Zeke, no longer worrying about the future but simply awaiting his guidance and following in his footsteps.
Initially, she thought she was merely choosing a new leader for civilization.
But how could she explain these feelings now?
"Gurgle~ Gurgle~ Gurgle~~"
Draining the pot of wine, a fiery sensation spread within her abdomen.
Fu Hua sighed deeply.
Whether as a Fusion Warrior or possessing a body of Soul Steel, intoxication did not come easily. Yet despite finishing off a whole pot of strong liquor without any effect, Fu Hua wished she could be drunk at this moment.
"What's on your mind?"
A familiar voice echoed from behind Fu Hua. She paused momentarily before turning with a smile as pure and lovely as peach blossoms.
"Just felt like having a sip. So, how did your romantic entanglements fare?"
"...They later expressed their desire to fight for their own world and contribute to our final battle. I believe this could indeed be a valuable support. As the Anchor Point of this realm, I can manipulate time somewhat, potentially granting them about a thousand years for development. With a millennium at hand and gradual restoration of vital elements, the limits of life and energy will significantly increase. They might then cultivate a formidable fighting force."
Zeke didn't intend to elaborate on his farewell with Kiana and the others. He sensed there would likely be no further significant progress in their relationship, deeming it unnecessary to provide details.
Fu Hua raised her delicate eyebrows slightly, adjusting the white robe draped over her shoulders. Instead of teasing Zeke further, she pondered aloud, "A thousand years... sounds promising. The issue is they don't possess extraordinary physiques or advanced cultivation levels; I fear they may not endure the passage of time. In that case, is forming a substantial combat force truly feasible?"
"Using scraps from the Anchor Point prototype, I can create something akin to a wishing machine for them. From there, their development will depend on their own efforts. With determination, enduring a thousand years and cultivating sufficient strength to join the battle might be possible. Of course, we shouldn't rely too heavily on this; victory ultimately hinges on our capabilities."
"Well, as expected, you've thought of everything. But now I'm curious—should they indeed persevere for a millennium and still wish to be with you... would you relent?"
Fu Hua gazed at Zeke with a warm smile.
Zeke rubbed his chin, pondered briefly, then shook his head.
"I can unequivocally say that Kiana, Bronya, and Sin belong to me. However, it's already enough as is. Taking care of these three is challenging enough; others need not apply. I simply don't have the time or affection to spare, nor can I attend to everyone."
This time, Fu Hua couldn't resist clenching her grip around the wine jug again, but she carefully controlled her strength, avoiding any shattering sounds or breakages.
Smiling, Fu Hua said, "Don't speak so definitively. Before the final battle, you may lack the time and energy, but afterward, who knows? You might find yourself with ample time to address those issues!"
"...Are you unusually gossip-prone tonight?"
"Maybe so? You see, I've been drinking; perhaps I'm already tipsy?"
"Spare me that act. Just admit you're looking for some amusement. Don't mimic Senti's mischievousness!" Zeke rolled his eyes and gently flicked Fu Hua on the forehead.
Then he turned around.
"Get some rest soon. Over this period, you've borne the primary pressure of maintaining the energy array, which must be exhausting. See you tomorrow."
With these words, Zeke gradually walked away.
Left alone, Fu Hua touched her forehead, momentarily silent as a gentle and relieved smile slowly appeared in her eyes.
"Bossy, brutish, truly insufferable..."
"Kiana, Bronya, and Sin..."
"Yes, they are my students after all..."
"How could...I entertain such thoughts..." Fu Hua pursed her lips, started to leave, leaving behind a lingering, drawn-out sigh in the wind. Complete silence ensued, with no figures or voices under the pristine moonlight.