Dai Chengfeng watched Zhu Zhuqing's retreating figure disappear into the distance…
For a moment, it seemed as if all the sunlight on the training ground had gathered around her—the proud, elegant silhouette wrapped in black training attire tracing a graceful arc through the play of light and shadow.
His heart beat just a little faster.
"Zhuqing…"
He murmured her name under his breath, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"I'll need to make some preparations…"
After a long pause, he turned and strode out of the courtyard, heading straight for the most bustling commercial district in Spirit City.
The afternoon streets teemed with people; vendors' cries rose and fell like waves. But Dai Chengfeng paid no attention to the scenery—he walked directly toward a jewelry shop called "Liu Guang Pavilion."
It was the finest jewelry store in Spirit City, catering exclusively to soul masters and nobility.
Inside, the decor was refined and elegant. Display cases gleamed with an array of exquisite gems and ornaments, all shimmering under the soft glow of soul-guided lamps.
"Welcome, honored guest," greeted the shopkeeper—an elegant middle-aged man—who hurried forward as soon as Dai Chengfeng entered.
"I'd like to see necklaces," Dai Chengfeng said. "A black cat design. To match this pair."
He pulled a small brocade box from his inner robe and opened it, revealing the sketch of the black cat earrings he'd previously given Zhu Zhuqing.
The shopkeeper nodded, taking the box with both hands and examining it carefully.
"I'd like a matching necklace—today, if possible," Dai Chengfeng added.
The shopkeeper frowned. "Today? A piece of this craftsmanship usually takes at least three days…"
"I'll pay triple the price," Dai Chengfeng said without hesitation.
"But…"
"Five times."
The shopkeeper hesitated, then finally nodded. "Please wait in our private lounge. I'll find our best artisan immediately."
He paused. "May I ask if you have any special requests?"
Dai Chengfeng thought for a moment. "The pendant should be small and delicate—suitable for daily wear. The chain must be strong, resistant to breaking. She trains and fights often."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
The shopkeeper tucked away the earring sketch and hurried toward the back workshop.
Dai Chengfeng sat in the private lounge. A maid served him tea and pastries, but he had no appetite.
Outside, sunlight crept across the floor, shifting from afternoon gold to evening amber. Time passed slowly in quiet anticipation.
His mind drifted—between Zhu Zhuqing's cool expression, the image of her wearing the necklace, and what tonight might bring—a quiet excitement stirring in his chest.
After what felt like hours, the shopkeeper finally returned, holding a delicate black velvet box. Beads of sweat dotted his brow, yet pride shone in his eyes.
"We've done it, honored guest. Please take a look."
Dai Chengfeng took the box and opened it gently.
Inside, nestled against black silk, lay a stunning necklace.
The chain was woven from fine silver links, gleaming with soft luster. The pendant was a miniature black cat—its form identical to the earrings, yet more slender and graceful.
Its eyes were crafted from deep violet Dark Shadow Stones, glinting mysteriously under the light as if alive.
Dai Chengfeng lifted the necklace. It felt smooth and warm to the touch—lightweight yet sturdy. The pendant was no larger than a fingernail: exquisite, understated, perfect for everyday wear.
"Perfect," he said sincerely.
"We're glad you're pleased," the shopkeeper replied with a smile. "Our master craftsman is the best we have. He trained in the Royal Workshop of Xing Luo Empire in his youth. When he saw the earring design, he insisted on making the matching necklace himself—he said a flawless piece shouldn't suffer even the slightest imperfection."
Dai Chengfeng paid without hesitation, then carefully tucked the necklace box into his inner robe before leaving Liu Guang Pavilion.
Dusk had fallen. The setting sun bathed Spirit City in golden light.
On his way back to the Spirit Hall, Dai Chengfeng's mood was entirely different from when he'd left—his steps light, almost buoyant.
At dinner, he ate unusually little, pushing his plate aside after only a few bites.
Zhu Hongxiu asked if something was wrong.
Dai Chengfeng only shook his head. "Just not hungry today."
Back in his courtyard, he bathed and changed, deliberately selecting a dark silver robe that accentuated his height and bearing while maintaining solemn elegance.
"One should dress properly when visiting one's fiancée," he murmured to himself.
Night had fully descended. Soul-guided lanterns cast a gentle glow throughout the Spirit Hall grounds.
With the small velvet box tucked securely against his chest, Dai Chengfeng stepped out of his courtyard and made his way toward Zhu Zhuqing's residence.
Her quarters were in a quiet corner of the compound, surrounded by a small grove of slender bamboo that rustled softly in the evening breeze.
At the courtyard gate, Dai Chengfeng took a deep breath and knocked lightly.
After a moment, soft footsteps approached from within. The door opened.
Zhu Zhuqing stood in the doorway. She'd changed out of her training clothes and now wore a deep violet gown, its hem swaying gently. Her long hair flowed loose down her back, shimmering softly in the moonlight.
She'd applied subtle makeup, softening her usual sharp features. Only a faint trace of nervousness lingered in her eyes.
"You're here," she said, her voice softer than usual.
Dai Chengfeng looked at her—and for a moment, forgot how to speak.
He'd seen Zhu Zhuqing in battle—fierce and precise. He'd seen her in training—focused and disciplined. He'd glimpsed her rare, fleeting smiles.
But never like this—so tender, so luminous.
The deep violet dress made her skin appear even fairer. The harsh lines of her brows and eyes had been softened by the lamplight, transforming her into a night-blooming violet—quiet, elegant, intoxicating.
"Aren't you going to invite me in?"
He finally found his voice, lips curving upward.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped aside. Dai Chengfeng entered and closed the gate behind him.
Moonlight spilled over the courtyard's stone path, casting a silvery sheen. Bamboo leaves whispered in the wind. Everything was peaceful, perfect.
Inside, the room was simple and tasteful—just like Zhu Zhuqing herself.
A soul-guided lamp glowed on the table, filling the space with warm light. The air carried a faint, familiar fragrance—her signature incense.
"Sit."
She gestured to a chair, then stood by the table herself, fingers twisting together unconsciously—betraying her tension.
Dai Chengfeng didn't sit. Instead, he walked to her, pulled the black velvet box from his robe, and placed it gently on the table before her.
"This is for you."
Zhu Zhuqing looked from the box to his face, confusion flickering in her eyes. "A gift?"
"Open it," he said softly.
Hesitating for just a moment, she picked up the box and lifted the lid.
When she saw the necklace resting inside, her eyes widened slightly. Carefully, she lifted it—the black cat pendant swaying gently between her fingers, its violet eyes sparkling with captured light.
"This… matches the earrings," she whispered, voice tinged with quiet delight.
"You said the earrings were hard to wear," Dai Chengfeng replied gently. "I thought a necklace would be easier."
"Do you like it?"
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