Time always seemed to enjoy playing hide and seek. It slipped away quietly when no one noticed. The trees in the alleys grew slowly in forgotten corners, becoming lush and full.
A warm breeze passed by, spreading the news of early summer. The cicadas in the trees buzzed in response. Xyliana stood watching the trees on Mount Qinghua grow fuller day by day.
The thick layers of branches blocked out the blazing sun, casting dappled shadows on the ground. She had searched the mountain for more than half a month but still hadn't found the whereabouts of Mist Valley. "Looks like Mr. Wu was right… Mist Valley has no fixed place…" Xyliana muttered with a downcast expression.
Countless beastfolk had come here over the years and returned empty-handed. If she found it easily, that would be strange. Thinking about Yavin's throat, her heart sank.
That man always seemed clumsy and distracted, like nothing could trouble him. But Xyliana knew he only acted that way so she wouldn't worry. "This man…" She looked around at the lively street and shook her head helplessly.
The sun was blazing overhead. The sound of cicadas echoed nearby. The scent of food from the restaurant drifted through the air.
Her stomach growled in protest. Xyliana pushed aside her thoughts and headed home. She wondered what Yavin would cook that day.
Thinking about it made her pick up her pace without realizing it.
Inside a certain palace hall.
"What?! You said he ran away?!" A sharp female voice came from within, filled with uncontrollable anger and madness.
She swept everything off the desk. A loud crashing noise echoed in the hall. Everyone in the room knelt down and dared not speak.
"Yes, news came from Ju City that the people taken from Zeyu Village had all returned, and it's been some time already. But for some reason, the news was suppressed. After careful investigation, it seems that man didn't return. His life or death is unknown."
The speaker reported cautiously, afraid that one wrong word would anger her again. "What a pity. Such a perfect chance, and he still got away." She slammed the desk, clenched her fists, veins bulging, the joints of her hands cracking loudly.
"He'd better be dead. If not…" Her once delicate face now twisted in rage. A trace of killing intent flickered in her eyes.
Her bloodshot eyes looked ghostly. Her face turned cold and eerie. Then she forced herself to calm down and waved a hand.
"Forget it. Leave for now. Keep digging quietly."
"And remember, keep your mouths shut. Don't let it spread…" The subordinate's heart tightened. A chill ran through his body as he quickly replied.
"Yes! I will remember!" Then he left in a hurry, almost stumbling. "If he's still alive, I'll need to come up with another plan."
"I can't let him live in this world." Outside, the sunlight shone brightly, casting a golden glow on the splendid palace. It lit up the tiled courtyard like a sheet of golden silk.
Though the weather was beautiful, the hall remained cold and gloomy, like a different world.
The next day
A faint light broke through the dawn mist in the sky. In the courtyard, Xyliana finished packing. She bent down to pick up the bamboo basket, ready to leave.
A pair of long, fair hands suddenly appeared in front of her. Without a word, they took the basket from her and carried it, leaving no room for refusal. "Yavin?"
Xyliana looked at the person in confusion. That clean and handsome face smiled brightly. His beautiful eyes curved as he smiled at her.
"I… go… with you…" Yavin gestured as he spoke. "But your leg…" Xyliana looked at him worriedly.
Although he had been resting for over half a month, such injuries usually needed more time to heal. Yavin noticed the concern in her eyes and raised one leg. He lifted and set it down again in front of her, then stomped it on the ground.
Worried she might not believe him, Yavin started pacing around the courtyard, jumping clumsily as he went. His awkward movements looked silly, especially paired with his beautiful face, making the scene feel strange. Xyliana was stunned for a moment by his silly act, then burst out laughing.
"Alright, alright, I get it. Your leg is better." She guessed that beastfolk bodies must be different in this world. Even bone and tendon injuries healed so fast here.
Xyliana thought about it silently. Seeing how hopeful Yavin looked, she figured a patient could use some gentle exercise too.
Xyliana's brows curved gently as a bright smile spread across her face. The corners of her mouth lifted as she said with a smile, "Alright, then you can come with me tomorrow. A bit of sunshine and exercise will help your recovery."
A warm smile surfaced in her tea-colored eyes. Her slightly upturned peach blossom eyes glistened with moisture. The sunlight of early morning was reflected in her eyes, glittering and beautiful.
He nodded with effort, and the eager look on his face made him seem awkwardly cute. It really didn't match his refined and captivating appearance. The morning breeze slowly passed by, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees.
The newly risen sun pierced through the clouds and cast down a bit of light. The two of them walked together toward Qinghua Mountain. At some point, the sun had already reached its peak.
The scorching sun hung overhead as the two of them sat under the shade, eating snacks they had brought from home. The soft and sweet pastries melted in their mouths, and the sugary aroma soothed their tired bodies. Only now did Xyliana feel a bit more comfortable.
Looking at the basket full of things beside her, she said, "We gathered a lot today, but still didn't find..." As she spoke, her voice gradually faded. A trace of sadness crept onto her brows.
If they couldn't find it, Xyliana couldn't help falling into deep thought. A delicate bunny-shaped pastry was suddenly handed to her, looking incredibly cute. "What's this?"
Pale fingers, smooth as jade, pushed the pastry closer. Yavin's eyes curved with a gentle smile, tea-colored eyes warm. She reached out to take the pastry.
It was small and intricately made, showing how much care had gone into it. "Yavin, did you make this?" Xyliana turned her head in surprise, her eyes wide open.
Hearing this, Yavin nodded. A soft and gentle light rested between his brows, and his smile deepened. The joy deep in his eyes was like delicate feathers, floating lightly.
As if a mysterious warmth quietly drifted into one's heart. As they walked along the mountain path, the sound of cicadas chirping reached their ears. The early summer sunlight passed through the dense treetops, falling in scattered patches on the ground below.
"Yavin, let's search a bit longer and go home later, okay?" The person beside her nodded softly. The warmth in his eyes showed that no matter what Xyliana said, he would agree.
The two of them kept searching like that, unknowingly heading deeper into the mountain. As they passed through a bamboo grove, it seemed a flicker of gold passed through the air.
Bright and fleeting, disappearing in an instant. But Xyliana and Yavin, still walking forward, didn't notice that the scenery around them was changing. As they walked, Xyliana suddenly heard the sound of running water coming from deep in the forest ahead.
"Yavin, I hear water up ahead. There's probably a stream. Let's go and get some water."
Xyliana spoke happily and patted herself down, only then remembering that the water pouch was in the basket. "Yavin, give me the water pouch. I'll go fill it up."
As Xyliana spoke, she turned around. But behind her was completely empty. Everywhere she looked, there were only tall trees and thick bushes.
Yavin was nowhere in sight. Panic rose in her heart, and Xyliana called out anxiously, "Yavin! Yavin! Can you hear me?"
"Yavin!" She searched nearby for quite some time, but there was still no sign of him. This place felt so strange.
A trace of fear crept into her heart. Xyliana couldn't help feeling afraid. But right now, all she could do was pull herself together and keep searching deeper in.
"Yavin! Can you hear me?" "Yavin! Where are you..." Clear stream water flowed through the forest.
The pebbles beneath the water sparkled under the sunlight. Sitting on a rock by the stream, she scooped some water to drink. The cool stream water eased her dry throat a little.
Xyliana sat in confusion, thinking to herself. If Yavin had lost track of her too, he should be waiting at the foot of the mountain. They had agreed that if they got separated, they would meet at the bottom.
He was a grown man. He should be fine. Xyliana comforted herself quietly.
She had to hurry to the foot of the mountain now. Maybe Yavin was already there waiting for her. After a short rest, once her fatigue faded, Xyliana stood up, ready to leave.
Suddenly, her eyes flickered. In the distance, a flash of bright red light appeared in her sight.