Today had been quite eventful within the Heavenly Flame Dragon Clan, and Yun Tian thought it the perfect time to take a walk through the narrow lanes of the Hao district hoping to reunite with his childhood companion, Li Hua (beautiful flower) Over his head, a dainty green parasol shielded him from the sunlight and was held by the loyal male servant walking beside him. flanking his left and right were two hulking men dressed in brown garments that resembled shaggy robes. Yet any seasoned eye would recognize them as level 2 beast battle armor made from the hide of a high-grade Demon Beast.
"Brother Tian."
Came a sweet, melodious voice from behind him. Yun Tian paused mid-step and turned, his face lighting up in surprised delight as he spotted the graceful young girl approaching. She had sparkling green eyes, gently blushed cheeks, and a strikingly lovely face. There was a youthful glow around her that complimented the noble cyan robes she wore. Seeing her made Yun Tian beam with joy and amusement she was the very person he had set out to visit, and he hadn't laid eyes on her in four long years due to training and other pressing matters.
Huh!
Yun Tian exclaimed to himself in shock as Li Hua came closer. Her Transformation since their last meeting was stunning. She had grown far more beautiful, almost four times so, and signs of womanhood had begun to show, leaving Yun Tian completely enchanted by her radiant appearance.
Without hesitation, Li Hua embraced Yun Tian tightly, wrapping her arms around him and pressing his hand to her chest, unknowingly placing it far too close to her now maturing bust. Yun Tian understood this gesture came from pure innocence, but he also realized he needed to gently make her see that it was no longer appropriate.
"Um, Li Hua, I think we're too old to be holding each other like this… it's, uh, a bit improper."
Yun Tian said nervously, sweat forming along his forehead as he tried to maintain a stern look. But when his gaze met Li Hua's large, innocent eyes filled with affection and confusion, his composure began to falter, and a warmth spread through his chest.
"Hump! So that's all you can say after four years apart? Who cares if I hold you this way! In fact, I'll hug you even tighter."
At this, Yun Tian was left speechless and attempted to gently break free. He was mature enough now to understand that there needed to be limits between a boy and a girl their age especially since they were in a public place.
"Little Hua, I said stop it right now."
He said more firmly, pulling his hand away, silently offering thanks to the heavens for delivering him.
"Hump! I told you not to call me that anymore. I'm a grown woman now!"
Li Hua said with a pout, stomping her foot and turning her back to him.
"Ha, ha…! Well, as far as I'm concerned, I'm taller than you, so you'll always be my little Hua."
Yun Tian laughed softly, reaching out to pat her head, causing her cheeks to flush before she turned to walk away in a huff. Yun Tian trailed behind, chuckling quietly the whole time.
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LI HUA'S FAMILY OUTER RESIDENCE
Yun Tian and Li Hua now sat on wooden stools facing each other across a circular table placed within a well-designed courtyard. Yun Tian calmly sipped his tea, clearly enjoying its warmth and flavor, while Li Hua merely swirled hers around, seemingly lost in thought.
"Li Hua, is something bothering you?"
Yun Tian asked, his brows furrowed with concern as he gently placed his cup down.
"Brother Yun, is it true?"
Li Hua responded blankly, her tone distant, as she stared intently into his eyes. Her serious gaze sent a strange, unsettling feeling down Yun Tian's spine.
"What is?"
He replied cautiously.
"Are you really getting married?"
Her words came out sharp and direct, and Yun Tian immediately looked down at his teacup, suddenly anxious. His voice was quiet as he answered.
"Yes… it's true."
As soon as he said it, Li Hua's eyes dimmed, and a wave of disappointment flashed on her face but it vanished just as quickly, replaced by her usual gentle and composed expression. Yun Tian, still staring at his cup, completely missed the change in her demeanor.
"I want to go to the gardens!"
Li Hua suddenly announced with a cheerful smile as she stood up, gesturing for Yun Tian to join her. He didn't hesitate. That garden had been their favorite place as children. The two walked side by side in silence for a few minutes until they reached the familiar scene lush purple flowers, tall ancient trees, and their cherished tranquility. Quietly, they wandered deeper in, saying nothing. Then, Li Hua gently slipped her hand into Yun Tian's, holding it snugly as they neared a flowing waterfall. Golden fish leaped intermittently from the clear waters.
Soon, they were seated on a soft patch of grass beneath them, gazing at the sky above an endless blue sky without even a single bird flying through it.
"Brother Tian, will marrying someone else change how you feel about me?"
Li Hua asked softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. Yun Tian finally began to grasp what was truly happening.
"Of course not, Hua. You're like a little sister to me. Hey, look the fish are jumping again."
He said, quickly trying to change the subject while emphasizing his true feelings about their bond. Unexpectedly, Li Hua didn't argue. She simply turned her focus back to the waterfall, her face still glowing but her expression faintly melancholic.
"I wish you happiness."
She whispered shakily, and Yun Tian felt a deep ache in his heart. Yet, as a man, he knew it was his responsibility to clarify things before emotions grew out of hand and spiraled into something worse.
Time flew as both sat in front of the water full, giving the scene a gracious close.