The valley below shimmered under the early morning sun, the dew catching the light like scattered diamonds. Hao Zan stood at the edge of the cliff, the wind teasing his hair and robes, yet he felt completely grounded. The chaos of the outside world, the schemes of mid-level villains, and the lurking dangers—they felt distant here, replaced by the quiet hum of nature.
Xue Jiying approached him, her steps light but confident, a small smile playing on her lips. "Do you always have to stand like a statue when you're about to depart?" she teased, brushing a lock of hair from her face. Her laughter carried softly across the valley, as if the world itself had paused to listen.
Hao Zan's gaze softened. "Few can claim certainty in a world so unpredictable," he murmured, his voice low yet resonant. "But in moments like these… I have you by my side, and that steadies everything else."
She tilted her head, studying him with playful curiosity. "Is there… anyone you fear, Hao Zan? Anyone at all?" Her voice was gentle, yet carried an edge of earnest concern.
Hao Zan chuckled softly, the sound warm and unafraid. "No one… not a single soul. Except you… and my wives."
Her smile widened, tinged with both relief and affection. "I see… that explains why you can be so fearless out there, yet so tender here."
A comfortable silence fell between them, the kind that spoke louder than words. Birds chirped, and somewhere in the distance, the soft rush of water could be heard. It was a fleeting moment of serenity, a calm before the inevitable storm of their paths ahead.
Xue Jiying's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I prefer reckless," she said, leaning closer. "But careful… especially with men like those."
Hao Zan reached out, taking her hand in his. His touch was firm yet tender. "I will always be careful with you. With all of you," he added softly, thinking of his wives and the family they were yet to create. "Everything else… the world, the enemies, the schemes… they are nothing compared to what I hold here."
Their hands intertwined, and Hao Zan drew her closer. The warmth of her body pressed against his, and he could feel her steady heartbeat, quickened just slightly by the intensity of the moment. He whispered, "This isn't goodbye. I promise. We will meet again, no matter where the tides of fate carry us."
Xue Jiying chuckled lightly, resting her forehead against his. "You make it sound like I need such promises."
"You do," Hao Zan replied, his voice unwavering. "Because even someone like me, who fears nothing, has a place of vulnerability. And that place… it's with you."
She laughed softly, warmth flooding her eyes. "Then I will be your weakness, if only for a while."
They kissed again, longer this time, tender at first, then deepening naturally. The world around them disappeared, replaced by the silent rhythm of shared breaths and racing hearts. Minute after minute, they moved together, their lips and hands communicating what words could never fully capture.
As the kiss drew out, Hao Zan pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. "Thirty minutes," he murmured with a teasing grin, "and still, I am not ready to let go."
Xue Jiying laughed, brushing his chest lightly. "Do you even know what time it is?"
"I do," he replied softly. "And it doesn't matter. Time exists for everyone else. For us… it bends."
They leaned back into each other, holding hands and speaking in whispers that were half-teasing, half-confession. She admitted her worries about the dangers ahead, and he reassured her of his plans, his strategies, and his unwavering dedication to keeping them all safe. Each word carried weight, love, and unspoken promises.
"You know," Xue Jiying said after a pause, "I never thought a man could make me feel so… protected, yet still allow me freedom to fight my own battles."
Hao Zan's lips curved into a soft smile. "That is because my fear belongs only to my wives and my family. The world can throw everything at me, but my heart… it belongs to you all. And you," he added, squeezing her hand, "are at the center of it."
The two remained in each other's embrace, talking about trivialities and dreams, sharing quiet laughter, and making small promises of reunion. Every minute felt sacred, a precious memory etched into eternity. They spoke of the lands they would explore, the treasures they would uncover, and the future they would build—together.
Finally, as the sun climbed higher, Hao Zan reluctantly released her hands. "We should go," he said gently, though his heart protested.
Xue Jiying nodded, her smile soft but unwavering. "Yes, but remember… the valley will wait for our return, as will I."
He brushed her hair back once more, leaning in for a final tender kiss, sealing the moment. "Always," he whispered.
As they parted and began their separate paths, Hao Zan's thoughts lingered on her. Even amidst the chaos, the mid-level villains, and the perilous adventures ahead, he felt invincible—not because of his power, but because of the love and strength that bound his family together.
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