The evening air was calm, the soft glow of the setting sun painting the academy grounds in golden light. Tang Yuehua stood quietly before the library building, her posture straight, her silver gown-type robe flowing lightly in the breeze. Her hair shimmered in the evening light, and though only eighteen, her intellectual depth and refined composure made her appear far mature beyond her years.
Wang Yan approached slowly, his presence calm yet magnetic. At twenty-eight, his handsome features were striking without exaggeration, exuding quiet strength and confidence. He carried himself with measured steps, his eyes fixed on Yuehua as he drew near.
She noticed him approaching, composed yet slightly tense. Wang Yan's heart stirred — admiration, gratitude, and something deeper he had kept hidden for months.
"Yuehua," Wang Yan began, his voice low and steady, carrying both respect and sincerity, "I… I wanted to thank you for everything over the past year. For your guidance, your patience… and your kindness."
She offered a small, gentle smile. "You don't need to mention it. You've worked hard yourself. I simply helped you find your way."
Wang Yan hesitated, taking a deep breath. "It's more than that. Over this year… I've realized my gratitude isn't the only feeling I have for you."
She looked at him, a mixture of surprise and hesitation crossing her features.
"I care for you, Yuehua," he continued, voice steady but sincere. "I need you to know before I leave."
Yuehua's eyes flickered with emotion. She felt a quiet attachment to him that had grown over the year. Now, as he spoke of leaving soon, her heart felt heavy.
"Oh…" she breathed softly, her voice trembling slightly. Then, gathering her composure, she added, "I… I need to tell you about myself."
Her gaze dropped, a shadow of sadness crossing her face, traces of tears in her eyes. "You already know… my soul power is only level nine. I cannot be a Soul Master. I… I'm just a weak girl. I cannot fight alongside you and..."
Before she could speek, Wang Yan stepped closer, his expression calm, his hands reaching gently to brush away the small traces of tears on her face. His thumb lingered softly on her cheekbones, careful, soothing.
"Even if you cannot fight alongside me," he said softly, "I will protect you. That alone is enough. I don't need anything else."
Yuehua shook her head, swallowing hard. "No, Wang Yan… you don't understand. You only know part of it. My family… they are powerful, yes. One of the top families — the Clear Sky Clan. But with that power comes arrogance, hostility, and high expectations. Around me, you will face people who are dismissive, haughty, and harsh. You will suffer alongside me if you choose to be with me."
Wang Yan listened, his gaze unwavering, his voice gentle. " I don't care about anyone else. I care only about you. None of the rest matters. Tell me… will you be with me?"
Yuehua's lips trembled, her heart torn between longing and fear. Slowly, she looked up at him, her voice soft but steady, revealing her feelings and worries while keeping her dignity intact. "I… I cannot promise what you are hoping for. There are burdens, expectations, and dangers… but no matter how I try, I cannot deny… I like you. "
Wang Yan closed the small distance remaining between them. Their bodies pressed gently together, breaths mingling. Leaning his forehead to hers, he whispered, "None of it matters to me. I only care for you. Then tell me… will you be mine, Yuehua?"
Tears welled in her eyes. She wanted to say yes, yet fear and concern for him, and the challenges they might face together, held her back. Before she could speak further, Wang Yan pressed his lips to hers. Yuehua's eyes widened for a heartbeat, then slowly closed. Her arms wrapped around him, pushing herself close to him, surrendering to the warmth and security of his embrace.
.....
In a secluded area of the academy, where only a few trees grew and the bustle of students could not reach, Wang Yan leaned against the sturdy trunk of one of the trees. Yuehua rested against his chest, her head gently tucked under his chin, her silver robe brushing lightly against him.
In the peaceful silence, Yuehua spoke softly, telling him everything about her family — their power, influence, and the burdens she carried because of them. Wang Yan listened attentively, holding her gently, his hand brushing lightly over her back.
When she finished, Wang Yan shared his own past — the losses he had endured, including his grandfather and his iron guards, and the hardships that had shaped his life. Yuehua's hand traced his arm, her expression filled with empathy and sorrow.
He kept his hand resting lightly on her back. "Yuehua… it's been three years since I left Lingyun City. I have to go back for a few days."
She lifted her eyes to his, a flicker of worry in her gaze. "Just a few days… and then?"
"I'll return," he said softly but firmly. "I've made plans here. I'll establish an Iron Guard branch in Tian Dou City. That way… I can remain close to you, even while handling other matters."
He brushed a strand of her light blue hair from her face, smiling faintly. "I have to come here . Nothing else matters if I'm not with you, Yuehua. I'll be here, by your side."
Her lips parted slightly, surprise showing in her expression.
She lowered her gaze for a moment, fingers tightening slightly on his chest. "But… my family, the burdens I carry… you don't need to concern yourself with that."
He cupped her cheek, thumb brushing gently over her skin. "I'm not concerned with anything else. I'm choosing you. Whatever comes — their expectations, their arrogance — it doesn't matter. I care for you. Only you."
Her eyes softened, a quiet warmth spreading across her face. "You… truly mean that?"
"I do," he whispered, leaning closer so their foreheads touched. "I've seen much in life, Yuehua. I know what matters. You. This… us. That's enough."
She traced the line of his jaw with a finger, a faint smile touching her lips. "And if the world makes it difficult?"
"Then we face it together," he said, holding her just a little tighter. "I won't leave your side. Not now, not ever."
Her breath caught, and she leaned fully against him, letting herself feel the warmth and certainty of his embrace. "I… I'm grateful, Wang Yan. I've never felt… this before."
He pressed a soft kiss to her temple. "Then don't worry. We'll face everything together. I'm not leaving you."
He leaned closer, cupping her face gently, and pressed his lips to hers in a soft, lingering kiss. When their lips parted slightly, foreheads still touching, breaths mingling, Yuehua clung to him, body pressed close. In that quiet, secluded space, nothing else existed but the two of them, bound by warmth, closeness, and an unspoken, shared promise.
End of chapter.