Chapter 56 The clouds are clearing and the moon is bright
Chapter 56 The clouds are clearing and the moon is bright
“Wen Chen, I…” I took a deep breath and mustered my courage to say, “All those things I said before were lies to you.”
He paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his dark, jade-like eyes under the moonlight.
I avoided his gaze and continued, "I didn't mean to hide it from you, it's just..." My voice trailed off, "I'm just afraid, afraid that once you know the truth, you'll avoid me like everyone else."
I told him everything that had happened before, without holding back: about my background, the reason why I had hidden my strength, and why I had agreed to Sect Leader Qin's conditions and deliberately approached him...
By the end, my voice was choked with emotion. I didn't dare look into his eyes, afraid of seeing disgust, contempt, or even anger there.
Silence, a long silence. The only sound in the valley was the rustling of leaves in the wind, making it seem exceptionally empty and desolate.
"So," I finally mustered up my courage and looked up at him, "you...do you hate me now?"
He remained silent, simply gazing at me with a deep and complex look, as if trying to see right through me.
I felt uneasy, as if an invisible hand was tightly gripping my heart, making it almost impossible for me to breathe.
“Yao’er,” he finally spoke, his voice low and gentle, like the most beautiful melody in the night sky, “raise your head and look at me.”
I was captivated by the gentleness in his tone, and slowly raised my head to meet his gaze.
There was no disgust or anger in his eyes as I had expected, only a deep tenderness and pity.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" His tone carried a hint of reproach, but more like doting affection. "Didn't you know that no matter what happens, I'll be by your side?"
My eyes instantly welled up with tears, blurring my vision.
"I..." All my words turned into a sob.
He sighed softly, reached out and pulled me into his arms. My head rested on his chest, and I could clearly hear his strong heartbeat, one beat after another, like the most peaceful melody in the world.
“Fool,” his voice rang out above me, tinged with a helpless smile, “I did doubt you before, but I trust my own heart more.”
I lifted my head from his embrace and looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“I admit,” he paused, looking intently at me, “the reason I suspected you before was because…”
"The reason I doubted you before was because..." He paused, a hint of vulnerability flashing in his deep eyes, "...because I care about you, Yao'er, I care so much that I'm afraid of losing you."
He had never said anything like that to me before. My heart felt like it had been gently bumped by something, and it was incredibly tender.
“You have no idea,” he said, holding my hand with a hint of self-mockery in his voice, “how terrified I was when I learned that you had ulterior motives for approaching me. I was afraid you were just using me, afraid you would eventually leave me…”
As he spoke, he gently placed my hand close to his heart, saying, "Can you feel it? Here, my heart beats for you, and I panic for you."
I stared at him blankly, seeing for the first time that this man, who stood on the clouds and seemed unapproachable, also had such a frank and vulnerable side.
I took his hand in return, our fingers intertwined, and all the words I wanted to say turned into a gentle smile on my lips.
He understands me, and that's enough.
“Yao’er,” he gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his gaze full of affection, “From now on, don’t try to bear everything alone anymore. You still have me.”
I nodded vigorously and gently rested my head on his shoulder. At that moment, I felt with absolute clarity that we were each other's support and each other's safe haven.
In the distance, behind a huge rock, Sect Leader Qin took in everything. The usually stern-faced man now wore a smile of satisfaction.
"So that's how it is," he murmured to himself. "No wonder this girl dared to be so bold; it turns out she has Wen Chen backing her up..."
He recalled all the difficulties and tests he had put Xiao Yao in before, and couldn't help but feel a deep sense of emotion.
"Enough, enough," he sighed, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart. "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings to bear. Why should I, as an elder, cling to the past..."
He took a deep look at the two people embracing each other, then turned and left, his back view desolate, yet carrying a hint of relief.
This scene happened to be witnessed by a pair of venomous eyes not far away...
Wen Chen's words were like the warm winter sun, melting away the last trace of unease in my heart. Yes, I am no longer alone; I have him, the one I love, and the one who loves me.
We strolled hand in hand through the valley. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, and a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers. Everything was so beautiful, almost unreal.
“Yao’er,” Wen Chen suddenly stopped and gazed deeply into my eyes, “Let’s get married.”
My heart skipped a beat, and a sweet warmth welled up inside me.
"Okay." I nodded gently, tears of happiness welling up in my eyes.
We smiled at each other, the deep affection in our eyes needing no words. Wen Chen took out a crystal-clear jade pendant from his pocket and gently put it on my wrist.
"This was left to me by my mother. Now, I give it to you, hoping it will bless you with peace and joy throughout your life."
I stroked the jade pendant, feeling its warm, smooth texture, and my heart was filled with emotion.
"I will cherish it." I solemnly promised.
In the distance, I heard soft footsteps. I turned my head and saw Madam Chu and Fairy Lin walking side by side.
Madam Chu wore a complex expression, a mixture of relief and acceptance. She walked up to me, gently patted my hand, and said softly, "Yao'er, congratulations on finding your happiness."
I looked at her gratefully, my heart filled with warmth. I knew that although Madam Chu had harbored resentment towards me due to a misunderstanding, deep down she still hoped that I could find happiness.
Lin Xianzi appeared somewhat forlorn, but she still forced a smile and offered her blessings: "Sister Xiao Yao, Brother Wen Chen, I wish you a long and happy marriage, and that you will be forever united in heart."
I saw the disappointment in her eyes, and my heart ached. Wen Chen was the bright moon in the sky, and she was the star gazing at it. Now that the moon had found its own home, the star could only fade away in sorrow.
"Thank you," Wen Chen and I said in unison.
After seeing off Madam Chu and Fairy Lin, Wen Chen and I continued our stroll through the valley.
“Yao’er,” Wen Chen suddenly stopped, turned to face me, his gaze intense, “Let us make a vow here that no matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, we will stand together and never be separated.”
I nodded solemnly, extended my right hand, and shook hands firmly with his large hand.
"I am Xiao Yao,"
"I am Wen Chen,"
"I hereby swear,"
"Heaven and earth bear witness,"
"Let the sun and moon bear witness,"
"I will never let this life down..."
Suddenly, a strange noise came from not far away. We turned our heads sharply and saw...
"I, Xiao Yao," I gazed into his eyes, my voice firm, "will never betray you in this life..."
“I, Wen Chen,” he continued, his voice deep and powerful, “will never let you down in this life…”
Our eyes met, and the deep affection in each other's eyes was like the clear spring in this valley, pure and eternal.
"I will never betray your life, nor our deep affection." He tightened his grip on my hand, solemnly promising each word.
A warm feeling welled up inside me, and all my unease and worries vanished in that instant. Yes, having him in my life is enough.
"Wen Chen..." I called his name with deep emotion, all my unspoken words condensed into this soft call.
He gently pulled me into his arms, stroking my long hair as if cherishing a precious treasure. We held each other quietly, feeling each other's warmth and heartbeat, letting time stand still in that moment.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of the valley.
"Immortal Lord, something terrible has happened!" Master Fang's anxious voice grew louder as he approached, "Sect Leader Qin, he..."
Wen Chen and I exchanged a glance, a sense of foreboding rising in our hearts.
"What's wrong with Sect Leader Qin?" Wen Chen asked in a deep voice, his tone tinged with displeasure.
Fang Daxia looked flustered and said in a hurried tone, "Sect Leader Qin... he led his disciples up the mountain and said he wanted to... to avenge his beloved disciple!"
A chill ran down my spine. Could it be... could it be that Sect Leader Qin has discovered Fairy Lin's true identity and is coming to settle scores with us?
Wen Chen's face instantly darkened, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. He gripped my hand tightly and said in a deep voice, "Yao'er, don't be afraid, I'm here."
I tried to suppress my unease, took his hand in return, and gave him a firm look.
"Well, I'm not afraid."
Wen Chen took a deep breath, turned to look at Master Fang, and coldly ordered, "Go and hold them off first, I'll be there shortly."
"Yes!" Master Fang accepted the order and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the dense forest.
Wen Chen turned around, looking at me with deep affection, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
"Yao'er, wait for me to come back."
As soon as he finished speaking, he transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon.
I gazed in the direction he had left, my heart filled with mixed emotions.
He's gone now, and who knows when he'll return, or what dangers he'll face.
Just as my mind was in turmoil, a familiar voice suddenly rang in my ears:
"Yao'er, don't worry, I have arranged everything for you."
I turned around abruptly, and there I saw...
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