Within a vast cavern shrouded in tranquility, a lone figure sat cross-legged upon a smooth, elevated stone. A massive opening above him allowed sunlight to cascade down, bathing his form in ethereal radiance. Around him, a thick mist of heaven and earth energy swirled, drawn into his body with each measured rise and fall of his chest. The energy seemed alive, eagerly integrating with him as he absorbed it with unrelenting greed.
"Haaa…" A soft exhalation escaped his lips, carrying with it the remnants of the mist, which dissipated into the still air. The figure emerged, revealing a man whose beauty seemed to bridge the realms of mortals and divinity. His features possessed an otherworldly charm capable of bewitching even the most aloof and prideful heavenly fairies and goddesses.
As he opened his eyes, a breathtaking sight was unveiled—heterochromatic irises, one crimson like molten fire and the other cyan like a boundless sea. They held an enigmatic allure, drawing any onlooker into their depths as though a profound mystery lay within.
"I never imagined that next week would mark another year of my retreat," he murmured, a captivating smile curving at the corners of his lips. "Is it just me, or does time move differently when one is immersed in seclusion?"
A faint wryness touched his smile as he pondered aloud. "Or perhaps… enduring the trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning numbs one to the passage of time?"
The notion lingered as his gaze turned introspective. The thought was far from absurd. For an entire year, he had endured relentless tribulation under the merciless judgment of the heavens. Suffering, he realized, had a way of distorting one's perception, narrowing it to the singular goal of survival and transcendence.
His smile deepened, both bitter and resolute, as his memories of the grueling ordeal played in his mind. Despite the pain, he had persevered—and now, power surged through his veins, a testament to his unyielding will.
"Ahh~!"
With clarity returning to his gaze, he surveyed the vast expanse of the cave. His body, having remained motionless for an extended period, felt stiff and sluggish. Slowly, he began to stretch, his joints releasing audible creaks like ancient machinery awakening from a long slumber.
As he twisted his shoulders and straightened his back, a sudden flicker of light caught his attention. Before him, a translucent blue screen materialized, its luminous text hovering in midair.
[Congratulations for surviving until now. The System shall award you with the Gift Pack (Basic Grade). You may upgrade the grade of the Gift Pack before receiving it. Do you want to upgrade the grade?]
A faint chuckle escaped his lips as he read the message. "So, I've managed to survive, huh? Barely, perhaps."
Despite the humor in his tone, his eyes gleamed with anticipation. Stretching his arms one last time, he muttered under his breath, "Before that, let me see what I shall receive before upgrading the Gift Pack."
In response to his words, the screen shifted, replaced by a new interface that displayed a detailed list of potential rewards for each grade of the Gift Pack. Beside each reward tier, the system also showed the associated cost of upgrading.
[Basic-Grade Gift Pack: 65%]
[Rewards: 100ACP and 10 Low-Grade Medicinal Ingredients.]
[Yellow-Grade Gift Pack: 20%]
[Rewards: 1,000ACP, 10 Low-Grade Medicinal Ingredients, A Low-Grade Storage Ring, 10 Huang-Class Dou Techniques and 10 Huang-Class Qi Method.]
[Black-Grade Gift Pack: 10%]
[Rewards: 10,000ACP, 10 Middle-Grade Medicinal Ingredients, A Middle-Grade Storage Ring, 10 Xuan-Class Dou Techniques, 10 Xuan-Class Qi Method and 10 Beast Flame.]
[Heaven-Grade Gift Pack: 4.99%]
[Rewards: 200,000ACP, 10 High-Grade Medicinal Ingredients, A High-Grade Storage Ring, 5 Tian-Class Dou Techniques, 5 Tian-Class Qi Method and 10 Heavenly Flames.]
[Divine-Grade Gift Pack: 0.01%]
[Rewards: 2,500,000ACP, 100 High-Grade Extremely Rare Medicinal Ingredients, Unique-Grade Storage Ring, 10 High-Grade Treasures and 2 Ticket of Primordial Heavenly Flame.]
"HUH?!" Xiao Hua's mind reeled as he exclaimed, his voice rising despite himself.
He hadn't meant to shout, but upon reading the final reward listed in the Divine Grade Gift Pack, his shock was impossible to contain.
'Although it's a pity about missing the Tian-Class Dou Techniques and Qi Methods, just the fact that I can receive two tickets for the Primordial Heavenly Flame makes it worth forgetting the rest,' Xiao Hua thought, his heart racing with excitement.
His eyes burned red with fervor as his gaze fixated greedily on the two tickets. Shifting his attention, he checked the balance of his accumulated ACP and found a staggering one million five hundred thousand in reserve. While slightly disappointed it wasn't more, he resolved without hesitation to spend whatever was necessary to upgrade the Gift Pack.
The required cost for the upgrade? A mere 10,000 ACP per attempt. However, the chances of obtaining a Divine Grade reward were abysmally low.
Yet Xiao Hua smiled faintly. The rules allowed for unlimited upgrades—meaning he could try repeatedly until the Gift Pack reached Divine Grade. This realization transformed his apprehension into determination. To him, every ACP spent in pursuit of this reward was a worthy investment.
Moreover, the Divine Grade Gift Pack itself offered a tantalizing incentive: a guaranteed return of 2,500,000 ACP upon success. It was practically a bargain, provided he didn't overspend in his efforts to secure the upgrade. With a fiery resolve, Xiao Hua steeled himself for the challenge ahead, knowing the rewards were well worth the gamble.
…
[Congratulations! The Gift Pack has been successfully upgraded to Divine Grade. Do you wish to claim it?]
"Thank goodness…" Xiao Hua exhaled, his voice laden with exhaustion.
After countless attempts, he had finally managed to elevate the Gift Pack to Divine Grade—a feat that had cost him over millions ACP.
He glanced at his remaining ACP balance and grimaced. Only 26,440 ACP remained. The upgrade had drained nearly everything he had. Yet, despite the heavy price, it was a gamble he had won, securing the coveted Divine-Grade Gift Pack.
Without responding verbally to the System, Xiao Hua gave a simple nod, his expression a mix of relief and anticipation. Immediately, the full list of rewards materialized before his eyes. He skimmed past the names of hundreds of medicinal ingredients, deciding to review them later. For now, his curiosity was piqued by the more unique rewards—especially those beyond the two tickets for the Primordial Heavenly Flame.
[You have received: Mysterious Heaven Ring.]
As the System notification flashed, a spatial crack no larger than an index finger quietly formed in the air before him. From within, a faint, ethereal glow emerged, descending gently into his open palm.
Xiao Hua held the ring delicately in his palm, his sharp gaze scrutinizing every intricate detail. The surface was remarkably smooth, resembling a fusion of glass and jade. Its pitch-black body was adorned with countless white specks, mirroring the vast expanse of a starry night sky—a design that seemed to pulse with a quiet, enigmatic allure.
After a closer inspection, he discerned the ring's extraordinary nature. The Mysterious Heaven Ring was far superior to an ordinary high-grade Storage Ring. Unlike standard rings, it required no simple Spiritual Imprint. Instead, it demanded a fragment of its owner's soul to be carved into it, an arduous and risky process.
Xiao Hua sighed, a faint irritation flickering in his expression. Though the Celestial Ancient Frost within him would swiftly heal any soul injuries, the experience of tearing his soul apart was anything but pleasant.
Closing his eyes, Xiao Hua steeled his resolve. Moments later, a thin trail of blood trickled from the corner of his lips as a faint white glow emerged from his brow. This fragment of his soul, glowing softly, floated before him like an ethereal flame. He directed it toward the ring, guiding it with precision to fulfill the binding requirement.
However, to his shock, the ring violently repelled the fragment. The delicate glow shattered upon impact, dissipating like scattered embers. The backlash struck Xiao Hua instantly, forcing him to cough up a mouthful of blood.
"I expected resistance, but the power of this ring's rejection is beyond my imagination!" Xiao Hua muttered through gritted teeth, wiping the blood trailing down the corner of his mouth.
A sharp grin spread across his face, his excitement undeterred. "It seems this will be a little more challenging than I thought."
Once again, Xiao Hua closed his eyes, steeling himself before tearing off another fragment of his soul. The pain was excruciating, but thanks to the Celestial Ancient Frost, which immediately healed the damage to his soul, he dared to repeat the process.
The cycle continued relentlessly. Time after time, the ring's overwhelming resistance thwarted him. On a few occasions, Xiao Hua managed to bypass the initial barrier, only for the soul fragment to weaken and shatter before he could begin the carving process. Each failure forced him to start anew, his determination burning brighter with every setback.
The carving process itself was grueling and meticulous, akin to chiseling into stone. Xiao Hua had to shape the ring's inner essence, creating a space stable enough to embed his soul fragment. Every stroke demanded extreme precision, and every mistake risked destroying the fragment entirely.
After countless attempts and failures, Xiao Hua's perseverance bore fruit. The repeated process gradually became smoother, and his technique more refined. At last, he successfully embedded a fragment of his soul into the ring.
As the fragment took root, a faint ripple of energy coursed through the ring, signaling its acceptance. Xiao Hua could feel the bond solidify—the ring was now a part of him, its essence fused with his own.
Even if Xiao Hua were to fall in battle, the Mysterious Heaven Ring would remain beyond anyone's grasp unless he willed it so or met his own strict criteria. This ring was bound to him irrevocably—no theft, no force, no cunning could separate it from him. With a single command, the ring would return to him, no matter the distance or the restrictions imposed upon it.
After completing the soul carving, a torrent of information surged into his mind like a flood breaching a dam. His body tensed as his mind trembled under the onslaught, forcing him to stabilize himself and process the flood of data.
"No wonder the System labeled this as Unique-Grade," Xiao Hua murmured, his tone tinged with awe. "I never imagined this ring would be such a treasure…"
The Mysterious Heaven Ring held a seemingly infinite storage capacity, its vastness defying comprehension. More importantly, it had the ability to conceal the presence of all treasures, medicinal ingredients, and artifacts within a five-meter radius of Xiao Hua. No matter how powerful a cultivator's probing might be, they would remain oblivious to the treasures in his possession.
Another astonishing feature was its ability to halt the flow of time for items stored within. Xiao Hua could selectively decide which items to preserve, ensuring that the quality and essence of medicinal ingredients, pills, and other treasures remained intact indefinitely.
However, its abilities didn't end there. The ring also granted him the power to perfectly disguise both his appearance and aura. Any traces left on him by others—whether through techniques, spiritual markings, or tracking artifacts—would be severed while the ring's concealment and disguise were active. These traces would remain undetectable until Xiao Hua willingly deactivated the effect.
"Truly, what an amusing ability, especially the one that halt the time of my items…" Xiao Hua muttered softly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Xiao Hua shifted his gaze to another screen, which displayed the list of treasures he had received from the Divine-Grade Gift Pack.
[You have received 10 Treasures: 3x Comprehension for the Nature of the World, Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva, 2x Bodhisattva Heart, 3x Bodhisattva Seed and Life-Substitution Doll.]
"This Comprehension for the Nature of the World… could it be similar to what Xiao Yan experienced during his countless reincarnations?" Xiao Hua muttered, his brows furrowing as he crossed his arms.
The description was vague—frustratingly so. It didn't specify the nature of the comprehension one would gain, only hinting at some profound understanding of the world.
"Whatever," he said after a moment's thought, shrugging off his doubts. "As long as it doesn't negatively affect Sister Xin Yu, Sister Mei Ling, or Brother Wei Jie, I don't mind."
Xiao Hua had made his decision: he would entrust the Comprehension for the Nature of the World to the three of them, confident it would enhance their abilities in Alchemy and Spiritual Array comprehension.
For the Bodhisattva Seeds, he decided to distribute them to Ming Cheng, Li Mei, and Xin Yu, while the two Bodhisattva Hearts would go to Wei Jie and Mei Ling. As for the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva, he chose to keep it temporarily—it would prove invaluable in assisting Xiao Yi Xian with her Woeful Poison Body in the future.
Although he briefly considered sharing some of these treasures with Xun Er, he ultimately chose otherwise. Ming Cheng and the others needed the support far more urgently. Unlike them, Xun Er had the formidable backing of the Gu Clan, which spared no effort in nurturing her growth. For now, Xiao Hua decided to focus his resources on those who needed them most.
Moreover, they had once informed Xiao Hua of their intentions to head toward the Central Plains after he emerged from his retreat. Their goal was to establish a powerful faction, one that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the great forces of the region.
They understood the delicate intricacies of Xiao Hua and Xun Er's relationship all too well. The Gu Clan, deeply entrenched in its traditions, would not easily accept an outsider. To earn their recognition—and possibly their blessing—it was imperative to possess not only overwhelming strength but also an influential following.
Xun Er, ever resolute, had once made her stance clear to Xiao Hua and their companions. Her golden eyes shimmered with defiance as she declared, "If the Gu Clan refuses to accept our union, then I shall leave the clan behind. No force, no tradition, will dictate the path of my heart!"
Her determination was unyielding, as immovable as a mountain. Yet, Xiao Hua and the others could not ignore the irony in her fiery resolve—it was a stubbornness that mirrored the very Gu Clan she defied. Their high status and immense power had bred a rigidity in their ways, one that Xun Er seemed to have inherited, though her defiance took a different form.
Still, they all knew why Xun Er could afford to speak with such boldness. As the daughter of Gu Yuan, the current head of the Gu Clan, and the possessor of an extremely pure Di Bloodline, her words carried weight that others in her position could only dream of. Without these factors, the elders would not have given her declarations so much as a fleeting thought.
Even so, Xiao Hua, ever protective, could not bear to let her sever ties with her clan so easily. While he understood that Xun Er was indifferent to the fate the Gu Clan had envisioned for her, he also recognized the profound significance of familial bonds.
"It's not that she doesn't care about them," Xiao Hua reflected silently, his gaze softening. "It's that she feels her own destiny more strongly than the weight of tradition."
Still, Xiao Hua harbored no desire to see a rift between Xun Er and her family. Though her resolve was firm, he wished to find a way for her to reconcile her love and loyalty with the expectations of the Gu Clan. A union that bridges the gap, rather than one that widens it.
"Truly, the woman I've fallen for has the most challenging path ahead," Xiao Hua muttered with a helpless shake of his head, a faint, resigned smile tugging at his lips.
With a deep breath, he turned his focus to the final treasure he had received from the Divine-Grade Gift Pack.
[Life-Substitution Doll: Upon receiving a fatal strike or facing a life-threatening situation, the doll absorbs the damage or consequence, transferring it entirely to itself. The doll is consumed in the process, shattering into fragments of light that dissipate like fading embers.]
"Hmm… Why do I feel like this is meant for me rather than anyone else?" Xiao Hua's brows furrowed as he stared at the blue screen, a complicated expression crossing his face. "Could it be because of the last three Heavenly Lightning?"
He waved his hand, and a small spatial crack, no larger than a palm, materialized before him. From the crack, ten small glows emerged. Nine of them immediately streaked toward the Mysterious Heaven Ring and vanished within, leaving one to hover gently in the air before him.
The glow slowly dispersed, revealing a small humanoid figure crafted from otherworldly jade. The doll, no larger than his palm, radiated an ethereal beauty. Faint golden runes etched across its surface pulsed softly, like the rhythm of a heartbeat. Its joints were delicately wound with threads of crimson silk, the vibrant color symbolizing the fragile balance between life and death.
Xiao Hua studied the doll intently, his expression unreadable. "I can only hope this doll won't have to be used…" he murmured, his voice soft yet heavy with foreboding.
Despite his wish, a deep sense of unease stirred within him. The ominous feeling that this treasure would one day fulfill its purpose was impossible to shake.
Xiao Hua sighed as he carefully placed the Life-Substitution Doll into his Mysterious Heaven Ring. The weight of its ominous purpose lingered briefly in his mind, but his spirits soon lifted as his gaze fell upon the last set of rewards. A glimmer of excitement brightened his expression—he was finally gaining a new flame.
Turning his attention to the Gacha, Xiao Hua couldn't help but feel eager. With the 2,500,000 ACP received from the Divine-Grade Gift Pack, he quickly checked the accumulated points. To his delight, only sixty-six draws were needed to unlock the Pity Draw.
Without hesitation, he urged the System forward. "Draw 66 times!"
The results of the 66 draws momentarily blurred in his mind—he would review them later. For now, his focus remained firmly on the Pity Draw.
[You have one Pity Draw. Do you want to draw it now?]
"Yes!" Xiao Hua responded without missing a beat, his voice brimming with anticipation.
The blue screen flickered and transformed, displaying five options for him to choose from:
[2 'Tickets of Primordial Heavenly Flame']
[2 Tian-Class Dou Techniques: 'Heaven Tearing Hands' and 'Dragon Moves the Earth']
[2 Parts of Extinct Ancient Beasts: 'Claw of Tyrant Heaven Dragon' and 'Wing of Primordial Wind Phoenix']
[50 Batches of Extremely Rare, High-Grade Medicinal Ingredients]
[20 Batches of Extremely Rare, High-Grade Medicinal Ingredients]
[Please choose one of the following as your reward.]
Xiao Hua didn't hesitate, his decision already made before the screen even finished loading. With a confident nod, he selected the first option: 2 'Tickets of Primordial Heavenly Flame. While the other rewards were undeniably tempting, none could rival the value of these tickets.
Counting the two tickets he had already received from the Divine-Grade Gift Pack, Xiao Hua now possessed four of these priceless items. The realization sent waves of exhilaration coursing through him, though a hint of hesitation tempered his joy.
Regardless of his excitement, Xiao Hua knew he needed to consult the two older sisters residing within him. Their wisdom often provided clarity in moments of uncertainty, and he hoped their insight would ease his growing apprehension.
Closing the System panel, Xiao Hua withdrew his consciousness inward, delving deep into his body until his illusionary figure emerged in the vast expanse of his Spiritual Sea. His gaze immediately fell upon the two heavenly figures waiting for him—Sister Azure and Sister Xue Yue.
"Sister Azure, Sister Xue Yue, I have something to discuss," Xiao Hua said with a bright smile, masking his inner uncertainty.
Xue Yue, her graceful demeanor tinged with a knowing sigh, regarded him with a faint smile. "You're unsure if what you've obtained is good or bad, and now you've come seeking our opinions."
Her words struck true, causing Xiao Hua to laugh awkwardly. "Ah… haha… You're not wrong, Sister Xue Yue." He scratched the back of his head, his embarrassment evident.
He had indeed come to them because he sought their advice on which flame would best suit his current strength and provide the greatest potential for his future growth.
"So, what is this news that has you feeling both happy and troubled at the same time?" Lady Azure prompted gently, her serene gaze fixed on Xiao Hua.
Xiao Hua nodded and took a deep breath before speaking. "I've received something… something significant from the mysterious force within me."
Though his explanation was intentionally vague due to the restrictions placed on him by the System, he still managed to convey the essence of the situation. He informed them about the matter of him capable of choosing four Primordial Heavenly Flame from the System.
As he finished, both Lady Azure and Xue Yue exchanged knowing glances, their expressions softening with understanding. They could clearly see why this development excited him, yet also why it gave him pause.
"Child," Lady Azure began with a faint sigh, reaching out to gently pat his head. "All of these flames… they are but fragments of me. Even if you were to merge them, it would simply be a return to my origin. I will not forget you, nor will my memories of you ever fade."
Her reassurance was like a soothing balm, but Xue Yue added her own words to strengthen it. "No matter what happens, your relationship with her will remain unbroken. Merging the flames will not cause Sister Azure to grow distant or cold toward you—that, I guarantee."
Xiao Hua let out a long sigh of relief, tension draining from his shoulders. This had been the very reason for his hesitation. Knowing now that their bond would remain intact, he felt a heavy burden lifted.
"Is that so…?" he murmured softly, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "Then, I suppose I don't need to worry about it any longer."
Xue Yue and Lady Azure exchanged a fleeting, knowing glance, their expressions calm yet betraying a shared understanding. In that moment, a silent message passed between them—one neither wished to voice aloud.
They hadn't lied to Xiao Hua. It was true that Lady Azure's memories and connection with him wouldn't vanish after the merge. But emotions? Those were another matter entirely.
The essence of Lady Azure had been split into twenty-two distinct flames, each embodying fragments of her original self. Though they shared the same origin, the paths they had walked since diverging were unique. Over countless years, each flame had forged its own life, its own emotions, and its own truths.
It was only natural that their ideologies might differ, even conflict. Should such a clash arise, the dominant personality—shaped by the strongest fragment—would determine the outcome.
Lady Azure suppressed the unease bubbling within her heart, keeping her expression poised. She stepped forward, a playful yet faintly bittersweet smile gracing her lips.
"Child," she teased lightly, her emerald eyes twinkling. "When I merge with my other selves, I will no longer be azure in color. What will you call me then?"
Xiao Hua, who had been lost in thought about which flame to choose, was startled by her words. For a brief moment, he stared blankly, but as his gaze fell upon her teasing smile, understanding dawned.
His heart sank.
'So, it's true… just as I thought.' Xiao Hua murmured silently, a shadow of melancholy flitting across his features.
He turned his head, meeting Lady Azure's emerald gaze. Her eyes shimmered with a gentle radiance, and within their depths, he saw his reflection. But beyond that reflection, hidden beneath her serene exterior, he caught a glimpse of the storm stirring in her heart—a turmoil caused entirely by him.
For a moment, the world seemed to fall silent, leaving only the unspoken connection between them.
'If that's the case… then I must answer her with sincerity, hiding nothing, and without a trace of jest!'
Xiao Hua closed his eyes, drawing in a deep, steadying breath. When he opened them, his gaze was firm, his voice calm yet resolute.
"Please don't misunderstand, Sister Azure," he began, his tone carrying a quiet strength. "I never called you 'Sister Azure' because of your color or your flame."
He paused, his emerald gaze meeting hers with unwavering intensity.
"While it's true that I first called you 'Sister Azure' because you told me to, that reason no longer holds. Now, I call you that because you've truly become my older sister—a part of my family."
He smiled faintly, a mixture of warmth and determination on his lips. "If you truly wish for another name, I wouldn't hesitate to create one for you. But only if that's what you truly desire."
The Spiritual Sea fell into a profound silence, as though the entire world had paused to honor his words. Neither Xue Yue nor Lady Azure spoke, yet in this silence, emotions surged louder than words ever could.
Both Xiao Hua and Xue Yue understood the truth hidden beneath Lady Azure's request.
She wasn't asking for a new name out of preference. No, this was her way of bracing for the unknown—fearing that she might cease to exist as she was now. By changing how he called her, she hoped to soften the impact of that loss for him.
But Xiao Hua refused. He understood the unspoken implication. To change how he addressed her now would be to acknowledge her fear—to accept that the Lady Azure before him would vanish, replaced by someone else after the merge.
His firm response wasn't mere defiance; it was a vow. A vow to honor her presence, her essence, as she was at this moment, no matter what might come.
"Regardless of what happens, I will always call you 'Sister Azure.' Nothing, no one, can replace you." Xiao Hua's voice was steady yet filled with a quiet intensity.
He stepped closer, his hand lifting gently to caress her cheek. His touch was warm, carrying both affection and an unspoken promise.
With a tender smile that radiated his deep care, he continued, "That's why, Sister Azure… if you truly don't want me to feel hurt, then please, don't disappear from my life."
His words, though simple, carried a weight that resonated deeply within her heart. He understood how it might come across—perhaps even a bit sentimental or naive. But he also knew that these words were necessary. Necessary for Lady Azure to hear, and necessary for the bond between them to endure.
Lady Azure's emerald eyes widened slightly, then softened as she gazed at the young man before her. For a moment, she saw the boy he once was—a fiery, determined child who had often stumbled but always risen stronger. Yet now, that boy had transformed.
Gone were the traces of youthful inexperience, replaced by the strength and maturity of someone who had weathered countless storms.
'Ah… that child has truly grown up now, hasn't he?' she thought, a faint, wistful smile gracing her lips.
Her expression, usually serene and composed, softened into something more vulnerable, more human. It was a smile that spoke of pride, affection, and a bittersweet recognition of time's passage.
"Even so, why do I feel like you're proposing to me? Should I inform your little lover about this, child?" Lady Azure teased, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"I didn't do that, Sister Azure!" Xiao Hua exclaimed, his voice rising with exasperation. "Don't just threatening to create problems for me and my love life out of nowhere! Why is that the first thing you respond with?"
Lady Azure raised an eyebrow, her teasing smile growing. "Well, how else do you expect me to respond to such heartfelt words?"
"Literally anything but that!" Xiao Hua groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
Frustration etched across his features, but it only seemed to amuse the two women further. Lady Azure's smile widened, a glint of mischief in her eyes, while Xue Yue covered her mouth with a delicate hand, her soft giggles escaping despite her best efforts to stifle them.
"Ah… I feel so stupid for worrying about you just now," Xiao Hua muttered, scratching his head in annoyance. He turned on his heel, trying to escape the playful torment.
As he walked away, a voice reached his ears, soft and sincere, stopping him in his tracks.
"Xiao Hua, thank you."
The words were simple, yet they carried a depth of gratitude that couldn't be mistaken.
Xiao Hua paused for a moment, startled, but he didn't turn back. Instead, a faint smile tugged at his lips—a smile that spoke of quiet satisfaction and unspoken joy.