Chapter 46

Morning light filtered through sparse clouds and fell upon the official road, where two figures walked side by side.

Aikesi glanced at Linlei beside him, a faint smile on his lips: "Come to think of it, this is our first time traveling far alone."

Linlei nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the road ahead: "Back at the academy, though we shared a dorm, we each trained separately. After graduation, you went to the Yunluo Empire, I returned to Wushan Town, then later went to the Magical Beast Mountain Range… come to think of it, we've never walked together like this."

"So this time, it's a good chance," Aikesi stretched, his bones cracking softly, "Perfect chance to catch up on everything these past years."

Aikesi smiled: "Beibei, you want to chat too? Too bad you still can't speak—wait till we reach the Saint Domain."

Beibei waved her tiny paw in protest, as if saying, "Just wait—once I reach the Saint Domain, I'll argue with you nonstop first."

Linlei's eyes flickered with a faint smile as he spoke to Beibei through their bond: "Don't rush—your growth rate means the Saint Domain won't be far."

Beibei then settled contentedly back onto Linlei's shoulder, her small eyes darting around, taking in the scenery beside the road. Whenever birds flew past, her eyes would brighten briefly, then quickly grow lazy and close again.

The two traveled north at a steady pace. Though Linlei was already an Eighth-Rank Peak Warrior, he couldn't fly and had to rely on his legs. Aikesi didn't hurry, simply walking alongside him.

"By the way," Aikesi suddenly said, "have you figured out how to face Zhanni when you meet her?"

Linlei's step paused slightly, then resumed normally: "What's there to figure out? The five-year pact—I'm here to keep it."

"You know I didn't mean that," Aikesi looked at Linlei, his gaze serious. "A girl waited five years for you. You can't miss how much she cares."

Linlei fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: "I know. But for her, I feel only gratitude—not romantic love."

"Gratitude?"

"Zhanni is a good girl," Linlei's voice grew calmer. "Gentle, kind, resilient. All these years, she's waited for me. I know that—and I'm grateful. But…" He paused, a hint of helplessness in his tone, "gratitude isn't love. If I accepted her out of gratitude, that would be the greatest injustice to her."

Aikesi nodded: "I understand. Feelings can't be forced. But…"

"But what?"

"But you need to think carefully how to tell her," Aikesi looked at Linlei. "A girl's heart is more fragile than a magical beast's defense. If you're too blunt, she won't survive it; if you're too vague, she'll cling to false hope. The balance is hard to find."

Linlei smiled bitterly: "I know. But it has to be said."

"And," Linlei lifted his gaze toward the distance, his eyes deepening, "my path now is too dangerous. The Radiant Church's pursuit, the harsh cultivation in the Magical Beast Mountain Range—what lies ahead is unknown. I can't give her a peaceful life, nor the companionship she deserves. She should find a man who can stand beside her, who can give her security—not someone like me, who might die at any moment."

Aikesi fell silent for a moment, then said: "Have you ever considered that maybe she doesn't care about any of that?"

"Whether she cares is her business. Whether I can offer it is mine," Linlei's voice was firm. "Precisely because she doesn't care, I can't let her step into danger."

Aikesi smiled faintly: "You're cold on the surface, but softer than anyone. You pretend to reject her—really, you're protecting her."

Linlei said nothing, simply kept walking.

Beibei lightly nuzzled his shoulder, as if comforting him. Though she couldn't speak, through their bond she felt the complexity of Linlei's emotions.

The two traveled north for three full days.

During those three days, they walked by day and rested at villages or roadside inns at night. Aikesi told many stories of his time in the Yunluo Empire—court intrigues, mercenary clan rivalries, the various powerful figures he'd met. Linlei recounted his experiences in the Magical Beast Mountain Range—the perilous battles, the strange beasts.

On the third evening, the outline of Chier County City finally appeared on the horizon.

"We're here," Linlei stopped, gazing at the familiar city.

The last rays of sunset painted the city walls, gilding the gray stones. Guards came and went at the gate; travelers were few, and occasional carriages passed, kicking up light dust.

"Go in," Aikesi patted his shoulder. "No matter the outcome, at least you came. Simply keeping the pact is respect enough."

Linlei nodded and stepped toward the gate.

The streets of Chier County City remained bustling, shops lining both sides, vendors calling out. A man carrying a straw skewer of candied haws passed by; children clustered around a baking stall; the clang of a blacksmith's hammer rang from a forge.

But Linlei paid no attention to these familiar sights. He headed straight for the lord's castle—where Jien and Zhanni lived.

The castle stood at the center of Chier County City, a typical noble residence: gray stone walls, tall towers, two rows of guards standing at the entrance. They wore armor bearing the Debusi Family crest, longswords at their sides, posture rigid.

As Linlei and Aikesi approached, the guards grew alert. One young guard stepped forward to question them—then recognized Linlei's face and exclaimed in delight:

"Lord Lei! It's Lord Lei back!"

His cry startled the other guards. Several older ones rushed over, faces filled with joy.

"Lord Lei, you've finally returned! Miss Zhanni talks of you every day!"

"Five years—and Lord Lei hasn't aged a bit, still so young!"

"Quick, inform Master Jien and Miss Zhanni!" The young guard sprinted into the castle, shouting as he ran, "Lord Lei is here! Lord Lei is here!"

Linlei looked at these familiar faces, warmth rising in his chest. When he lived here before, these guards had always treated him well, never mistreated him for being an outsider.

Moments later, the castle gates swung open, and Jien strode out.

"Big Brother Lei!" Jien's face lit up with joy. He rushed forward, embraced Linlei in two strides, "You've finally come! For five years, sister has waited for you every day—and so have I!"

Linlei patted his back, feeling how this boy had grown taller than him by half a head, his heart filled with emotion: "Jien, you've grown."

Nineteen-year-old Jien had matured greatly since five years ago. His features were sharper, his eyes no longer childish but hardened with resolve. His frame had thickened—broad shoulders, strong arms—clearly he'd trained hard.

Jien released Linlei and grinned sheepishly, his gaze turning to Aikesi: "Who's this?"

"My brother, Aikesi," Linlei introduced. "Classmate and roommate from the Fenlai Kingdom Magic Academy."

Jien bowed quickly: "Brother Aikesi, greetings! Please come in, come in! I'll have the kitchen prepare a feast—we must celebrate properly tonight!"

As the three entered the castle, Linlei saw a figure standing in the courtyard.

Zhanni.

Twenty-three-year-old Zhanni had matured further since five years ago. Dressed in a pale blue gown, her long hair fell over her shoulders; her eyes had shed their youthful naivety, now radiating gentle grace. But those eyes—still as clear as five years ago—stared unblinkingly at Linlei.

Linlei noticed her demeanor had grown far calmer; standing there, she carried the poise of a noble lady. Yet upon closer look, her trembling fingers betrayed her inner unrest.

"Big Brother Lei," her voice trembled slightly, yet she forced it steady.

Linlei halted, looked at her, and spoke softly: "Zhanni, I've come."

Their eyes met. Zhanni's eyes instantly reddened. But she drew a deep breath, suppressed the moisture, and smiled—a smile like a spring blossom: "Come in. I've had the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes. I remember you loved roasted lamb chops and braised beef—I've had them all ready."

Aikesi lingered behind, silently sighing. The girl's feelings were plain to see. She remembered Linlei's favorite foods, his habits—over these five years, she must have imagined this moment countless times.

The dinner was lavish. A long table overflowed with dishes: golden-brown lamb chops steaming, tender braised beef releasing rich aromas, delicate vegetarian courses and desserts.

Jien enthusiastically served, constantly refilling Linlei's and Aikesi's cups. He was clearly delighted, talking more than usual—asking Linlei about his five years, then about Aikesi's time in the Yunluo Empire.

Zhanni sat across from Linlei, occasionally glancing up at him, then quickly lowering her eyes. She ate slowly, mostly listening to their talk, her lips always curved in a faint smile.

Aikesi ate in silence, not disturbing this rare moment of togetherness. He noticed that Zhanni, though speaking little, always unconsciously let her gaze fall upon Linlei. In that gaze lay joy, longing, and a faint trace of sorrow.

Beibei crouched on the table, gnawing at a fruit larger than her head, juice splattering everywhere, making Jien burst into laughter.

"Beibei still eats so much!" Jien laughed.

Beibei shot Jien an annoyed glance and returned to her meal, swatting her tiny paws as if to say, "None of your business."

After dinner, Jien tactfully pulled Aikesi into the garden to admire the moon, leaving Linlei and Zhanni alone.

The moonlight spilled like water onto the stone table in the courtyard. Beside the table grew a cassia tree, now in full bloom, filling the air with a faint, sweet fragrance.

Linlei and Zhanni sat facing each other, silent for a long time.

Distant insect chirps made the night seem even quieter. Occasional breezes stirred, scattering cassia petals in a gentle drift, landing on the stone table, on Zhanni's hair.

"Big Brother Lei," Zhanni spoke first, her voice soft, as if afraid of disturbing something, "Five years. I've been waiting for you."

Linlei looked at her, emotions surging within him. Under the moonlight, Zhanni seemed softer, more delicate than by day; her clear eyes reflected his shadow. He knew the words he was about to speak would hurt this kind girl—but he had to say them.

"Zhanni, I—"

"Let me finish first," Zhanni interrupted him, taking a deep breath, as if making a final decision, "I know what you're going to say. Big Brother Lei, I know you don't love me."

Linlei froze.

Zhanni smiled, a smile tinged with bitterness but mostly with relief. She lowered her head, gazing at the cassia petals on the table, her voice gentle: "Over these five years, I thought a lot. Every night, when all was quiet, I wondered whether Big Brother Lei would return, and what he would say to me when he did. Sometimes I fell asleep while thinking. Sometimes I thought until dawn."

She lifted her head and continued: "Then I understood. Big Brother Lei, your eyes have never looked at me the way one looks at a beloved. When you look at me, it's like looking at a little sister, at someone you must protect—but not… not the way you look at someone you love."

"Zhanni…" Linlei tried to speak, but she raised a hand to stop him.

"You're kind to me because you're grateful, because you see me as family," Zhanni's voice trembled slightly, yet she forced a smile, "I know. I've known for a long time—I just refused to admit it. But Big Brother Lei, I don't regret it."

Linlei fell silent.

"I don't regret waiting five years for you, or loving you," Zhanni lifted her head, tears glistening in her eyes, yet her gaze was unwavering, "Loving you is my own matter. You don't need to return it, or feel guilty. I only want you to know that no matter when, this will always be your home."

She paused, her voice growing even softer: "And these five years weren't wasted. After you left, I began training seriously in magic—I'm now a Third-Rank Mage. Jien has grown up too, becoming more dependable."

Linlei looked at her, then softly said: "Zhanni, thank you."

That "thank you" held too much: gratitude for her waiting, for her understanding, for the warmth she gave him.

Zhanni smiled—this time, truly at peace. She reached out, brushing the cassia petals from the table, her movements graceful and calm.

"Big Brother Lei, will you come see me again?"

"I will," Linlei nodded solemnly, "As long as I live, I will come."

"That's enough," Zhanni stood, turning away, her voice faint, "It's late. You should rest early. You'll be traveling tomorrow, right?"

"... Yes."

Zhanni did not look back. She walked quickly into the house. Under the moonlight, her figure seemed slender, yet her steps were resolute.

Linlei sat alone in the courtyard, gazing up at the moon, motionless for a long time. Cassia petals drifted down, settling on his shoulders, in his hair—he did not notice.

In the garden, Aikesi and Jien chatted idly.

"Big Brother Aikesi, what do you think about my sister and Big Brother Lei…" Jien looked worried, glancing toward the courtyard now and then.

Aikesi patted his shoulder: "Adult matters—don't worry about them. By the way, how's your cultivation these years? Judging by your look, you've put in plenty of effort, haven't you?"

Jien's attention shifted, and he began enthusiastically describing his cultivation insights. As he spoke, he even drew his sword and demonstrated a few moves—decently enough.

Aikesi listened, offering occasional comments, but his peripheral vision kept stealing glances at the solitary figure in the courtyard. Under the moonlight, Linlei stood like a statue, unmoving.

Of all things, love is the hardest to unravel.

Aikesi sighed inwardly. He had seen too many people trapped by love—men and women, strong and weak—all suffering. Zhanni was like this. Wasn't Linlei, too? The one who refuses another does not necessarily feel better inside.