Confession

Confession . . .

In the heart of the illustrious City of Ancient Emperors, a name was rippling through the currents of intrigue and fame like a stone cast into a tranquil pond—Qin Wentian. The city, a crucible of ambition and talent, now bore witness to a storm of unprecedented proportions, a tempest woven from the threads of immortal legacies and fervent aspirations.

It was a tale that unfolded like a celestial play. The radiant daughter of the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, the resplendent offspring of the Xiao Emperor, and the formidable progeny of the Xuan Emperor were all embroiled in this whirlwind of destiny. In its wake, the resounding news of Xuan Xing's tragic demise reverberated throughout the city, leaving its indelible mark.

In the span of mere days, Xuan Xing's name vanished from the Immortal Ascension Rankings, replaced by a new addition—the name of Qin Wentian. At #100 on the list, his ranking sparked fervent debates among the city's inhabitants. Some ardently believed that his placement was far too low, considering his audacious feat of single-handedly vanquishing the #27-ranked Xuan Xing without the aid of an immortal weapon.

Conversely, others contended that Qin Wentian's position was perhaps too generous. They scrutinized his cultivation, merely at the seventh level, and questioned the sustainability of his newfound strength, artificially elevated through enigmatic secret arts. They speculated that such unnatural augmentation would surely exact a heavy toll, a steep price for tapping into powers beyond one's inherent limits. Those well-versed in the legacies of immortal kings and emperors were cognizant of the cap imposed on this artificially bolstered strength. Furthermore, the instability of Qin Wentian's "power" rendered it unreliable, and these critics posited that his true prowess should warrant a lower ranking.

Amid these spirited discussions, one fact remained clear: Qin Wentian defied categorization. His unique abilities and unparalleled circumstances confounded even those responsible for ranking the city's prodigious talents. His current position, #100, was a temporary compromise, an acknowledgment that his exceptional journey defied easy classification. In time, the ranking would likely evolve, reflecting the ever-shifting landscape of his existence.

Unbeknownst to Qin Wentian, who remained ensconced in his own world, events continued to unfold. The City of Ancient Emperors concealed enigmatic depths, uncharted and veiled in mystery. Sprawling wildernesses stretched infinitely, teeming with secrets and uncharted realms. Many had ventured into the untamed heart of these lands, only to vanish without a trace, leaving behind a shroud of perplexing silence.

In one such secluded corner of the city, a serene oasis thrived amidst towering cliffs, kissed by the gentle caress of a nearby waterfall. It was an idyllic haven, a sanctuary apart from the tumultuous outside world. Here, a modest abode nestled amid the rugged terrain, the natural contours of rocks creating a picturesque tableau.

Upon a colossal stone formation, a vision of ethereal beauty sat in deep contemplation, as if plucked from the pages of a divine painting. Her presence possessed an otherworldly allure, capable of entrancing all who gazed upon her.

Moments later, the figure gracefully rose, her gaze drawn to another slumbering silhouette on the ground—a figure of unmistakable significance. It was none other than Qing'er, her enigmatic and captivating countenance exuding a sense of timeless wisdom and beauty.

With measured steps, Qing'er approached Qin Wentian's resting form. Her posture radiated a tenderness and concern that belied her typically frosty demeanor. As she regarded the serenity gracing his handsome features, a smile—rare, precious, and profound—graced her lips.

In this tranquil enclave, amidst the symphony of rustling leaves and murmuring waters, Qing'er's heart unfolded, releasing the warmth and affection she had long concealed. Here, in the presence of the slumbering hero, she found solace, connection, and the treasured memories of their shared journey. The breeze played with strands of her hair, bestowing an ethereal aura upon the scene, and as she watched over Qin Wentian, their intertwined destinies etched a poignant tableau of love, devotion, and enduring strength.

With the passage of time, the palpable tension in the tranquil haven began to ease, replaced by a warmth that had long been suppressed. Amidst the silence, a melody of emotions flowed like a symphony, conducted by the cadence of their hearts.

Qing'er's melodious voice, like the softest notes of an enchanting melody, pierced the quietude of the sanctuary. She expressed gratitude for his swift awakening, her words caressing the air with gentle affection. Her outstretched hand, once hesitant, now traversed the short distance to Qin Wentian's face, a gentle touch that spoke of unspoken feelings.

As her fingers grazed his features, her smile radiated brighter, an iridescent bloom in the stillness. She reminisced about the past, about the times when he had slumbered for what felt like an eternity. A wistful wonder lingered in her voice as she pondered the duration of his current rest.

Yet, in the midst of her reverie, a startling revelation interrupted the serene moment. Qin Wentian's eyes fluttered open, catching her off guard. In an instant, her hand withdrew as if recoiling from a forbidden touch, and her radiant smile froze in place.

Reflexively, Qing'er sprung to her feet, her demeanor quickly reverting to its customary frostiness as she acknowledged his awakening with a curt, "You're awake."

Qin Wentian, however, was undeterred by her sudden shift. A trace of amusement twinkled in his eyes as he inquired about her actions. "Qing'er, what were you doing?"

A faint blush painted her cheeks as she stammered, "Just checking to see if you're feeling better."

She turned away from him, her gaze locked onto some distant point, seemingly avoiding eye contact. A peculiar mix of emotions flickered across her usually composed features, but she swiftly masked them, concealing the warmth that had momentarily surfaced.

"Qing'er," he called to her, his voice a gentle caress. She hesitated for a fleeting moment before turning back to face him.

Qin Wentian offered no further words, opting instead for a poignant silence. His gaze, filled with tenderness and understanding, lingered on her. There was an unwavering affection that coursed between them, palpable in the air.

Faced with his unwavering gaze, Qing'er sought to evade his penetrating scrutiny. She made to turn away again, but his voice, soft and laden with genuine warmth, halted her. "Qing'er, it wasn't easy finding you. Let me look at you a little longer."

For a breathless moment, their eyes locked in an unspoken understanding. Then, as she found herself at a loss for words, she responded in her typically composed manner, "You'd better rest well and wake up early tomorrow."

With that, she turned and ascended to the apex of a nearby colossal rock, where she stood, solitary and inscrutable.

Qin Wentian's gaze lingered on her form, marked by an expression of endearing fondness. The serene tableau held its place in time, their silent communion weaving a tapestry of emotions. And as the hours flowed on, Qin Wentian gradually surrendered to the tranquility, surrendering to the rejuvenating embrace of rest.

Finally, the day arrived when he could move freely once more. Seated upon the vast stone, his eyes alight with a newfound vitality, he contemplated the horizon. The sun descended, casting its golden hues across the landscape, painting the mountains and waterfall in warm, ethereal light.

A concealed cave nestled behind the cascade of water, and from its depths emerged a figure of unparalleled grace and beauty. As she emerged, the glistening water cascaded over her, drenching her raven-black hair. Adorned in a simple yet diaphanous dress, her silhouette became an embodiment of ethereal elegance. Bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, she exuded an aura of otherworldly sanctity that left Qin Wentian captivated.

The spellbound Qin Wentian watched as she approached, captivated by her ethereal beauty. Yet, the hint of mirth in his eyes seemed to have unsettled her composure, prompting her to respond with an air of aloofness.

However, he was undeterred by her attempt at distance. In a low voice, he acknowledged the surreal beauty that surrounded them. "A beautiful scene in the human world, huh..."

The gentle breeze whispered its secrets as Qin Wentian's words hung in the air, and he soon found her gaze fixed upon him. There was something beguiling in her inscrutable eyes, and she stared at him with a poised curiosity.

Moments passed in a tranquil exchange of glances, and it was Qin Wentian who eventually broke the silence, his voice a soft murmur. "Qing'er, thank you for finding me."

Her response was as eloquent as her silence.

In the midst of this secluded haven, where the serenity held sway, a spark of playful banter ignited between them. Qin Wentian, still blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation, couldn't resist a teasing remark, "Qing'er, you are still so beautiful even when you're angry." His form stretched languidly, unfazed by the tension he inadvertently created. It was clear that his thick skin was a formidable shield, one that protected him from Qing'er's potential wrath.

"Shameless," Qing'er chided with a hint of exasperation, but the cadence of her voice carried a certain melody that softened her words. Her composure was unshaken by his brazen remarks; in fact, it was a dance they had mastered over the years.

With an unabashed grin, Qin Wentian regarded Qing'er, his eyes alight with a warmth that transcended mere words. "Qing'er, if we could live like this forever, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?"

But then, as if the gentle breeze had shifted direction, Qing'er's cool voice broke the spell, and her words caught him off guard. "What about Qingcheng?"

Qin Wentian blinked, a baffled expression etching his features. Her mention of Mo Qingcheng at that particular moment was unexpected, and he grappled with its implications.

Caught between his bewilderment and her silence, Qin Wentian took a deep breath. In this tranquil moment, he found the courage to convey his deepest feelings. "Qing'er, I will never let Qingcheng down. But similarly, I will also never let you down."

His admission marked a rare instance of vulnerability. Qin Wentian was acutely aware of the promise he had made to Qing'er, and this declaration was the first step in fulfilling it. It was evident that their relationship had evolved beyond mere camaraderie. Qin Wentian's initial mention of living together forever had triggered Qing'er's heartfelt response, and her reference to Mo Qingcheng underscored the complexity of her feelings.

For a woman of few words, Qing'er's actions spoke volumes. Her unwavering presence by his side, her acceptance of his gaze even after a refreshing waterfall bath, all pointed to a bond that transcended mere friendship. Every gesture, every moment spent together, reinforced the depth of her emotions.

Qin Wentian's confession seemed to have caught Qing'er off guard, and she stood there, momentarily stupefied. The gravity of his words hung in the air, revealing that Qing'er occupied a significant place in his heart, alongside Mo Qingcheng.

As the silence stretched, Qing'er finally turned and retreated to the hut. Her reply, delivered in hushed tones, reverberated through the room. "You'd better increase your strength as soon as possible. Qingcheng has been waiting for you for many years."

With those words, Qing'er withdrew into her room, leaving Qin Wentian to ponder their unspoken connection. Did her response signify contentment with their current relationship, or was there something more profound at play?

Meanwhile, in her private sanctum, Qing'er lay in quiet contemplation, her gaze fixated on the ceiling. Her heart raced with an unfamiliar fervor, and a rare hint of nervousness traced her features. Gradually, the tumult within her chest subsided, giving way to a serene calm.

Her beautiful eyes blinked, and a soft smile played upon her lips. Her eyes closed, and a gentle blush tinted her cheeks, bestowing an exquisite charm that was regrettably unseen by Qin Wentian.