Chapter Twenty-Nine: Don't Leave Me

Zisang couldn't win an argument with Nan Xianyi and left in a huff. Watching her leave, Nan Xianyi felt a mix of emotions. After parting ways with Yufu, he had been searching for Zisang, only to find her happily chatting with Wuchen, looking extremely close.

So you're this happy without me? I've been looking for you all this time, and here you are, having a moonlit chat with someone else.

Filled with anger, he decided to drink, even though he had never touched alcohol before. He ended up drinking three to five jars without getting drunk, which made him suspect the wine was fake. Frustrated, he demanded the innkeeper bring out their best and most expensive wine. Still, it had no effect, except that he spent the entire night running to the bathroom. Then he saw Zisang and Wuchen laughing and talking outside again. Sometimes it felt like the heavens were playing a huge joke on him.

Too much had happened that night. What was supposed to be a joyful Water Lantern Festival turned into a night of shattered relationships. Even Danjun had been taken away early in the morning. The once small and crowded hut now felt empty.

The hut was situated on the back of the mountain, in a desolate area. Due to its extreme yin energy, few people came by. That's why Zisang couldn't find the place when she arrived, and no one knew about it. Now, the brief sense of liveliness was gone again.

It was already noon, and there was still no sign of life in the hut. Anyone unaware might have thought they were all dead. In truth, they hadn't slept all night, and no one had spoken a word since last night. They either turned their backs on each other or sulked alone inside, brooding.

Zisang hadn't eaten since the previous night and was already feeling weak from hunger. But now she was in a cold war with Nan Xianyi. If she left first, it would mean she lost. Winning or losing didn't matter; she couldn't lose her pride.

Right, water! Drinking water could stave off hunger!

"Bang!"

A shattering sound accompanied by a muffled groan.

Nan Xianyi quickly turned around to see Zisang holding her arm in pain, her expression contorted. Without a second thought, he rushed to her. The wound had festered, oozing black blood and pus with a foul stench. Nan Xianyi frowned but said nothing. The most important thing was to treat the injury.

In a trance, he drew his sword and slashed his hand.

Zisang wanted to stop him, but he gave her a reassuring look.

Zisang seemed to understand his intention, or perhaps not entirely, but she foolishly withdrew her hand. Maybe it was his gaze that made her trust him.

Nan Xianyi held his hand over her wound, letting his blood drip onto it.

At first, it felt like being burned by fire, the pain unbearable, but then it started to feel soothing. The festering wound seemed to be absorbing Nan Xianyi's blood. Instead of dripping down, the blood was being sucked back in.

Nan Xianyi smiled faintly. Just as he had thought...

Everything was within Nan Xianyi's control, while Zisang stood there, dumbfounded.

Why was this happening?

She didn't understand why, but she felt a deep fear and more worry. If this continued, Nan Xianyi would soon be in trouble.

"No, Nan Xianyi, stop it!"

Zisang tried to pull away, but he held her tightly, as if afraid someone would take her from him. He held her tighter and tighter. Just as she was about to push him away, he spoke.

"Don't push me away. Don't always keep me at arm's length."

"I'm scared, really scared. I'm so afraid you'll leave me one day. I don't want to let you go."

Nan Xianyi's voice sounded exhausted.

He leaned heavily on Zisang, making it hard for her to breathe. She tried to support him when an old-sounding voice whispered in her ear.

"Don't be so stubborn. If this continues, you'll harm him."

Zisang was indignant. She just wanted to push him away to feel better. How could she be harming him? What was this all about?

Her raised hand awkwardly dropped back.

"Knock, knock."

Zisang followed the sound and saw someone avoiding her gaze, as if they had been there for a while.

Seeing the newcomer's strange look, Zisang reflexively pushed Nan Xianyi away.

She studied the young woman. She looked familiar, like someone she had seen before. Concentrating, she remembered. The visitor was the Flower Goddess from the Celestial Realm, whom she had met in Fusang.

Being suddenly pushed away, Nan Xianyi was momentarily stunned. His gaze followed Zisang's and landed on the newcomer.

"Flower Goddess, what brings you to this desolate place today? I wasn't prepared for a guest," Nan Xianyi said, dusting himself off.

Yaoxi intentionally avoided his eyes.

Nan Xianyi addressed her with formal respect, but she disliked it. It made her feel distanced, unlike how Junfeng, though equally respectful, still felt like a friend. Nan Xianyi, on the other hand, treated her like an elder, which felt odd.

Yaoxi said, "Come out with me. I have something to tell you."

Nan Xianyi was puzzled. Why did they need to go outside to talk?

"You can speak here, there's no one else."

Yaoxi hesitated, glancing at Zisang.

It seemed she had something she didn't want to say in front of Zisang. No wonder she was hesitant.

Nan Xianyi understood her intent and followed her outside.

The hut fell silent again, so quiet that the sound of their footsteps fading away could be heard.

Zisang began to feel uneasy, a strange fear rising in her heart. The Flower Goddess should have been in Fusang. Why did she come looking for Nan Xianyi? Was she trying to take him back?

Last time, Nan Xianyi's uncle was suddenly called back like this. Could it be Nan Xianyi's turn this time?

Zisang couldn't bear it anymore and quickly followed them.

"Are you really not planning to come back with me?"

Zisang's guess was correct. Yaoxi had come to take Nan Xianyi back.

In the Celestial Mirror, she saw the man she loved caring for another woman. He loved her, cherished her. When he saw her cry, his heart ached. When she was happy, he smiled brighter than her.

When she was hurt, he would do anything to heal her.

But that wasn't like him. The man she loved never shed tears for others. His heart seemed cold, no matter what she did, she couldn't warm it.