The Shackles Between the Two
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Chapter 107: The Shackles Between the Two
After that dream, Xiao Yan and Yun Zhi continued their daily life in the cave, practicing and living together.
However, for the past few days, something has been bothering Xiao Yan.
Maybe it's just his imagination, but Xiao Yan feels like Yun Zhi has become a bit colder toward him.
If it was just coldness, it wouldn't be a big deal, but the problem is that this coldness is mixed with an unspoken tenderness.
Coldness, tenderness—these are two completely contradictory words, yet they've both been present in Yun Zhi's attitude towards Xiao Yan for the past few days.
Xiao Yan really doesn't understand.
Did I do something wrong?
For the past few days, aside from training, Xiao Yan has been thinking about this question.
But in the end, he couldn't come to an answer.
On the other hand, in the ring, Yao Chen felt relieved.
It was a good thing that her disciple wasn't too bright.
But at the same time, Yao Chen felt sorry for Xiao Yan and even more so for Yun Zhi.
According to Yao Chen's expectations, after the two of them had opened their hearts and done what they did, they should no longer suppress their feelings, and naturally, they would be together.
After all, both Xiao Yan and Yun Zhi had feelings for each other, and that was an undeniable fact.
But the reality was completely different from what Yao Chen had predicted.
Xiao Yan had no memory of that event, and Yun Zhi never mentioned it. Moreover, it seemed unlikely she would bring it up in the future.
Yun Zhi knew her feelings for Xiao Yan, but due to her identity, she had been restraining herself, even after what happened that day.
It was the same as Xiao Yan, who had been restraining his own feelings.
At this point, Yao Chen felt a great sense of helplessness.
From how they were both restraining themselves, it seemed they were truly made for each other.
In the end, Yao Chen chose to remain silent.
Even after everything, Yun Zhi had still chosen responsibility over her own feelings.
This choice made Yao Chen both angry and regretful.
Since Yun Zhi had chosen this path after everything, Yao Chen could only respect her decision.
As the new day began with the sunrise, Xiao Yan was still asleep.
Outside the cave, Yun Zhi stood beneath the waterfall, eyes closed, her consciousness gathering in the purple seal in front of her chest, her fighting energy slowly rising.
Finally, Yun Zhi suddenly opened her eyes.
"Break!"
With a sharp command, the purple seal shattered, and the Dou Qi that had been suppressed for days erupted, fully restoring her original strength.
Dou Huang, restored!
Feeling the vast fighting energy within her, Yun Zhi gazed at the rising sun, a trace of loneliness flashing in her eyes.
It's time to leave.
Yun Zhi had only stayed with Xiao Yan for a short time because her Dou qi hadn't been restored. But now that her strength had returned, she no longer had a reason to stay.
Not only did Yanyan need the pills made from the Purple Spirit Crystal, but more importantly, Yun Zhi feared staying here.
She was afraid—afraid she could no longer restrain herself, afraid that she would abandon her identity, abandon her responsibility, and confess everything that had happened that day to Xiao Yan.
Yun Zhi knew deep down that what happened that day had become a heavy burden for both her and Xiao Yan.
She had decided that this matter should be buried forever.
With a firm heart, Yun Zhi summoned her Dou qi wings and decisively flew away.
However, after flying less than a hundred meters, Yun Zhi stopped in midair. After hesitating for a long time, she finally turned back and returned to the cave.
Putting away her Dou qi wings, Yun Zhi approached the stone bed, looking down at Xiao Yan's honest sleeping face, and once again remembered what had happened that day.
Her heart, which had calmed down, stirred again.
She couldn't help but feel sad, regretful, and reluctant.
If only my identity could be lowered a little.
If only his identity could be raised a little.
If I weren't Yanyan's respected teacher.
If he weren't the boy Yanyan liked.
Would we not have to worry about so much?
Tears of sadness flickered in Yun Zhi's eyes as she reached out her delicate hand and gently caressed Xiao Yan's side face.
Her heart trembled as she gazed at Xiao Yan's lips.
After a long time, Yun Zhi made a decision in her heart.
This is the last time.
Yun Zhi slowly lowered her body, lifted her hair, and gently pressed her lips to Xiao Yan's lips, savoring the feeling that had intoxicated her that day.
She hoped Xiao Yan would wake up but also feared that he would.
However, the kiss lasted for only a few seconds, and Xiao Yan showed no sign of waking up.
Perhaps yesterday's training had been too exhausting, causing Xiao Yan to be unaware of her tenderness.
Yun Zhi's heart sank with deep disappointment.
The lips that had been entwined slowly parted.
Looking at Xiao Yan's sleeping face, Yun Zhi smiled bitterly.
Perhaps we really shouldn't be together.
Yun Zhi turned to the stone table, left a letter, and also left behind the Sea Heart Armor she had been wearing.
Then, she left without a second glance.
After Yun Zhi left, Yao Chen's figure appeared from the ring, gazing at the cave entrance and then at the still-sleeping Xiao Yan, letting out a deep sigh.
Self-awareness, restrained desires, and the importance of responsibility.
These are all positive qualities, but between Xiao Yan and Yun Zhi, they became heavy shackles, preventing the two from moving closer to each other.
It truly is... tragic.
Meanwhile, after leaving the cave, Yun Zhi didn't immediately leave the Magic Beast Mountain Range. Instead, she arrived at the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's cave.
The newly awakened Purple Crystal Winged Lion King stood at the entrance, frowning as it looked at Yun Zhi flying toward it.
Since the seal had been broken and she had obtained the Purple Spirit Crystal, why was she here again?
"Lion King," Yun Zhi floated in midair, looking directly at the lion king, and asked, "Aside from the Transformation Pill, is there anything else you want for the Purple Spirit Crystal?"
Hearing Yun Zhi's question, the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's frown deepened.
She came all this way just to ask this?
"No," the lion king bared its teeth. "All I need now is the Transformation Pill."
"I see. I understand."
Yun Zhi murmured softly and then spoke seriously to the lion king.
"I promise I will do my best to seek the Transformation Pill, and once I get it, I will deliver it to you immediately as thanks for giving me the Purple Spirit Crystal."
"Hah?"
The Purple Crystal Winged Lion King was stunned for a moment before coming to its senses, its dislike for Yun Zhi slightly diminishing.
"Alright then, I'll wait without expecting too much."
The lion king laughed loudly, and Yun Zhi cupped her hands in respect.
"Farewell."
After speaking, Yun Zhi turned and left the Magic Beast Mountain Range without looking back.
As for why she was doing this, Yun Zhi couldn't quite explain.
After all, she already had the Purple Spirit Crystal, and even if she didn't make this promise, the lion king wouldn't pursue the matter.
After thinking for a while, Yun Zhi found one answer.
Perhaps it was because she didn't want to lose face in front of Xiao Yan because of any reason.
(End of this chapter)
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