The First Bloom 5

Jianyu remained seated under the tree, his breathing gradually evening out as the tension in his chest dissipated. 

The system's warning still echoed faintly in his mind, like a clock ticking against his will. 

He tilted his head back to look up at the canopy of leaves above, the magical glow of the tree casting an almost serene light. For a moment, he let himself bask in the calm, pretending that he wasn't tethered to something bigger than himself.

The sound of soft footsteps broke his brief moment of peace. He didn't have to look to know who it was. 

"You're still here," Zhenfeng's voice came from behind, his tone less sharp but still laced with something unspoken. 

Jianyu tilted his head to glance over his shoulder, raising a brow.