TianHa

Shen Xu is a man whose name once shook the heavens, he stood at the peak. Yet, after centuries of endless battles, and responsibilities, he made an unprecedented decision, he vanished from the world.

Now, he lives a simple life in a quiet village, tending to a small teahouse, enjoying the changing seasons, and savoring the peace he never had. To the villagers, he is just an ordinary man, polite yet reserved, a mysterious figure who never seems to age.

One day, a young noblewoman named Yue Meng, fleeing from an arranged marriage, stumbles into his life. Beautiful, intelligent, and carrying secrets of her own, she finds herself drawn to this seemingly unremarkable man who possesses an aura of unfathomable depth.

As they share daily moments, cooking together, watching the sunset, strolling under moonlight, Liu Ruyan begins to suspect that Shen Xu is no ordinary man. Strange occurrences follow him: wild beasts bow before him, a single word from him makes arrogant warriors tremble, and when he casually waves his hand, disasters seem to resolve themselves.

Yet, whenever she asks, he only smiles and says, "I'm just a simple tea seller, Miss."

But how long can an immortal hide from the heavens? And what will happen when the past comes knocking at his door once more?


I will try to update regularly but that eventually depends on my mood because I am not doing this for money but for fun.

The Hidden Immortal Leisurely Life

Chapter 29: A Faint Light in the Dark

Dawn had barely begun to paint the sky in soft hues of gold when Shen Xu stirred from his place on the porch. The cold of the night still clung to his skin.

Inside the house, all was still. The faint scent of incense lingered in the air.

He moved quietly through the house, his steps almost soundless. Yet, before he could reach his own room, he caught a glimpse of Yue stirring beneath her blankets.

Her dark lashes fluttered as she shifted, her long hair spilling over the pillow in soft waves. She looked peaceful, and for a moment, he hesitated.

Before he could decide whether to step away, Yue's eyes slowly opened. Sleep still clouded her gaze, but as she focused on him, a small frown creased her brow.

"You're awake already?" her voice was soft, tinged with drowsiness.

Xu simply nodded. "I didn't sleep much."

Yue studied him, pushing herself up on her elbows. In the dim morning light, her eyes seemed darker, deeper.

"You always seem like you're carrying something heavy," she murmured, tilting her head. "Even when you say nothing."

Xu didn't respond right away. Yue was perceptive, and she wouldn't press him for words he wasn't ready to give.

Instead, he shifted the conversation. "You should rest more. The sun hasn't even risen fully yet."

Yue huffed softly, rubbing her arms. "I could say the same to you."

A ghost of a smirk flickered across Xu's lips. He glanced toward the window, where the sky had begun to brighten.

"Go back to sleep, Yue," he said quietly.

She sighed but didn't argue. As she lay back down, her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer.

Xu turned, stepping out of the room, leaving behind only the faint rhythm of his footsteps.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves. Xu stood by the well, drawing up a bucket of water with practiced ease. The rhythmic creak of the rope filled the quiet morning, blending with the occasional rustling of trees.

Behind him, soft footsteps approached. Yue had woken up, her loose robe swaying lightly as she rubbed her eyes.

"How can you do this so early" she murmured, voice still laced with sleep.

She yawned, stretching her arms before stepping closer. "You should teach me."

Xu raised a brow. "Teach you what?"

"How to wake up early without feeling like death," she deadpanned.

A rare chuckle escaped him, quiet but genuine. "Discipline."

Yue sighed dramatically. "Sounds exhausting."

A small breeze swept through the yard, brushing strands of her hair against her cheek. Xu's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer. The way the sunlight kissed her skin, the relaxed ease in her posture.

Yue caught his gaze, tilting her head. "What?"

He shook his head, turning back to the well. "Nothing."

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously but let it slide. "Fine. I'll wash up first, then help with breakfast."

Xu stepped aside, watching as she reached for the water. The way her fingers dipped into the cold liquid, the droplets clinging to her skin, the way she brushed them against her face with a content sigh, something about it stirred an unfamiliar warmth in his chest.

His past was littered with blood, with loss.

And yet, here, in the quiet of the morning, with Yue standing beside him, he felt something dangerously close to contentment.

Just as Yue turned to head back inside, the distant sound of hoofbeats echoed from the forest path. The rhythm was controlled, deliberate travelers, perhaps, or something else.

Xu's expression darkened slightly. He could tell from the weight of the steps that these weren't simple merchants.

Yue noticed his shift in demeanor. "What is it?"

Xu's gaze remained fixed on the tree line. "Visitors."

Light in darkness