Chapter 9: A Promise Upon Awakening

Morning sunlight filtered through the tattered paper windows, casting a warm glow over Su Yao's pale face. She leaned against Lin Jin's shoulder, her half-lidded eyes regaining some of their usual brightness, though traces of weakness still lingered.

Lin Jin sat beside the bed, holding a bowl of warm water, carefully feeding her sip by sip. His gaze was full of concern.

"Drink slowly, don't choke," he murmured. Seeing her breath steadying, he finally felt a weight lift off his chest.

Su Yao took a few sips, then looked up at him, her bright eyes blinking playfully. A teasing smile curled on her lips.

"You haven't slept in three days, have you? Look at those dark circles—you look like a panda."

Lin Jin froze, instinctively touching his face before sighing helplessly. "It's not that bad. I was cultivating… and watching over you."

"Cultivating?" Su Yao narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing him. Suddenly, she gasped. "Wait—you broke through to the fifth stage of the Ember Realm?! That fast?"

Her voice was filled with surprise, and her round eyes widened in disbelief, regaining a bit of their usual liveliness.

Lin Jin nodded. "I refined some spirit stones and beast cores over the past few days. I got lucky." He then glanced at her and asked, "What about you? How do you feel?"

Su Yao flexed her arm slightly, frowning. "Not bad. Just weak… and my meridians feel a bit blocked, like something's pressing on them." She paused, then grinned mischievously. "But it's fine. As long as you're here, what do I have to be afraid of?"

Lin Jin felt warmth spread in his chest at her words. He nodded. "Rest well. I'll find some spirit herbs to help you recover."

"Don't bother," Su Yao waved him off, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm starving. Get me some food instead. A bowl of meat broth noodles would be perfect—I haven't eaten in three days!"

Lin Jin chuckled helplessly and stood up. "Alright, wait here."

He walked over to the small stove in the corner and started a fire. Though his cooking skills were rough, he prepared the meal with meticulous care. Before long, a steaming bowl of meat broth noodles was placed before Su Yao, filling the hut with a rich aroma.

Su Yao's eyes lit up as she grabbed the bowl, eagerly slurping down a mouthful. Savoring the taste, she sighed in satisfaction. "Mmm… this is good! You're actually pretty decent at this. You should cook for me more often."

Lin Jin sat nearby, watching her devour the food with amusement. A faint smile played on his lips. "As long as you're alright, I'll make as much as you want."

Su Yao paused, her chopsticks hovering mid-air. She turned to him, eyes twinkling. Then, with a smirk, she teased, "Lin Jin, why does that sound like something a man would say to his wife? I'm not that easy to woo, you know."

Lin Jin's ears reddened. He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "That's not what I meant… I just don't want you getting hurt again."

Su Yao finished her meal and leaned back against the bed, her bright eyes fixed on him. After a moment, her usual playfulness softened into something more serious.

"This time, I was careless. I didn't expect that Phantom Scale Serpent to be so dangerous. But… I heard what you did for me." She smiled faintly. "Running all the way to Bluestone City just to find a cure? I suppose that makes us even."

Lin Jin shook his head. "No, you saved me first. I owe you my life."

Su Yao waved a hand dismissively. "Don't keep score like that. I blocked that attack for you because I wanted to. You ran to find medicine for me because you wanted to. Let's stop keeping count, alright?"

Lin Jin was silent for a moment, then he nodded. "Alright."

Their eyes met, and for a fleeting second, the air between them felt lighter.

Su Yao suddenly patted the bed beside her. "Come sit. I have something to ask you."

Lin Jin obeyed, sitting closer. Su Yao leaned in slightly, her voice lowering.

"Lin Jin, you kept murmuring 'Tianyan Pavilion' in your sleep while you were unconscious. What is that place?"

Lin Jin's expression darkened. He exhaled slowly before answering, "Three years ago, Tianyan Pavilion wiped out my family. I was the only one who survived. They're one of the strongest sects in the Lingyuan Realm… and right now, I don't even have the strength to reach their gates."

Su Yao's playful demeanor faded. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her bright eyes turned solemn. "Tianyan Pavilion… I've heard of them. They're powerful. If you want revenge, the road ahead won't be easy."

"I know," Lin Jin said quietly. He clenched his fists. "That's why I have to get stronger—not just for revenge, but for…" His gaze flickered toward her. "For you, too."

Su Yao blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, she let out a laugh.

"Look at you! You've gotten much smoother with your words since I was unconscious," she teased, giving his shoulder a playful shove. But then, her expression turned serious again. "Alright, since we're being honest, I have something to tell you, too."

Lin Jin met her gaze. "What is it?"

Su Yao hesitated, then said softly, "I'm not just some ordinary girl from a small town. My family… has quite a bit of influence. I left home because I wanted to see the world for myself. But if you really want to get stronger, I can walk this path with you."

Lin Jin recalled what the Flame Soul Ancestor had once hinted about her background. "Where is your family from?" he asked.

Su Yao smirked. "I'm not telling you yet. Just know that it's far from Jinshi Town. If you become strong enough, maybe one day I'll take you to meet them." She then held out her pinky. "But for now, promise me one thing."

Lin Jin looked at her hand, then at her serious expression. "What is it?"

"Wherever we go from now on, we go together," she said firmly. "Revenge, cultivation, whatever—we face it side by side. And don't treat me like some weak girl. I'm not falling behind."

Lin Jin stared at her, warmth surging through his chest. After a moment, he reached out, linking his pinky with hers.

"Alright," he said. "We walk this path together."

Su Yao grinned. "Good. That's a promise."

A chuckle echoed in Lin Jin's mind—Flame Soul Ancestor's amused voice. "This girl is sharp. And if she really comes from a powerful background, keeping her by your side will be invaluable. But remember, boy—you'll need to keep up with her, too."

Lin Jin exhaled, his resolve strengthening. "Su Yao, get some rest. Once you're fully recovered, we'll leave this place and find a better opportunity."

"Deal!" Su Yao beamed. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Oh, and since you've been training nonstop, I'll keep watch while you cultivate. Don't worry—I won't let you go crazy and start burning the house down."

Lin Jin chuckled. "Alright."

For the next two days, Lin Jin focused on consolidating his cultivation while Su Yao recuperated. Despite her lingering weakness, she constantly chatted and occasionally corrected his technique, making the long hours pass quickly.

On the third day, Lin Jin refined the last of his spirit stones, his ember flames surging with newfound stability. When he opened his eyes, he found Su Yao watching him, chin resting on her hands.

"Not bad," she mused. "Your aura's solid now. Guess I did a good job supervising."

Lin Jin smirked. "Thanks for the guidance."

Su Yao hopped off the bed, stretching. "I'm feeling much better. Let's go out tomorrow—I'm sick of being cooped up in here!"

Lin Jin nodded. "Alright. We'll head out and see if any opportunities await."

As the night deepened, Su Yao drifted off to sleep, and Lin Jin sat beside her, watching over her once more.

"With you here," he thought, "this journey won't be lonely."