Chapter 22: You Have Changed

Chapter 22 : You Have Changed

The Xiao Family's ancestral estate stood as tranquil as ever — vast, elegant, and steeped in centuries of glory. Neatly paved stone roads wound through the compound, bordered by dense patches of lush vegetation and vibrant flowers that swayed gently under the cool morning breeze. Birds chirped softly in the distance, their melodies blending with the rustling leaves, creating a peaceful harmony that could lull one into serenity.

Xiao Chen walked silently along the familiar path, hands calmly tucked behind his back. His black robes fluttered lightly as his steady steps carried him toward his courtyard. The sun's soft rays filtered through the branches above, painting his face in shades of gold and shadow. His expression was serene, almost detached — as if he had become one with the calm around him.

"Brother Chen!"

A sweet, familiar voice echoed from afar, breaking the morning stillness.

Xiao Chen's steps halted. His eyes narrowed slightly as that voice stirred something deep within him — familiarity, warmth… and a trace of forgotten memories. Slowly, he turned his head.

In the distance, a figure was running toward him, golden hair flowing like a cascading waterfall. Her fair, delicate face lit up with joy as she waved both hands high. Xiao Chen's cold expression softened, the corner of his lips curving into a rare, gentle smile.

"What's the matter, Rong?" he asked, raising a brow. His voice carried a hint of nostalgia.

Hearing him call her "Rong" made Xiao Rongyu's heart flutter. She had almost forgotten how sweet that sounded from his lips. Childhood memories surged — days when he'd call her "Rong Rong," teasing and laughing with her. Though she was a year older, she had always looked up to Xiao Chen like an elder brother… perhaps even more.

She slowed as she reached him, stopping just a breath away. Despite being a few centimeters shorter, her tall, slender frame brought her nearly to his eye level. On impulse, she rose onto her toes, her delicate face mere inches from his. Her mesmerizing amber eyes locked onto his deep black ones, flickering with an unfathomable light.

"You're a real mystery, mister," she teased, her voice laced with soft laughter.

Xiao Chen gazed at her calmly, his expression indifferent — but only he knew this side of Xiao Rongyu. The playful, mischievous side she never showed others. To the rest of the clan, she was cold, reserved, aloof. But with him… she became that same girl from their childhood — her walls lowered.

His eye twitched slightly. Why is she still like this? he cursed inwardly. It had been months since they'd last shared such a moment. Whenever they crossed paths, she seemed to bear a grudge against his self-imposed isolation — barely sparing him a glance, always cold, always distant.

Yet now… she stood before him, lively, full of charm.

"What do you want?" Xiao Chen's voice was flat as he took a step back, putting some distance between them.

"Not fun!" Xiao Rongyu pouted, crossing her arms in frustration. Yet rather than looking upset, she appeared… cute. Her golden hair shimmered under the sunlight, flowing down her back. Her posture was unintentionally alluring — arms pressing lightly against her chest, waist bent slightly as she huffed.

Xiao Chen's eyes trembled. A faint blush crept up his cheek.

This was no longer the little girl he knew. She had grown, blossomed into a young woman exuding a subtle, dangerous charm. Still, that fleeting blush did not escape Xiao Rongyu's sharp eyes.

"Brother Chen… was that a blush?" she grinned, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I didn't know you were capable of that!"

"Quit it, Rong. I don't have time for this," Xiao Chen snapped, brows furrowed. "What do you want?"

The playful light in her eyes dimmed instantly. Her smile faded.

"Why… are you like this, Brother Chen?" Her voice cracked, a hint of pain lacing her words. "What happened to you? You weren't like this before. Ever since you returned a year ago… you've kept your distance. Even from me." Her amber eyes shimmered. "Did I… do something wrong?"

Xiao Chen stood frozen. Speechless.

He hadn't expected that.

Her words pierced through him like a blade, leaving him breathless. Indeed, after obtaining Long Tianyi's legacy… everything had changed. The vast knowledge, the ancient memories, the immense power — it all consumed him. For the past year, he had submerged himself in endless seclusion, adapting to the transformations in his body and soul.

He had become… different. Mature. Cold. Detached. As though human emotions were a burden.

Perhaps it was the dragon bloodline awakening — prideful, untouchable, inhuman.

Xiao Rongyu's outburst was like a mirror, reflecting the person he had become. A man he barely recognized.

For the first time in a long while, Xiao Chen trembled.

He realized… she was right.

He had changed.

Xiao Chen's prolonged silence was deafening. To Xiao Rongyu, it felt like a slap in the face. Her brows furrowed, lips trembling slightly as she whispered, "Why aren't you saying anything?"

Her words snapped Xiao Chen out of his daze. Guilt flashed in his dark eyes. He exhaled softly, forcing a bitter smile. "I'm sorry, Rong. You did nothing wrong… I just… got carried away."

"Hmph." Xiao Rongyu's soft expression hardened. Her coldness resurfaced — that defensive shell she'd perfected over the past year. "You've changed, Brother Chen. Not just your character — your aura, your eyes… everything feels different."

Xiao Chen remained silent. Her words stung, but he couldn't deny them — nor could he explain. There were things he couldn't share. Not yet.

The air grew warm. Xiao Rongyu's amber eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. The atmosphere shifted; faint ripples of heat distorted the air. Her turbulent emotions stirred her elemental affinity — Fire.

"You know, Brother Chen," she murmured, her face mere inches from his, "what could you possibly be busy with? The Elders gave us a whole month before the Spirit Refinement Grounds trial. You're already at the peak of the Martial Soul Realm… Your foundation is solid — any Fourth Grade Sect would scramble to recruit you. So what is it? What's so important that you keep isolating yourself?"

Xiao Chen sighed heavily, dragging a hand through his dark hair. "I'm… close to an enlightenment," he finally said, his voice low and hoarse.

"Enlightenment?" Xiao Rongyu's eyes widened slightly, awe flickering in their golden depths.

In the world of cultivation, Enlightenment was mystical — a rare moment when a cultivator's understanding of the Dao, their element, or a martial path aligned perfectly with the universe. A moment of transcendence — one that could shatter bottlenecks, elevate techniques, or awaken hidden bloodlines. Many cultivators spent lifetimes chasing it — most never experienced it even once.

Xiao Chen gave a faint nod, confirming her thoughts.

For a moment, the world stood still.

Then, breaking the silence, Xiao Rongyu crossed her arms and lowered her gaze. "Fine… One week," she declared. "I'm heading to the Mystic Beast Forest — you're coming with me. You don't get to say no."

Xiao Chen raised a brow, amused. "Mystic Beast Forest?"

Indeed, the Mystic Beast Forest was infamous across Lingshui Country — a vast, ancient woodland teeming with spiritual beasts of all ranks. Towering trees reached the skies, their canopies thick enough to block sunlight. Mist flowed like ethereal rivers. Countless spirit beasts roamed — from rank-one to terrifying rank-five and even rumored rank-six beasts capable of killing a Martial Grandmaster. It was a land of peril — and opportunity.

Before Xiao Chen could answer, he noticed her posture — arms folded, golden hair cascading down like a waterfall, waist bent slightly in a playful pout.

"Is that a threat?" he teased, eyes narrowing.

"And what if it is?" Xiao Rongyu shot back, her amber eyes locking onto his. A fiery challenge blazed in her gaze.

Xiao Chen blinked… then chuckled softly. "You're quite the actress, Rong."

Without warning, his hand darted out. Before Xiao Rongyu could react, a warm pat landed atop her head.

"W-What?!" Xiao Rongyu froze, eyes squeezing shut instinctively. But instead… only a gentle pat met her crown — a simple, affectionate gesture from long-forgotten childhood days.

Pat… Pat…

The warmth of his palm sent a strange ripple through her heart.

Realizing what just happened, Xiao Rongyu jumped back as if scalded, her cheeks dusted red. "D-Do your manners change too, huh?! How can you pat a girl's head without her permission?! I'm older than you, remember?"

She huffed and turned, flipping her golden hair like a proud lioness. "Hmph!" Her cold beauty returned full force — but it couldn't hide the blush staining her cheeks.

Xiao Chen watched her silently, an amused smile tugging at his lips.

Just as she was walking away, her voice echoed down the road, "One week! Don't forget it!"

Xiao Chen stood there, watching until her figure disappeared beyond the flowery path. For the first time in a long while, his chest felt lighter — like a heavy weight had been lifted.

It had been too long since he'd had such a conversation. Too long since someone pulled him out of his shell.

Maybe… I've really changed.

The wind blew softly, rustling the flowers and trees. His black robes fluttered, dark hair dancing with the breeze. Slowly, Xiao Chen raised his gaze to the sky, his eyes cold, calculating — yet filled with newfound determination.

"It's about time I start making plans for the future," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows as Xiao Chen turned and walked away — the road ahead uncertain, but his steps firm.