"Sister..." Xue Zixuan chased after her and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw she was safe.
"Crown Prince of Xue Country," Xue Zixuan said, surprised to see Xue Jingyun.
"King of Beijiang," Xue Jingyun nodded slightly.
"What's the situation in the city?" Xue Zining asked.
Xue Zixuan said, "Sister's plan is good, but it's too dangerous. Sister, don't do this again in the future."
Thinking that if it weren't for Yan Zhao just now, she might have really fallen to the ground, she nodded with lingering fear, "I know."
"Yan Zhao, when did you wake up?" Xue Zining turned to ask Yan Zhao.
"His Highness only woke up a few days ago. Upon hearing the news of His Majesty, he rushed here without stopping," Xue Song couldn't help but interject.
"Yan Zhao, why don't you take care of yourself like this?" Xue Zining looked at Yan Zhao with a face full of heartache.
Yan Zhao smiled faintly and whispered, "Ning is here, and my heart cannot be at peace."
Xue Zining reached out to touch his face. He was still as handsome and refined as ever, but with a hint of weariness from his journey.
No matter where she was, even in Anning's body, she could always feel the peace and warmth he gave her.
Therefore, she was never afraid, because she knew he was with her on this journey.
She was not afraid of betrayal, because she knew that while everyone else might betray her, he would not.
He was someone she could rely on when she was tired, stand behind her when she was afraid, and shield her from danger.
"Yan Zhao, thank you..."
He paused slightly, his eyes like paintings, bright as stars. Their fingers intertwined, and she felt the warmth in his palm.
This was why she couldn't dissipate; she knew he was waiting for her...
He suddenly scooped her up, soared into the air, and left the place.
"Xue Jingyun, where are you taking Sister?" Xue Zixuan instinctively moved to chase after them.
Xue Song stepped forward to block Xue Zixuan and said, "King of Beijiang, His Majesty has my Crown Prince with him, and she is very safe."
Xue Zixuan also knew that with Xue Jingyun there, his sister would absolutely be safe.
No longer worried, he looked at Xue Song and the others and said, "You have had a difficult journey. I have arranged accommodations. Please follow me into the city."
"Miss Wen Nuan, why are you sighing?" Li Fanghui asked Wen Nuan beside her.
Wen Nuan whispered, "My Lord has no more chances."
Li Fanghui chuckled softly, "There is no room for anyone between the Crown Prince of Xue Country and His Majesty."
Wen Nuan nodded, "Indeed."
Li Fanghui looked up at the backs of the two as they departed, forever etching that fleeting figure in her heart.
No one would ever know that she had also admired the exceptionally talented Young Master Yan. However, she knew it was a secret she could never speak of from the depths of her heart.
It was enough like this, seeing him safe and happy was enough. Liking someone didn't necessarily mean being with them.
Xue Zining buried her head tightly in his embrace. It was warm and made her feel safe. She always asked where they were going, and she would follow him through fire and water. As long as she could be with him, she had no regrets in this life.
Xue Jingyun stopped and said softly, "Ning, we've arrived."
Xue Zining looked up and saw the scene before her, slightly stunned. She was now on a high ground, with green mountains and clear waters below.
There were also layers of mist, half-concealed, like a fairyland.
"Yan Zhao, how did you find this place?" she asked, a little amazed.
"On the way here, I thought that when I met Ning, I would bring her to see this place. Only you and I..."
She turned around and saw the brilliance in his star-filled eyes, which were incredibly dazzling at this moment.
She burrowed into his embrace, "Yan Zhao, I like it. No matter where it is, as long as I am with you, I like it."
"Ning, when everything is settled, will you marry me?"
Her body trembled, and she slowly raised her head, looking at the shimmering starlight in his eyes. After a long moment, she said, "Yan Zhao, you know this body of mine might..."
"Ning, I never crave forever. I only want to be with you, even if it's just until tomorrow..."
"Yan Zhao, don't say such inauspicious things. I just... I just don't want to leave you alone later, when you would be very lonely."
"You won't be," he said softly.
"Yan Zhao, promise me, if that day truly comes, don't remain alone. Find someone. I'm afraid you'll forget me, but I'm even more afraid that you'll be lonely your entire life."
"Ning, having you is enough for me. This life is enough..."
"Yan Zhao, promise me..."
After a long silence, she finally heard his voice by her ear, "Okay, I promise Ning..."
"Good. When everything is settled, I will marry you... Yan Zhao..."
"Ning, you promised, no going back."
"I won't go back. I want to marry you and have children with you..."
"Good..."
"Yan Zhao, I'm a little tired. If I fall asleep, carry me back..."
"Okay, sleep, Ning. I'm here for everything..."
Xue Zining slept peacefully.
He looked at her sleeping face in his arms, a faint smile on his lips. If Ning were gone, how could he remain in this world?
In that dark place, his Ning would be afraid. How could he bear to let her be afraid? Therefore, he would accompany her...
So what if it was hell?
When Xue Zining woke up, she opened her eyes to find it was bright daylight. As she was about to get up, she felt someone beside her. She turned her head and saw that handsome, refined face.
She lay back down, looking at his sleeping face. She had never known he could sleep so peacefully.
Even in his sleep, his beauty was undeniable.
She lowered her head slightly and kissed the corner of his lips.
Suddenly, his closed eyes snapped open, and in an instant, his beauty flowed, radiant and vibrant. She wanted to leave but was held tightly.
"Yan Zhao, let me go..."
"Ning, you kissed me, so I must kiss you back..."
At noon, Xue Zining stormed into the study, followed by a refreshed Xue Jingyun.
"Sister, you're here..." Xue Zixuan was about to say something more when he noticed Xue Zining's slightly swollen lips.
He couldn't help but ask again, "Sister, what happened to your mouth?"
Xue Zining heard this and gritted her teeth, "I was bitten by a dog."
Xue Zixuan was startled. "A dog? Sister, there are no dogs in this mansion."
Xue Song, standing nearby, grinned at his Crown Prince, who had just been called a dog, and walked over sneakily, saying, "Your Highness, when did you gain a new skill?"
Xue Jingyun glanced coldly at Xue Song. Xue Song was persistent. "You can even bite people now. Look, Your Majesty's mouth is all swollen."
"Xue Song..." Xue Zining turned coldly to look at Xue Song.
Xue Song grinned and said, "Your Majesty, I'm just stating the facts."
"Xue Song, Xue Ling Pass is short of garrisoned soldiers. You are married and have children. Perhaps you should go and guard it for three to five years."
Xue Song, hearing this, was so frightened that he immediately begged for mercy, "Your Highness, no! Xue Song still needs to protect Your Highness. If Xue Song leaves, who will protect Your Highness?"
"I don't need you," Xue Jingyun said indifferently.