Li Hao straightened his posture, an uncanny smile stretching across his face as he stood in the training ground.
A rush of euphoria and eagerness coursed through him as he turned and walked back to his room to prepare.
...
Time passed, and in just a few hours, dusk had settled.
Standing outside the courtyard, Li Hao's golden eyes gleamed with anticipation. Excitement radiated from him, his eagerness almost palpable.
He was dressed in a flowing white robe adorned with golden patterns, exuding the air of a refined young master in his twenties.
The robe accentuated his white hair, while the golden designs mirrored the brilliance of his eyes.
As he stood at the entrance, the sound of light footsteps behind him made him turn. Xing Xing emerged from her house, heading toward the gate.
Li Hao's breath hitched.
She was stunning.
With each graceful step, his heartbeat quickened. She wore a black dress that reached her knees and shoulders, its delicate floral embroidery in hues of blue, pink, and yellow enhancing her elegance. Her beauty was undeniable, so much so that for a brief moment, Li Hao's composure cracked under its weight.
Reaching him, Xing Xing twirled playfully and asked, "So, how do I look?"
Like the confident elder brother he was, Li Hao gently placed his hand on her head and smiled. "The more I look at you, the more I am captivated."
Xing Xing lowered her gaze, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of red. "Can we go now?" she asked in a soft voice.
Li Hao chuckled, taking her hand. Without another word, he bent light and matter, rendering them invisible as they soared into the night sky.
The two quickly left Sword Palace, with Li Hao leading the way.
Miles away, they landed in a bustling nighttime street, where shopfronts glowed with lantern light, and the air buzzed with laughter and conversation.
"Where are we going?" Xing Xing asked gently.
"Just trust me. We'll be there soon," Li Hao replied with a knowing smile.
After a few twists and turns, they arrived at a lively festival. The streets were packed with people, the atmosphere brimming with joy. The scent of roasted meat and sweet pastries filled the air, blending with the distant sound of music.
Li Hao led her to a small food stall. "This is my favorite spot. Whenever I leave the city or just want a quick snack, I always stop by here."
He handed her a skewer of freshly grilled meat, taking one for himself. "Try it. It's really good," he encouraged.
Xing Xing took a bite, and immediately, an explosion of flavor danced across her tongue. It had been years since she'd tasted something this delicious.
"This tastes amazing! How did you even find this place?" she asked, eyes bright with curiosity.
Li Hao smiled. "Luck, I guess."
She playfully punched his shoulder. "Don't lie to me."
"I'm not lying," he said calmly.
"Fine, but stop calling me 'Master.' Just call me Xing'er," she said, her voice softer this time.
Li Hao nodded and said no more. The two continued exploring, enjoying the festival like carefree children, moving from one attraction to another, laughter following them at every turn.
Hours later, they sat atop a rooftop, gazing at the starry sky. The night breeze was cool, carrying the lingering sounds of the festival below.
"Li Hao'er," Xing'er murmured, breaking the silence. "Tell me… what made you like me? What gave you the courage to ask me out?"
Li Hao turned to her, his expression gentle. "Xing'er, you are like a snow-capped flower that everyone desires, yet I was the first to reach you." His voice carried a rare tenderness. "To me, you are not just my master—you are someone I deeply respect and love."
Xing'er blinked. "Love?"
He met her gaze, lifting her chin slightly. "Yes. Love."
Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them, brushing his lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss. The world around them faded, leaving only the warmth between them.
As they pulled apart, Xing'er averted her gaze. "We… should head back."
Li Hao smiled, standing and offering his hand. She took it, allowing him to pull her up. Holding her by the waist, he lifted them both into the night sky, their figures vanishing into the darkness as they returned to Sword Palace.