Deep Affection, Lingering Words

Xiao Yun opened a chest and said, “Sister Xue, here are the clothes—pick whatever you like. I’ll go heat up some water for you.” Bai Xuehua, feeling uncomfortable from so many days without a bath, naturally agreed.

After boiling several buckets of hot water, Xiao Yun told her, “Sister Xue, the water’s ready. I’m going out to gather firewood!” As he spoke, he made a strange face at her, causing Bai Xuehua to blush slightly.

Gathering firewood at the foot of the cave was easy, as the forest was full of dry branches. Xiao Yun bundled them with mountain vines, climbed back up to the cave entrance, then tied the bundle to a rope and hauled it up. When he returned inside, he found Bai Xuehua already dressed in clean, fresh clothes.

He had expected her to look beautiful in new clothes, but he was unprepared for just how ethereal and otherworldly she appeared. Her beauty seemed to transcend the humble cave; even he felt unworthy standing beside her.

Confronted by a beauty like a celestial maiden, Xiao Yun felt insignificant. For the first time, he experienced a sense of inferiority he’d never known before.

Seeing him stare in astonishment, as if there were something odd on her face, Bai Xuehua’s cheeks colored and she grew a little self-conscious.

Xiao Yun exclaimed, “Sister Xue, you’re truly beautiful in these clothes. I can hardly believe my eyes—who would have thought such a stunning person would be here in this cave?”

Her willow brows arched gracefully over phoenix eyes, her delicate nose and cherry lips complemented by the simple red dress. There was nobility in her elegance, and purity in her simplicity. Having just bathed, her spirit seemed especially fresh, rendering her beauty peerless.

Bai Xuehua replied with a gentle smile, “It’s not that I’m beautiful, it’s just that your Sister Ling’s clothes are lovely. I imagine your Sister Ling would look even more beautiful in them.”

Though Xiao Yun had never seen Sister Ling in these clothes, he could well imagine that she, too, would look like an immortal and captivate everyone. So when Bai Xuehua said this, he nodded earnestly, “Yes, Sister Ling and you are both like fairies descended to earth.”

From his tone, Bai Xuehua could tell that the woman named Ling held an irreplaceable place in Xiao Yun’s heart—he was deeply in love with her.

This realization brought a trace of melancholy to Bai Xuehua’s heart, though she did not understand why. Perhaps it was because Xiao Yun had come to mean a great deal to her as well. Then she laughed at herself, thinking, “It’s only natural for Xiao Yun to love his Sister Ling. I survived against all odds—what reason do I have for such pointless thoughts? I should focus on recovering, then fulfill my foster father White Eagle’s last wish: to defeat our enemies and build a powerful Bai family in the Central Plains.”

Ever since that snowy day when White Eagle adopted her, she had given her all to the Bai family—even her life. Out of gratitude for their kindness, her fate was no longer her own, but was tied to the Bai family and its enemies.

Now, Bai Xuehua had no choices left, not even the right to love. Anyone she loved would be doomed.

Xiao Yun, ignorant of the feuds of the martial world, knew nothing of Bai Xuehua’s identity. He had saved her out of instinctive kindness; later, enchanted by her beauty, he had grown fond of her. By now, his feelings had deepened into admiration for her courage and strength in the face of grave injury.

Just as a maiden admires a hero, so did Xiao Yun admire Bai Xuehua, whose skills far surpassed his own.

Seeing Bai Xuehua lost in thought, like a contemplative angel, Xiao Yun was struck by her beauty. Unable to help himself, he waved his hand before her eyes. Bai Xuehua burst out laughing. “What are you doing?”

At that moment, her cheeks glowed like peach blossoms, her beauty soft and tender, so unlike her former cold demeanor.

Looking at her fair skin, especially the faintly visible ivory below her neckline, Xiao Yun blurted out, “I want to kiss you.”

Laughing, Bai Xuehua replied, “You wouldn’t dare. Be careful, or I’ll knock you on the head.” Xiao Yun grinned, “Then I’ll just have to try.” Reaching out to touch her face, his hand was gently caught by hers halfway there.

Instantly, all the strength left his hand.

Sighing, Xiao Yun said, “Had I known you were so fierce, I should have kissed you before, when you were badly hurt and couldn’t hit me. I really regret it. Or I could have stolen a few kisses while you slept—why did I never think of that? How foolish!”

Bai Xuehua laughed, “Too bad, your chance is gone.” Xiao Yun protested, “I don’t believe it. I’ll try again.” He struggled to break free from her grasp, but no matter how hard he tried, it was useless. Flushed and frustrated, he finally gave up. “All right, you win. I surrender. Happy now?” The sourness in his tone was unmistakable.

Seeing him so dejected, Bai Xuehua felt a pang of sympathy. She released his hands and softly said, “Yun’er… if you must, I… won’t object.” Her voice grew faint, cheeks blushing, and her long lashes lowered, veiling her bright eyes.

In that moment, Xiao Yun saw a poignant beauty in her, and his heart lost any desire to tease.

Days passed swiftly. Thanks to the miraculous medicine and her own remarkable constitution, Bai Xuehua recovered quickly. She had regained much of her former strength, though full recovery would take more time.

For her, regaining even a portion of her power was enough—she had too much to do to remain cooped up in a cave. Besides, with a third of her original strength, there were few in the world who could threaten her.

Bai Xuehua washed and mended her old clothes, then changed back into them. She laundered the borrowed garments, dried them, and returned them to the chest.

Xiao Yun understood these preparations meant she was about to leave. He, too, had been away from home for many days and worried about his mother. Their food supplies had dwindled, so they decided to visit Xiao Yun’s home together.

Before leaving, Xiao Yun wrote on the stone table: “Sister Ling, while you were away, I stayed here a few days. I’m sorry for making a mess. Please don’t be upset—Xiao Yun.” He finished with a smile, then left the cave with Bai Xuehua.

By now, her wounds much improved, Bai Xuehua could have leapt lightly from the cave mouth to the ground below. Yet when she saw Xiao Yun climbing down the mountain vines, she chose not to show off her skills, but descended slowly after him.

The two of them walked on with easy smiles, their spirits lighter and their pace much quicker than when they had arrived.