TIME FLIES (3)

After hearing Cian Xia’s firm response, Chao Fie chose not to continue the topic.

He simply lifted his jasmine tea, took a slow sip, then finished it in one gulp as if washing away the heaviness between them.

“Alright, fine,” he said at last, setting the cup down.

“I won’t press the matter anymore. Go prepare yourself.”

“Hm?” Cian Xia glanced at him, slightly puzzled.

“Prepare for what?”

Chao Fie blinked.

“The elders and the other peak lords are already waiting for you in YinPing Hall,” He said.

“Today is the anniversary ceremony, and the opening of the sect to new disciples. You, of all people, cannot be absent.”

“Mn,” Cian Xia replied calmly, rising from his bed.

Chao Fie placed the teacup neatly back onto the table before stepping outside to wait.

He, now stood upon the wooden bridge of the Lotus Pond garden within Cian Xia’s pavilion, hands folded behind his back, watching the koi swim beneath the water’s surface.

Inside his chamber, Cian Xia changed into formal robes.

He chose a hanfu of elegant simplicity, white silk adorned with delicate cherry blossom embroidery blooming faint pink along the sleeves.

Lavender hues brushed the lower hem, flowing like twilight clouds at dusk. The craftsmanship was flawless, every seam precise, and every layer balanced.

The attire transformed him into something almost unreal.

He gathered his long, straight black hair, and tied it into a high ponytail with a white ribbon.

A finely crafted metal hairpin shaped like intertwined haitang and jasmine flowers rested atop it.

When he finally stepped before the bronze mirror, the reflection staring back was aristocratic, dignified… and breathtaking.

Beautiful.

Too beautiful.

For a fleeting second, his eyes softened, but the warmth faded just as quickly.

What use was such appearance… when the one person he wished to see it was not here?

Wun Lan.

The name echoed quietly in his heart.

Cian Xia exhaled.

The sigh was soft, neither loud nor heavy, but for someone who has strong five senses like Chao Fie, still heard it.

Cian Xia stepped out of the pavilion, and went straight to Chao Fei who quickly turned to face him.

“A-Xia?” His eyes widened dramatically.

“By the heavens… why are you so beautiful?”

Cian Xia frowned instantly.

“I am a man. Stop calling me beautiful.”

Chao Fie waved a hand dismissively.

“Aiya, beautiful is beautiful! Do you want me to lie? You look like a celestial being descending from the Ninth Heaven.”

He leaned closer, squinting playfully.

“Honestly, if you stood still long enough, even I might lose my heart.”

Cian Xia’s expression turned annoyed.

"You already lost your mind.”

Chao Fie clutched his chest in mock pain.

“Cruel! So cruel!”

Then, without thinking, he added,

“When Wun Lan used to call you beautiful, you never complained. But when I—” He stopped.

The air shifted. Chao Fie’s smile stiffened as he realized what he had just blurt out. A flicker of guilt crossed his face.

Cian Xia, however, remained composed. His gaze was calm, too calm as if he didn't hear Wun Lan name being mentioned just now.

“…We’re late,” Cian Xia said quietly.

“Y-Yes! Yes, we are!” Chao Fie laughed awkwardly.

“Everyone must be waiting. Let’s hurry!"

He grabbed Cian Xia’s sleeve and began dragging him toward the main path.

Cian Xia clicked his tongue in irritation and pulled his arm free from Chao Fie’s grasp.

“I can walk on my own,” he said coolly.

“Stop treating me as though I’m fragile.”

Chao Fie blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, slowly, a faint smile curved at the corner of his lips.

Ah… this is Cian Xia.

His sworn brother since childhood, firm as steel, unyielding as a mountain.

And yet, beneath that unshakable exterior… far more fragile than he would ever admit.

He never leaned on anyone. Never allowed himself to.

Difficult to understand. Difficult to please. And yet, so easy to love.

“Alright, alright. My mistake,”

Chao Fie said lightly, raising both hands in surrender.

“I’ll behave.”

Cian Xia looked at him for a long moment, his gaze unreadable before turning away with a soft, displeased hum, sleeves swaying sharply with the motion as he moved ahead.

They continued walking side by side. No more teasing, just quiet companionship.

The wind along the mountain path was gentle, causing their robes and hair to sway gracefully. Petals drifted from the trees like falling snow, though it was still spring.

Years had passed since the calamity that once ravaged these grounds. The ruined buildings had been restored, redesigned, and strengthened.

The scars were hidden, but the memories remained.

As they approached the inner courtyard, disciples bowed respectfully upon seeing them.

“Greetings, Grandmaster Xia, and Head Master Gu.”

Some disciples stole glances at Cian Xia, awed, intimidated, and reverent.

To them, he was like a celestial immortal descended from legend.

Chao Fie noticed their expressions and smirked.

“See that?” he whispered.

“Even the new disciples look like they’re about to kneel and worship you.”

Cian Xia did not react. His gaze remained forward.

“They fear you,” Chao Fie added quietly.

“Good,” Cian Xia replied without hesitation.

Chao Fie studied him for a long moment, then shook his head softly, a faint sigh escaping his lips.

Fear was easier to control than affection. Fear created distance, and affection only invited loss.

The wind stirred between them, carrying the distant murmur of voices from within.

Ahead, the grand doors of YinPing Hall stood wide open, golden light spilling across the stone steps as the ceremony awaited their presence.

Without another word, the two walked forward together, shoulder to shoulder, into the same path.