Chapter 116: Departure of Zhao Mingxi

Chapter 116: Departure of Zhao Mingxi

The first light of dawn filtered gently through the carved lattice windows, washing the chamber in hues of gold and pale white. The lanterns had long since burnt out, leaving only the soft morning glow to reveal the quiet aftermath of the night.

Zhao Mingxi stirred faintly, her lashes fluttering as she opened her eyes. The warmth surrounding her was the first thing she noticed — strong, steady arms wrapped firmly around her, pulling her close against a chest that rose and fell in calm rhythm.

She shifted slightly, and the movement caused Feng Yun’s embrace to tighten instinctively. His hand rested lightly at her waist, his touch protective even in sleep.

Her lips curved into the faintest smile. For all his arrogance and unshakeable confidence, this side of him — the quiet, unguarded warmth — belonged only to her.

Mingxi tilted her head slightly, studying his face. In the soft light, he looked less like the domineering cultivator who faced enemies without fear and more like a man — her man — with whom she had just shared a night she would never forget.

She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering longer than necessary.

"Yun," she whispered softly, though she knew he was still asleep. "Don’t make me wait too long..."

Her voice trembled with the weight of both longing and fear. She was a princess, a figure accustomed to power and command, but in this moment, she was simply a woman afraid of losing the one she had given her heart to.

Feng Yun’s eyes opened slowly, as if stirred not by her words but by her very presence. His gaze met hers — steady, dark, filled with a quiet strength.

"You’re awake?" she asked softly, blinking.

"I could feel you staring," he said with a faint smile, his voice still husky from sleep. "Hard not to wake up."

Her cheeks warmed, but she didn’t look away. "I was... just making sure this wasn’t a dream."

Feng Yun chuckled lightly, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "If it is, then let’s never wake up."

The tenderness in his tone caught her off guard, and for a moment she pressed her face against his chest, hiding the redness spreading across her cheeks. His heartbeat was steady beneath her ear, grounding her in ways she had never experienced before.

They lay there in silence for a while, simply breathing each other in, unwilling to let the moment slip away.

But reality was merciless. The faint sound of guards changing shifts outside reminded them both that the world beyond this room still waited.

Zhao Mingxi sat up slowly, gathering the silk sheet around her bare shoulders. Her movements were graceful but reluctant, every gesture betraying her unwillingness to leave. "They’ll be waiting," she said softly.

Feng Yun pushed himself up as well, sitting behind her. His hands rested gently on her shoulders, thumbs brushing along the smooth line of her skin. "Let them wait," he said quietly.

Her lips curved into a sad smile. "You know I can’t."

He leaned forward, his forehead pressing against the back of her head. "I know. That’s why I said it."

For a long moment, neither moved. The morning sun climbed higher, spilling light across the room, illuminating the lingering traces of their night together — scattered robes, an overturned cup, the faint scent of wine and warmth.

Finally, Mingxi stood, gathering her clothes piece by piece. Feng Yun rose as well, dressing with a calmness that belied the storm inside him.

When she was ready, he reached for her hand, holding it firmly. "Remember what I said. I will come to the capital."

Her eyes shimmered as she nodded. "I’ll be waiting... but if you break your word—I’ll really come tie you up and drag you back."

Feng Yun smirked. "I almost want to see you try."

Her laugh was soft and shaky but real. She leaned in for one last kiss — not fiery like the night before, but deep, lingering, filled with everything they couldn’t say aloud.

And then, reluctantly, she pulled away.

Outside, the sound of guards preparing the flying ship grew louder.

The princess of the Azure Dragon Empire had to leave.

The man she left behind stood tall, watching her go — but in his eyes burnt a fire that no distance, no empire, no mountain or sect could ever extinguish.

The courtyard of the City Lord’s mansion buzzed with activity. The Azure Dragon Palace guards stood in neat formation, their silver-edged cloaks rippling in the morning wind. The flying ship loomed above the field like a slumbering beast of jade and steel, its hull glowing faintly with runes that kept it aloft.

Feng Yun and Zhao Mingxi walked side by side, their fingers brushing now and then, unwilling to let go until the very last moment. Though neither spoke much, the silence between them was not empty — it was heavy, filled with the echoes of the night they had shared.

At the foot of the ship, Long Wu waited with his usual calm dignity. He bowed deeply when he saw Mingxi approach.

"Your Highness, the ship is ready. We should depart before noon to avoid the mountain storms."

Mingxi gave a small nod, though her eyes flickered toward Feng Yun once more.

Feng Yun smiled faintly, the kind of smile that revealed nothing to outsiders but carried everything for her. His gaze said it all: I will come.

The guards began boarding, their steps precise, their discipline unshaken. Mingxi lingered behind, clearly reluctant. She turned to Feng Yun and, ignoring the watchful eyes around them, stepped closer.

"Remember", she whispered, her voice so low that only he could hear. "No matter how far, I’ll wait for you. But don’t make me wait too long."

Feng Yun’s hand brushed against hers, lingering one last time before pulling back. "I won’t. When the time comes, I’ll walk straight into the Azure Dragon Palace and claim you in front of everyone."

She spun back suddenly, her silk sleeves swaying. Before Feng Yun could react, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his cheek — a fleeting touch, yet filled with the kind of fire that seared deeper than any kiss.

Gasps rippled through some of the younger guards, but Long Wu gave them a stern glance, causing everyone to tense up. Long Wu couldn’t help but look at Feng Yun deeply.

"Your Highness", he said gently, "we must go."

Zhao Mingxi pulled away at last. Her steps were steady, regal once more, but Feng Yun noticed the way her fingers curled tightly into her palm, as if she were holding on to him even as she walked away.

The gangplank was drawn, the ship’s runes lit brighter, and slowly, the massive vessel began to rise.

Wind surged through the courtyard, pulling at robes and banners. Zhao Mingxi stood at the railing, her figure framed by the morning light, her eyes never leaving Feng Yun’s.

He stood rooted in place, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of his spear, his posture tall and unyielding. To the world, he appeared calm, unmoved. But in his eyes burnt a promise like tempered steel.

The ship climbed higher until her face was no longer clear, but still, she raised her hand in a final farewell. Feng Yun lifted his own in answer.

The vessel turned slowly toward the horizon, and within minutes, the mighty ship became a speck in the sky, swallowed by distance and clouds.

Silence fell over the courtyard.

Feng Yun stood alone, his robe fluttering in the wind left behind by the ship.

For a long moment, he didn’t move. Then, at last, he exhaled, his eyes turning toward the distant silhouette of the Black Plains Mountains.

"First the mountains," he murmured, his voice low, almost to himself. "Then the capital."

His lips curved into the faintest smirk. "Mingxi... wait for me. When I come, not even your imperial palace will stop me."

The morning sun rose higher, and with it, a new fire stirred in his heart.