Yun Yun leaves

Upon hearing Lu Yunxiao's words, Yun Yun smiled bitterly, as she had expected this response. If Lu Yunxiao truly cared about their age difference, he wouldn't have pursued her so relentlessly. She knew he would refute this reasoning if she mentioned it, so her expectations were spot on.

"Why are you grinning so broadly? A mere dozen years of age difference, and you have the audacity to complain? A century from now, it won't even be a fraction of the difference," Lu Yunxiao teased, trying to get Yun Yun to reveal her true thoughts.

Yun Yun laughed softly and replied, "You're quite the smooth talker. I'd like to hear what you truly mean."

"What are your genuine thoughts?" Lu Yunxiao looked at Yun Yun, his eyes searching for her true feelings. However, she hesitated to speak, leaving him to wonder what was truly bothering her.

What was she worried about? Perhaps she was concerned about Lu Yunxiao's unpredictable behavior, his instability, or the pace at which their relationship was developing, which might feel insecure.

But she didn't want to voice these concerns, so she remained silent.

Lu Yunxiao, growing increasingly frustrated with her reticence, muttered, "I'm truly puzzled by you. When you don't speak, I'm left to guess, but I'm no mind reader. A woman's heart is like a needle in the sea, and I can't fathom what's going on inside."

Despite wanting to be angry, Lu Yunxiao found himself unable to express any anger as he looked at Yun Yun's face. He felt utterly helpless in the face of her actions and her refusal to communicate.

Just as Yun Yun was perplexed by Lu Yunxiao's behavior, he was equally perplexed by her unrestrained nature and her refusal to speak.

"That's enough; I won't press you any further. If you don't want to talk about it, that's your choice," Lu Yunxiao sighed and took a step back. He was willing to accommodate her if he loved her, and he often found himself at a loss when dealing with this woman.

"Now that you have the Purple Spirit Crystal, are you leaving?" Lu Yunxiao asked, his voice tinged with reluctance.

"Yes, I'll be leaving. My disciple is waiting to use this crystal," Yun Yun replied softly. She could see the reluctance in Lu Yunxiao's eyes, but her own feelings might not be as affected.

As they gazed at each other, Yun Yun spoke up, "Let's have lunch together before I go."

"Alright," Lu Yunxiao agreed.

...

In an atmosphere of mutual silence, the two finished their last meal together.

Sitting on a protruding boulder outside the cave, the two figures, one clad in white and the other in green, exchanged glances.

"Yunxiao, this is for you," Yun Yun said, shaking her jade hand slightly. She produced a set of inner armor emitting a soft blue light, which she handed to Lu Yunxiao.

"This is the Heart of the Sea. It's crafted from a rare metal found within the bodies of three blue whales. Its defensive capabilities depend on the strength of its owner. Even though you're already strong, it can still enhance your power," Yun Yun explained warmly, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Lu Yunxiao accepted the armor, saying, "I don't mind receiving such a valuable gift from you."

Observing Lu Yunxiao closely examining the inner armor, Yun Yun couldn't help but feel that he was solely interested in the scratches left by the Amethyst Winged Lion King.

Focusing on the armor, Lu Yunxiao suddenly felt something in his heart and glanced at Yun Yun's chest.

"Yunxiao, what are you looking at?" Yun Yun asked, blushing slightly as she sensed Lu Yunxiao's gaze.

"I was just thinking that even though the wound on your chest has healed, it left scars. You're such a beautiful person; you shouldn't have to bear such a blemish. You should find some medicine to remove the scars when you return," Lu Yunxiao said earnestly.

Yun Yun blinked in surprise. Was he genuinely concerned about the scar on her chest? Did he have no ulterior motives?

Seeing her expression, Lu Yunxiao continued, "You don't need to worry about it."

Yun Yun's doubts deepened. Was it really okay to discuss such a personal topic? Moreover, did this guy truly have no other intentions?

"I'm leaving," Yun Yun said abruptly, her green wings fluttering as she prepared to depart. She was concerned that if they continued to spend time together, Lu Yunxiao might become overly bold.

"Wait!" Lu Yunxiao called out and grabbed Yun Yun's delicate hand.

"What is it?" Yun Yun asked, looking at Lu Yunxiao.

"As they say, courtesy begets courtesy. Since you've given me the Heart of the Sea Armor, I'd like to reciprocate with this set of 'Wind Sutra' techniques. It's a lower-level Earth-grade technique, and it also includes the Earth-grade low-level martial skill 'Feng Xu Kill,' which should suit you well," Lu Yunxiao said, producing a cyan scroll from his hand and handing it to Yun Yun.

"An Earth-grade low-level technique along with a martial skill? This is incredibly precious; I can't accept it," Yun Yun initially wanted to decline the gift.

"Please, take it. I don't take back things I've given, and we're about to part ways. Whenever I miss you, I can look at the Heart of the Sea, and as for you, I hope you'll think of me whenever you practice this technique," Lu Yunxiao said solemnly.

"Yunxiao," Yun Yun's voice trembled, deeply touched by Lu Yunxiao's words. She realized that this young man's feelings for her were truly sincere.

"Yunzhi!" Lu Yunxiao called out softly, stepped closer, and embraced Yun Yun.

Yun Yun was momentarily surprised but didn't resist. She allowed herself to be held.

"Yunzhi, farewell. But I believe we'll meet again, sooner or later. And when that time comes, I won't let you slip away like this," Lu Yunxiao whispered in Yun Yun's ear, and then he leaned down, capturing her lips with his own.

Yun Yun's eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed. She couldn't believe he'd just kissed her like that.

Even though she felt irritated by his audacity, the scroll he'd given her softened her anger.

"You rascal," Yun Yun muttered.

"Let's go," she said, glaring at Lu Yunxiao, her green wings fluttering as she soared into the sky, disappearing among the clouds.