Chapter 2

"Who dares to take the life of my only daughter?!" Luna's father's voice thundered through the streets of Azure Dragon City, echoing off the towering buildings and sending shivers down the spines of all who heard it. "Find the culprit for me! I demand to see them suffer a fate more agonizing than death!"

His rage was palpable, a tempest unleashed upon the city, shaking its very foundations with its intensity.

Those who witnessed the spectacle could scarcely believe that a single man could wield such power with just the force of his voice.

Yet, Luna's father was no ordinary man; he was an accomplished cultivator, his strength honed through years of discipline and training.

But even as he raged, there lingered a shadow of guilt within him. For he knew, deep down, that he bore a share of responsibility for his daughter's fate.

He had failed to teach her the values of honesty and righteousness, instead indulging her every whim and desire in the name of love.

Yes, he loved Luna fiercely, perhaps too much so. He had showered her with affection and adoration, shielding her from the harsh realities of the world outside their opulent estate.

But in doing so, he had unwittingly paved the way for her downfall, creating a sheltered existence devoid of discipline or moral guidance.

As the echoes of his rage faded into the night, Luna's father was left with nothing but his grief and regret, haunted by the knowledge that he had failed the one he loved most dearly.

* * *

A week of relentless pursuit and mounting tension passed, leaving both mortals and cultivators alike in Azure Dragon City trembling beneath the weight of Luna's father's wrath.

Every corner was scrutinized, every shadow probed in the desperate search for the elusive culprit responsible for Luna's untimely demise.

Yet, despite their fervent efforts, the perpetrator remained shrouded in mystery, a phantom slipping through their grasp with infuriating ease.

Amidst the chaos and turmoil that engulfed the city, there was one who remained untouched by the unfolding drama - Rowan.

Nestled in the tranquil embrace of his humble farmstead on the outskirts of the city, he found solace amidst the verdant fields and whispering winds.

Oblivious to the tumultuous affairs of the outside world, he tended to his crops with care, his days passing in serene contentment.

For Rowan, this quiet existence was a sanctuary, a refuge from the complexities and uncertainties that plagued the city dwellers.

Here, amidst the rhythmic hum of nature, he found peace, far removed from the clamor of intrigue and betrayal that echoed through Azure Dragon City's streets.

But as the days stretched into weeks, Rowan's idyllic existence was shattered by an unexpected visitor, whose arrival heralded the onset of unforeseen challenges and revelations.

"Well, well, well… Thirty years old and still single, Rowan. Maybe we should address that one of these days." The voice echoed through the modest confines of Rowan's home, drawing his attention to a tall, stunning woman with captivating curves.

Her presence filled the room with an air of undeniable allure, her beauty so extraordinary that it had once effortlessly earned her the title of the most beautiful woman in Azure Dragon City.

She had left years ago to pursue cultivation at the esteemed Nine Heavens Sect, a decision fueled by her exceptional talent as a cultivator blessed with the rare Celestial Moon Physique.

This exceptional gift had marked her for greatness from a young age, a one-in-a-million chance to possess such an innate connection to lunar energies and celestial powers.

Rowan couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly she commanded attention, her every movement a testament to grace and power.

Despite her playful jab about his single status, there was a warmth in her eyes that hinted at a deeper connection between them—a history of shared moments and unspoken understanding.

As she stood before him now, radiant and confident, memories of their past adventures and discussions flooded back.

They had once dreamed of mastering the mysteries of cultivation together, each pursuing their own path yet always intertwined by fate and friendship.

"Lyra," Rowan finally spoke, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You always did know how to make an entrance."

Lyra grinned mischievously, a glint of nostalgia dancing in her eyes. "And you, Rowan, always did know how to make me wait. But enough about that. why don't you bed me instead so that we'll both lose our first times to each other."

"We can probably do that in your dreams." Rowan replied smiling.

Their banter resumed effortlessly, the years apart melting away as they exchanged stories of trials endured and challenges overcome.

In that fleeting moment, surrounded by memories and the promise of shared futures, Rowan couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected reunion with his childhood friend.

"Join me. I wish to pay my respects to your parents," Lyra said with a gentle sincerity, her voice carrying a soft reverence.

She led the way through the familiar corridors of Rowan's home, her steps purposeful and sure.

Every turn and passage seemed etched into her memory like the lines of a cherished poem, for she had spent countless days here in years past.

Navigating with the ease of someone who had once called this place her second home, Lyra guided them to a particular room tucked away from the daily bustle.

Inside, bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, hung two lifelike portraits that captured the essence of Rowan's parents in serene dignity.

The flickering flames cast dancing shadows upon the walls, casting an ethereal atmosphere over the room.

Rowan and Lyra knelt side by side before the portraits, their movements synchronized in a silent tribute.

The air was heavy with a mix of solemnity and nostalgia as they bowed their heads in unison, offering their heartfelt greetings to the departed souls.

Though time had taken its toll and their voices were no longer heard, the memories they left behind resonated deeply in the hearts of those who loved them.

The room itself seemed to hold its breath, as if honoring the solemn ritual unfolding within its walls.

The stillness was broken only by the soft whisper of the candles and the faint rustle of fabric as Rowan and Lyra kneeled in quiet respect.

As they knelt there, memories intertwined with the present moment.

Lyra's presence beside him brought a sense of comfort and familiarity, a reminder of their shared history and the bonds forged through trials and triumphs.

Her gesture of solidarity in honoring his parents spoke volumes of their enduring friendship and mutual respect.

In the gentle flicker of candlelight, time seemed to stand still. Rowan found himself reflecting on the lessons learned and the love received from his parents throughout his life.

Their presence, though no longer tangible, lingered in the warmth of the room and the cherished memories etched in his heart.

After a moment that felt both fleeting and eternal, Rowan and Lyra rose from their knees, their silent homage complete yet the spirit of remembrance lingering.

They exchanged a knowing glance, understanding the depth of what had been shared in that quiet space—a tribute not just to the past, but to the enduring bond between the living and the departed, woven together by love and memory.

"You must be hungry after traveling so far. I'll cook some kung pao chicken for you," Rowan offered with a warm smile, his voice carrying genuine hospitality.

He turned towards the kitchen, gathering ingredients with practiced ease, the clinking of pots and pans filling the air as he began his culinary task.

In the familiar surroundings of his cozy kitchen, Rowan lost himself in the rhythmic routine of cooking.

Chopping vegetables with precision, marinating the chicken with a blend of spices, and heating the wok until it sizzled with anticipation.

The savory aroma of garlic and ginger filled the air, mingling with the promise of a delicious meal.

As he stirred the ingredients in the wok, Rowan's mind wandered briefly to the journey Lyra had undertaken to visit him.

It had been years since they last saw each other, their lives diverging as they pursued their paths in the world of xianxia.

Yet, the bond forged in their youth remained steadfast, a thread connecting them across time and distance.

Just as he adjusted the heat and added the final touches to the dish, Rowan felt a soft, familiar presence envelop him from behind.

A gentle warmth spread through his chest as he recognized Lyra's touch, her arms wrapping around him in a tender embrace.

"Rowan," her voice whispered close to his ear, laced with a palpable longing that stirred something deep within him.

Turning to face her, Rowan found himself captivated by the sight of Lyra, her beauty heightened by the soft glow of the kitchen lights.

Her eyes shimmered with a mixture of affection and desire, mirroring the emotions that stirred within him.

"You're always full of surprises," Rowan said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he reached up to gently caress her cheek.

Lyra leaned into his touch, her gaze holding his with unspoken understanding. In that moment, words seemed unnecessary as they stood together in the warmth of the kitchen, their closeness speaking volumes about the bond they shared.