Second Time

Chapter 31 - Array

Cai Fei's eyes slowly opened. They focused on Shao Yue, laying not far from her. The two hadn't gone any further, still sleeping apart and clothed, but sleeping together now had a bit of a different feeling to it.

"My fiancee, huh?"

It still felt so strange, a bit unreal.

Noticing Cai Fei had awoken, Shao Yue pushed herself up and stretched. "Good morning, Fei. Would you like to go check out the seal on the Eternal Ore Domain today?"

Cai Fei rubbed at her eyes. "The seal?"

"As you probably know, domain-type Cave Heavens are sealed with powerful arrays that control who can enter and when it opens," Shao Yue said. "These arrays aren't created by the one who left the domain, and instead are formed naturally by the Heavenly Law based on the owner's wishes. They're actually considered grade eight or nine arrays, but might be higher."

"What?!" Cai Fei's eyes widened. Similar to alchemy, grade seven was the peak for array masters. "Couldn't they be copied, then?"

"Not exactly." Shao Yue shook her head. "I don't really know the mechanics of it, since I don't know arrays, but these natural arrays seem to be impossible to recreate. However, array masters will often study them and gather insights or inspiration. It might be worthwhile to check it out."

Cai Fei nodded. "I'm interested in seeing it now. I'm only grade four, but maybe I can learn a thing or two."

"Great. Then, let's head over after we eat."

"Sure."

Shao Yue brushed her hair behind her ear, leaned down, and gave Cai Fei a kiss, flustering her. The two then got up and went through their morning routines before heading out.

Cai Fei hadn't had much reason to leave the compound since they moved in. The city outside had been filled quite a bit more than when they first arrived. There were more people milling about, opening shops and trading goods.

She glanced over at Shao Yue, who walked beside her. Cai Fei's confession and the kiss they shared were still fresh in her mind.

Fiancee, huh. Cai Fei bit her lower lip.

As usual, Shao Yue wore her preferred sleeveless robes, her bare arms exposed to the cold but not bothered by it. Any snowflakes that fell onto her skin or auburn hair melted and turned into tiny wisps of steam.

Should we hold hands?

That seemed like something engaged people would do. But, was it something Cai Fei wanted to do? She wanted to stay near Shao Yue because she felt comfortable. She enjoyed their current life and didn't necessarily need it to be more lovey-dovey.

At the same time, she did have a certain level of possessiveness. She didn't want anyone else to take Shao Yue. She wanted to declare, "This woman is mine!" and yet, at the same time, thinking of doing so embarrassed her greatly.

Even if they held hands, it was relatively normal for girls to do, so people likely wouldn't necessarily think they had an intimate relationship.

Cai Fei pursed her lips. She still felt awkward and uncertain about her feelings for Shao Yue. Their relationship had yet to change much, with Shao Yue allowing Cai Fei to dictate its pace.

How will I know what feels right if I never try?

Cai Fei stepped closer to Shao Yue and linked their arms. Shao Yue blinked and looked over.

"I'm — I'm a little cold," Cai Fei mumbled.

Shao Yue smiled. She took Cai Fei's hand in her own and weaved their fingers together. "You don't need an excuse, you know?"