The Hua Sect | XianWang

Chapter 19. 矶根菜

Jian Sect, 1:23 PM

Jin Ling and Li Zhang were strolling through the market of the Jian sect, Enjoying the sight and sounds around them. he happened to spot his friend Zhuang Xulin sitting at a small cafe. "Hey, Zhuang Xulin!" Jin Ling called out, waving his hand. "What are you doing here?" Zhuang Xulin looked up and smiled in recognition. "Jin Ling, I just needed to take a break from practice, What about you?" 

"I'm just wandering around," Jin Ling replied. "I actually wanted to introduce you to someone. This is Li Zhang. Li Zhang this is Zhuang Xulin. He's a cultivator at the Xulin sect." Li Zhang smiled politely, bowing his head. "It's nice to meet you, Zhuang Xulin. I've heard a lot about the Xuling sect." 

Zhuang Xuling returned his smile, feeling pleased to make his acquaintance. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Li Zhang." 

Jin Ling grinned, sensing a potential connection. "Hey, why don't we grab some food together? There's a great dumpling place around the corner." Li Zhang and Zhuang Xulin both agreed, and they set off down the street. as they walked, Jin Ling struck up a conversation, talking about all sorts of things. He noticed Zhuang Xulin seemed particularly attentive to Li Zhang, and he began to wonder if there was something more there.

After they finished eating and parted ways, Jin Ling decided to do a little investigation. He reached out to Zhuang Xulin and asked him what he thought of Li Zhang.

" He's lovely," Zhuang Xulin replied with a small smile. "He's intelligent, kindhearted and very beautiful. I enjoyed talking with him very much." Jin Ling grinned feeling excited. could this be a start of something between his two friends? 

.....

2:22 PM

Hua Jingyi had been feeling down lately, so when Liu Xin suggested they spend some time together, he jumped at the chance. "Thanks for inviting me out, Xin'er," Hua Jingyi said, smiling gratefully. "I really needed a break from everything right now." 

Liu Xin nodded in understanding, "I know how you feel. Being a cultivator can be tough sometimes, but today were just two friends hanging out. No pressure, no expectations." Jingyi felt a warmth spread through him at Liu Xin's words. It was true, He realized - he had been so focused on his duties as a cultivator that he had forgotten to just enjoy life. but today, that was going to change.

They spend the day exploring the city, going to markets and taking in the sight. Hua Jingyi felt more relaxed than he had in weeks, and Liu Xin easy-going personality was infectious. "So, what do you like when you're not cultivating?" Hua Jingyi asked, curious to know more about his friend.

Liu Xin grinned. "Believe it or not, I'm a bit of a cook. I like to experiment with different flavors and recipes. Jingyi raised his eyebrow in interest. "Really, I've always been horrible at cooking. Maybe you could teach me a thing or two. Liu Xin laughed, "Sure I'd love to. how about we stop by the vegetable and meat stan and pick up some ingredients? I'll show you my secret recipe for stir-fry." 

the two friends spend the rest of the afternoon in Liu Xin's kitchen, cooking up a storm and laughing at their mistakes. Hua Jingyi couldn't believe how much fun he was having, just spending time with a good friend.  

As the sun began to set, they sat down to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The stir-fry was delicious, and Jingyi felt a sense of pride knowing that he had helped create it. "Thanks for today, Xin'er," Hua Jingyi said, feeling grateful. "You reminded me that there's more to life than just cultivating. Sometimes, It's the simple moments that matter the most." 

Liu Xin smiled, clicking his chopsticks against Hua Jingyi's. "Cheers to that," he said, raising his glass of tea. "Here's to friendship, good food, and great company." 

.....

Library, 5:23 PM

Hua Sizhui found himself alone in the library, surrounded by countless volumes of books. He had always loved spending time in this quite sanctuary, surrounded by the scent of ink and parchment.  It was a place where he could escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse himself in the world of literature and knowledge. 

Today, he was particularly in the mood for poetry. he perused the shelves until he found a book of Tang dynasty poems. He settled down into a comfortable chair and began to read, his mind immediately drawn into the lyrical language of the verse. 

As he read, Hua Sizhui found his mind wandering off to his childhood and friends. He thought about his A-die and his incredible talent for storytelling. He thought about his brother and hoe they used to sneak into the kitchen at night to snack on leftover buns. He thought about Jin Ling, the one who just had left, and how always knew what to say when Sizhui needed it the most. 

But now they were all scattered, each pursuing their own paths, His brother had met a nice gentleman, having made a new friend. and Jin Ling was back in his own sect. Hua Sizhui wondered if they would ever meet again.

As he buried himself deeper into the poetry, Hua Sizhui felt a sense of calmness wash over him. He was reminded that he was not alone in his feelings of nostalgia and longing. These feeling were universal, express through the ages by poets and writers. 
Closing the book, Hua Sizhui made a decision. He wasn't going to let his longing for his friends take him over. He would continue to cultivate himself, focusing on his studies and his own pursuits.

He placed the book back on the shelf, feeling a sense of rejuvenation and purpose. As he made his way back to his quarters, Hua Sizhui felt at peace knowing that, even though his friends were far away, he was never alone in his thoughts.

.....

7:12 Pm

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan lay side by side in their cozy bed, wrapped in each other's arms. the dim light from the bedside lamp casting a warm glow on their peaceful faces. They have been married for a few years but their love for each other showed no sign of fading. 

Hua Ying, the more dominate int their relationship, pressed a tender kiss to Lan Zhan's forehead, eliciting a soft sigh from his beloved. They relished these quiet moments together, before surrendering to the peacefulness of sleep. 

As they lay entwined, Wei Ying gently caressed the contours of Lan Zhan's face, tracing each delicate feature with his fingertips. It was a gesture that spoke volumes, a silent reassurance of their unbreakable bond. Lan Zhan nuzzled closer, seeking warmth and comfort in Wei Yin's embrace. In this intimate space, their worries and stresses melted away, replaced by a sense of security and contentment.

Wei Ying whispered words of love, his voice a velvet murmur against Lan Zhan's ear. The tender affection in his words resonated deeply within Lan Zhan's heart, affirming their commitment to each other.

As the room grew quieter, the rhythm of their breathing synchronized, creating a soothing melody that lulled them into dreams. They knew, in this embrace, that they were each other's safe haven, a refuge from the chaos of the world. And so, with hearts full of love, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan surrendered to the embrace of sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but they would face them together, united in their unwavering love.

.....

Edited 16.12.2023

Words - 1255