Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 18 - Reunion Beneath the Veritasfolia Tree

As Qing Yi and Wei Wuxian arrived at Gusu Sylvatica, the first thing that caught Qing Yi's eye was the magnificent Veritasfolia tree. He couldn't contain his surprise and joy, rushing over to examine the sacred tree up close. In his homeland within the rainforest, there had once been a tree like this, but it had withered over time, much like the forest itself. Qing Yi's heart swelled with memories.

He recalled a particular moment, a time when he had defied the Crown Prince and was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. On that night, he had rushed home, and the Crown Prince had followed him to his town, finding Qing Yi beneath the dying Veritasfolia tree, weeping. In his frustration at not being able to persuade Qing Yi to return to the palace, the prince had ordered the tree to be felled as punishment for Qing Yi's defiance. This event had marked a dark period for the Koh tribe, a time of hardship and struggle. However, Yu Yan had managed to rescue some fallen leaves and fruits from the tree, preserving a glimmer of hope to one day plant it anew in a more suitable forest.

Now, as Qing Yi stood in the lush Gusu forest, the Veritasfolia tree had flourished once more, reaching towering heights. Tears welled up in Qing Yi's eyes as he reverently reached out to touch the tree's shimmering silver leaves. His heart overflowed with gratitude toward Lan Xichen for welcoming his tribe to Gusu. Lost in his emotions, he hadn't initially noticed the bustling activity around him, but gradually, the voices of others began to reach his ears.

"Qing Yi? It's Qing Yi!" the excited voice of a young girl rang out, drawing the attention of those gathered. Qing Yi turned to find a growing crowd of familiar faces.

"Young master, you've returned!" exclaimed one villager.

"It's all thanks to you that we've finally found a suitable home," another villager added gratefully.

"Thank you, young master!" chorused the crowd as they converged around Qing Yi, expressing their appreciation. He couldn't help but smile brightly, his eyes welling with tears of happiness. Seeing his tribespeople thriving and content in their new lives filled him with immense joy.

"I'm overjoyed to see each and every one of you so happy and thriving," Qing Yi remarked, his gaze sweeping over his villagers.

"Qing Yi!" Jing Xiang's voice called out from the midst of the crowd as she rushed forward, embracing him tightly. "What brings you here? Who's looking after the royals while you're away?"

"Well..." As Qing Yi began to respond, another voice called his name, interrupting his reply.

"Qing Yi?"

Following the voice, Qing Yi turned to see the villagers parting to create a path toward Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji, Jing Shi, and Yu Yan. His eyes immediately locked onto Lan Xichen, who had called out his name earlier. Both of them wore delighted surprise on their faces, and Qing Yi greeted Lan Xichen with a genuine smile, his eyes shimmering with glistening tears.

"Clan Leader Lan!" Qing Yi called out, but before he could say more, he was tackled by He Xuan.

He Xuan was on her way back to Gusu Sylvatica after concluding her herbology lecture at the Cloud Recesses, she noticed a gathering at the main building. Her eyes quickly landed on Qing Yi, prompting her to rush over and embrace him. Qing Yi was pleasantly taken aback by He Xuan's presence, reciprocating the hug with excitement.

"Oh my gosh! It's Qing Yi in the flesh!" He Xuan exclaimed, unable to contain her joy.

"He Xuan! It's wonderful to see you," Qing Yi beamed, his smile radiating joy. They began twirling around, holding onto each other tightly. Soon, Jing Shi descended from her spot with Yu Ya and joined He Xuan in the embrace.