𝐇𝐮𝐚 𝐘𝐢𝐧𝐠┃𝐘𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 ✓

Part : 09 Dream

Author's POV

The sky was hiding behind the dark clouds, and raindrops fell steadily from their ashen masses, creating a gentle symphony of pattering sounds on the ground below. The air felt fresh and invigorating, laced with the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil, and there was a cool breeze that whispered through the trees, making everything seem calm and cozy. The sound of raindrops created a soothing rhythm, an almost hypnotic melody that wrapped around the world like a comforting blanket.

In this tranquil atmosphere, the world appeared to retreat into its sheltered havens, with most people seeking refuge behind walls and roofs, cocooned away from the elements. Yet, amidst this scene of quietude, a solitary figure dressed in flowing white robes emerged, walking purposefully toward the main entrance of Cloud Recesses, the revered sanctuary that stood as a beacon of wisdom and tranquility.

As the figure approached the entrance, the air shimmered slightly, indicating the presence of a protective Talisman, designed to safeguard the sanctum from unwanted intrusions. The person paused, considering the shimmering barrier that stood between them and the cherished sanctuary. With a confident smirk, they raised a hand and deftly drew another Talisman in the air, its intricate symbols glowing momentarily before vanishing the safety talisman in a flash of light.

"These kinds of things can't stop me!" the person muttered under their breath, their voice barely louder than the sound of the rain. Without hesitation, they stepped forward, crossing the threshold into Cloud Recesses.

· · ────── ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ────── · ·

The weather of rain was quite aesthetic, a pair of males was standing under a tree hiding from the rain. "Gege, do you want to return?" asked Hua Cheng, his voice barely escaping the soft patter of raindrops that danced upon the leaves above them. The couple had decided to wander around alone, seeking solace in each other's company amidst the vibrant green surroundings, but out of nowhere, the rain had begun to fall, transforming their spontaneous adventure into a whimsical scene straight out of a painting.

"San Lang, come closer," said Xie Lian, his mischievous smile illuminating his face even in the dull light of the rainy day. There was something enchanting about how the rain enhanced their connection, as if the universe itself had conspired to bring them together in this moment of intimacy.

Hua Cheng was more than willing to do anything for his husband, and the simple request to "come closer" was one he would gladly fulfill. So he did, moving in closer until their bodies nearly touched, sharing warmth as the cool rain soaked through their robes. Xie Lian's laughter rang out, a melodic sound that mingled with the rhythm of the rain, echoing joyfully in the air. Hua Cheng, however, stood silently admiring him, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he watched the way Xie Lian's eyes sparkled with delight.

"Gege, are you happy?" Hua Cheng asked, concern lacing his tone. Despite the laughter, he couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper lurked beneath the surface, a shadow of emptiness he had noticed in his husband’s gaze.

"Why are you asking this, San Lang?" Xie Lian questioned with a light chuckle, his voice tinged with an attempt to mask the truth.

"You can't pretend, Gege!" Hua Cheng's words were laced with a painful smile, the kind that hinted at the depth of his love and worry for Xie Lian.

"San Lang..." Xie Lian hesitated, the weight of his emotions pressing against him like the heavy rain. He wished to articulate the turmoil within him but struggled to find the right words. A solitary tear rolled down his cheek, mingling with the raindrops that continued to fall, creating a poignant scene as the figure in white became visibly distressed. It was still raining, but in that moment, Hua Cheng pulled him into a tight embrace, offering solace and a refuge from the storm both outside and within.

"It's okay, Gege, you can tell me!" Hua Cheng reassured him, his voice a soothing murmur in Xie Lian's ear, reminding him that he was not alone in his sorrow.

"I—I had a dream!" Xie Lian finally confessed, his voice trembling as he spoke.

Hua Cheng nodded silently, rubbing Xie Lian's hands gently in an attempt to calm him, aware that the revelation weighed heavily on his husband’s heart. The sobs that escaped Xie Lian were soft but laced with deep emotion, each one a reminder of the pain he was grappling with.

"A-ying! I see A-ying again, San Lang," Xie Lian exclaimed, his voice rising with a mix of joy and sorrow.

"He was looking adorable. My little cute A-ying!" he cried, the memories of his beloved child flooding his mind, bringing forth a torrent of emotion that he could no longer contain.

Hua Cheng tightened his embrace, seeking to shield his husband from the storm of sadness that had suddenly enveloped them. It was not the first time Xie Lian had experienced such dreams, but it had been quite a long while since they had resurfaced, and the sudden rush of memories was overwhelming.

As the rain continued to pour around them, each drop seemed to echo the beat of their hearts, creating a symphony of love and loss.

· · ────── ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ────── · ·

"Where is A-yi and Jin Ling?" asked Jiang Cheng, his brow furrowed in concern, as he realized he hadn't seen them since morning. The bustling streets of Caiyi Town were alive with the chatter of merchants and the tantalizing aromas of street food.

"Jin ling and A-Yuan stopped before," replied Wei Wuxian, a casual smile playing on his lips as he leaned against a nearby stall, his arms crossed.

"Huh?" Jiang Cheng's confusion deepened, his eyes darting around as if expecting to spot them hiding behind a stack of cloth rolls.

"They went shopping. What’s so hard to understand about that?" Wei Wuxian teased, his tone light, but there was an unmistakable glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Hm, fine, but what about A-yi?" Jiang Cheng pressed, his voice tinged with urgency as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly not satisfied with the vague responses.

"Jingyi and Zizhen went for a walk around the town," Wei Wuxian replied, shrugging nonchalantly.

"It's raining, they’ll get sick!" muttered Jiang Cheng, his concern morphing into frustration as he glanced at the darkening sky, the clouds now heavy with the threat of downpour.

"It's okay, Cheng Cheng," Wei Wuxian reassured him, waving a dismissive hand. "I told them to be careful and not to get wet. Besides, they’ve been training hard these last few weeks. They deserve a little break."

As they stood there amidst the hustle and bustle of Caiyi Town, the rain began to fall softly, a gentle patter that quickly turned into a steady drizzle. The streets, once vibrant, started to glisten under the droplets, and the laughter of townspeople mingled with the sound of the rain, creating a soothing backdrop.

They had all intended to head back to Cloud Recesses after their excursion, but the sudden shift in the weather had forced them to reconsider their plans.