The Art of Subduing Dragons

Chapter 139

Ruan Li looked at Luo Qingci's raised sleeve and was suddenly reminded of the day they had left this place together years ago.

That day, she was filled with anticipation, excitement, and joy as she was hidden in Luo Qingci's sleeve, leaving with her. However, she was later handed over to Mo Yan, and despite now being together with Luo Qingci, the memory of that pain still resurfaced.

She couldn't hold back and furrowed her brow, feeling a mix of grievances and bitterness, her mood sinking.

Luo Qingci noticed the shift in her emotions and quickly realized that Ruan Li was recalling the time she had sent her back to the dragon clan. Luo Qingci felt a pang of guilt.

But she didn't know how to explain her actions; it was indeed her fault. At that time, she had seen Ruan Li as a character in a book. Though reluctant, she had sent her back to that painful place, following the plot and leaving her to endure so much alone in the dragon clan.

It was a decision made out of necessity, yet Luo Qingci felt deep remorse and heartache.

She was filled with mixed emotions and gently hugged Ruan Li. "I'm sorry."

Ruan Li's eyes were misty. "Do you know how unfair you were? I... I was so heartbroken then."

Back then, she was too young and didn't understand what it meant to be strong and lonely. After facing such a huge change, she relied heavily on Chi Qing's gentleness and care. Losing it was like the sky falling and the earth cracking.

She didn't want to blame Luo Qingci, as she had no obligation to keep her by her side, and the circumstances at that time didn't allow for it.

But now that Ruan Li was her beloved, she couldn't hold back her grievances and, knowing she could be comforted, she voiced them.

Luo Qingci had always felt heartache and regret for Ruan Li's suffering in the dragon clan. Her feelings for Ruan Li had deepened; the more joy she felt, the more heartache and regret followed.

Ruan Li's words of grievance felt like needles piercing her heart, causing her eyes to redden instantly.

The thought of how small and adorable Ruan Li had been, facing neglect and bullying, made her heart ache intensely.

"It's my fault. I'm sorry for making you suffer so much."

Luo Qingci held her tightly, with such force that it caused Ruan Li some pain. Her voice was choked with emotion, making Ruan Li's heart ache in sympathy.

Ruan Li quickly pulled away from Luo Qingci's embrace, looked at her face, and noticed that Luo Qingci's eyes were red. She immediately felt regret. "I... I'm not blaming you. I know you had your reasons. Moreover, the suffering I went through wasn't caused by you. On the contrary, because of you, I encountered some things worth cherishing in those circumstances."

She also became sad, "Master, don't be sad. I'm not saying this to make you feel guilty. I just..."

Luo Qingci tried to suppress the bitterness and looked at the distressed Ruan Li. She couldn't help but smile. "Just what?"

Seeing her smile, Ruan Li finally relaxed. However, when she heard Luo Qingci's question, she bit her lip and felt a bit embarrassed. Seeing that Luo Qingci was still smiling, she pinched her fingers and, with a touch of desperation, said, "I just want you to feel sorry for me, to comfort me. I didn't mean to make you sad."

Luo Qingci's gaze was so tender it seemed to be brimming with tears. She couldn't help but kiss Ruan Li's forehead and then sighed lightly as she pulled her into an embrace. "I know. I'm just too heartbroken."