The day had arrived. The early morning sunlight bathed Kunlun Mountain in a golden hue, casting an ethereal glow on the untouched snow that refused to melt under its warmth.
YiChen strode purposefully toward the courtyard, where the rest of the team gathered, waiting for Ying Zhao. His gaze immediately landed on Zhu Yan, who was deep in conversation with Wen Xiao. Though he couldn't hear their words, the slight gestures and focused expressions suggested they were discussing the intricate process of extracting the Baize Token from Zhu Yan's body.
YiChen's fingers unconsciously tightened around the hilt of his sword.
"Zhuo Daren" The voice of Pei Si Jing broke through his thoughts. She had appeared beside him, her sharp eyes fixed on his face.
"Ms. Pei" he greeted, though his gaze remained on the pair in the courtyard.
"What's bothering you?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.
"I'm hoping everything goes smoothly" YiChen murmured. "And that tonight takes its time in arriving."
"Why?"
He hesitated before replying, his voice laced with worry. "It'll be too bloody."
Pei Si Jing studied him for a moment, but decided to ask no further questions.
Ying Zhao entered the courtyard, accompanied by a new figure, who was tall, broad-shouldered and had a black beard compared to Ying Zhao.
"This is Ying Zhen, a mountain-god" Ying Zhao introduced, "We'll need his power to merge the two halves of the Baize Token."
Ying Zhen nodded in greeting before turning to Wen Xiao and Zhu Yan. "Have the goddess and the great demon attempted to use the Baize Token together yet?" he asked, his deep voice resonating through the courtyard.
Wen Xiao flushed slightly, her embarrassment evident. "We still haven't."
"Then let's begin." Ying Zhen stepped forward, gesturing with practiced ease. "Focus on your connection. Let your energy harmonize."
Zhu Yan and Wen Xiao exchanged wary glances before positioning themselves as instructed. Both closed their eyes, following Ying Zhen's movements.
A golden aura began to radiate from their foreheads, the faint symbols of their respective essences glowing brightly. The energy shifted and intertwined, forming a thick, shimmering thread that pulsed with life. The thread extended outward, circling the courtyard before touching a snow-covered tree.
The tree shuddered, its branches groaning as new life surged through it. Leaves unfurled, vibrant and green, while plump, golden fruits blossomed among them. The air filled with a faint, sweet fragrance.
The group stood in awe, marveling at the transformation.
"You two must love each other dearly to be able to connect so well" Ying Zhen remarked with a warm smile.
Zhu Yan froze mid-breath, coughing violently as though he had swallowed a hair. Wen Xiao averted her eyes.
"Ahem!" Ying Zhao interjected with a dry cough, glancing awkwardly between them. "It's not 'love' this time, cousin."
"Yes, not love" Zhu Yan added hastily, his expression stiff.
YiChen and Pei Si Jing, standing a short distance away with their arms crossed, were clearly unimpressed. The intensity of their glares made the temperature in the courtyard drop several degrees.
"It's... friendship" Ying Zhao clarified quickly, glancing nervously at the two.
"Oh, my mistake!" Ying Zhen chuckled, completely oblivious to the tension. "In past generations, it's always been love that creates such harmony. But friendship! How wonderful. It seems you two have a remarkable understanding of one another."
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Fated | Fangs Of Fortune [ZhuYi]
FanfictionZhao Yuan Zhou and Zhuo YiChen were once childhood best friends, but their bond was torn apart on a fateful crimson night. Years later, fate brings them back together, but the air is thick with complicated feelings, old wounds, and unspoken truths...