Fated | Fangs Of Fortune [ZhuYi]

Chapter 32 : Forgiveness

The sun had been relentless for seven days, trying in vain to melt the snow blanketing Kunlun Mountain. Within the temple, healing was slow but steady, the air thick with the aroma of medicinal herbs and the murmur of healing chants. Every corner buzzed with efforts to mend both bodies and spirits.

On the second day, Wen Xiao startled awake, shouting Pei Si Jing's name. The archer was already by her side, refusing to leave even for a moment. Her presence, steadfast and unwavering, became Wen Xiao's anchor as the goddess slowly regained her strength.

Bai Jiu's wounds were tended by Zhu Yan himself. When the physician finally opened his eyes, he found Ying Lei weeping at his bedside, his worry spilling over in tears, while Pei Si Heng watched them both, his own eyes glassy with emotion. Bai Jiu's soft smile and calming words reassured them, though his gaze soon wandered, searching.

The moment Zhu Yan managed to usher the two younger men out of the room, YiChen entered, his expression laden with guilt. Without hesitation, he offered a sincere apology to Bai Jiu for the harm he'd caused. Bai Jiu, ever gentle, waved it off with a forgiving smile.

"It wasn't your fault, Zhuo-gege" he said, his voice firm. "It was Li Lun's doing."

As dawn broke, the elite team of the Demon Hunting Bureau found themselves engaged in an unusual task—carving wood. Their solemn focus seemed out of place for such skilled hunters. 

Inside Zhu Yan's quarters, YiChen slept soundly for the first time since the crimson moon had cast its ominous glow. Now that the others were out of danger, his restless nights finally gave way to deep slumber.

When he woke, sunlight streamed through the windows, warming his face. Yet, the chill in the air lingered, unyielding. Though his body felt rested, his mind remained a whirlwind. His heart ached in ways he couldn't put into words. YiChen rose and made his way to the courtyard, the crunch of snow underfoot breaking the silence.

The sight of sunlight piercing through the clouds and snowflakes swirling gently around him brought an eerie calm, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

"Gege!" a familiar voice echoed.

The snowy courtyard of Kunlun blurred, replaced by the familiar grounds of the Demon Hunting Bureau.

"Gegeee!" The voice grew louder, insistent. YiChen saw his younger self running toward him, clad in pale robes that fluttered in the wind. A golden headband adorned his head—one he hadn't worn since that fateful day.

"Didi! Don't run!" another voice called out behind him, firm but warm. YiChen's heart clenched as he turned, hope flaring in his chest.

There he was—Zhuo Yi Xuan, his elder brother. YiChen's breath hitched at the sight of his brother rushing toward him, his presence so vivid it stole the air from YiChen's lungs.

The younger version of himself tripped, but before he could hit the snow-covered ground, Yi Xuan's strong arms caught him in an embrace.

"I told you to be careful, Didi" Yi Xuan scolded gently, worry etched into his elegant yet fierce features, a softness only YiChen had ever seen.

"I'm sorry, Gege! But look!" The younger YiChen's excitement bubbled over as he opened his small, clenched fist. A butterfly with delicate azure wings fluttered free, heading toward a peach tree. YiChen watched as his younger self's eyes sparkled with joy.

"Gege, I want to be like that butterfly" the younger YiChen said, his voice soft yet full of longing. "Free."

Yi Xuan crouched down, meeting his brother's gaze. Noticing the tears streaking the boy's face, he cupped his cheeks and gently wiped them away.