He turned his face slightly, avoiding my gaze, and his hand closed tightly around something—something that glowed faintly for just a moment before he tucked it back into the folds of his robe.
"Wow! It's so bright, hey What was that?" I asked softly, curiosity rising like a tide in my chest, slow but unstoppable.
He hesitated. Just for a breath. But in that hesitation, I heard the echo of secrets unspoken.
"It's nothing serious, It's the red diamond." he said at last, his tone calm but carefully measured, each word chosen with the precision of a swordsmith. "Just something… that measures love, our love."
"Love?" I echoed, tilting my head as I tried to catch his eyes.
He still didn't look at me.
"When two people truly love one another," he said slowly, as though the words cost him something, "we can place this… thing the diamond… together. It becomes a force strong enough to protect the world. But only if the love is real."
He didn't show me what it was. Not even a glimpse. And yet, the way he spoke—like the weight of an entire realm rested on something invisible in his palm—made my heart beat faster. It was more than a tool. It was a promise. A test. A burden. A hope. Maybe a risk.
"I'm keeping it," he added quietly, almost as if he were trying to convince himself more than me.
I stared at him, searching his profile. There was something he wasn't saying. His shoulders held a tension he couldn't quite hide, and his eyes… they flickered, just once, with a shadow of sadness. A sadness so deep it felt ancient.
But I had no choice. I didn't want to push him. I trusted him—against all reason, against all caution.
So I smiled faintly, choosing trust over doubt. "I agree." I say even through i don't like the answer.
His eyes widened, and for a brief second, he looked at me—really looked at me—and in that look, something passed between us. Not words. Not vows. Just understanding. As if in that instant, our hearts stood quietly side by side.
Trying to shift the mood, I asked playfully, "Can I learn manipulation magic now?"
A smirk tugged at his lips, the corner of his mouth softening in a way that made my chest ache. "You'll learn that—but not today." His voice dropped, more gentle now. "We'll have many days, Xiwang. Today… I'll teach you archery, not the modern one but the Magical archery one."
I raised an eyebrow. "Who dares oppose the Moon King?" I said with a teasing grin, lifting my chin. "Alright, okay!"
He keeps staring.
"Let's go then." i say nervously.
He turned toward the courtyard entrance. "Sheng!"
A rustle of footsteps echoed across the stones as Sheng rushed over moments later, holding a wooden bow, clearly out of breath. "Here, my lord!" he said, bowing quickly.i can see his loyalty through his eye and tone.
Just then, a loud groan echoed across the open space. "Huuuhhh… my lord, I'm too tired! I've cleaned the courtyard six times today!"
I looked toward the voice and burst out laughing at the sight of a disheveled boy dragging a broom behind him like it was the heaviest thing in the world. Dirt smudged his cheeks, and a leaf was stuck in his hair.
"And who might you be?" I asked, genuinely curious.
He perked up at my attention, straightening. "Oh! My lady, I'm Wu Minde. Sheng's younger brother and Master Yang's loyal personal assistant. And by the way, you look absolutely stunning today. No wonder Master Yang can't take his eyes off you!"
I blinked, surprised—and a little flustered—just as Yuzhe cleared his throat sharply.
Minde instantly zipped his mouth shut, clasping both hands behind his back with the air of someone who'd been scolded many times before.
These two… one like a mischievous wind, the other like quiet moonlight. Brothers in perfect contrast.
"Xiwang," Yuzhe said, drawing my attention again, "look."
He lifted his hand, and slowly, a shimmer of light gathered in his palm. It started as a glow, then stretched, arched, curved—becoming a bow of pure magic. It sparkled, not violently, but beautifully—like starlight drawn from the night sky and shaped with intent.
"We don't use actual bows in magical archery," he explained, his voice calm but warm. "Your hand becomes the bow. Your will becomes the string. Your feelings… your heart becomes the arrow."
He raised his other hand, drew back an invisible string of light, and released. A glowing arc of energy soared across the courtyard and struck the practice dummy dead center, with a quiet hiss of power.
"If you move your hand straight—it flies true. But if you slash, it cuts like a blade."
My jaw dropped. "That's incredible."
"It is, right?" Minde added from the side—only to immediately shut his mouth again when Yuzhe glanced sideways without a word.
"Try it," Yuzhe said, stepping aside, his hand open, inviting.
I hesitated. Then lifted my hand, trying to copy what he did. The sparkle appeared, a fragile thread of light, but it scattered, unstable and fleeting.
I tried again. Nothing.
I frowned. "It's not working."
I felt him step behind me. I didn't need to turn—I could feel his presence like twilight at my back, wrapping around me in stillness and warmth.
"Let me help you," he murmured, his voice low and close.
He reached for my hand, covering it gently, and guided my fingers into position. His other hand settled lightly on my waist, steadying me.
Every nerve in my body lit up.
"D-Do you really have to stand this close?" I whispered, my voice trembling as I tried not to move.
His breath brushed the edge of my cheek as he leaned closer. "Don't forget…" he said softly, "we're supposed to be in love."
My heart skipped.
The magical spark flickered again on my palm, this time warmer, brighter. I could feel the pull now—not just from the magic, but from him. It wasn't about control or force. It was about connection.
I took a breath and focused. The shimmer reappeared—gentler this time, but steadier. It wavered, then held for a second longer before fading.
Even though I didn't hit the target, I didn't care.
I tried. I tried. I tried.
But fail.
The sun was slipping lower behind the walls, and the world was bathed in gold and rose. The wind had stilled, and a hush had fallen over the courtyard, like even the world wanted to linger in this moment.
I turned slightly. "It's getting late. I should go."
He reached out, catching my wrist gently. "Xiwang."
I paused, my breath catching in my throat.
"Don't call me Cheng anymore," he said, voice tender.
I blinked. "Why?"
"Because…" He stepped closer again, and his gaze met mine with such sincerity it made the air feel too thin. "When I hear your name, it feels like mine belongs with yours."
For a second, time stopped.
The world, the magic, the lingering questions—all of it faded.
"…Alright," I said, my voice soft, my heart full. "Then call me Xiwang,
Yuzhe." I said gently
He continue " I will come tommorow morning so, get ready to go to The Ice kingdom. " his voice seems a command. Gentle but smooth.
"Ok I will" I said softly rushing to go out.
And in that breathless silence between us, something changed.
Not magic. Not power. But love.
Quiet, patient, and real.
---
*
*
*
*
•
Thank you so much for reading this chapter.
Did your heart skip a beat when he said, "Don't forget, we're supposed to be in love"? Mine did too—maybe even twice.
But love in this world isn't simple.
Yuzhe smiles softly, teaches her gently, and yet… he still won't show her the Red Diamond.
Why is he hiding it? What does he fear? And what will happen when Xiwang finally finds out the truth? Can't wait to know it ya but it's mystery. I won't let you know it easily.
This is only the beginning of their journey. A love that can shape destiny, and a secret that could destroy it.
I hope you'll keep walking beside them, step by trembling step.
And guys please encourage me by voting Power stone and commenting about my work.
🌝🌝🌝
With all my heart,
Li Yuxin.