I'll be uploading four chapters today to make up for the updates I missed two weeks ago.
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While Xiao Hua delved into the magma world and engaged in battle against the Fire Lizard Race, Little Fairy Doctor and Su Qian hovered silently in midair outside the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, their gazes fixed upon the sealed structure.
Naturally, the surrounding students, brimming with curiosity—especially after the tower had been completely sealed under the First Elder's command, an unprecedented occurrence—lingered near the black tower, whispering among themselves.
Suddenly, both Little Fairy Doctor and Su Qian stirred slightly, their expressions shifting as they sensed a presence emerging from within the tower. It was unfamiliar, yet clearly not Xiao Hua's aura—this one was heading directly toward Little Fairy Doctor.
Su Qian's eyes narrowed, a trace of vigilance flashing within them. However, upon noticing the calm in Little Fairy Doctor's expression, he understood that this presence must belong to one of Xiao Hua's companions, and he quietly withdrew his caution.
A short moment later, a graceful figure descended from the skies—a stunning, demon-like beauty whose mere presence caused a stir among those present. As she appeared, countless gazes turned toward her, particularly those of the male students.
The woman exuded a unique allure—one far beyond the comprehension of these young cultivators, who had spent their days sheltered within the ivory walls of the academy. To the younger men and teenagers, she embodied the charm of a mature woman, stirring within them the so-called fondness for an elder sister.
Her bewitching features, beautiful enough to enchant souls, were veiled in a cold indifference. An icy aura spread naturally from her form, creating an invisible boundary that pushed others away. Her poised stance in midair—unreachable and aloof—caused even the bolder ones who had harbored thoughts of approaching her to quickly abandon such foolish ideas.
Upon seeing her, Su Qian's mouth twitched uncontrollably. He couldn't help but silently wonder, 'Did that brat truly return to his clan to handle matters… or has he been busy gathering beauties instead?'
Little Fairy Doctor and the woman before him were both stunning beauties—so breathtaking that even Su Qian, well-traveled across the Central Plains, had seldom encountered such figures. Yet their charms were vastly different, each evoking a distinct allure.
The former possessed a gentle, tender beauty that stirred one's heart with the instinct to protect her warm smile. The latter, however, radiated an air of nobility and dominance—like a queen descended from the heavens—compelling awe and submission in all who beheld her.
Regardless of their differences, either one could rival, if not surpass, the famed beauties of the Central Plains!
As Su Qian stood there, momentarily lamenting Xiao Hua's luck in attracting such women, Little Fairy Doctor stepped forward with a soft smile, addressing the newcomer.
"Sister Medusa, I didn't expect you to come out…"
Her tone carried a trace of confusion. After all, wasn't Queen Medusa still under the influence of the Heaven Swallowing Python? Had that snake not been the one in control of her body all this time?
Sensing her doubt, Queen Medusa replied coolly, "The Heaven Swallowing Python allowed me to temporarily take over as I have something to say to Xiao Hua."
"I see. It seems the Heaven Swallowing Python is rather understanding," Little Fairy Doctor said with a soft chuckle.
'If it were truly understanding, it would have ceded control willingly... After all, this body rightfully belongs to me.' Queen Medusa could only offer a faint, dry smile in response.
"Anyway," she said, her enchanting eyes shifting toward Su Qian as she changed the subject. With a wave of her hand, a sky-blue flame emerged, gently floating toward him.
"Xiao Hua asked me to inform you that he will personally retrieve the flame seed of the Fallen Heart Flame. In the meantime, this one is for your temporary use—to aid in nurturing the students."
Su Qian received the flame with a grateful nod. His gaze fixed intently upon the sky-blue flame, studying it with a scrutinizing expression. He could faintly sense a similarity to the Fallen Heart Flame... yet there was something different—subtly altered, as if it is a completely different flame.
While Su Qian was engrossed in examining the sky-blue flame, Little Fairy Doctor noticed that Queen Medusa seemed to have something more to say. Her gaze flickered with slight hesitation—but it was clear the words were meant for her.
Sensing this, Little Fairy Doctor gently spoke, her voice soft like a spring breeze, "I know a place where we can speak in private. Please, follow me."
As her words fell, the two women vanished from the spot. Su Qian was left alone to handle the flame—and the inevitable explanations to the surrounding students.
"That damn brat actually managed to ensnare two peerless beauties," Su Qian muttered with a sigh, glancing in the direction where they had disappeared. "I wonder how Xun Er will react once she finds out…"
But just as the thought crossed his mind, a familiar voice echoed behind him—calm and elegant, yet that very voice sent cold sweat trickling down his back.
"Then perhaps... I should join their little discussion as well."
Su Qian stiffened and turned around slowly, his expression turning sheepish with nervousness.
There, a delicate young lady hovered gracefully in midair, her pale green robes fluttering gently in the breeze. The wind brushed against her, causing her long, jet-black hair—flowing all the way to her waist—to dance softly like silk in the wind.
As the hem of her skirt swayed, it faintly revealed the flawless contours of her elegant figure, stirring the hearts of any who happened to glance her way.
Without a word, her gaze followed the path taken by Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa. Silent and serene, she resembled a lotus untouched by dust—pure, tranquil, and dignified.
A faint smile touched her lips. Then, with a single graceful step, her figure blurred and vanished, heading toward the same secluded place where the two women had gone to speak in private.
Watching her disappear, Su Qian's throat bobbed with a heavy gulp. His eyes slowly drifted toward the direction of the Chaos Spiritual Forest as he muttered with a trembling voice.
"Brat… you're in deep waters now…"
…
The place Little Fairy Doctor brought Queen Medusa to was none other than the wooden cabin at the heart of the Chaos Spiritual Forest—the very one built by Ming Cheng and the others.
This cabin was specially reserved for the Founders of the Chaos Gate, a tranquil sanctuary untouched by the bustle of the Inner Academy.
After entering the cabin, the two women made their way to the back garden, where a serene circular bamboo pavilion stood amidst the blooming floras. There, they sat facing each other, the atmosphere quiet and still.
For a time, neither spoke. Queen Medusa seemed slightly hesitant, a rare trace of unease flickering in her usually composed gaze.
Sensing this, Little Fairy Doctor gently broke the silence. "Is there something troubling you, Sister Medusa?"
Queen Medusa took a deep breath. Slowly, her regal bearing returned—her eyes sharp, her voice unwavering and resolute.
"I have decided… to use the Glazed Soul Flame method."
Little Fairy Doctor's eyes widened, her expression filled with shock. "That's…"
She was momentarily speechless. Queen Medusa had chosen the Glazed Soul Flame method to fuse her spirit with the Heaven Swallowing Python. This decision isn't something to take lightly.
"I chose to speak with you about this matter because I am aware of your feelings for him," Queen Medusa said softly, her voice calm yet sincere. "That is why I wished to speak with you first."
Little Fairy Doctor's gaze lowered for a moment before she raised her eyes to meet Cai Lin's. "While it's true that I harbor feelings for him... what of Xiao Hua's two lovers? Have you spoken to them about this?"
Her tone was gentle, but there was genuine concern behind her words. She had long known of Xun Er and Ya Fei's place in Xiao Hua's heart. It was precisely because of them that she had kept her emotions buried, waiting until the day they will face one another and spoke about this to the two of them.
"I heard from Zi Yan that the Patriarch of the Miteer Family possesses a method to contact his first lover," Queen Medusa replied, her gaze shifting eastward—toward the distant Jia Ma Empire. "I plan to go there first and seek her permission."
Little Fairy Doctor sighed softly and shook her head, a helpless smile forming on her lips. She understood that matters of the heart could not be decided by logic or interference.
But before she could say more, a clear, melodious voice echoed through the tranquil garden, dispelling the heavy air like a breeze through clouds.
"There's no need to head to Sister Ya Fei…" As the voice faded, two figures appeared silently within the garden—a petite girl in soft purple, and a graceful lady in flowing green robes.
Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa were both startled by the sudden appearance of the two figures. While their attention had been fully consumed by the solemn and shocking conversation, it was still unexpected—no, almost unbelievable—that someone could approach them unnoticed, especially within the heart of the Chaos Spiritual Forest.
"Zi Yan? And she is…?"
Both women spoke simultaneously, their gazes locked onto the purple-clothed girl who now looked awkward and somewhat guilty. Their voices trailed off, however, as their eyes shifted toward the green-robed young lady standing beside her—a gentle smile gracing her lips as she returned their stares.
"I am Xun Er," the elegant lady said softly. "You must be Sister Little Fairy Doctor and Sister Medusa, yes? Zi Yan has spoken of you often."
Her voice was calm and warm, like a spring breeze that soothed the heart. Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa were slightly taken aback by her composed demeanour, but more so by her words.
They exchanged glances, surprised at the word 'often.' It became clear that Zi Yan had been speaking of them to Xun Er frequently. Though they weren't offended, confusion surfaced in their hearts—when had this little girl managed to do so?
Their eyes shifted to the purple-clothed little girl, who immediately scratched her cheek in embarrassment and looked away with a hint of guilt. Under their questioning gazes, she began to explain in a soft, timid voice.
"Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue created a unique communication tool. They passed it to Xiao Hua and the others… but there were two extras, so Sister Xun Er gave one to me and the other to Sister Ya Fei…"
As they listened, realization dawned on both Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa. They recalled the emerald jade that Zi Yan often brought out—a jade inscribed with the word 'Chaos.' They had assumed it was similar to the token Xiao Hua carried and hadn't paid it much mind.
"Fufu. Please don't blame Zi Yan," Xun Er said with a soft chuckle. "She was only fulfilling a request I asked of her."
"We would never blame her," Little Fairy Doctor replied gently, shaking her head. Her gaze settled on Xun Er, eyes shimmering with curiosity. "However… I'm rather intrigued by this request. If it's not too much to ask, may I hear more about it?"
Queen Medusa remained silent but gave a small nod. Deep down, she already had a vague guess as to what the request might be. If it was truly as she suspected… it placed her in quite an awkward position, stirring unease in her heart.
Seeing the stiffness in Queen Medusa's expression, Xun Er offered a gentle smile and spoke softly, "Please rest assured, Sister Cai Lin. I have no intention of blaming you, nor of putting you in a difficult position."
She paused briefly, then continued, her tone calm and composed.
"As you both know… Brother Xiao Hua is exceptionally handsome and immensely talented. Naturally, such a man is bound to attract the attention of many women."
Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa could only offer dry smiles in response. That much, they could hardly deny. Having stayed by his side for even a short time, they had witnessed this truth far too often.
Little Fairy Doctor had long noticed how the female servants working at the Thousand Medicine House—or those brought over by Sister Ya Fei—never failed to be captivated by Xiao Hua's charm and presence.
As for Queen Medusa, during her travels with Xiao Hua from city to city in search of rare ingredients to refine the pill for her condition, she found herself no longer the sole object of attention.
Every place they passed through—whether it was the streets, marketplaces, or inns—countless women would sneak glances, step outside their shops, or outright stare, mesmerized by Xiao Hua's striking appearance.
Yet despite all the attention, Xiao Hua remained indifferent. He neither acknowledged the admiration nor entertained it. His expression stayed calm and detached, as though such things held no weight in his heart.
It was not because he expected such reactions from women, nor out of arrogance. Rather, it was due to his unwavering devotion to Xun Er and Ya Fei. For that reason alone, he didn't bother to entertain the women and merely continue his life.
"Personally," Xun Er said softly, her gaze distant, "I've always wanted to keep him to myself. Even now, I still feel that way."
The Little Fairy Doctor, Queen Medusa, and Zi Yan all fell silent. They understood her sentiment without needing further words. What woman would willingly share her beloved unless her mind had gone astray?
Xun Er's honesty was not shocking to them—it was natural. And so, they simply listened.
Xun Er lowered her gaze, her slender fingers gently brushing the hem of her pale green robe. Her voice remained calm, yet there was a subtle weight behind it—as though these thoughts had long lingered in the depths of her heart, unspoken and quietly endured.
"But…" she murmured after a brief silence, "I came to understand something."
She slowly raised her eyes, meeting theirs—not with envy, nor resentment, but with a serene, mature clarity that radiated from within.
"I realized that love is not always about possession. Xiao Hua… he gives so much of himself. Whether it's to protect, to lead, or simply to keep others safe, he carries too much alone."
The breeze whispered through the garden, causing the flowers to sway gently, as if moved by the unspoken emotions carried in her words—an echo of understanding shared in silence.
"But the longer I watched him, the more I came to understand… he is not the same with each of us."
"With Sister Ya Fei, he's calm and composed, as though every step he takes has already been measured with care. With you, Sister Little Fairy Doctor, his voice softens—gentler, almost boyish… like someone who has finally found a place to rest. And with you, Sister Cai Lin… he allows his pride to show. His frustration, even his arrogance. Like a king who, for once, can breathe freely without wearing a mask."
A faint smile tugged at her lips—not bitter, nor strained, but serene, laced with quiet understanding.
"He laughs differently with each of you. And rather than envy those moments… I found myself cherishing them. Because I love all those parts of him—even the ones I can't reach alone."
Her voice drifted softer, like a whisper borne upon the breeze.
"If there are others who can reach the places in his heart that I cannot… who can walk beside him when I cannot… then perhaps, it is not wrong to let them stay by his side. Not as rivals—but as kindred hearts who also love him, each in their own way."
She turned her gaze toward the towering tree, its emerald glow casting a gentle light across the garden.
A flicker of remembrance stirred in her golden eyes—the memory of when she and Xiao Hua finally shattered the pretense between them, and from its fragments, forged a bond steeped in genuine affection, warmth, and trust.
"In this cultivation world," she began softly, "we tread a path that stretches farther than most hearts can endure. The higher one ascends, the lonelier the heavens become. Friends fade, loved ones vanish, and time devours even the strongest bonds. I do not wish for him to one day reach the peak… only to find himself standing alone."
"If there are others who can help carry his burdens… if their hearts can offer warmth when mine cannot reach him… then I will not bind him with chains born of selfish love."
Her eyes remained steady, her voice unwavering, though it held the quiet ache of a heart that had once struggled.
"So I chose to stand with all of you… not because I've given up, but because I love him too deeply to ever ask him to be anything less than who he truly is."
Little Fairy Doctor was momentarily stunned, her lips parting, yet no words followed. Queen Medusa, too, remained silent, her gaze fixed on Xun Er, unreadable… but clearly moved.
Zi Yan, the little dragon girl, blinked her large violet eyes and lowered her gaze. Even with her straightforward and spirited nature, she could sense the depth and sincerity within Xun Er's words.
After a long silence, Little Fairy Doctor finally spoke, her voice as soft as a drifting cloud. "Sister Xun Er… your strength does not lie in your cultivation alone—but in the depth of your heart."
Queen Medusa gave a slight nod, her expression calm yet resolute. In that moment, the air between them shifted. No longer were they women standing on opposite sides of affection—they stood as companions, each entrusted with a piece of Xiao Hua's soul.
Sensing the weight of their gaze, Xun Er let out a light breath and gently steered the conversation forward, a trace of bashfulness in her tone.
"As for the request I gave to Zi Yan… I asked her to observe, not to meddle. I only wanted to be sure that the ones drawn to Xiao Hua were not enticed by his strength, status, or fame. Too many in this world see only the peak, never the path that carved it."
"I wanted to find those who could see him clearly—not as a rising talented young man or a powerful cultivator, but as the man who bled, endured, and stood tall through every trial."
She turned to them, her eyes steady and warm. "That is why I am truly relieved… to know that you, Sister Little Fairy Doctor, and you, Sister Cai Lin, love him not for what he has, but for who he is."
Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa nodded gently, faint smiles blooming across their graceful faces. A sense of relief stirred within their hearts—relief that Xun Er, despite all, had chosen to be magnanimous and allow them to remain by Xiao Hua's side.
Though neither knew the full truth of Xun Er's background, they both understood one thing clearly—Xun Er had left, not out of weakness or doubt, but to protect Xiao Hua from unseen dangers. It was a choice born of love and sacrifice.
And perhaps, if she had not departed, Xiao Hua might have never opened his heart to them. Without that space left behind, no seed would have taken root.
Even now, they knew—Xun Er held an irreplaceable place in Xiao Hua's heart. It was her presence, her absence, her memory… that shaped much of his path forward.
It was for her sake that he sought to pass the ninth trial swiftly, to step into the Central Plains with firm resolve. From a certain perspective, both of them—Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa—were like gentle interludes in a story whose first page had already been written by Xun Er.
Little Fairy Doctor's eyes softened. She exhaled lightly before speaking, her voice tender.
"Then, I too am relieved… and truly glad that you are his first love. There were moments when I thought perhaps… I should let go of my feelings. I feared I was only causing more complications."
She paused, and her smile deepened with a tinge of bittersweet joy.
"But every time I tried to turn away, memories of him would bloom in my heart, unbidden. Without words, without warning… and I would fall into sorrow, afraid that walking away from him would mean losing the only warmth that ever reached me."
Her voice carried both the weight of pain and the lightness of release. One could feel how deeply she had struggled, how often she had tried to silence her heart—only to find it stubbornly reaching for Xiao Hua each time.
And now, having received this unspoken blessing… she could finally breathe.
Queen Medusa remained silent for a long moment. Her grey-black eyes, cold and regal on the surface, hid beneath them a turbulent sea of emotions—guilt, pride, longing, and something far more delicate… gratitude.
She slowly turned her gaze to Xun Er, then to Little Fairy Doctor, before exhaling a soft sigh. When she finally spoke, her voice was calm and composed, yet it carried an unmistakable edge—like a blade tempered not by anger, but by time and reflection.
"When I was about to be struck down by Lady Azure after attacking her, there was a single moment that changed everything."
Her fingers tightened slightly around the edge of her sleeve—graceful, yet firm.
"He stood before me… without hesitation, without fear. He shielded me, placing his life between mine and that fatal strike. In that instant, something stirred within me."
Her gaze lowered slightly, and for the first time, the pride that often clung to her words gave way to quiet vulnerability.
"It was the first time anyone had ever placed my life above their own—not my people, not my guards, not even the Commanders of the Snake-People. Not once in my life had I been protected like that."
A faint smile curved her lips, no longer laced with haughty arrogance, but touched instead by rare softness. It was the smile of a woman who had been seen… and cherished.
"Though my time with him may be shorter than yours, I have seen much of his heart," Queen Medusa said softly, her voice laced with quiet sincerity.
"His unwavering dedication in treating my condition, his willingness to risk his life for a promise made to my people, his silent disappointment each time he failed to find the needed medicinal ingredients, and his tireless efforts to ensure my clan would have a future—to find them a place, and people, who would not look upon them with scorn."
She paused, her grey-black eyes dimming slightly as she recalled each memory.
"But what left the deepest mark on me… was when we spoke about the Glazed Soul Flame method. He was hesitant, even cautious—because his heart had already been given to you and to Sister Ya Fei. And yet, despite that, he never wavered in fulfilling his duty to me."
Her hand gently rested over her heart.
"Perhaps… it was precisely because of that restraint—his loyalty, his honesty, his sense of duty—that my dormant feelings blossomed fully. My love for him took root, deep and quiet, until it became something I could no longer ignore. I knew then… I wished to remain by his side. Not for wealth, nor power, nor the brilliance of his appearance—but because in my darkest moment, he stood before me, unshaken, protecting me with his very life… all for a promise he made to a people not his own."
She turned to look at Little Fairy Doctor, then at Xun Er, her gaze calm and resolute.
"So, if you, Sister Xun Er, are willing to let me stand beside him… then I, too, am grateful. I will not stand as a queen seeking a throne within his heart—but as a woman who loves him, just as deeply… and is willing to shoulder that love alongside you."
Xun Er nodded gently, a warm smile gracing her lips. In her heart, she felt genuine joy knowing that the two women before her loved Xiao Hua not for his strength or talent, but for who he truly was—his heart, his convictions, his unwavering spirit.
"By the way," she asked softly, tilting her head with a trace of curiosity, "this Glazed Soul Flame… may I ask what kind of method it is?" She had noticed the flicker of shock on Little Fairy Doctor's face earlier and couldn't help but feel intrigued.
Queen Medusa and Little Fairy Doctor exchanged a glance before both let out a dry smile. Now that Xun Er had accepted them as sisters—not just in name, but in heart—and acknowledged their love for Xiao Hua, it was only right to be honest.
"Well… you see," Queen Medusa began, her voice carrying a rare note of awkwardness. She then proceeded to explain her unique condition, and how Lady Azure, half in jest, had brought up the Glazed Soul Flame—an unconventional solution that, to their surprise, proved entirely viable.
"And that," Queen Medusa concluded, her gaze shifting to Xun Er, "is the method involving the Glazed Soul Flame…"
She watched closely, expecting some form of surprise or disapproval. But Xun Er remained calm, her expression thoughtful as she rubbed her chin and fell into deep contemplation.
After a brief silence, she finally spoke in a composed and thoughtful tone, "I don't believe I possess the medicinal ingredients myself… perhaps some may exist within my clan's treasury. But once I return, it will be difficult for me to leave again."
Xun Er lifted her gaze, noticing the stunned expressions on both Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa's faces—clearly taken aback by her composed response.
"Fu fu. don't worry," she said with a gentle chuckle, her voice light as spring wind. "I wouldn't feel jealous over something like this. If there's no other way to help you… then why shouldn't we use it?"
Her light laughter eased the tension in the air, but soon her tone grew thoughtful.
"However, I am curious about one thing—why are you so eager to resolve your condition quickly?" Her brows furrowed slightly, a hint of genuine confusion in her voice.
Little Fairy Doctor, too, silently nodded in agreement. With Xiao Hua's capability, wouldn't he eventually find the necessary medicinal ingredients, given enough time?
Sensing their puzzlement, Queen Medusa sighed lightly. She understood their concerns and slowly began to speak, her tone solemn.
"I suppose Sister Xun Er is still unaware… but not long ago, the Hall of Souls sent two Honourable Elders and ambushed Brother Xiao Hua."
Xun Er's eyes sharpened in disbelief and fury. "The Hall of Souls? They actually attacked him? And they sent… two Honorable Elders?"
"That's right," Queen Medusa confirmed with a quiet nod. "After that incident, I decided to stay behind in the Jia Ma Empire—to guard his clan, so he could travel through the Central Plains without worry."
She paused, recalling the discussion between Xiao Hua and the elders of the Xiao Clan. Though she kept some things to herself, she knew the truth was clear to those who understood the undercurrents of the cultivation world.
The Tou She Ancient God's Jade… a treasure that could stir greed in any major force across the Dou Qi Continent. Once its existence was exposed, conflict would be inevitable.
Queen Medusa did not speak this aloud, but when she saw the subtle crease forming between Xun Er's brows, she knew—Xun Er had already guessed it.
"Though Xiao Hua may not wish to become the leader of the Xiao Clan and intends to pass that responsibility to Xiao Yan, it does not mean he is indifferent toward them," Queen Medusa said, a trace of concern surfacing in her usually calm expression.
"That's why I chose to remain in the Jia Ma Empire—to watch over his clan, so that he can journey through the Central Plains without burden or worry." A faint smile touched her lips as she added those words.
At last, Xun Er and Little Fairy Doctor fully understood Queen Medusa's decision to use the Glazed Soul Flame. They exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with a sigh of acceptance. What had seemed reckless at first was, in truth, a quiet act of devotion—a choice made to protect Xiao Hua.
"Then I have no reason to stop you, Sister Medusa," Xun Er said softly, shaking her head. Her gaze shimmered with a quiet gratitude. "Thank you… for standing by his side."
Sensing the growing heaviness in the air, Zi Yan—who had been silently observing until now—suddenly clapped her hands together, her voice bright and cheerful.
"Sister Xun Er, why don't you tell us how you first met Brother Xiao Hua?" she asked with a mischievous grin. "I want to hear it!"
The three women blinked in surprise before glancing at one another. Then, as if some invisible weight had lifted from their hearts, soft chuckles escaped their lips. The atmosphere eased, warmed by the dragon girl's innocent joy.
"That's right. I already know how Sister Medusa met Xiao Hua, so I'm curious—how did you first meet him, Sister Xun Er?" Little Fairy Doctor asked with genuine interest.
Queen Medusa smiled softly and added, "That's true. But I, too, wish to hear how you crossed paths with him, Sister Little Fairy Doctor."
Xun Er chuckled lightly, her eyes gleaming with warmth. "Then, how about we share our stories while waiting for Brother Xiao Hua to return?"
Naturally, none of them objected. The air around them grew gentle and light, like a soft breeze stirring the petals of blooming flowers.
And so, the four women sat together beneath the glow of the ancient tree, their voices weaving tales of fateful encounters and quiet affections. One by one, they spoke of the man who had entered their lives like a flame in the darkness—changing them, warming them, and becoming the center of their hearts.
As laughter mingled with reminiscence, the night deepened, and the bond between them quietly grew stronger.
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