Three days passed in a flash.
Ye Chen remained in the quiet residence Yun Yun had arranged for him and Nalan Yanran.
During this time, he focused entirely on cultivating and preparing for the trip to Wutan City.
Nalan Yanran stayed by his side, gentle and supportive, tending to his needs without complaint.
On the morning of the third day, Yun Yun personally delivered a jade bottle filled with faintly glowing medicinal powder.
"This is the Qi Gathering Powder that Pill King Gu He just refined," she said calmly. "It should help you on your journey."
Ye Chen received the bottle with both hands and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Teacher."
Yun Yun nodded slightly, then glanced toward the inner chamber, where Nalan Yanran was resting.
She said nothing else and turned to leave, her robes fluttering like clouds as she disappeared beyond the courtyard.
Later that evening, Nalan Yanran handed Ye Chen a folded parchment tied with red silk...a marriage annulment certificate, sealed by the Nalan clan.
"This is what you'll need to break the engagement with Xiao Yan," she said, lowering her head.
Ye Chen took the document and tucked it into his robe without hesitation.
Everything was ready.
He would depart for Wutan City at dawn.
That night, moonlight spilled through the paper windows, painting soft silver shadows across the room.
The two of them lay together on the bed...no words spoken, yet hearts heavy with everything unsaid.
Ye Chen gently wrapped his arms around Nalan Yanran's waist, holding her close.
Her soft hair brushed against his chin, and the warm curve of her body nestled against his chest made his breath quicken.
Her scent.....sweet like orchids, with a hint of spiritual energy....lingered in the air.
He lowered his head and kissed her gently, first on her ear, then along her cheek, lingering there for a heartbeat longer.
"Brother…" she murmured, her voice shy and tender.
Ye Chen smiled against her skin. "Don't worry. The Mittel clan has a branch in Wutan City. I have friends there.
This trip may be long, but it's nothing I can't handle."
His voice was steady, comforting. "You just stay here and take care of our child. I'll come back soon."
Nalan Yanran's face flushed red. Her hands clutched the fabric of his robe, her heart thudding beneath his palm.
After a moment of silence, she whispered, "Half a month… Can you really bear it?"
Ye Chen blinked.
"Hm?" He pulled back slightly to meet her gaze.
Her eyes shimmered under the moonlight, moist and filled with affection.
Her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly parted. "You're going to be gone so long. I… I'm worried about you.
About how you'll hold back..."
Her words trailed off, her voice barely audible, but the meaning was clear.
Ye Chen was stunned for a moment—then let out a soft laugh, helpless and warm.
"Yanran, you…" His gaze dropped to her belly, and he quickly sobered.
He brushed a gentle hand over the slight swell beneath her night robe. "You're pregnant now.
I wouldn't dare. Even if it's hard for me, I must endure. I won't risk harming either of you."
Nalan Yanran lowered her head, biting her lip in embarrassment.
Her heart ached slightly at his restraint, yet she was also touched.
"Brother…" she said softly. "I know you're trying your best."
Ye Chen exhaled. His self-control had been tested again and again these past few nights.
Nalan Yanran's presence, her voice, her warmth....all of it stirred something deep within him. And yet, every time his thoughts went too far, the image of the child in her womb pulled him back to reason.
For her. For the baby. He had to be patient.
But just as he was adjusting the blanket and preparing to rest for the night, Nalan Yanran suddenly shifted.
She gave him one long look, then....without warning...slipped under the quilt, disappearing into the covers with just a rustle of cloth.
"Yanran?" Ye Chen called, confused.
She didn't answer.
Seconds passed. Then a minute.
"Are you... alright?" he asked gently.
Still no response.
But when he reached over, he felt her shoulders trembling slightly—not from sadness, but from shy laughter.
"Senior Brother," came her muffled voice, "you'll be gone for half a month. I just want to lie beside you like this tonight.
Don't think too much."
Ye Chen laughed quietly.
He moved closer and embraced her from behind under the blanket, his hand resting gently on her belly.
"I'm thinking a lot," he said in a low voice. "I'm thinking about how lucky I am to have you."
She smiled without answering, and their breathing slowly fell into sync.
No more words were exchanged.
It was a quiet night—not of passion, but of deep affection and longing. The kind of night that engraved itself into memory.
As dawn approached, Ye Chen opened his eyes and looked at the woman beside him, who had already fallen asleep in his arms.
His fingers lightly brushed the loose strands of her hair away from her face. Then he whispered, "Just wait for me."
And with that promise sealed in silence, the first rays of sunlight broke across the eastern sky—marking the beginning of Ye Chen's journey to Wutan City.
The first rays of morning sunlight spilled over the peaks surrounding Yunlan Sect, brushing the courtyard in a gentle golden hue.
In the quiet room, Ye Chen slowly opened his eyes, a soft warmth resting against his chest.
Nalan Yanran lay beside him, curled into his side like a kitten.
Though her body had grown slightly fuller these days, it only added a charming softness to her frame.
Her breathing was even, and her long lashes fluttered as she slowly stirred awake.
"Brother... it's still early..." she murmured, her voice muffled by his robes as she snuggled closer.
Ye Chen turned slightly, gently brushing her cheek. "The earlier I leave, the sooner I can come back. Don't make it harder for me."
...
25 Chapters Ahead! & Extra Uncensored Version
Read the story way before everyone else!
Your support keeps the story alive ... and I know my audience will have my back
Join now ... patreon.com/HeavenlyYinYang