In the chief's council room, the elders spoke in hushed voices. "I knew he was a cultivator, and a powerful one at that," one elder said. "Yes, I wondered how his wounds healed overnight without any healers." "No wonder the chief could not sense his cultivation," another added.
The room was lively as they discussed He Yue's actions.
"Quiet," the old chief said. "It is true. He is a cultivator. We all saw the strength he showed today. I thank him for saving my daughter. He is our esteemed guest, and we must treat him kindly. He saved us from the Baiying Brothers and risked his life for us."
"He is powerful," the chief continued. "That is why he must not be offended. My daughter has also grown fond of him since he saved her."
"But father…" Shing Bao tried to object. "Shut up!" the old man snapped. "Do you understand what would happen if he decided to attack us? None of us would escape alive."
The elders who wanted to oppose lowered their heads. "The feast shall be held tomorrow to celebrate our victory over the Baiying Brothers. This meeting is over." His words were final. The elders left, dejected.
The next morning, He Yue woke up, his head heavy. He remembered the fight, the blood, the black smoke. He did not know where the power came from. It had moved on its own when his life was in danger.
Shing Xi sat beside him. When she saw him awake, she hugged him tightly. "Oh Brother He, you made me worry so much." "It's alright," he said.
She pouted, pinching him lightly. "Don't scare me like that ever again. You didn't tell me you were a cultivator." He Yue gave a small laugh. "I promise I won't. But even I didn't know until yesterday. I felt something strange in my body, but I didn't think it was power. Looks like I'll have to regain my memories soon. There's so much I don't know about myself."
"How's everyone?" he asked. "The villagers are shaken, but Father spoke to them and calmed them down," she said. "Oh, I see." "And Father postponed yesterday's banquet. It will be held today, in your honor." He Yue looked at his bloody clothes. "Then I'll have to change."
Later that day, the village prepared for the feast. Fires burned, meat roasted, and wine was poured. The elders gathered, speaking in low voices. Some still feared He Yue, but none dared to oppose the chief's words.
When He Yue entered, the crowd went silent. The chief stood and raised his cup. "This man saved us from the Baiying Brothers. He risked his life for our village. Tonight, we honor him."
The villagers cheered. He Yue nodded politely, though his head still felt heavy. Shing Xi sat close, her cheeks red. She kept glancing at him, then looking away when his eyes met hers.
The elders praised him openly. "No mortal could have done what he did," one said. "His wounds healed overnight. He must be a cultivator." Another added, "We must treat him with respect. He is powerful."
He Yue listened quietly, drinking the wine they offered. Shing Xi poured for him, her hands trembling slightly. She smiled shyly, her heart racing.
The feast lasted long into the night. Songs were sung, drums were beaten, and the people celebrated their victory. He Yue drank more than he should have, and Shing Xi stayed by his side, laughing softly at his words.
When the feast ended, the two walked home together under the moonlight. The village was quiet, only the sound of crickets in the grass. Shing Xi leaned closer, her face warm from the wine. "Brother He, you were amazing today," she whispered. He Yue gave a small smile. "I only did what I had to."
They reached his house. Shing Xi lingered at the door. Her cheeks were red, her eyes bright. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Goodnight, Brother He. See you tomorrow."
The next day. The chief had drunk too much wine and was still asleep in his room, resting heavily. His snores filled the hut.
Shing Bao, Shing Xi's brother, had gone out early to hunt. He carried his bow and left for the forest, saying he would not return until nightfall.
With the chief asleep and her brother gone, the house was silent. Only Shing Xi and He Yue remained inside.
Shing Xi and He Yue were alone in the house. She moved toward him, kissing him lightly on the lips. "Sister Xi, what are you doing?" He Yue was surprised. "Oh come on. Father is asleep and Brother went hunting," she said, leaning closer. She whispered playfully in his ear, "It's just me and you. Or am I not appealing enough to you?" She pouted, her cheeks forming a cute face.
Saying this, she stood up and faced him before sitting on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, "Want to do it?"