Thank You So Much

The sea of clouds shimmered under the moonlight.

To the east of the White Emperor's abode, dense forests loomed amidst rolling mists, bathed in the moon's glow—a scene of unparalleled celestial beauty.

Gu Qingcheng stood with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting in silence, his face betraying growing impatience. His teeth clenched, eyes shut, the flames of anger burned fiercer within him, his killing intent nearly unrestrained.

At that very moment—

Ripples stirred in the surrounding space, as if a sage were about to descend!

Gu Qingcheng opened his eyes, watching the void part before him. A flicker of surprise flashed in his gaze, soon overtaken by disdain and fury intertwining. His murderous resolve was absolute—even if this person concealed their cultivation, they were doomed to die!

Ordinary sages held no weight in his eyes!

But when a figure clad in a white dress stepped forth, the very person he had longed for stood before him. Gu Qingcheng's eyes widened, his surprise deepening before melting into a smile brimming with confident understanding.

"So it's you, White Emperor."

"I thought it was that half-sage who invited me today. To think it was you—this must all be your doing. If you're here to plead for him, why bother?"

"Piaopiao, you know my feelings. Whatever you ask, a single word from you is enough. Why go through such lengths?"

In just a few sentences, his domineering tone softened into profound affection—a blend of absolute authority and an irresistible, confident charm, both powerful and captivating.

Without realizing it, his words bridged the distance between them. Any ordinary woman would have been swayed by such grace. Truly, Gu Qingcheng, a man well-versed in the art of courtship, knew his craft.

Unfortunately, Bai Piaopiao had heard much of this man and saw through his facade long ago. Guarded, she responded coldly.

"Chess Sage, you misunderstand."

"I came not to plead for Yi Feng, but to settle this matter."

Settle it?

The icy words gave Gu Qingcheng pause. Seeing the unwavering determination in her eyes, a hint of battle intent flickering within, his smile only grew as he gazed at the beauty before him.

"Piaopiao."

"Do you know how many women would gladly follow this sage? Yet I’ve never spared them a glance—mere commoners, unworthy of my attention."

"But you’re different. You’re always so stubborn, so cold, yet peerless in talent and beauty. You’ve truly captured my heart. I respect you, which is why I’ve never forced you."

"Still, you should know this: though we are both sages, you’ve only recently awakened, your foundation unsteady. I advise you not to seek trouble, nor to take my patience for granted."

His confident grin was radiant, his pale face bathed in moonlight, exuding an eerie softness that sent chills down the spine.

Bai Piaopiao remained unmoved.

Her jade-like hand emerged from her sleeve, fingers weaving intricate seals. In an instant, the power of the Great Dao gathered, and even the moon was blotted out by a sea of flowers!

Witnessing this spectacle, Gu Qingcheng chuckled arrogantly, his eyes gleaming with what he deemed charming indulgence.

"Piaopiao, don’t test my favor. You’ll only suffer for it…"

As he spoke—

An ancient scroll flew from Bai Piaopiao’s sleeve, swirling with the power of the Great Dao. Countless runes materialized in the air, profound and cryptic, exuding a primal aura as fierce as the roar of a monstrous beast!

Instantly, Gu Qingcheng’s expression turned grave, his voice sharp with alarm.

"An ancient formation?! You—!"

The next moment—

The golden runes converged into a circle, completely obscuring the moon, radiating a brilliance like the sun. Seven beams of light descended from the heavens!

Watching the terrifying golden radiance fall upon him, Gu Qingcheng’s face twisted in horror. He channeled all his Dao power, his hair whipping wildly as he roared—

"Bai Piaopiao! You wretched woman! You dare trap me in the Seven Extinctions of the Primordial Formation?!"

"ARGH—!!!"

……

At the heart of the abode’s grand halls, within a serene courtyard—

Yi Feng waited, nodding off, on the verge of sleep.

The phrase "longing eyes" perfectly captured his mood. Truth be told, in all his life, Yi Feng had never anticipated a reply from a pretty-faced man so eagerly—no matter how absurd it sounded.

As the moonlight dimmed, signaling the late hour, disappointment flickered in his eyes. He hadn’t expected that foppish man to lack even a shred of temper.

No matter how infatuated he was with Bai Piaopiao, how could he have no pride at all? Yi Feng had sent a challenge, yet the man remained unshaken—such restraint would make even the Ninja Turtles bow in respect.

Truly, a veteran schemer among sages. His cunning was terrifying. This wouldn’t be easy.

Just as Yi Feng sighed inwardly—

A figure appeared in the courtyard, finally drawing his hopeful gaze. But when he saw Bai Piaopiao approaching with tender warmth, the light in his eyes faded, replaced by an awkward smile.

He stepped forward to greet her. "Miss Bai, what brings you here so late?"

Seeing Yi Feng’s forced smile, Bai Piaopiao wasn’t offended. Instead, her heart swelled with emotion. Even now, he insisted on bearing everything alone—his stubbornness was touching, even heartbreaking.

The mere thought of him standing alone against a sage-level foe filled her with sorrow, drawing her closer to him.

Yi Feng had gone to such lengths for her. His feelings ran deeper than she’d imagined, far more sincere and intense.

"Once having seen the ocean, no other water will do; having witnessed the clouds of Wu Mountain, all others pale."

In this world, no one but Yi Feng could move her so deeply. After today’s turmoil, the distance between their hearts seemed to have closed further.

Without a single word, she sensed his unease and anxiety.

A thousand words condensed into a single smile.

"Yi Feng, there’s no need to hide it. I know everything."

Know everything…?

Yi Feng was dumbfounded. Something felt off!

Before he could speak, Bai Piaopiao led him inside, where they sat in quiet conversation. As she recounted everything, Yi Feng’s eyes widened in shock.

"What…?"

"You trapped Gu Qingcheng in a formation?! That won’t do!!!"

Yi Feng was utterly floored!

After painstakingly provoking a formidable foe, his efforts were ruined just like that? Talk about rotten luck. But seeing Bai Piaopiao’s sincerity—her worry for him, her attempt to resolve his troubles—he couldn’t bring himself to blame her. Only gratitude remained.

Perhaps this was fate.

Staring blankly for a few breaths, Yi Feng could only muster a resigned thanks.

"Miss Bai, I appreciate it… but please, never do this again."

Bai Piaopiao nodded with a smile.

Gazing at Yi Feng’s slightly dejected expression, she was entranced.

Of course. Though he wouldn’t say it, Yi Feng likely preferred to face challenges himself. A man of pride would naturally wish to stand alone.

She had resolved the crisis, yes, but perhaps overlooked his true intentions. This wasn’t perfect—she’d have to be more mindful in the future…

Yet with the matter laid bare, Bai Piaopiao felt Yi Feng’s heart more clearly than ever. This ordeal had brought them closer, making all obstacles seem trivial.

From now on, no matter the hardship, she would never let Yi Feng face it alone…