Chapter 35
Feng Jiao Xue carefully placed Hei Feng’s birdcage on the sturdy wooden table before entering the small realm. The Shadow Flitter tilted its tiny head, its royal blue and black feathers gleaming faintly in the soft light. The bird flitted from one perch to another tweeting every so cheerfulyy.
She tapped the cage lightly, catching the bird’s attention before sprinkling dried seeds into the small tray inside. The bird chirped cheerfully, its beady eyes following her every movement with a mix of curiosity and trust.
She lingered for a moment, watching the bird nibble on its meal. Hei Feng had been a surprise gift, and while she remained cautious about the crown prince’s intentions, the bird had proven itself useful as both a tracker and a subtle companion.
Turning away, Feng Jiao Xue entered the heart of the small realm. The space was tranquil, a hidden sanctuary filled lush greenery, and Yin Xiao ’watching’ the herbs by the patch Huang Jin De is tending to them at, a soft mist that rolled lazily across the ground around him. The air hummed faintly with spiritual energy, invigorating her senses.
Huang Jin De sat cross-legged atop a large moss-covered rock, his eyes closed as he immersed himself in cultivation. The faint glow of fire qi surrounded him, flickering like embers in the wind. When Feng Jiao Xue approached, the soft sound of her steps broke the silence, and his eyes fluttered open, golden irises catching the light like molten gold. A warm smile bloomed on his lips as he greeted her.
"Here to cultivate?" he asked, his tone casual but carrying a hint of curiosity.
Feng Jiao Xue shook her head, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "No, not right now." She walked toward him, the grass crunching softly under her boots, and sat beside him on the smooth rock. The mist curled around her legs as if welcoming her presence.
For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the serenity of the small realm wrapping around them. Finally, she broke the quiet.
"About the weapon," she began, her voice steady but contemplative, "what do you think?"
Huang Jin De leaned back slightly, resting his weight on his hands as he looked up at the pale sky of the realm. "What you have on hand is fine for now. Your senbon needles are sharp and precise, but..." He paused, glancing at her. "A blade is a cultivator’s lifeline. We need to find something that can truly serve you as one."
Feng Jiao Xue nodded, his words echoing her own thoughts. A weapon wasn’t just a tool; it was an extension of a cultivator’s will, a partner in every battle. It needed to be reliable, deadly, and capable of withstanding the storms of countless conflicts.