Chapter 24: Taking a dip
Yue Ling had brought pieces of the giant Jiao’s skeleton here and buried them around the lake, creating a protective barrier that would deter other demonic beasts from approaching the pond.
Thanks to that, this place had become a perfect spot to rest.
Langtian crouched down and dipped his fingers into the pond. The water was cold, sharp against his skin, but to a cultivator, it was the perfect kind of cold: refreshing, invigorating, a subtle jolt to the senses. In fact, it reminded him of the mountaintop spring back at the sect, the one he used to bathe in alone during those quiet, sleepless nights. This water was only a little colder.
He leaned closer and glanced at the surface. The pond was remarkably clear. His faint reflection stared back at him, with messy black hair, tired eyes, a smudge of dried blood still clinging to one cheek. His robes were stained, sleeves rumpled, collar askew.
He looked a mess.
Beside him, Shangguan Yue Ling stood in silence.
Still beautiful, still poised and graceful as ever.
If anything, she seemed even more radiant now. More mature, stronger, the gentle pride in her eyes deeper than before. Her presence alone felt like a beacon in this dark valley, her robes fluttering softly in the damp wind, her hair catching the faint crimson glow of the surrounding lotuses.
Without saying a word, she knelt beside him and dipped her hands into the pond. The water splashed gently as she began to wash away the blood and dirt clinging to her fingers and nails.
Langtian watched her for a beat, then followed her lead, rolling up his sleeves and scrubbing thoroughly. First his hands, then his wrists, and all the way up to his elbows. The grime came off slowly. Some spots were more stubborn, clinging to his skin like faint shadows. But eventually, most of it was gone.
That’s when Yue Ling finally spoke.
"Junior Brother," she said, flicking the water from her fingertips, "I want to take a quick dip in the pond. So, would you mind...?"