Immortal Road Worry-Free - Chapter 4:
He Xu Xingye sat quietly by the lake at night, watching Bai Yushuang step
through the morning dew. Her movements were light and graceful,
carrying a freshly prepared medicine scroll and herbal soup.
Her flowing robes swayed like a spirit from the mist above the island.
“Today it won’t be bitter. I secretly added some spirit honey,”
she said, sitting beside him and carefully blowing on the steaming bowl she held.
He Xu Xingye looked at her and laughed softly, “Secretly?”
She froze, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
“Fusang said I couldn’t add it, but… I worried it would be too bitter,
so I added just a little secretly.”
“Thank you,” he murmured, taking the bowl and drinking slowly, savoring every sip.
Bai Yushuang changed his medicine with practiced, gentle hands.
Every time she had to remove clothing to treat his wounds,
she lowered her head, ears reddening, whispering, “I… I’ll be gentle.”
He Xu Xingye, who had always disliked physical contact,
now found himself anticipating those moments her warm fingers brushing his skin,
the gentle flow of spiritual energy and body heat.
Spiritual springwater rippled, and the shadows of Fusang trees swayed,
sunlight glinting through the leaves like golden threads,
washing away the dust of countless lifetimes.
On Wuyou Island, He Xu Xingye often helped with chores,
despite Bai Yushuang reminding him that patients should rest.
He insisted, and she eventually gave in.
Together they did many things: organizing herbs,
picking spirit fruits, strolling by the lake, even catching fish to cook together.
She stood barefoot on a rock, her skirt lifted slightly,
holding a spiritual net with a serious expression.
“You watch the fish carefully; I’ll release the net…”
Their first attempt failed. The spirit fish escaped,
and Bai Yushuang tumbled into the water.
Sitting by the spring, hugging her knees, she muttered in frustration.
He Xu Xingye watched her, unable to hide a gulp.
Her fair, delicate face flushed with color,
her damp hair clinging to her shoulders, her wet clothes pressed against her skin.
He closed his eyes, unable to look, and knelt to drape his coat over her,
casting a small dust-clearing spell.
“Your spiritual energy got scattered just now,” he said calmly.
“Mm… I’m not cold,” she blinked.
“Put it on properly,” he urged, tightening the coat and tying it neatly.
Bai Yushuang, thinking of the fish they hadn’t caught, said stubbornly,
“Let’s try again!”
He Xu Xingye looked at her, unsure whether to feel exasperation or tenderness.
“Alright,” he said softly.
They finally caught a spirit fish and cooked a pot of soup.
Bai Yushuang beamed, delighted with her cooking, as she handed him a bowl.
“…Delicious,” he said.
“Then eat more,” she said, eyes sparkling with joy.
He Xu Xingye ate slowly, savoring each bite,
imprinting both the flavor and the warmth of her presence into his memory.
These days were so peaceful, so gentle no battles,
no schemes, just her by his side. He even wondered if,
without the duties imposed by fate, he could remain on the island with this girl,
living such days forever.
And for Bai Yushuang, a new curiosity about the outside world blossomed
not from books, not from Fusang’s histories, but because of him.
The world beyond the island had people like him.
She looked at him, as if gazing at a riddle that had stepped out from the pages of a book.
For the first time, she asked herself what the world outside might be like.
Never before had she left the island, yet the world had quietly entered her heart.
“Fusang, what is the world really like?” she asked softly.
Fusang’s gentle voice answered, “Do you want to see it?”
Bai Yushuang only stared at the sea mist beyond the island.
Morning light brushed across the Fusang leaves,
golden patterns rippling like waves onto the spring.
The waters were calm, pale mist curling above the surface.
Bai Yushuang sat by the spring, hugging her book, toes grazing the water
, gazing at the man nearby. He Xu Xingye sat in the shade,
carefully applying medicine to the scar on his chest.
The wounds that had once shocked her had now faded.
She tilted her head. “Were all your injuries… caused by people from the outside world?”
He Xu Xingye’s gaze met hers, clear and untainted,
reflecting sunlight and water. Calm and low, he nodded.
“People are indeed complex. But beyond the island, there are not just humans
there are demons, spirits, monsters, and other races.
In that world, deceit and competition are the norm.
Killings and desires coexist. It is not as peaceful as Wuyou Island.”
Bai Yushuang thought for a long moment before asking, “…What else is out there?”
He Xu Xingye’s expression softened. “You can see it for yourself. The world is vast.
You will encounter things you have never seen: cities floating in the sky,
giant demons as large as mountains, sects with thousands of disciples,
bustling night markets, and a pastry called Osmanthus Puff
crispy on the outside, fragrant and sweet inside.”
Her eyes widened. “Osmanthus Puff? Like… spirit rice cake?”
He Xu Xingye smiled indulgently. “Sweeter than spirit rice cake, with the scent of osmanthus.
If you want, I will make one for you someday.”
She blinked at him, curiosity shining, while he returned a fond, tender smile.