dim light

The subtle changes within Tingxue Garden could not be completely concealed from the outside world.

Several high-ranking fox clan elders arrived together, standing solemnly before Jiu Che. The First Elder, his hair and beard bristling, spoke with suppressed anger and bewilderment: "Immortal Lord! That demon Qi Yuan is a major threat to our Immortal Clan, and the very culprit who damaged your Dao Heart and sparked the great war back then! You not only imprison her beside the Holy Land, but also... and treat her so well, what is your intention?!"

Another elder chimed in, his tone sharp: "Has the Immortal Lord forgotten his hundred years of arduous cultivation, forgotten the ruthless Dao? This demon is cunning and treacherous, most adept at bewitching people's hearts. The Immortal Lord must not be deceived by her again!"

Faced with the elders' questioning, Jiu Che stood silently by the window, gazing at the stream winding along the mountainside in the garden, his icy eyes devoid of any emotion. Only after everyone had finished speaking did he slowly turn around, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:

"My mind is made up."

"I have my reasons for imprisoning her here. As for how to deal with her, you need not worry about it."

His words offered no explanation, only absolute will. The icy aura of the Ruthless Immortal Lord spread out, causing the elders to shudder. Though filled with doubt and dissatisfaction, they dared not utter another word and could only retreat in sullen silence.

The trusted celestial attendant watched in trepidation. After seeing the elder off, he couldn't help but whisper, "My lord, what the elders said wasn't entirely without merit... The Demon Lord, she..."

Jiu Che raised his hand, stopping him from speaking. His gaze was deep, as if piercing through layers of void, landing on the tightly closed side hall door.

I know what I'm doing.

He wasn't unaware of the risks, nor did he completely trust her. However, the tears that burst forth that day, the water that had been preserved for a hundred years, the Spirit Rhinoceros Mushroom, and her silent profile when she put on the wristband... these subtle, real fragments had thrown pebbles into the frozen lake of his heart, and the ripples they stirred up could never be calmed.

He needed time to see clearly whether this was another elaborate deception or... a genuine glimmer of light emerging from despair.

Inside the side hall, although Qi Yuan did not hear the argument with his own ears, he keenly sensed several abnormal fluctuations in the array outside the garden, as well as the faint, almost imperceptible weariness between Jiu Che's brows when he came today.

As he put down the food box and was about to check on the potted orchid as usual, Qi Yuan suddenly spoke up: "Is there... trouble outside?"

Jiu Che paused, but didn't turn around: "It's alright."

"Is it because of me?" Qi Yuan pressed, his tone devoid of emotion.

Jiu Che remained silent for a moment before saying, "My affairs are none of your business."

"It has nothing to do with me?" Qi Yuan walked up behind him, his voice tinged with mockery. "The Immortal Lord has kept me, the culprit, by his side and treated me with great leniency, yet you say it has nothing to do with me?"

Jiu Che turned around and looked at her: "So what do you plan to do?"

Qi Yuan met his gaze, and seeing the weariness in his eyes, a strange irritation rose within her once more. She turned her face away and said coldly, "Nothing much. Just a reminder to the Immortal Lord: those who play with fire will ultimately get burned."

“I am not playing with fire.” Jiu Che’s voice was deep and firm. “I am seeking confirmation.”

"What are you trying to prove?"

“I need to verify…” Jiu Che’s gaze fell on her face, carrying a penetrating power, “Which is real, your current calm or your tears from that day?”

Qi Yuan's heart skipped a beat, and he dared not meet his gaze again.

Verification required...

It turned out he didn't completely believe her; he was testing and observing. This should have offended her, but strangely, she felt a strange sense of peace instead.

It would be foolish of him to easily believe her. This cautious, scrutinizing approach now seems all the more genuine.

She stopped talking, walked to the table, picked up a spiritual fruit he had brought that day, and silently took a bite. The sweet juice spread in her mouth.

Jiu Che looked at her quiet profile and didn't ask any more questions. He walked to the window and looked at the Tranquil Orchid, which had regained its vitality under Qi Yuan's care and even had a faint glow. His icy lips softened almost imperceptibly for a moment.

perhaps,

The answer is not in words.

And in this fruit and orchid,

In this day after day,

Silent companionship.