First meeting in the clouds
The spring chill lingers.
The horse galloped swiftly, and the wind and snow, which had already eased, roared again under the added force of the rapid speed.
Finally, the wind subsided abruptly upon reaching that invisible barrier of clouds and mist.
It turned into a low sob, and then spring arrived with flowers blooming.
Ling Zhan pulled on the reins, and the black warhorse exhaled scorching white breath.
The car stopped at the end of the cliff-like mountain road.
Led by the Shura Guards, Shen Yan followed closely behind and finally caught up.
His magnificent horse, weary from its long journey, paused.
He had barely dismounted when he couldn't help but start rambling on to the aloof figure in front of him.
"General Ling, you're really good at being a hands-off manager!"
He took a breath and focused his energy in his lower abdomen.
"You just rode off on horseback and sent the Asura Guards to pick me up? Can't a husband and wife wait and travel together? This mountain road is slippery and dangerous, what if I..."
He rubbed his back and legs, which were numb from being jostled around.
While complaining, his tone carried a hint of grievance, yet also revealed a familiar and fearless intimacy.
Ling Zhan didn't even turn around to look at him; he simply waved his hand casually, signaling him to shut up.
This gesture is all too familiar to Shen Yan; it means "I know, don't bother me."
He indeed shut up.
But a subtle smile quietly curved at the corners of his mouth—
See? Even though she ignored me, she's finally gotten rid of her habit of hitting people, hasn't she?
This tolerance of "let him nag as much as he wants" is a rare step forward for Ling Zhan.
Ling Zhan nodded, and the Asura Guard rode back to report.
Shen Yan led the horse and followed Ling Zhan to start climbing the mountain.
His heart was churning with complex emotions, as if a hundred claws were scratching at his heart.
It has nothing to do with the Crown Prince being recognized or anything like that.
Ling Zhan finally took the initiative to lead him to the top of the mountain.
The couple had been married for three years.
This was the first time! He had never dared to hope for such a thing!
The two walked in silence for a long time.
When the view suddenly opens up before you, all your pent-up feelings instantly disappear, and you forget all your complaints and emotions.
He held his breath.
The path beneath my feet had vanished without me even noticing.
A vast plain, like a fairyland in the clouds, came into view.
The massive log cabin sits steadily on the edge of the churning sea of clouds.
The stone-paved courtyard in front of the house is spotless, and the large stone hearth in the center exudes an ancient and desolate atmosphere.
Further away.
Fields of clouds, radiating a hazy glow and exuding a spiritual aura.
The lush green plants appeared and disappeared in the flowing mist, their vitality almost ethereal.
"This...is this the summit?"
Chen Yan's voice carried a hint of dryness that he himself was unaware of.
An indescribable shock surged within his deep eyes.
The crisp, clean air penetrated my lungs, washing away the dust.
Just standing here, the fatigue from days of travel and the anxiety in my heart quietly melted away like ice and snow meeting the sun.
"Um."
Ling Zhan finally responded, his voice still cold and clear.
Shen Yan keenly caught the fleeting relaxation in her eyes, like a sharp blade returning to its sheath.
She dismounted swiftly.
Several swift figures, accompanied by the sound of wind, flew out from the woods beside the wooden house!
The Frostblade White Wolf flashed like silver lightning, its icy blue eyes turning affectionate when they met Ling Zhan's gaze.
He murmured and nuzzled against the back of her legs.
The black bear, with its massive body swaying as it charged forward, its large head pressing against the leather pouch at Ling Zhan's waist, its black bean eyes gleaming.
The golden monkey "Jinbao" transformed into a beam of golden light.
The hair landed on Ling Zhan's shoulder, and she affectionately combed her sideburns.
When its gaze fell upon Shen Yan, it let out a soft 'squeak' and affectionately jumped onto his shoulder.
Back then, its little clothes were made by Shen Yan herself.
Shen Yan was completely stunned.
These mountain overlords expressed their dependence and joy around Ling Zhan.
It struck him even more deeply than the legendary fairyland amidst the clouds.
He looked at Ling Zhan.
His usually expressionless profile, surrounded by spirit beasts, strangely revealed a soft, luminous glow!
This feeling was fleeting, yet it was intensely imprinted on his heart.
"Mom! You're back!"
The little bull, wearing a small apron and with flour on its face, peeked out from the kitchen.
Upon seeing Chen Yan, his eyes lit up and he immediately rushed out.
He shouted loudly, "Dad! You're finally here! Your son has missed you so much!"
He took the reins from Ling Zhan and excitedly went to pull Shen Yan's horse.
Little Stone and Suihe quickly came out to greet them upon hearing the sound.
Master Xuan Chenzi stood under the porch, a profound smile on his face, his gentle gaze sweeping over the crowd.
He lingered on Shen Yan for a moment, a knowing smile on his face.
"Dad!" Little Bull affectionately straddled Shen Yan's arm.
"Good boy, little bull!" A warm feeling welled up in Shen Yan's heart, and she patted his little face.
"Father." Little Stone bowed respectfully.
Suihe said shyly, "Father."
The children who came here to recuperate, with their healthy, rosy complexions and pure eyes, deeply moved Chen Yan.
This mountaintop is a pure land.
"Come inside and talk," Ling Zhan's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Stepping into the wooden house, you are greeted by the aroma of herbs, food, and wood.
The simple and practical furnishings exude a tranquility far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Shen Yan's gaze was drawn to the huge fire pit, as if he could see the warmth of his family sitting around the fire.
A long-lost sense of peace quietly arose.
Ling Zhan walked straight to the back of the house.
Chen Yan subconsciously followed.
Pushing open the back door, the sight once again made him gasp for breath.
A reclaimed fertile land stretches into the distance, the newly turned black soil exuding a rich aroma, forming a stark contrast with the primeval forest.
The most breathtaking sight is that field of clouds.
The spiritual energy transformed into a tangible mist that flowed, and the plants thrived with vitality beyond reason.
The neatly planned medicinal herb garden next door is fragrant with herbs and trees.
"You...did all of this?"
Shen Yan's voice was filled with astonishment as he shifted his gaze from the fertile soil back to Ling Zhan, his expression one of disbelief.
Unbelievable!
How did she, all by herself, manage to cultivate such a pastoral landscape atop the clouds with a single plow and hoe?
Ling Zhan did not answer, but walked to the tool shed and easily shouldered the heavy iron plow.
The movements were steady and powerful, carrying the rhythm of the earth.
She skillfully slipped the plowshare around the neck of the excitedly humming black ball.
Shen Yan watched as the black bear, strong enough to uproot mountains, gently pulled the plow, a contrast that once again challenged her perception.
Ling Zhan walked behind the plow, held the plow handle with both hands, and focused his gaze on the uncultivated land with calm concentration.
"Give it a try?"
She suddenly turned her head, looked calmly at Shen Yan, and said something understated.
His tone was flat, yet it was like a pebble thrown into a still, weary lake.
Shen Yan was taken aback.
Want to give it a try? Plow the land?
This is not his forte, nor does he like it.
But... he's not a complete novice at farm work!
While in Kaoshan Village, Ling Zhan often forced him to do "labor".
While I'm not an expert, I have a basic understanding!
"Let's give it a try! Back in the village, you made me do this all the time!"
Shen Yan's tone was almost defiant and unwilling to admit defeat.
He strode forward, mimicking Ling Zhan's actions, and rolled up his sleeves to reveal his well-defined arms with thin calluses.
It firmly held the plow handle on the other side.
It feels heavy and cold to the touch, with the roughness of the earth, incredibly real.
"Stand firm," Ling Zhan whispered.
"Don't worry, it won't fall!" Shen Yan replied, with a hint of smugness.
Ling Zhan let out a short, sharp shout: "Black Ball, go!"
The black bear growled and strained!
An immense force arrived instantly!
Although Shen Yan was mentally prepared, his body subconsciously lowered its waist and assumed a horse stance.
But he hadn't worked in the fields for a long time, and the black ball was just too strong.
He was still pulled off balance and stumbled forward, about to fall awkwardly!
In that split second!
A warm, calloused yet incredibly strong hand reached out with lightning speed—
There are no armrests or waist supports.
Instead, it landed firmly on his slightly lowered head with an extremely natural and undeniable force!
That movement was so sudden!
And so... intimate!
Shen Yan froze instantly!
It was as if they had been frozen in place!
My mind went completely blank!
All the sounds of the wind and the black ball's humming disappeared—
All that remained was the crystal-clear warmth and touch from the hand above my head!
Rough fingertips pressed against the top of his head, carrying a strange sense of comfort and...control?
This feeling is so unfamiliar, so shocking!
This time.
It truly alarmed the entire region!
Frostblade's ears instantly stood up straight, and its ice-blue and gray-brown eyes were filled with human-like surprise.
He stared intently at the hand Ling Zhan had placed on Shen Yan's head.
The black ball also sensed the unusual pulling force from behind and stopped in confusion.
He turned his big head, his black bean eyes wide open, seemingly not understanding what had happened.
Jinbao, perched on Ling Zhan's shoulder, let out a short, sharp squeak.
The golden retriever snapped, pointing its little paw at the top of Shen Yan's head.
He had a shocked expression that said, "What did I just see?!"
Even the little bull and Suihe, who were secretly peeking out from afar, covered their mouths and stared wide-eyed—
Mother was actually... patting Father's head?!
Has the sun risen in the west?!
Ling Zhan seemed to realize how "out of line" his subconscious action was.
Almost simultaneously, the hand that had been pressing on Shen Yan's head was quickly withdrawn.
It happened so fast it was as if it had never happened.
Her face remained expressionless, unchanged for all time.
It was as if the shocking act just now was merely a disgusting illusion.
Only her slightly pursed lips betrayed a barely perceptible hint of...unnaturalness?
"concentrate!"
She uttered two words in a cold, hard voice, as if trying to hide something.
Shen Yan suddenly snapped back to reality.
My face instantly burned!
He hurriedly straightened up, his heart pounding like a drum.
The smugness he felt just moments before vanished without a trace, leaving only a heart full of chaos and turmoil.
He dared not look at Ling Zhan anymore, but stared intently at the ground beneath his feet.
He muttered, "I understand!"
His voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.
He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to suppress all his chaotic thoughts.
They put all their energy into this primitive labor.
Sweat quickly soaked his temples, trickled down his forehead, and dripped into the soil.
His palms ached from the rough plow handle, and the muscles in his arms trembled from the continuous exertion.
But he tried to feel the resistance of the land.
Relying on the skills he had honed in the village by Ling Zhan.
Clumsy but gradually finding his rhythm, he tried his best to keep up with Ling Zhan and the black ball.
Each time the plow went deep into the soil, each time it steadied itself.
Each time, the stinging pain in my palm was accompanied by the earthy fragrance...
All of this made him feel that this land beneath his feet was magical.
Along with that incredible figure beside me.
It seemed closer to me, creating a subtle and indescribable connection.
And that fleeting yet intensely hot sensation on my head.
It is more like a spark.
It was thrown into the depths of his already throbbing heart.
The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the clouds.
The newly turned black soil is coated with a warm sheen, and the shadows of the two people holding the plow side by side are stretched long.
A gentle mountain breeze carried the sounds of children's laughter and the aromas of the kitchen.
Sweat soaked through my clothes, my arms ached, and my palms burned.
But this was the first time Chen Yan felt this way.
This heavy iron plow, this toilful sweat, this clumsy labor, all carried an indescribable sweetness and satisfaction.
And beside him was a figure silently toiling, seemingly one with the earth.
Along with that fleeting, earth-shattering "head pat".
Like a brand, carrying the fragrance of the earth.
There's also the warmth of the sunlight and that fleeting, strange tactile sensation.
It was deeply and indelibly imprinted on the turbulent, surging lake of his heart.
It stirred up layers upon layers of ripples that lingered for a long time.
After dinner.
The little bull's enthusiastic voice rang out.
"Dad, let's go to the hot springs, I'll give you a massage."
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