Qi Guze's expression was somewhat solemn, his gaze deep, as if concealing endless secrets. He looked at Xu Yuehuai, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes, which then turned into determination.
"Ah Yue, I have urgent business and need to leave the capital for a while." Qi Guze's voice was deep and powerful, each word like a blow to Xu Yuehuai's heart.
Xu Yuehuai put down her book, stood up, and asked with a puzzled look in her eyes, "Where are you going? Why are you in such a hurry?"
Qi Guze sighed and shook his head: "I can't tell you that, but please rest assured, I will definitely return safely."
Xu Yuehua frowned, a sense of unease rising within her. She knew Qi Guze's identity was extraordinary, and his whereabouts were always shrouded in mystery. But this time, she felt an unprecedented sense of crisis.
She stepped forward and hugged Qi Guze tightly, as if she wanted to merge him into her own body.
Qi Guze hugged her back tightly, and their heartbeats seemed to merge into one at that moment.
"Ah Yue, I have to go." Qi Guze's voice rang in Xu Yuehuai's ears, carrying a hint of reluctance and determination.
Xu Yuehuai raised her head, looked into his eyes, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry: "You must be careful and come back safely."
Qi Guze nodded, kissed her deeply, then turned and darted out the window. His figure gradually blurred into the night, finally disappearing from sight.
Xu Yuehuai stood there, staring at the empty window, a strange sense of loss welling up inside her. She didn't know what danger Qi Guze was about to face, nor when he would return.
She sighed, closed the window, and turned back to her desk. She knew she couldn't let herself wallow in these emotions; she still had responsibilities and tasks to complete.
In the days that followed, the palace remained peaceful. Xu Yuehuai continued to fulfill her duties, while Bai Yu seemed oblivious to anything amiss, continuing with his daily life.
However, Xu Yuehuai's unease grew heavier. She often thought of Qi Guze's departing figure, and the determination and reluctance in his eyes. She didn't know if he was safe, nor when he would return.
That day, Bai Yu suddenly found Xu Yuehuai. He stood in the center of the training ground, the sunlight shining on him, making him appear exceptionally dazzling.
"Lady Shen, your martial arts skills have always been exceptionally high. You usually conceal them, but I am aware of it." Bai Yu's voice carried a hint of challenge.
Xu Yuehuai was taken aback, then laughed and said, "Your Majesty, my martial arts skills are nothing but amateurish; how can they compare to yours?"
Bai Yu shook his head: "Don't be modest, let's have a proper competition."
Left with no other choice, Xu Yuehuai had to agree to the duel. She drew her longsword from her waist and assumed a fighting stance. Bai Yu also drew his sword, and the two exchanged a smile before beginning their fight.
Swords flashed as the two exchanged blows on the training ground, locked in a fierce and evenly matched fight. Xu Yuehuai's martial arts skills were indeed superb, but Bai Yu was by no means an ordinary person either.
The fight between the two attracted a large crowd, who held their breath, afraid of missing any exciting moment.
However, during the fight, Xu Yuehuai suddenly realized that she was no match for Bai Yu. Bai Yu's swordsmanship was exquisite, and every strike seemed capable of piercing through her defenses.
She couldn't help but be a little surprised. Had Bai Yu made great progress during this period?
Just as she was filled with doubt, Bai Yu suddenly thrust his sword at her. Xu Yuehuai hurriedly swung her sword to block, but she did not expect Bai Yu's swordsmanship to be so strange. Her longsword was actually knocked out of her hand by Bai Yu's shock.
Xu Yuehuai was startled and tried to back away, but it was too late. Bai Yu seized the opportunity to step forward and pull her into his arms.
"You lost." Bai Yu's voice rang in Xu Yuehuai's ears, tinged with smugness and provocation.
Xu Yuehua blushed and tried to break free from his embrace, but found that she was no match for him. Helplessly, she lowered her head and let him hold her.
"You...you let me go." Xu Yuehuai's voice trembled slightly.
Bai Yu seemed not to hear her words and continued to hold her, their bodies pressed tightly together.
Xu Yuehuai could clearly feel his heartbeat and breathing, and a complex emotion welled up in her heart.
She looked up into Bai Yu's eyes, trying to read something from them. However, Bai Yu's eyes were deep and complex, as if they held endless secrets and desires.
Their eyes met, as if an invisible force was flowing between them.
A strange impulse welled up in Xu Yuehuai's heart; she wanted to kiss him, to give herself completely to him!
However, just then, a whistle suddenly rang out, breaking the silence between the two. Xu Yuehuai snapped out of her daze and quickly pushed Bai Yu away.
Bai Yu seemed to realize his lapse in composure. He released his grip, took a step back, and gave an embarrassed smile.
"I...I was just joking with you." Bai Yu's voice stammered.
Xu Yuehuai didn't speak, but silently picked up the longsword from the ground, turned around and left the training ground. Her heart was filled with confusion and bewilderment. She didn't know why she had acted so impulsively, nor did she know how to face Bai Yu.
Her heart was already filled with Qi Guze's image, and there was no room for anyone else. How could her mood be suddenly affected?
She gathered her chaotic thoughts and threw herself back into her work. She knew that only in this way could she perhaps forget those inappropriate thoughts and impulses.
...
The night was as dark as ink, and the moonlight shone on the majestic palace, casting dappled shadows.
Dressed in black, Xu Yuehuai quietly slipped into the mysterious library deep within the palace. Her face was solemn, yet her heart held a deep sense of anticipation.
This time, she is determined to find the long-lost half of the map and unravel the mystery that has troubled her for so long.
Inside the library, the lights were dim, bookshelves stood tall, and volumes were numerous.
Xu Yuehuai moved among the bookshelves, her eyes sharp, carefully searching every corner.
However, as time passed, she found no clues about the missing half of the map. A sense of disappointment welled up within her, but she did not give up and continued to venture deeper into the library.
"Da da da..."
Just then, a light footstep sound came from behind.
Xu Yuehuai's heart tightened, and she quickly hid in a secluded corner. A figure slowly entered the library—it was Bai Yu!
He was dressed in black, with a cold gaze, clearly also there looking for something.
Xu Yuehuai held her breath, afraid of being discovered by Bai Yu. She hid in the shadows, secretly observing Bai Yu's every move.
Bai Yu was seen looking around the library, seemingly searching for something.
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