Chapter 229: Ending: Where the stars shine brightly, we will live in peace and health forever
It was another midsummer, and the fairy lotus in the Imperial Garden was in full bloom, more abundant than ever. Its pink and white petals reflected the morning light, casting delicate shadows on the water. Si Zhui stood by the pond, his fingertips condensing a wisp of pale green immortal energy, which gently fell upon a lotus flower. The immortal energy was so steady, without a single wavering motion, that it gently lifted the dew from the petals, transforming them into a string of crystalline droplets that slowly slid down the flower's stem into the pond.
"You've made rapid progress." Mei Nianqing's voice came from behind him, holding a yellowed book of magic in his hand. "This is my experience from my early years of cultivation. Take it and read it. It may help you break through to the advanced level of magic."
Si Zhui took the book with both hands and bowed seriously: "Thank you, Master." Over the years, he had long lost his childishness, and his eyes were more calm, but he still retained that pure gentleness - just like the child who would break into the Demon Suppression Tower to make a talisman for Lin Yan, but now, he can truly use his immortal power to protect the people around him.
Not far away, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were sitting in a pavilion playing chess. Wei Wuxian held the chess piece, his eyes rolling, and he quietly wanted to regret his move, but Lan Wangji gently held his hand and said, "No regrets after making a move."
"Oh, just once!" Wei Wuxian said coquettishly, his tone still carrying the playfulness of the past. "Look, Zhui'er has already mastered advanced magic. What's wrong with me regretting a move?"
Lan Wangji shook his head helplessly, but still let go, his eyes filled with indulgence. Over the years, their affection had never faded, but rather, like aged wine, becoming increasingly mellow—rising in the morning, watching the morning light stream through the window lattice, sitting side by side in the courtyard listening to the wind at night, their ordinary days filled with unconcealable tenderness.
Jun Wu and Mei Nianqing stood side by side under the magnolia tree, looking at the scene before them and smiling at each other. Jun Wu reached out and took Mei Nianqing's hand. His fingertips were calloused from years of holding a pen, but the warmth was reassuring. "Remember when you first came to me, you always said that life in heaven was too lonely?"
Mei Nianqing smiled and nodded, his eyes falling on Si Zhui who was not far away: "Now I feel that this lonely morning has been filled. With you and them, this Heavenly Palace can truly feel like a home."
The midday sun gradually grew warmer, and Wei Wuxian suggested picking lotus pods. The group walked towards the pond, chatting and laughing. Sizhui walked beside Lin Yan, whispering about his recent insights from his training. Wei Wuxian skipped ahead, occasionally turning back to greet everyone. Lan Wangji trailed behind him, carrying a bamboo basket filled with lotus pods. Jun Wu and Mei Nianqing walked at the end, occasionally whispering to each other, their figures stretched out in the sunlight.
The wind by the pond carries the fragrance of lotus, blowing through everyone's robes, and also blowing through the fragmented moments of the years - from Si Zhui's ignorance when he first went to heaven, to his growth after getting into trouble and being punished; from Wei Wuxian's transformation of learning to take responsibility, to Lan Wangji's consistent protection; from Jun Wu's feelings that had been hidden for a thousand years, to Mei Nianqing's gentle response... All the stories have settled into the most precious memories in this warm time.
As the sun sets, everyone sits by the pond, clutching freshly picked lotus pods, watching the lotus lanterns gradually light up on the water. Sizhui's handmade lotus lantern floats in the foreground, the light from the wick reflecting the smile in his eyes and the gentle faces of everyone around him.
"Can we come here every summer to release lotus lanterns?" Si Zhui said softly, his voice full of anticipation.
"Okay." Wei Wuxian agreed with a smile and reached out to ruffle his hair.
"Okay." Lan Wangji nodded, his eyes full of gentleness.
Jun Wu and Mei Nianqing smiled at each other without saying a word, but made the same promise with their eyes - year after year, the stars will always be bright, and family members will be by their side, which will be the most complete happiness in this life.
Lotus lanterns drifted along the water, carrying everyone's wishes and blending into the starry sky. The lights of Yunshen Pavilion remained warm, waiting for them to return and continue writing the endless chapter of warmth that belonged to this family.
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