Night had already fallen by the time Mo Xuan and Ling Yue reached the outer hills of their sect.
The towering gates of the Heavenly Radiance Sect were visible in the distance, glowing faintly beneath the moonlight. Normally the path leading toward the sect would be quiet at this hour.
But tonight—
Something was different.
Music echoed faintly through the valley below.
Warm golden lights flickered across the distant town, illuminating rooftops and lantern banners that swayed gently in the evening breeze.
Ling Yue slowed her flying sword.
"Do you hear that?"
Mo Xuan nodded slightly.
They both descended toward the source of the noise.
As they approached the town below the sect, the scene opened before them like a painting.
The entire town was alive with celebration.
Colorful lanterns hung from wooden stalls. Families walked together through the streets, children running excitedly between groups of performers. Musicians played lively melodies while dancers twirled in bright traditional clothing.
The smell of sweet pastries and roasted food drifted through the air.
Ling Yue's eyes widened.
"A festival?"
Mo Xuan looked around calmly.
"It seems so."
Ling Yue glanced toward the distant sect gates.
Then back toward the lively streets.
A playful smile slowly appeared on her face.
"We still have time before returning to the sect."
Mo Xuan raised an eyebrow.
"You want to stay?"
She nodded quickly.
"Just for a while."
Mo Xuan looked at the crowds again.
Then he nodded.
"Alright."
Ling Yue's smile brightened instantly.
"But first," she said, pointing toward a nearby clothing stall, "we can't walk around like this."
Both of them were still wearing their sect robes.
That would attract attention immediately.
A short time later—
They stepped out from the small shop wearing completely different clothes.
Ling Yue now wore a light blue dress decorated with delicate silver embroidery. The fabric flowed gently around her as she walked.
Her long hair was tied loosely with a small ribbon.
Under the warm lantern light, she looked almost like a fairy stepping into the mortal world.
Mo Xuan had changed into a dark gray robe with simple silver lining. The clothing suited him perfectly, making his tall figure appear even more composed.
Ling Yue looked at him and blinked.
"You clean up pretty well."
Mo Xuan looked at her calmly.
"You look different."
Ling Yue tilted her head.
"Different?"
"…Like you belong here."
She smiled.
"Maybe tonight we do."
They stepped into the busy streets together.
Almost immediately, Ling Yue was drawn toward the nearest stall.
"Candied fruit!"
She grabbed one stick and held it up proudly.
"You should try it."
Mo Xuan stared at the red sugar-coated fruit.
"…Is it good?"
Ling Yue had already taken a bite.
Her eyes lit up.
"Very good."
Mo Xuan accepted one reluctantly.
A moment later—
He nodded.
"It's… acceptable."
Ling Yue laughed.
"That's high praise coming from you."
They continued wandering through the festival.
At one stall they tried steamed buns filled with sweet lotus paste. At another they watched performers balancing flaming torches while dancing to fast drum rhythms.
A group of children ran past them laughing, holding glowing lanterns shaped like rabbits.
Ling Yue watched them with a soft smile.
"I used to come here when I was younger," she said quietly.
"With your family?"
She nodded.
"But once I started cultivation, I didn't come down often."
Mo Xuan looked around the lively town.
"It suits you."
Ling Yue blinked.
"What does?"
"This place."
She laughed again.
"You're surprisingly good at saying nice things."
"I didn't say anything special."
They walked further into the festival until they reached a wide lake at the center of the town.
A wooden bridge stretched across the water.
Dozens of people gathered along the railings.
Ling Yue looked toward the sky.
"Wait…"
A loud boom echoed.
Then—
A burst of brilliant colors exploded above the lake.
Fireworks.
Golden sparks rained down like falling stars.
Ling Yue gasped.
"Fireworks!"
Without thinking, she grabbed Mo Xuan's hand.
"Come on!"
Before he could react, she pulled him onto the bridge.
They stopped at the center where the view was perfect.
More fireworks burst across the sky.
Red.
Blue.
Gold.
Each explosion reflected beautifully across the calm lake below.
Ling Yue leaned against the railing, watching the sky with bright eyes.
Her face glowed beneath the shifting lights.
Mo Xuan stood beside her quietly.
The fireworks exploded again.
But he wasn't looking at them.
Instead—
He watched Ling Yue.
Her smile was completely natural.
Happy.
Free from the tension of cultivation battles and dangerous missions.
For the first time since he met her, she looked like an ordinary girl enjoying a simple night.
Another bright firework illuminated the sky.
Ling Yue laughed softly.
"These are my favorite."
Mo Xuan's voice was calm.
"I can see that."
She turned toward him briefly.
"Why aren't you watching the fireworks?"
Mo Xuan answered honestly.
"I am."
Ling Yue followed his gaze.
Then she realized.
He had been looking at her.
Her face turned slightly pink.
She looked back toward the sky quickly.
"You're strange."
Mo Xuan didn't deny it.
Another firework burst above them, painting the sky with brilliant silver light.
The lake reflected the explosion like a mirror.
For a moment, the entire world seemed to pause.
Ling Yue leaned against the railing quietly.
Mo Xuan stood beside her.
Neither spoke.
But neither moved away.
Above them—
The fireworks continued blooming across the night sky.
And beneath that quiet, glowing light—
Two cultivators who had faced death together simply stood side by side.
Watching the night.
End of Chapter 25...