City of the Lunar Eclipse

The next morning, Luo Chen and his companions set out once again, finally arriving at dusk in a city called “Eclipse.” The small town they sought was located within this city.

All day, Qiao Wei and Rhine were listless, saying nothing.

As soon as they stepped into the city, an odd atmosphere rushed to greet them. Everyone halted, their gazes swiftly turning toward Luo Xuan and Luo Chen. The two walked side by side, indifferent, as the crowd quickly withdrew to either side, each kneeling on one knee, leaving a wide path in the center.

A handsome youth with golden short hair approached respectfully, placing his right hand upon his left shoulder in a formal salute, his voice low and filled with reverence: “Welcome, noble blood sovereigns. We failed to greet you sooner—please forgive our discourtesy! Your Highnesses, allow Lan Kui to arrange your lodging.”

Luo Xuan nodded ever so slightly, and the youth named Lan Kui bowed again, then led the group toward a magnificent palace.

Night had already fallen; a slender crescent moon traced its way across the ornate spire, bathing the palace in a hazy golden light, lending it an air of solemnity and tranquility. From afar, the palace nestled among the trees revealed glittering glazed rooftops, exuding an aura of grandeur.

Lan Kui carefully pushed open the golden doors for them. The interior was uniquely styled, with artful arrangements that spoke of taste and magnificence.

The four lounged lazily on the sofa, while Lan Kui spoke humbly, “Your Highnesses, please rest for a while. I shall notify the nobles, so they may pay their respects to you later.”

Luo Xuan merely replied with a soft “Mm,” prompting Lan Kui to quietly withdraw, vanishing into the night.

“If you’re tired, go rest,” Luo Chen said, looking at the weariness etched on Qiao Wei’s face. He gently ruffled her hair, his tone softened by a hint of concern, a departure from his usual cold manner.

Qiao Wei sat in silence, unmoving. Luo Chen, instead of showing irritation, gently took her hand and led her out of the room. Rhine’s eyes stung with bitterness; she respectfully bade Luo Xuan goodnight and retreated to her own chamber.

Luo Xuan’s gaze lingered at the doorway, a fleeting trace of envy and hatred glimmering in his blood-red eyes.

Luo Chen brought Qiao Wei to the garden outside, pinching her cheek lightly. “Hey, stop making that face. Do you think acting like this will bring her back?”

Qiao Wei’s tears burst forth; she crouched down, covering her face with her hands, overcome with sobs.

“Cry if you must—it’ll help you feel better,” Luo Chen squatted beside her, gently encircling her with his arms, soothing her breaths.

“She… she was so young… and she died… right in front of me… I… I could do nothing…” Qiao Wei’s words came in broken gasps, her grief overwhelming.

“Qiao Wei, look at me,” Luo Chen said, meeting her gaze, his eyes glowing blood-red, his voice imbued with enchantment. “Forget it! You will forget Xiao Xiao.”

Qiao Wei slowly closed her eyes, consciousness slipping away.

(For those who might be confused, a reminder: Qiao Wei’s pendant has been set into the Secret Casket, so she no longer has angelic abilities and is susceptible to enchantment—unless… Well, I won’t spoil it. Please enjoy the story at your own pace.)

Yu Ning thanks Yun Heng for the purse and flowers, and also thanks Dan Dan for the flowers she gifted me.