Chapter 323: Together
Chapter 323: Together
As the High Council’s meeting ended, Xiang Ling felt a strong hand grip her wrist. She didn’t resist when she saw it was none other than Xin Cheng who was dragging her away from the crowd. Exhaustion weighed heavily on her, both physically and emotionally. The long meeting had drained her, and she didn’t have the energy to question his actions.
Xin Cheng pulled her to a secluded area of the Heavenly Realm, far away from prying eyes. Looking around the area, she realized that it was one of the guest courtyards. She then turned her attention toward him as she felt him letting go of her hand. His face was a mask of fury, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Why did you interfere, Xiang Ling?" he suddenly demanded. "I told you to stay out of this matter! Didn’t I? Are you that tired of your life?"
She looked at him, her eyes wide and sorrowful, but she said nothing. She anticipated his anger when she made up her mind to speak for him and Dao Ming in front of the High Council. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t able to feel hurt because of his anger.
Silent tears began to fall down her cheeks. In the meeting, she had been terrified. The Elders had seemed ready to condemn Xin Cheng and Dao Ming as criminals. She had spoken up for them, vouching for their innocence, but she wasn’t sure if it could be of any help.
Fortunately, the others came to their defense, and most surprisingly, Zhang Xuan had revealed himself as the God of Life, saving them all from an unjust punishment.
Seeing her tears, Xin Cheng’s anger evaporated in seconds. He felt a pang of guilt and regret. He reached out, his hands were almost trembling. "I’m sorry," he said softly. "I didn’t mean to shout. Please, stop crying."
But she couldn’t stop. Her tears continued to flow, and Xin Cheng felt helpless. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "I’m so sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I was so scared when you appeared before the council. I was afraid they’d hurt you for siding with us."
He patted the back of her head, trying to soothe her. "Please, forgive me," he pleaded. "I hate myself for making you cry. I just..." he couldn’t finish the sentence as he too felt overwhelmed because of his emotions.
She was completely fine and safe. She was in his arms.
He tried to remind himself again and again, trying to calm himself down.
At that moment, Dao Ming arrived there as well. His gaze landed on Xiang Ling in Xin Cheng’s arms, and he got a look at her face which was wet with tears. Without a word, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her as well, holding her tightly. His face was buried in the crook of her neck, and he said nothing, just held her.
The three of them stood there in silence, the weight of the day’s events pressing down on them. Finally, Xiang Ling’s sobs began to subside, and she pulled back slightly, looking up at Dao Ming. He smiled gently at her, his eyes filled with concern and affection.
"Did you miss that much? I’m here. You don’t have to cry." He teased her, causing her to chuckle as she wiped the remnants of her tears from her face.
Xin Cheng gave him an grateful look for making her smile.
"We should find a better place to talk," Dao Ming suggested, his voice soft but steady.
Xin Cheng nodded in agreement. "Let’s go to my Spatial Realm," he said. "We can talk there without being disturbed."
The three of them moved to Xin Cheng’s Spatial Realm, a place that was both beautiful and serene. It was a world of its own, filled with lush gardens and sparkling streams. They found a quiet spot by a small pond and sat down.
Xin Cheng took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "Xiang Ling," he began, "I was so angry because I was scared for you. When you stood up for us in the council, I thought they would turn on you. I couldn’t bear the thought of you getting hurt because of me."
Xiang Ling nodded, understanding his fears. "I had to do it," she said quietly. "I couldn’t let them condemn you and Dao Ming."
Dao Ming reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you," he said. "You were so brave."
Xiang Ling shook her head. "No, it wasn’t me. If the others and Zhang Xuan didn’t get involved, I was almost doomed as well."
Xin Cheng looked thoughtful. "Zhang Xuan is full of surprises," he finally said a moment later. "He has bought us time and chance. We have to catch the Shadow Lord to make up for our past mistakes."
Dao Ming nodded in agreement. "We will catch him. But before that, we have to take care of the Dark Force."
Xiang Ling looked at both of them, her heart swelling with a mixture of love and determination. "We’ll face whatever comes together," she said firmly. "No matter what."
Xin Cheng and Dao Ming exchanged a glance, both of them feeling a renewed sense of purpose. They had been through so much, but with Xiang Ling by their side, they felt they could face anything.
They spent the rest of the evening talking, making plans and sharing their fears. It was a time of bonding, a moment of calm in the storm that surrounded them. As the night wore on, they felt a sense of peace settle over them.
The silence that had descended over the trio, was suddenly filled with the sharp gasp that escaped Xiang Ling’s lips. That caught Xin Cheng’s attention as well and he soon found out the reason.
"Ah Ming..."
Xiang Ling whispered as she closed her eyes and felt him placing another kiss on her shoulder.
Dao Ming spared a quick look at Xin Cheng and spoke, "Need your help over here."