XiShi, her body shaking with silent sobs, nestled in FengXiu's lap. Her quiet weeping filled the room with a palpable sadness. HaoYue was resting in the bedroom, having been laid down by XueLing who had just emerged. HaoYue hadn't yet woken, but his pulse was strong, a small comfort in the tense silence. HanYing before leaving had also said that when he wakes up , he'll be feeling better than ever.....but....we never know until he actually wakes up so , yes.

On their journey, they had encountered numerous people who expressed their gratitude for their actions, and for HaoYue's part in it. But XiShi hadn't acknowledged a single one, completely consumed by her worries and now hiding her face in FengXiu's embrace.

"Really, my dearest mate," FengXiu said, his voice low and soothing. "Stop crying. Your tears feel like they're stabbing my heart." XueLing joined them, settling beside XiShi and gently massaging her back in an attempt to ease her distress.

"We came earlier than planned, hoping to surprise you," FengXiu sighed, "But I guess it's a good thing we were here either way."

"You know we actually came with two good bits of news," XueLing said, a bid to lighten the heavy mood.

"What?" XiShi asked, her voice muffled and thick with tears.

"Well," XueLing began, "apparently our dear FengXiu has leveled up to a nine soul beast level. And," he continued, unable to restrain a grin, "he also managed to find the perfect cave for us to live in."

XiShi's eyes widened, her grip on FengXiu tightening. "I'm so proud of you!" she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.

A rare smile graced FengXiu's face, reaching his eyes with a hint of blush painting his cheeks.

"Okay, okay!" XueLing snapped his fingers, eager to regain their attention. "The cave is surrounded by natural protection and located in a mountain, not too far from the Rock Mountain tribe. The main market is close by, and even better, there's a freshwater lake right next to it. It's perfect! We can create more than enough living space. FengXiu and I wasted our time looking far and wide when the real treasure was near us this entire time." He finished with a happy tone and FengXiu nodded in agreement.

"The digging could take a few days though," FengXiu admitted.

"Then what?" XiShi inquired.

"Well, that is, if the other snake joins us. We'll start the work once HaoYue is fully recovered," XueLing stated.

"That's good to know..." XiShi murmured, a hint of hope creeping into her voice despite the lingering pain.