Myriad Rivers to the Sea

Chapter 1089: The River's Embrace

The boat drifted smoothly along the gentle current while Li Yu and Gongsun Lian finished their midday meal of river fish. The afternoon sun filtered through the canopy of emerald trees and cast dancing shadows across the mahogany deck. Li Yu poured another cup of jasmine tea for Lian and felt a sense of pride and happiness seeing her relaxed posture. The heavy burdens of her military command seemed far away from her shoulders right now and he had played his part in doing so.A sudden flash of vibrant color caught their attention as a beautiful bird with feathers shimmering in bright shades of blue, gold and crimson darted out from the dense foliage. It hovered near the water for a brief second before flying alongside the boat.

"What a beautiful creature," Lian said while following the bird with her dark eyes. "You do not see plumage like that very often."

Li Yu saw a great opportunity to impress her with his martial skills which he’s never had a chance to show off to her before. He set his teacup down and stood up from the silk cushions with a renewed burst of energy.

"I will catch it for you so you can see it up close," Li Yu offered with a confident smile.

He channeled his Qi and leaped off the wooden deck as he stepped onto the surface of the river and darted across the water with incredible speed. His boots left faint ripples on the surface as he pushed his speed further. He reached out his hand to grab the colorful creature but the bird proved to be surprisingly lightning quick. Just as his fingers brushed the long tail feathers, the bird chirped a melodic tune and shot forward with a sudden burst of speed that surprised him.

Li Yu pushed himself harder and blurred into a shadow as he chased the bird through the low hanging branches. He weaved around thick trunks and leaped over mossy rocks while keeping his eyes locked on the prize. As he closed the distance in a heartbeat and lunged forward again, he expected to catch the small animal easily but the bird seemed to phase out of existence right as his hand closed around it. A faint ripple in the air was the only sign it had been there while his fingers grasped nothing but empty air as the bird reappeared a few feet away with a playful chirp.

A flush of frustration touched his cheeks now. He chased the creature in wide circles above the river and tried various movement techniques but he was unsuccessful in his capture. Every single time he got near the bird, it utilized that strange spatial phasing ability and slipped right through his fingers even though Li Yu tried to trap it in a sort of void cage. It was as if the creature was born from the void itself and had a higher level of understanding than he did.

After some time, Li Yu stood on a thick tree branch and let out a tired sigh. He was getting really frustrated now because he was being made to look like a fool in front of the woman he was trying to impress. What should have been a show of amazing skill has now made him into an arrogant fool, at least in his own eyes. He glanced back at the boat and saw Lian sitting on the cushions with her hand covering her mouth to hide some playful laughter and an even brother smile. She was clearly enjoying the show and finding his struggles highly entertaining.

He raised his hand and gathered a small orb of spatial Qi in his palm. He wondered if he should just attack the bird with a minor technique to stun it and bring it back to the boat. Li Yu stared at the glowing energy for a moment before letting it dissipate into the wind. The creature was just an innocent creature passing by and using martial attacks on it did not seem right just so he could give Lian a closer look.

He took a deep breath and focused his mind instead. He tracked the flight path of the bird and predicted its next movement using his Nexus Mind technique. Li Yu then launched himself from the branch and intercepted the creature mid air. He almost grabbed it this time but the bird once again phased out of existence and slipped away before soaring high into the clouds and disappearing from sight in an instant. Li Yu was left completely dumbfounded that he would happen to run into such an annoying creature on this day of all days.

Lian sat on the boat and tapped her chin thoughtfully towards the end of Li Yu’s capture attempt. She wondered if she should channel her own laws to lock the bird in place and help him out so he could look cooler. However, she quickly decided against it as it would not be good to show him up while he was trying so hard to do something nice for her.

Li Yu dropped back down onto the deck of the boat and brushed the leaves from his robes in utter disappointment. He felt frustrated but in a very fun and lighthearted way as he had noticed how much amusement it had brought Lian on the boat. He walked back to the cushions and offered an apologetic smile.

"I am sorry," Li Yu said while taking his seat. "I could not catch it for you. That bird was much trickier than I expected."

"It is okay," Lian replied while a melodic giggle escaped her lips. "Watching you try to catch it and fly around in circles was much more fun and amusing than being able to see the bird up close anyways."

"I suppose it is good that you were amused," Li Yu said with a smile while pouring himself some tea. "I can at least always make you laugh regarding my failures. You will at least always have laughter in your life."

"You did look very determined," Lian teased him gently. "When you are determined, it makes you look very good. However, I thought you were going to tear the forest down for a moment just to catch a tiny bird."

They both shared a warm laugh and enjoyed the playful banter as the boat continued its journey. The rest of the afternoon passed with more shared stories and comfortable moments of silence while they watched the scenery change around them.

The winding river eventually opened up and flowed into the secluded lake just as dinner time came around. The sun dipped below the distant mountains and painted the sky in deep shades of orange and purple. There were tall weeping willows surrounding the lake casting long shadows over the calm water.

Li Yu stood up and began to set the mood for the evening as he had planned. He tapped the wooden hull to activate the arrays and the decorative lanterns he brought flickered to life. The soft golden light reflected off the dark water and created a very cozy atmosphere on the deck for the two of them. He pulled out several soft blankets and arranged them over the silk cushions they had already been using so they would stay warm in the evening chill even though they both didn’t need that.

Lian watched him fuss over the placement of the lanterns and adjust the blankets multiple times. She once again noted and appreciated how much effort he was putting into this setup. He was trying his best but he was clearly still being a bit awkward with things as he double checked the lighting and the seating arrangements.

However, she appreciated his actions deeply. Only someone that cared would go out of their way to do something they were not comfortable or great at doing for someone else. This was the person she had devoted herself to before even knowing him and it was really nice seeing him care about her so much. He was treating her as a romantic partner and not as someone serving him or acting as a mere guard.

Li Yu moved to the back of the boat and activated the cooking arrays to prepare the Sunfall Deer. He pulled out the marinated meat and began to sear it carefully, using the techniques he learned to manipulate his flame. The rich and savory scent of star anise and wild garlic quickly filled the air.

Lian sat on the cushions and rested her chin on her hand while watching him cook. The soft lantern light illuminated his focused expression and her mind drifted into deep thought of her own while she enjoyed the entire event.

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Her whole life had been devoted to Li Yu since way before he was even born. She had accepted the duty that she would do everything and anything he needed without question. She created the Veiled Lotus specifically in preparation for his future needs and trained those elite warriors to act as his hidden sword and shield. She bled for him and planned for centuries in the dark. In her head, her mind and body were already slated to be his if he willingly wanted them. It was a truth she accepted long ago and prepared for when she severed her ties to her former clan.

Her thoughts then moved towards the two finally meeting and somewhat getting to know each other. It was clear to her that he liked her from before he even knew his own true identity, when she was just a friend that Khaos knew of and had called for help. Those early feelings he held for her matured and budded into the current romance beginning between them right now.

Li Yu of course still did not know what she had done for him or that the Veiled Lotus was actually his to command whenever he wished. It was deemed not the right time to tell him, as ordered by the Worldkeeper, his parents and her own parents. Li Yu believed she was a supreme general he met through Khaos and through the connection between their parents once he realized who his parents were. He still did not know the deeper truths regarding her past or the vast army waiting in the wings for his orders.

While she was incredibly happy with how things were proceeding, that he had real feelings for her and did not just view her as a servant or a tool, her mind was not completely settled either. The main thing weighing on her heart and mind was whether or not these feelings for him were real from herself. She slated her mind and body for him for so long now she could not tell if these emotions were her actual feelings from her time with him or if they just came from her mindset formed a long time ago out of duty.

She did not know for sure where duty ended and where her true feelings began. Perhaps they were a mix of both or maybe one simply overshadowed the other. These were all new feelings and experiences for her, she had never had romantic feelings for anyone else because she refused to do so for anyone but Li Yu and that lack of experience was part of why there were doubts.

For all practical purposes, this was the best outcome she could hope for or could happen for her. The fact that he eventually had feelings for her on his own, which would hopefully change into love and they would get married was the best outcome. It would make her more than just someone serving him and bring her out from the shadows that she put herself in. It would make all the things she has done and endured more worthwhile.

However, she could not get rid of the nagging thought that perhaps she was tricking herself into having feelings for him too. Just because she was serving him did not mean she could not get married to someone else either. Many followers had their own families and lives outside of serving their leader. Since this was now uncharted territory for Lian, something that hasn’t happened in such a long time in her life, she was much more hesitant than she would be otherwise.

The night went on and these thoughts continued to nag at her mind. However, as she watched him carefully turn the roasting meat with a look of focus, she made a decision.

‘I will just go with the flow for now and see how things develop naturally.” She thought to herself. At the very least, she knew she did not hate him. She did not dislike his character or how he acted. She actually quite liked the decisions he made and the actions he has taken.

She began to remember through the day everything he tried to do to make her more comfortable and how much he worked to set the mood so it would be just a bit better. He respected her and treated her with genuine kindness and care.

Lian began to wonder if this is what a budding love is actually like. She guessed that there were always doubts whether or not it is real and such questioning thoughts were normal. She did not know for sure as she never experienced it herself. Looking at it from that perspective, she found the whole experience to be even better. It was something she had never done or felt before in her long life yet.

While she had read up on romance, gotten advice and talked with others to be prepared for whatever came, it was an experience that was different for everyone. She realized she could not be fully prepared for the reality of a racing heart or the warmth spreading through her chest.

The night continued to stretch on as the stars emerged to blanket the sky in shimmering light. Li Yu finished cooking the food and brought the plates over to the small table and served the slow roasted tenderloin over a bed of root vegetables. He finished it up by drizzling the rich reduction glaze on top. He poured them both a cup of robust aged spirit wine and sat down across from her.

"This smells incredible," Lian said while picking up her chopsticks. "You really do know your way around a cut of meat."

"I hope the taste matches the smell," Li Yu smiled while picking up his own chopsticks.

They began to eat and the tender meat practically melted on their tongues. The savory glaze paired beautifully with the strong spirit wine that was served. The cool night air surrounded the boat but the warmth from the food and the lanterns kept them very comfortable under the stars.

Li Yu felt a sudden surge of confidence as the wine warmed his blood. He picked up a prime piece of the roasted deer with his chopsticks and reached across the small table. He got bold and held the food near her lips with an inviting smile.

Lian looked at him in slight surprise but the soft light in his eyes made her feel comfortable. She leaned forward and willingly accepted the bite, the first time outside of her parents she had accepted food in such a way. She chewed the tender meat as a bright smile graced her features and decided to return the gesture, picking up a piece of meat from her own plate. She too reached across the table and fed him back.

Li Yu accepted the food happily and the simple exchange broke down the remaining walls of formality between them. They shared a fun meal deep into the night while feeding each other and laughing at small jokes. The awkwardness from earlier was long gone and replaced by a deep sense of intimacy between the two.

When the food was finished and the plates were cleared away, they sat together on the same side of the boat. The two rested against the plush cushions and looked up at the stars reflecting on the calm lake while chatting about casual things. If one were to observe the two right now, there was no indication that they were powerful cultivators. The two currently resembled two normal mortals that were spending an intimate time together.

"It is so peaceful here," Lian murmured while pulling a soft blanket over her lap. "I could stay in a place like this and let time drift by me."

"We can come back here whenever you want," Li Yu offered while sitting close beside her. "The lake is not going anywhere and neither am I."

"You have your own path to walk," Lian reminded him gently. "You are growing stronger every day and eventually duty as well as burdens will catch up to you. Soon you will be taking on responsibilities that require your attention far away from quiet lakes."

"I will handle my responsibilities," Li Yu agreed while turning his head to look at her, it was something he was expecting even though he didn’t want it. "But I will always make time for moments like this. The martial path is endless and filled with conflict. If we do not stop to enjoy the quiet times, the fighting loses its meaning and I always want to have meaning in everything I do."

Lian met his gaze and saw the fierce determination shining in his eyes and the conviction behind them. He was extremely young but he carried his own wisdom and insights. He was chasing power for his own goals and dreams. He wanted the strength to protect the peace and people he valued so highly.

"You are strong and wise for your age," Lian said softly.

"I just know what is important to me," Li Yu replied quickly with a smile.

They moved to chatting on more casual things as the night deepened. They talked about the constellations shining above them and the subtle differences between the different scenery they had seen today. The conversation flowed naturally without any forced topics or tense pauses.

As they spoke, Li Yu found himself getting closer and closer to her. At first unconsciously and then when he noticed he made more of an effort to do so. He could smell the faint scent of lotus blossoms mixed with the crisp night air of the lake. Li Yu felt the warmth radiating from her shoulder as it brushed against his own. The soft lantern light highlighted the elegant curve of her neck and the dark depths of her eyes.

The conversation eventually lulled into a comfortable and heavy silence as the two prepared themselves. The chirping of the night insects and the gentle rippling of the lake filled the quiet space as Li Yu looked at her lips and felt his pulse hammer against his ribs. He knew this was the moment he had been waiting for.

He gathered all of his courage and made his move. Li Yu raised his hand and gently placed it on her waist and pulled her in gently. He felt her lean into his touch without resistance as she allowed herself to be drawn into his space and tilted her chin up slightly.

Li Yu leaned his face forward and closed the remaining distance between them. He went to kiss her on the lips and Lian leaned in as well. They kissed in a tender and lingering embrace as the world around them faded away into the background while they shared their first true moment of romance under the starlight.