As the gentle autumn breeze caressed the land, a golden-hued celestial crane gracefully danced across the sky, its radiant aura blending with the earth below.
In that moment of serene descent, a brilliant and rare fruit ripened, falling from the tree and enveloping the surroundings in a vivid, enchanting glow, swiftly transforming into a figure akin to a dreamy apparition.
Before the surreal luminosity could dissipate, a shimmering Morningstar butterfly fluttered by, delicately landing beside the celestial crane, adding an air of mystery and allure to the scene.
The inhabitants of the natural world began to stir as if responding to an invisible call.
A gentle hum resonated, summoning forth a group of iridescent crystal tadpoles from the depths below. Their bodies emitted a strange, colorful aura, akin to celestial bodies twinkling in the night sky.
Suddenly, this hidden realm, teeming with mystical creatures, was engulfed in a tempest of spiritual energy, shattering the calm serenity of the setting.
Within this surreal spectacle, the emerald-wreathed celestial crane and the vividly colored Morningstar butterfly harmonized with the surging spiritual force, engaging in a silent exchange as if resonating with each other's essence.
Amidst this display of wonder, a dragon draped in iridescent clouds soared through, igniting a blaze that seemed to engulf the entire space, setting the surroundings ablaze with fervor.
Just as the awe-inspiring force held all beings in anticipation, a thunderous clash of metallic echoes reverberated through the air, as if celestial swords clashed, causing the very fabric of the universe to tremble.
Simultaneously, a mysterious, potent aroma of herbs rose from the depths, as if the underground foliage had sensed this astonishing surge of spiritual energy.
The overpowering surge of spiritual force rendered all breathless, as if heralding an impending transformation in the world.
Then, as swiftly as the astonishment and mystique emerged, it dissipated into a tranquil and serene expanse, as if all beings had returned to a state of peaceful equilibrium.
These extraordinary occurrences unfolded in a fleeting moment, leaving the denizens to resume their normalcy, exchanging glances as if having shared an exceptionally magical moment.
In the backdrop of these mystical events, Lin Xiao sensed an inexplicable joy, as if he had participated in this wondrous spectacle, ushering in a beautiful transformation to the world.
It was an exhilarating experience, as if all beings had gathered at that moment to bask in the marvels of nature's enigmatic wonders.
"Lan Yue sighed softly, her gaze drifting toward a beautifully crafted pipa on the storage table to her left. It was a creation fashioned meticulously following the guidance of the system, and she possessed a profound understanding of the musical theory intricacies.
It had been a while since she last played the pipa, and a sense of nostalgia overwhelmed her.
Following her line of sight, Lin Xiao gazed at the instrument, a self-made masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship.
Yet, Lan Yue's expression changed abruptly.
Legend had it that this instrument was none other than the sacred pipa used to subdue spirits and demons! And here it was, placed casually on the table, Lin Xiao treating it as if it were a mere trinket!
Lan Yue was utterly flabbergasted!
"The night falls outside. If you wouldn't mind, would you stay here for the night?" Lin Xiao asked politely, trying to avoid any potential awkwardness.
If Lan Yue agreed to stay, it would imply a certain fondness for him. After all, it was highly unusual for someone to agree to such a request unless there was some positive sentiment.
Without a moment's hesitation, Lan Yue accepted the offer.
"Thank you, sir Lin Xiao."
"By the way, my name is Lan Yue, from the Lan You Forest."
"I haven't asked for your name, sir Lin Xiao." Lan Yue sat on the bamboo stool, her cheeks slightly flushed, feeling a bit shy about the prospect of being alone with a gentleman.
Lin Xiao smiled at the golden-haired maiden before him. "I'm Lin Xiao. No need for formalities. 'Sir' doesn't quite fit someone as ordinary as me. Just call me by my name."
Call him by his name?
Her expression changed instantly, realizing the impropriety of addressing him so casually.
She shook her head apologetically.
"Lin Xiao, please don't jest. How could I dare to address you so casually?"
Enough of that.
Lin Xiao didn't want to dwell on this issue too long. He gestured towards the bathroom and chuckled, "The day is fading. After your long journey, you must be tired. How about refreshing yourself with a bath?"
Lan Yue nodded gently.
The two rose and headed into the bathing area.
"What is this?" Lan Yue's surprise was evident as she pointed at a contraption on the wall that resembled a water container, bewildered and curious.
She had never seen anything like it before. Could it be another treasure dropped from the heavens?
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