Chapter 1286: Reunion

The moment Yao Yao stepped out of the Pill Refining Hall, countless eyes immediately converged on her. In that instant, it felt as if the very air had stilled.

Even the proud prodigies and powerful Law Domain experts from various factions, considered the elite of their respective forces, felt a pang of inadequacy when faced with her cool, perfect countenance. Consequently, their awe and reverence for her only intensified. Such a woman was truly worthy of the title "Goddess."

However, those who frequently resided in All-Heavens City had some understanding of Yao Yao's personality. Perhaps due to her transcendent status, she was exceedingly aloof, rarely interacting with outsiders except for occasional instances during her pill refining. Thus, when they saw Yao Yao proactively step out of the Pill Refining Hall today, they were all astonished.

Those who were more informed couldn't help but cast surprised glances toward the man playing an ink flute in a corner outside the hall. After all, Xu Beiyan had made no secret of his admiration for the Goddess over the past two years. Though he had never explicitly declared his feelings, his every action clearly conveyed his intentions.

Many admired Xu Beiyan's courage, for countless men in All-Heavens City secretly harbored admiration for the Goddess. Yet, Xu Beiyan was the only one who had dared to openly express such admiration. Of course, they could not deny Xu Beiyan's excellence. In terms of appearance, talent, personal strength, and future potential, he was undeniably among the very best in All-Heavens City. Perhaps only someone of his caliber would dare to reveal such deep admiration.

And now, had Xu Beiyan's persistence finally paid off? Could his two years of persistence have moved even the Goddess's aloof heart? At this thought, many Law Domain experts felt a pang of jealousy. Although Xu Beiyan was excellent, witnessing the Goddess descend to the mortal realm, her aloofness fading for a specific person, was truly enough to stir intense envy.

While many people's emotions churned and their minds played out an inner drama, Yao Yao stepped out of the hall, her slender and graceful figure standing before its entrance. The melodious flute music ceased at that moment.

As Xu Beiyan gazed at the graceful figure emerging from the hall, ripples appeared in his eyes. Even with his usual composure, he felt an inexplicable mix of surprise and delight. His thoughts were identical to everyone else's: the Goddess never stepped out of the Pill Refining Hall on ordinary days. Her sudden departure today must have a reason, and at present, he seemed to be the only one outside the hall who might possess any attraction for her. Could his two years of persistence truly have yielded results?

Xu Beiyan's handsome face remained calm and composed, but inwardly, his emotions surged. He subtly tightened his grip on the ink flute. He genuinely admired the woman before him from the bottom of his heart. He had never known he could be so haunted by thoughts of a woman, thinking of her day and night, an obsession that felt like worms gnawing at his heart, making him toss and turn. Sometimes, he even mocked himself, wondering if this was retribution for his past indifference towards women who admired him.

Xu Beiyan was a very confident person, always had been. So, when he discovered his feelings, he expressed them directly, without any deliberate concealment. Yet, he was also intelligent. He understood the Goddess's aloof and indifferent nature, so for two years, he never once overly disturbed her. At most, he would simply play his flute by himself outside the hall. He believed that one day, his efforts would bear fruit.

Xu Beiyan put down the ink flute in his hand, then smiled at the graceful figure, about to muster his courage and step forward. However, just as he moved, the Goddess's figure on the steps cast her gaze towards the plaza in front of the hall. Without even glancing his way, she simply took a step and walked down.

Xu Beiyan's expression stiffened slightly, and a hint of astonishment appeared in his eyes. In the plaza, many passing strong cultivators also watched this scene with surprise. So, the Goddess's appearance wasn't for Xu Beiyan after all? But then, even greater confusion arose: if not for Xu Beiyan, then why had she appeared?

Under the gaze of countless eyes, the Goddess walked with unhurried, elegant steps, crossing the bustling plaza. Wherever she passed, people respectfully moved out of her way. Finally, her steps halted, drawing all eyes.

She stopped in front of a young man who was holding a small beast in his arms. Numerous astonished gazes then shifted to the young man's smiling face.

"Who is that?""He looks a little familiar..."

Many exchanged glances, a silent transfer of information. As many murmured in surprise, the small beast in the young man's arms suddenly leaped joyfully towards the Goddess, landing in her embrace and emitting affectionate sounds. The young man also looked at the Goddess, revealing a bright, charming smile.

The Goddess's slender, jade-like hand gently stroked the small beast's fur. Then, she gazed at the young man before her, and the corners of her lips subtly curved upward. A fleeting, breathtaking smile appeared on her exquisitely beautiful face, which was usually perpetually veiled by aloof indifference. In that instant, the entire plaza seemed to brighten.

Many widened their eyes, watching the scene in disbelief. The Goddess... she actually smiled...

"Not bad. These two years weren't wasted," Yao Yao said, looking at Zhou Yuan. She nodded slightly, her voice softening.

The person standing before Yao Yao was, naturally, Zhou Yuan, who had accompanied Cang Yuan to All-Heavens City. Gazing at her exquisite beauty, then at the stunned looks around them, he whispered, "Goddess, I feel like I'm about to get ganged up on."

At his playful remark, Yao Yao's lips curved slightly. "Come with me," she said, then turned and started back the way she came. Zhou Yuan watched her graceful figure, then glanced at several Origin Infant stage experts who had been conversing but were now utterly dumbfounded. He chuckled, "What I said earlier was true." He then quickly followed her.

As the two walked through the plaza, which had previously been bustling with people, the atmosphere became remarkably quiet. Many gazes lingered on Zhou Yuan, sharp as blades. This made Zhou Yuan click his tongue in wonder. He had walked with Yao Yao before, and while it always drew many admiring glances, the sheer animosity he drew now was nowhere near what it had been. This change had little to do with him; it merely indicated that Yao Yao's charm had reached a terrifying level over the past two years.

Zhou Yuan sighed inwardly, then bravely endured the knife-like gazes. At that moment, he even wanted to tell them, "Yes, your guess is correct. I am that man, the one standing behind the Goddess in your hearts!" But ultimately, he didn't, because he feared getting beaten.

Following Yao Yao through the crowd and up the steps, Zhou Yuan suddenly felt a gaze on him. He turned his head and saw Xu Beiyan, clad in a dark green long robe, as handsome as if sculpted. Xu Beiyan was staring at him, a slight frown on his face.

"Zhou Yuan of the Heaven Abyss Region..."

Xu Beiyan lowered his gaze slightly, muttering to himself. He actually knew about Zhou Yuan, including the seemingly intimate relationship between Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao. However, Xu Beiyan hadn't paid it much mind, because in his view, every aspect of himself far surpassed Zhou Yuan. He believed Zhou Yuan's early closeness with Yao Yao was simply due to having met her earlier.

Xu Beiyan took a shallow breath, suppressing his emotions, and a smile once again appeared on his handsome face. What if Zhou Yuan had been there first? Xu Beiyan never believed in the concept of "first come, first served," nor did he fear any competitors. There was still plenty of time in the future.

Just as Xu Beiyan's thoughts were turning, Yao Yao suddenly stopped, turned her head, and said, "You're Xu Beiyan, aren't you?"

Xu Beiyan was startled at her words, then calmly and courteously cupped his fist and smiled. "To have assisted Goddess in pill refining for two years and have her remember my name, it's certainly worth it." His words were humorous, and combined with his handsome face and refined demeanor, even Zhou Yuan had to admit that this man was truly exceptional.

However, Yao Yao pondered for a moment, then said, "From now on, I won't need your assistance. Zhou Yuan can handle it."

As these words fell, even Xu Beiyan, with his usual composure, couldn't help but show a change in his eyes, his face completely stiffening.