Who was Hua Xiaoqing? How would Xiang Shaoyun know her, and why was he claiming that she was his woman? She was none other than Lu Xiaoqing who had gone missing for several years. It was said that she had been brought away from the Cloud Margin Pavilion by a pavilion elder. Subsequently, she went missing.

Who would have guessed that after so many years, she would suddenly appear among the flower fairies? She was as elegant as ever and still had a look that provoked pity in one's heart. However, her long black hair had turned green in color, and there was a flower symbol imprinted on her forehead. Her arms were filled with the same floral patterns all flower fairies had, making her look much more alluring than before.

She had changed considerably, but Xiang Shaoyun was still able to recognize her at one glance. Scenes from his past with Lu Xiaoqing started flashing through his mind.

“Hey, what are you still standing there for? Quickly go to the canteen to get your food! If you keep dilly-dallying, there won’t be any left!”

"What a cute little girl!"

"Y-you’re a bad person!"

"I have some food here for you."

"Thank you, but I can’t accept this."

"You ungrateful fellow!"

...

Scenes from the past replayed in his mind, and Xiang Shaoyun discovered that Lu Xiaoqing had long occupied an important position in his heart. Thus, it was understandable why he would be furious after seeing her becoming a flower fairy and being mistreated by them.

"Your woman?" The patriarch was stunned. "Come to the main hall and take a seat. We can talk there."

Xiang Shaoyun suppressed his anger, nodded, and followed them to the hall. No matter how Lu Xiaoqing had come to the flower fairies, he had to take her away. 

Lu Xiaoqing did not dare to look at him. With her head lowered, she followed them to the hall. The so-called hall was actually a large bamboo building. Flower vines decorated the walls, making the hall look both beautiful and cozy.

Xiang Shaoyun followed the patriarch and a few other flower fairies into the hall. The thick fragrance in the hall almost caused him to sneeze. He was not accustomed to such a strong smell. The patriarch sat down on the main seat and had someone serve some spiritual spring water and spiritual fruits to Xiang Shaoyun. The patriarch also took some spring water and spiritual fruits herself to further heal herself.

The other flower fairies did not dare to say anything. Xiang Shaoyun pulled Lu Xiaoqing to his side and said, "Xiaoqing, what happened to you over the years? How did you change into this appearance?"

"I-I—" Lu Xiaoqing was nervous and did not know what to say.

"Did they force you here?" Xiang Shaoyun asked gravely.

Lu Xiaoqing hurriedly waved her hands and said, "No, they didn't. They are my brethren, and they have been good to me."

"That's right. The blood of our race flows in her veins. It is also undeniable that she is showing signs that she is returning to her roots and approaching our ancestry," said the patriarch. "I am in bad condition, so I need some time to recuperate. Benefactor, why don't you stay and catch up with Xiaoqing? The flower fairy race is no major race, but we still have some places we can entertain our guests.".

The patriarch then reminded the other flower fairies to treat Xiang Shaoyun well. She also gave Lu Xiaoqing full freedom to interact with Xiang Shaoyun. Xiang Shaoyun couldn't find a reason to reject the offer. In any case, since Lu Xiaoqing was here, he was in no rush to leave. He had to clarify what exactly happened.

Next, the patriarch left. She was still in bad condition and should save more of her energy. The other flower fairies reminded Lu Xiaoqing to take good care of Xiang Shaoyun before going off to arrange Xiang Shaoyun's accommodation. The house right beside Lu Xiaoqing's house was prepared for him.

When Xiang Shaoyun arrived at his house, all the other flower fairies apart from Lu Xiaoqing left. He pulled her over and asked seriously, "Xiaoqing, tell me. What happened?"

He was becoming impatient to know about her experiences in recent years.

She jumped into his arms and started crying loudly. She cried miserably, causing one's heart to ache. Xiang Shaoyun wrapped his arms around her, his heart hurting from listening to her crying.

After a while, she finally stopped. A smile bloomed on her face as she said, "Shaoyun, I was too emotional after finally seeing you again. I-I thought that I wouldn't be able to see you anymore."

"Silly girl, we are destined to be together. How will you not see me anymore?" said Xiang Shaoyun as he gently stroked her face.

In the past, he would never do or say something like this. But now that the knot in his heart had been untied by retaking the sect, the combination of his long separation with her and their past caused him to be blunt with his words.

Lu Xiaoqing was completely stunned. She still remembered that Xiang Shaoyun couldn't fully accept her in the past. In fact, he remained indifferent even after her confession. After hearing his words, she felt her entire heart fill with sweetness.

"Y-you weren't saying all that just to comfort me, right?" asked Lu Xiaoqing.

"Of course not. I do love you, Xiaoqing," said Xiang Shaoyun seriously.

"But can you even accept my current appearance?" she asked.

"What is there to not accept? You are much prettier now," said Xiang Shaoyun as he gently rubbed her nose.

Lu Xiaoqing was so moved that she shed more tears. She happily said, "Thank you, Shaoyun. I-I am very happy. I will forever remember today."

"Stop crying. You will grow ugly if you continue crying," said Xiang Shaoyun as he wiped her tears. "Tell me. How did you get here? You must have suffered a lot."

"I didn't suffer much. After the incident at the Cloud Margin Pavilion, I was also implicated since it was rumored that the incident was related to you. My master forcefully took me out of the pavilion. We led the life of vagrants for a period of time. Eventually, we encountered bandits, and my master was killed. The bandits nearly humiliated me, but an elder from the flower fairy race saved me. They then told me that I have the bloodline of the flower fairy clan within me and brought me here," said Lu Xiaoqing.

Xiang Shaoyun started lamenting about the uncertainties of life after hearing the story. If he hadn't saved the flower fairy patriarch, he probably would not have had a chance to see Lu Xiaoqing again.

"From my observation, they don't seem to treat you well?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.

"Not at all. They have been kind to me," said Lu Xiaoqing hesitantly.

"Don't lie to me. I'm not blind," said Xiang Shaoyun.

"Maybe it's because of my bloodline," said Lu Xiaoqing softly with her head lowered.