Mystique Soul: A Cultivator's Flame
Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Chapter 88

The moment Feng Jiao Xue dismounted from Yin Xiao, Mo Tianze practically bounced off behind her, his golden eyes wide as he took in their surroundings.

The village was nothing like the rigid grandeur of the empire’s cities. Here, the very ground pulsed with life, woven seamlessly with magic. Stone pathways gleamed faintly under their feet, absorbing the warmth of the sun and releasing it in a comforting glow. Floating lanterns, their flames flickering in unnatural hues of blue and violet, swayed gently in the afternoon breeze. Vines threaded with tiny luminous flowers coiled around wooden beams, their petals opening and closing in response to the passersby. Even the air shimmered faintly, humming with the quiet, ever-present thrum of magic.

Mo Tianze took a deep breath, as if trying to absorb the very essence of the village. His ears twitched at every unfamiliar sound, the faint hum of enchantments layered over buildings, the laughter of children as they used minor levitation spells to chase each other through the streets. There was no fear, no restrictions, magic was alive here, an accepted and integral part of daily life.

"Jiao Xue, this place is..." His voice trailed off as he turned to her, his tail flicking behind him, betraying his excitement.

Feng Jiao Xue watched him quietly, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She had no need to ask, she could see it in the way he held himself, the way his gaze darted from one marvel to another. This wasn’t just amazement. It was the wonder of someone seeing something he had never been allowed to believe was his to have.

Before she had bought him, he had been shackled, caged. Even after gaining his freedom, even after becoming one of the strongest young cultivators in the empire, that part of his past had never truly left him. But here, surrounded by magic so freely used, Mo Tianze seemed... unburdened.

A rare warmth settled in her chest.

"Come on," she said, her tone softer than usual. "Let’s explore."

Mo Tianze needed no further prompting. He eagerly matched her stride as they made their way into the heart of the village, weaving through the bustling streets.

They passed by an open-air bakery where golden bread loaves floated in and out of brick ovens, the scent of honey and spice filling the air. A magician waved his hand, and the bread wrapped itself in crisp parchment, tying itself with a strand of conjured twine before floating into the hands of waiting customers.

Mo Tianze paused, eyes locked on a nearby stall where crystal-like candies spun in the air, their shapes shifting as if responding to his gaze.

"Go on," Feng Jiao Xue murmured, nudging him forward.

He hesitated for only a moment before stepping up to the stall. The vendor, a woman with silvery hair woven into intricate braids, smiled at him.

"First time seeing Everchanging Candies?" she asked.

Mo Tianze nodded. "They’re... alive?"

"Not quite," she laughed, plucking a glowing piece from the air and offering it to him. "They simply respond to one’s emotions. Try it."

He cast a glance at Feng Jiao Xue, as if seeking permission, before hesitantly taking the candy. The moment it touched his palm, it shifted, taking the shape of a delicate fox curled up in sleep, its tiny crystalline ears flicking.

Mo Tianze let out a quiet breath, something indescribable flickering in his gaze.

Feng Jiao Xue, watching from the side, felt an unfamiliar tug at her heart.

She turned away, letting her gaze wander.

A magician nearby was sketching intricate runes into the air, forming a bridge of floating stones across a small stream. A child, no older than seven, ran across it without hesitation, her laughter ringing out as her father followed behind her.

Magic here wasn’t just a tool. It was woven into life itself.

"You should try one," Mo Tianze said suddenly.

Feng Jiao Xue turned back to see him standing close, closer than she expected. The candy in his hand had changed again, its crystalline form now mirroring the silhouette of a deer with outstretched wings.

Her breath caught, but she schooled her expression, lifting a brow. "You’re this easily impressed?"

Mo Tianze huffed, his ears flicking as he handed her a piece. "Just try it."

She took the candy without a word. The moment her fingers closed around it, warmth spread across her palm, the candy reshaping itself into a delicate black rose.

Mo Tianze blinked. "Oh..."

Feng Jiao Xue stared at it for a moment before scoffing lightly. "It must be broken."

But Mo Tianze only smiled, golden eyes softening as he looked at her.

For once, Feng Jiao Xue didn’t look away.

And as the village around them buzzed with life, magic swirling in unseen currents, the two of them stood amidst it all, just a girl and a boy, their world momentarily shrinking to the space between them.

As the day stretched on, the village’s charm remained ever-enchanting, but the need for rest inevitably caught up with them. After spending hours exploring, Mo Tianze’s stomach growled audibly, making him flush in embarrassment.

Feng Jiao Xue, amused, cast him a knowing glance. "Looks like it’s time for lunch."

They found a small, cozy eatery nestled between two stone buildings. The wooden sign above the entrance had intricate runes carved into it, softly glowing under the midday light. Inside, the scent of freshly baked bread, roasted meat, and warm spices filled the air.

Mo Tianze’s golden eyes gleamed as he glanced at the plates passing by, thick slices of glazed meat, bowls of steaming stew infused with magic, and fresh bread that seemed to emit a faint warmth as if enchanted to stay hot.

They settled at a table near the window, where a soft breeze carried the comforting murmur of villagers outside. The innkeeper, a friendly older woman with silver-streaked hair and a sharp gaze, came to take their order.

She studied them briefly, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Young couple traveling together, eh? You two are lucky, we’ve got the best food in the village."

Mo Tianze choked on air, ears twitching as his face burned scarlet. "W-We’re not—"

Feng Jiao Xue, unfazed, merely hummed in response, not bothering to correct the woman. She found Mo Tianze’s flustered reaction far too amusing.

Their meal was hearty and filling. Mo Tianze, hesitant at first, soon found himself eating with an enthusiasm that made Feng Jiao Xue shake her head in amusement. Every so often, he would glance at her, as if trying to contain his excitement, but the warmth in his gaze betrayed his gratitude.

After their meal, they resumed their search for lodging. Unfortunately, with a festival happening in the village, nearly every inn had already been booked.

Finally, they arrived at a small tavern on the quieter side of the village. The tavern master, a burly man with a thick beard and an enchanted prosthetic arm, greeted them with a curious look.

"Got one room left," he said, arms crossed. "Big enough for two, but only one bed. If you’re fine with that, it’s yours."

Mo Tianze froze, tail stiffening. His ears flattened against his hair, and he struggled to form words. "T-Two—one bed—"

Feng Jiao Xue simply placed a few coins on the counter. "We’ll take it."

The tavern master chuckled, giving Mo Tianze a knowing look. "You’ve got a good one, kid. Treat her well."

Mo Tianze gave an unintelligible squeak in response, his entire face burning. Feng Jiao Xue, however, simply picked up the key and turned to him. "Come on."

Still flustered, he followed her up the stairs, glancing around as they made their way to their room. The hallway was lined with lanterns flickering with soft blue flames, casting an inviting glow. When they finally reached their room, Feng Jiao Xue unlocked the door, pushing it open.

The room was quaint but well-kept. A window let in the warm glow of the setting sun, and a soft rug covered the wooden floor. The bed, large enough for two, stood in the center, draped in clean sheets.

Mo Tianze hesitated at the doorway, his ears twitching. "I... I can sleep on the floor."

Feng Jiao Xue raised a brow, shutting the door behind them. "It’s just a bed, Mo Tianze."

"B-But—"

She sighed, pulling off her cloak and setting it aside. "We’ve camped out in forests, slept under the open sky, and fought assassins together. You’re suddenly worried about sharing a bed?"

Mo Tianze opened his mouth, then closed it, clearly realizing how ridiculous his argument sounded. He sighed in defeat, ears drooping slightly. "Fine..."

Feng Jiao Xue smirked, watching as he awkwardly shifted in place before finally sitting on the edge of the bed.

Outside, the sounds of the village festival carried through the window, laughter, distant music, and the occasional burst of fireworks. Mo Tianze turned toward it, his expression softening.

"It’s nice here," he murmured. "No one looks at me like I’m lesser. It feels... freeing."

Feng Jiao Xue watched him quietly. "That’s how it should be," she said simply.

For a moment, he just looked at her, something unreadable in his golden eyes. Then, with a soft smile, he laid back against the bed, staring at the ceiling. "I think... I like this place."

Feng Jiao Xue glanced out the window, listening to the distant laughter of the villagers. She had come here with a purpose, but somehow, amidst the magic of this village, she found herself simply enjoying the moment.

As she glanced back, looking at Mo Tianze so peacefully asleep, she couldnt help but stop herself from waking him up to remind him that they still have the storage ring and she was just teasing him, instead, she laid beside him, covering his twitching tails with the blanket and....

Maybe, just for tonight, she could let herself be at ease.