Ashes. A promise beyond death

Chapter 14-A place to rest , A promise to fly

It was unexpected—this strange girl, wild and stubborn—yet somehow, she had managed to soothe a pain Xian Chen thought untouchable. The weight in his chest had not disappeared entirely, but it no longer strangled him like it used to. It had lifted, just enough to breathe.

Yu Bin was only the second person in his life to hold him while he cried.

But she was the first to cry for him, not because of him.

And that, somehow… made all the difference.

> "Longwei, take us down," Xian Chen said quietly.

> "As you wish, Master."

The dragon's voice was softer now, sensing the shift in the boy who had once held his pain so tightly.

As they descended through the golden haze of dawn, Yu Bin—exhausted by emotion and sleep—rested in Xian Chen’s arms, her breathing steady. And strangely... he didn’t mind carrying her.

Despite her royal bed, silk sheets, and countless guards, no place had ever made her feel this safe. His arms, strong and silent, became a haven in a world that had always demanded too much from her.

Back at the palace, Ming Fang met them at the entrance, eyes wide with surprise but saying nothing. She led them silently to Yu Bin’s chambers. There, Xian Chen lowered her to the bed with a gentleness he hadn’t known he possessed.

He brushed a few strands of hair from her face, something quiet settling in his chest.

She was beautiful.

But more than that—she had seen him. Not the swordsman, not the prodigy. Just... the boy beneath the grief.

He hadn’t meant to fall asleep.

Sleep had been an enemy for years, always slipping from his grasp like smoke. But now, with her just an arm’s length away, and the rope still binding their wrists, sleep came easily.

Peaceful.

Still.

Real.

Maybe it was her hand that made the difference. Or her tears.

Or maybe—for the first time—someone had reached into his darkness and said, “I see you.”

---

He awoke to the soft flutter of curtains and a voice like sunlight.

> "Good morning, Xian Chen."

He blinked slowly. Yu Bin stood beside him, her hair falling over one shoulder, the warmth of morning softening her features.

> "Good morning... Yu Bin."

His voice was husky with sleep. Did I really sleep?

> "How do you feel? Does anything hurt?"

> "I'm okay," he said automatically—but the way his eyes searched hers betrayed his uncertainty.

> "Are you sure? You look… dazed."

> "Probably just from waking up. And you? Are you alright?"

> "I am," she said, smiling faintly. Then, her tone softened.

"Xian Chen?"

> "Yes?"

> "If you ever want to talk... I’m here. I’ll listen to anything. Always."

He studied her, the girl with untamed emotions and stubborn hope. And then—he smiled. Just a little.

> "Thank you."

It wasn’t much. But from him, it was everything.

---

A knock broke the moment.

> "Yu Bin?" Ming Fang’s voice drifted in. "I have a very important question."

Yu Bin raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

> "How exactly are you going to bathe... with him tied to you?"

Yu Bin’s face turned scarlet. "Um—"

> "Just hang a curtain between us," Xian Chen said coolly. "Not a big deal. I’m not interested."

> "You—!" She sputtered.

> "What? You’re nervous now? Should I be interested?"

> "Why would I care? I’m not interested in you either!"

They set up a large decorative screen. On one side, Ming Fang helped Yu Bin wash and dress, grumbling about royal awkwardness. On the other, Xian Chen remained perfectly still, focused, eyes closed. Discipline in every breath.

Once ready, Yu Bin grabbed his hand without looking. "Let’s go. I want to see Master."

> "Let’s ride swords," Xian Chen offered. "It’ll be faster."

> "I don’t know how."

He blinked. "You’re joking."

> "No sword, either."

> "How are you even a princess?"

> "I didn’t say I was trying to be one."

> "Spoiled."

> "Jerk."

> "I’ll carry you again."

> "No way!"

With a sigh, he summoned Longwei from the spellbook.

> "Better?"

She hesitated, cheeks warm with last night’s memory. "Much better."

---

They landed outside Bao Fang’s cottage.

> "Hi, kids. How’s my favorite rope-bound duo?"

> "Stop it," Xian Chen muttered.

> "Yu Bin?" Bao Fang smiled. "You look better today."

> "Master, will you teach me to fly on a sword? Please?"

> "You’re not ready yet."

> "Why not? Everyone else is flying. I want to fly, too."

> "You don’t even have a sword, child. And considering your spiritual compatibility, finding one that bonds with you may be... difficult."

Yu Bin pouted, defeated. "So I’m just stuck here?"

> "You’re not stuck. You’re just… paused." Bao Fang reached out and ruffled her hair.

> "But if you want to fly, just ask me. I’ll take you anytime."

Yu Bin’s eyes lit up. "Even at midnight?"

> "Midnight, snowstorm, heartbreak—whenever you need."

Joy burst in her chest. "Then… let’s go now!"

She yanked her master’s arm—forgetting the rope again.

> "You insane girl," Xian Chen groaned. "How are we supposed to fly when we’re tied together?"

> "Master, can we ride together? Please?"

Bao Fang looked to Xian Chen.

> "Think of it as training."

> "Why do we have to do everything she wants?"

> "Because I’m the princess!" Yu Bin declared, triumphant.

> "No way," she added quickly, "I’m not flying in his arms again."

Bao Fang chuckled, and without warning, swept Yu Bin up.

> "Let’s go."

---

The sky opened.

The world below unfurled like a living scroll—rivers like threads of silver, forests like brush strokes of emerald, and petals spinning through the wind like whispered spells.

> "Master…" Yu Bin breathed. "It’s so beautiful."

> "It is."

She leaned into her, warm and safe.

> "One day, I’ll fly on my own," she whispered.

"And I’ll take you with me. I’ll show you the world the way I see it. The way it should be."

Bao Fang smiled softly.

> "One day."

> "Why not now?"

Her master’s lips brushed her ear like wind against a leaf.

> "That’s a secret."