The warm morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the quiet apartment. Lin Tian lay on his back, eyes half-open, listening to the rhythmic breathing beside him. The scent of Su Yun's hair lingered in the air, a mixture of floral shampoo and something uniquely hers.
It had been one year.
One year since he had torn down Zhou Minghai's empire. One year since he had stood by Su Yun's side as they watched the world finally acknowledge the truth. One year since he had made the decision to stay.
At first, it had been strange.
He wasn't used to stillness. In his previous life, he had been a warrior, a cultivator, a conqueror. Every day had been a battle, every night a preparation for the next war. But here? In this world? There were no enemies left to fight.
Instead, there were quiet mornings. Soft laughter. The feeling of Su Yun curled up against his chest as she mumbled sleepily, refusing to wake up. The simplicity of cooking breakfast together, of going on walks, of holding hands without needing a reason.
It was… different.
But for the first time in centuries, different felt good.
A soft groan pulled him from his thoughts as Su Yun stirred beside him, her arms tightening around his waist. She buried her face against his chest, sighing contentedly. "Mmm… morning already?"
Lin Tian smirked, his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles along her bare shoulder. "That depends. Do you want to get up, or do you want to keep pretending it's still nighttime?"
Su Yun let out a sleepy giggle, her voice muffled against his skin. "Hmm… I think I like the second option better."
Lin Tian chuckled. "Of course you do."
They lay there in silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. It was something Lin Tian had learned over the past year—not every moment had to be filled with action. Sometimes, just existing together was enough.
And for the first time in his life, he was truly at peace.
Later that afternoon, Lin Tian and Su Yun strolled through the bustling city streets, their hands intertwined as they passed by lively cafés and street vendors. The air was filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and freshly baked bread, the distant sound of street musicians playing soft melodies in the background.
It had become a routine—something so normal, yet so precious.
They would go out, try new foods, explore the city, and simply exist together.
"Where do you want to eat today?" Lin Tian asked as they passed by a row of restaurants.
Su Yun tapped her chin thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hmm… how about that hotpot place we went to last month? You liked it, right?"
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. "I did. But if I remember correctly, you were the one who ate almost all the meat."
Su Yun gasped dramatically. "Are you accusing me of something, Lin Tian?"
Lin Tian smirked. "I'm stating a fact."
She huffed, crossing her arms. "Fine. If you're going to be mean, then you're paying for dinner."
Lin Tian chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. "I was going to pay anyway."
Su Yun pouted, then broke into a grin. "Good. Then let's go!"
They continued walking, the afternoon sun warming their skin, the simple joy of being together filling the spaces where words weren't needed.
It wasn't the life Lin Tian had ever imagined for himself.
But somehow—it had become the only life he wanted.
The city lights twinkled like distant constellations as Lin Tian and Su Yun sat atop the apartment building, watching the world move below them. The night was cool, the air crisp, but neither of them minded.
Su Yun leaned against Lin Tian's shoulder, her fingers laced with his. "You know… sometimes, I still can't believe this is real."
Lin Tian tilted his head slightly. "What do you mean?"
She sighed, looking up at the sky. "A year ago, I was just an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life, never knowing the truth about my past. And then you appeared. Everything changed."
Lin Tian was silent for a moment before speaking. "Do you regret it?"
Su Yun turned to look at him, her expression soft. "No. Never." She squeezed his hand. "If I had to go through everything again, knowing it would lead me here—to you—I wouldn't change a thing."
Lin Tian felt something tighten in his chest. It was rare for him to be caught off guard, but Su Yun had a way of breaking through his defenses in ways no one else could.
He looked at her, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You really mean that?"
She smiled. "I do."
For a long moment, they simply stared at each other, the rest of the world fading away.
Then, without a word, Lin Tian leaned in, pressing his lips against hers.
It was slow, unhurried—a silent confession in the form of a kiss. Su Yun melted against him, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she kissed him back, pouring everything she felt into that single moment.
When they finally pulled away, Su Yun rested her forehead against his. "I love you, Lin Tian."
Lin Tian's lips curled into a soft smile. "I love you too."
And for the first time in his existence—he truly meant it.
The seasons passed, but their love only grew stronger.
They cooked together, laughing when Lin Tian failed miserably at making dumplings.
They went on dates, Su Yun dragging Lin Tian to amusement parks, forcing him onto roller coasters that he pretended not to enjoy.
They slept together, wrapped in each other's warmth, whispering stories late into the night.
They lived.
For four years, Lin Tian experienced everything he had never allowed himself to have.
And for four years, he was happy.
But deep down—he knew it couldn't last forever.
Because the moment he arrived in this world, his fate had already been sealed.
Five years.
That was the limit.
And now—the final year had begun.
Lin Tian glanced at Su Yun as she laughed, her head resting against his shoulder.
He had spent centuries defying fate.
Now, he would have to do it one last time.
Because there was no way in hell he was leaving her.
Not now.
Not ever.
---