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The next morning, I went to the living room as usual, but found that Lingsha, who would normally be busy or waiting for me there, was nowhere to be seen.
Slightly puzzled, I was about to ask the housekeeping AI when I heard light footsteps coming from the direction of the bedroom.
Following the sound, I saw Lingsha's familiar yet slightly different figure slowly come into view.
Today, Lingsha departed from her usual elaborate and ornate attire, donning instead a simple, elegant robe. The robe's color was a pale cyan, unique to Xianzhou, and its simple yet sophisticated style further accentuated her refined and ethereal气质 (qi zhi - inherent quality/temperament).
She held the newborn dragon egg carefully in her arms; its translucent shell shimmered softly in the morning light.
Lingsha walked slowly towards me, her once bright face now carrying a hint of sadness and reluctance.
She didn't offer her usual gentle smile or nestle in my arms; instead, she kept her head down, afraid to look me in the eye, as if fearful or worried that I might blame her for her decision.
Clutching the dragon egg tightly in her arms, as if it were a precious treasure, she spoke to me in a soft, slightly apologetic voice: "Lord Trailblazer... the egg... it possesses the power of propagation... it... it's vital to the Vidyadhara... I... I must... take it back to the clan... to be properly placed..." Lingsha's voice was gentle and slow, each word seemingly carefully considered, yet carrying an undeniable sense of reluctance and apology.
She paused, then mustered her courage again, raised her head, and looked at me with those misty eyes. Her voice was even softer and more apologetic as she said, "In the days to come... I... I'm afraid... I won't be able to stay by your side... Please... Lord Trailblazer... forgive me..." Lingsha's voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible, like the buzzing of a mosquito, filled with unease—fearing my blame or that I would be saddened by it.
Seeing Lingsha so cautious and submissive, my initial reluctance was instantly replaced by heartache and understanding.
How could I possibly blame her?
How could I bear to blame her?
I know how important reproduction is to the Vidyadhara race, and this newborn dragon egg carries the future and hope of the entire race.
Lingsha bore such a heavy responsibility and mission that she had to return to her tribe. This was not her personal wish, but a matter of racial duty.
I understand her choice and respect her decision. How could I bear to blame her?
I sighed softly, walked to Lingsha, and gazed into her worried face with incredibly tender eyes. Then I reached out, gently stroking her smooth hair, and said in a low, gentle voice, "Silly girl, why say 'forgive me'? How could I blame you? I know everything you're doing is for the Vidyadhara, for your future. I understand you, and I support you." My tone was gentle yet firm, full of understanding and support, hoping to put her at ease.
Feeling my gentleness and understanding, Lingsha's tense body relaxed slightly, and the worry in her eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a hint of gratitude and emotion.
She looked up, gazed deeply at me with her misty eyes, then slowly reached out and hugged me tightly.
I gently embraced her, holding her petite body tightly in my arms, feeling the lingering warmth of her skin and her faint fragrance.
In our embrace, I whispered in her ear, "Lingsha, after you return to the clan, you must take care of your health and look after yourself, okay? I'll miss you, and remember... remember to think of me." My voice was low and gentle, filled with reluctance and longing, as well as hope for the future.
Lingsha gently rested her head on my chest, feeling my warm embrace and strong heartbeat. She nodded softly and replied in a slightly choked voice, "Mm... I will... Lord Trailblazer... I will... miss you too..." Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible, but the deep affection in her words was enough to move me.
Finally, after a reluctant farewell, Lingsha left.
She was taken away by her clansmen, aboard a beautifully decorated Xianzhou ship that slowly rose into the sky, leaving the villa and my side.
I stood on the villa's balcony, watching the spaceship carrying the spirit sand and the dragon egg gradually disappear into the horizon, my heart filled with both reluctance and anticipation.
As I stood alone on the balcony, watching the immortal ship carrying the spirit sand sail away, my heart filled with reluctance and a sense of loss, a familiar voice suddenly sounded from behind me—a voice tinged with both playfulness and concern.
"Knock knock—" Two light taps landed on the back of my head, not hard, but enough to wake me from my reverie.