Soft, lingering kisses fell upon her lips.
Ning Li felt as if she had split into two people.
One part of her was not accustomed to such intimacy, while the other greedily longed for this unique warmth.
Even if she were a cold, hard block of ice, she would surely melt bit by bit in such surging heat.
When they returned to the Tribunal half an hour later, the Presiding Judge’s expression was flawlessly composed, as if he held no interest in where Yin Que had just gone.
His gaze swept over Ning Li without a ripple and then he began to discuss the matter of Qi Sigui with Yin Que.
The relationship between Qi Sigui and Yin Que was far too complicated.
Entangled among them was also the Mother of Yin Que.
But in the world of Xiangsao, it was a shared understanding not to involve the womenfolk.
While they discussed matters, Ning Li sat quietly at the side, mind drifting, only catching a word or two here and there.
After a while, she still found herself uninterested.
She thought to get up and walk around, but Yin Que caught her wrist.
He continued facing the Presiding Judge, engaged in conversation, never turning his head.
It seemed a casual gesture, but his hand gripped Ning Li’s wrist with precision and did not let go.
The Presiding Judge laughed heartily, “Young people, ah…”
Ning Li had nowhere urgent to be, so she simply sat back down.
Yin Que released her hand in turn.
This little incident soon passed.
If it had been the past, Ning Li would surely have reacted violently to someone influencing her every move, but this time, the one affecting her was Yin Que.
For some reason, simply being near him always brought her a sense of calm, a tranquility as if time itself slowed and peace prevailed.
It was a serenity that came from deep within.
And for her, it was a rare thing.
The issue with Qi Sigui was not something easily resolved, so Ning Li and Yin Que remained on Sky Island.
That evening, Ning Li stood on the balcony of their temporary residence, both hands resting on the railing, and asked Yin Que, who was beside her, “When are we going to District 191?”
Yin Que placed his hand gently on her head and gave a soft rub.
“Ning Li, I’ve decided to enter the Election for the next Commander.”
Ning Li looked at him in surprise.
Just a few days ago, he’d had no such intention.
What had caused him to change his mind?
“Oh, alright.”
“From now on, I’ll probably be busy with the Election. If you’d like, you can stay with me. I hope you’ll be with me.”
She gave an unrelated answer, “The Academy is about to start.”
Yin Que patiently asked, “Do you want to go back to District 191?”
Ning Li did not have deep feelings for District 191.
She had even imagined a life away from it; there was no real reason for her to return.
As her memories gradually returned, even Yuanzi’s importance in her heart faded bit by bit.
That had been a friend of the former Ning Li.
Unfortunately, Ning Li two hundred years later had no friends at all.
“No, I won’t go back.”
She heard her own cold voice ring out.
Yin Que cupped her face in his hands.
“Then enroll in the First Guide Academy.”
First Guide Academy?
The one that had once aided them?
The one where Qi Sigui’s little brother studied?
Ning Li replied indifferently, “Alright.”
As soon as Qi Sigui’s spiritual form defect was announced, along with the news that he would no longer serve as Commander, it caused a huge uproar.
For now, the position of acting Commander was filled by the head of the Sky Island Corps.
When Yin Que appeared in front of the public again, a second uproar ensued.
There were a total of four candidates running in the Election for the 1337th Commander.
The entire internet was flooded with discussions about Yin Que.
When Yin Que campaigned and solicited votes for himself, Ning Li would lean against a temporary column nearby, watching him from a distance.
She didn’t know that because she appeared so often, she too became the topic of endless speculation.
On stage, Yin Que was someone she had never seen before.
He wore a crisp, perfectly tailored black suit and had his hair styled.
He shone with dazzling brilliance.
He spoke eloquently and radiated confidence, yet never mentioned his return from the dead.
Even so, from the moment he appeared, there was no suspense left in the voting.
Was there anything more beautiful in this world than a beloved one returning from the dead?
For the people of Xiangsao, there was nothing better.
Yin Que’s resurrection was so wondrous it felt like a dream.
The citizens of Xiangsao cheered, voting for him wildly, just like before.