[Grand Narukami Shrine – Guest Chamber]
"I thought you had forgotten," Ningguang said softly, sitting on the windowsill. "I was telling myself that if you were too busy, we could just wait until next year."
She was barefoot.
She wore a dress of sheer, midnight-blue silk that hugged her curves and flowed like water. In the dim light of the single oil lamp, the Tianquan of Liyue looked less like a ruler and more like a celestial maiden descended to earth.
The atmosphere was thick with unspoken affection.
Su Han walked forward and retrieved a small box.
"I would never forget."
He opened it to reveal a hairpin. It was crafted in the shape of a Glaze Lily, made from a translucent, ice-blue crystal that seemed to glow with its own inner light. Compared to her usual gold ornaments, this one was cooler, more refined—a perfect match for her current attire.
"It's beautiful," Ningguang gasped, touching the cool gem. "When did you prepare this? The craftsmanship... it doesn't look like something mortal hands could make."
"It isn't," Su Han smiled. "I asked Cloud Retainer to forge it. It automatically regulates temperature. Even in the heat of summer, you'll feel cool and refreshed wearing it. It also gathers elemental energy to aid your cultivation."
"You..." Ningguang shot him a look that was half-exasperated, half-delighted. "Bothering an Adeptus for a piece of jewelry? You spoil me too much."
"Nonsense. I just revived Bosacius. Asking Rex Lapis for a favor is only fair," Su Han chuckled. "Besides, Cloud Retainer was happy to do it. She told me not to forget her own disciple, of course."
He stood behind her. "Here, let me put it on for you."
"Mmn."
Ningguang sat before the vanity mirror, her posture as regal as an empress.
As Su Han gently pinned her hair, he spoke softly. "The Adepti have changed, you know. They used to watch Liyue from the clouds, distant and cold. But now... they realize that immortals are people too. They want to be part of this world."
"And that is all thanks to you," Ningguang said, looking at his reflection. "Without you, I would still be having headaches over how to balance the Qixing and the Adepti."
The Glaze Lily hairpin settled into place, completing her look.
"Perfect," Su Han murmured.
"Indeed. Your taste is impeccable." Ningguang stood up, taking his hand. "Come. The moon is high. It is time for me to fulfill my promise."
[The Sacred Sakura Tree]
They walked hand in hand to the rear of the shrine. The massive Sacred Sakura glowed with pink bioluminescence, casting a dreamlike haze over the courtyard.
Ningguang released his hand and walked into the center of the falling petals.
One step. Two steps. Three.
She turned back, a smile playing on her lips that could launch a thousand ships.
"This is Liyue's Dance of the Neon Skirt. Watch closely."
She began to move.
It wasn't a fast dance. It was fluid, like water, like silk in the wind. Her blue dress swirled around her, contrasting beautifully with the pink cherry blossoms.
The women of Liyue were like water—gentle on the surface, but possessing deep, powerful currents underneath.
The first half of the dance was tender, a story of longing and affection. The second half was wilder, a display of hidden passion and fire.
Ningguang became a butterfly, fluttering through the storm of petals.
Compared to Ayaka's elegant "Heron Dance," this was more mature, more intoxicating. It was a dance meant for only one set of eyes.
As the final movement ended, Ningguang stopped right in front of Su Han, her chest heaving slightly, her eyes locking onto his.
Su Han didn't hesitate. He pulled her into his arms.
"That was... breathtaking."
"I've been practicing secretly since I was thirteen," Ningguang whispered against his chest. "I almost forgot the steps. I had to practice frantically last week so I wouldn't embarrass myself."
Su Han laughed. "Even if you tripped, you would still be the most beautiful woman in the world to me."
He kissed her forehead. "Since you gave me such a precious gift... I have something for you too."
"Another gift?" Ningguang blinked, touching the hairpin. "But this is already enough."
"Trust me. You'll want to see this."
Su Han took her hand. They activated their flight abilities and soared into the night sky, heading toward the Araumi region.
[The Sky Above Araumi]
When they arrived, Ningguang's eyes went wide.
Floating silently in the night sky was a massive structure.
It was a palace. A floating palace.
"Is that..." Ningguang stuttered. "My Jade Chamber?"
"Similar," Su Han nodded. "But bigger."
It was easily 5,000 square meters—twice the size of the current Jade Chamber in Liyue. It was a fortress in the sky, built with rare woods and glowing float-stones.
"How... how did you do this?" Ningguang landed on the deck, her accountant brain instantly calculating the cost. "The Plaustrite needed to float something this heavy... it's incredibly rare! Even I have trouble sourcing it!"
"Cloud Retainer gave me the core stone for free," Su Han shrugged. "The wood came from Seirai Island—it's been abandoned for centuries, so it was free real estate. Kazuha helped me gather it. Total cost? Maybe 10 million Mora for labor."
"10 million..." Ningguang felt dizzy. "You built a sky fortress for the price of a luxury yacht?"
"I'm a businessman too," Su Han grinned. "I never make a losing trade."
He swept his hand across the deck.
"This isn't just a house, Ningguang. I plan to build a Sky City."
"A Sky City?"
"Ground cities are vulnerable to monsters and floods. But a city in the clouds? It's the ultimate safe haven. We'll position it between Liyue and Watatsumi Island. Only the elite—the rich and powerful—will be allowed to live here. It will be the new center of the world."
Ningguang looked at the empty halls, imagining the future. A city floating above the clouds, governing the seven nations.
It was ambitious. It was arrogant.
It was exactly her style.
"You really know how to woo a woman," Ningguang laughed, leaning into him. "Fine. You win. Take me for a tour of our new city."
"With pleasure, My Lady."
They walked through the gardens of the unfinished palace.
That night, Su Han did not push things further. He knew Ningguang. She was a woman of tradition and pride. He had won her heart, but to claim her fully, he needed to give her a wedding that would shake the world.
He respected her too much to do anything less.
They spent the night watching the stars from the highest balcony of the Sky City.
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