Dance Of The Dragons
Chapter 324 : The Final Battle (2)

Chapter 324: Chapter 324 : The Final Battle (2)

"My Jianbao."

In a surge of overwhelming emotion, Zhang Fengxi swept Xie Jianyu into his arms, his wife’s slender frame enveloped by his broad embrace. He nuzzled his face into the crook of Xie Jianyu’s neck, seeking solace in the familiar warmth of his skin and the comforting scent that emanated from his body.

With a tender caress, Xie Jianyu entwined his fingers in the silken strands of Zhang Fengxi’s hair, his touch as gentle as a whisper. Their foreheads met in a gentle collision, a silent exchange of affection and understanding.

The tender movement spoke volumes, conveying a depth of love and understanding that transcended words.

"Are you leaving soon?" Xie Jianyu asked in a low whisper.

"Yes, baby. Don’t be too lonely without me by your side," Zhang Fengxi teased as he pressed a sweet kiss on Xie Jianyu’s lips.

A radiant smile blossomed across Xie Jianyu’s countenance, like a flower unfurling its delicate petals to the sun’s embrace.

"Will you be back before the babies are born?"

Having been accustomed to an alpha’s life for almost his entire life, Xie Jianyu rarely allowed himself to indulge in vulnerability. His actions were constantly dictated by the expectations of his role. Yet, the question he posed just now, tinged with a hint of insecurity, struck a chord deep within Zhang Fengxi’s heart.

"Of course, I will," Zhang Fengxi said with unwavering confidence. "You and I are going to welcome our sweet babies together. And then, we will live happily ever after. Together forever."

An inexplicable wave of emotion washed over Xie Jianyu, his eyes inexplicably welling up with tears that traced silent paths down his cheeks.

Zhang Fengxi was a little stunned to see the two crystal-clear rivulets of water running down Xie Jianyu’s cheeks. The tears seemed to carry a weight of their own, hinting at a profound sadness that lurked beneath the surface.

Amidst his unexpected tears, a radiant smile bloomed across Xie Jianyu’s face, like a delicate flower emerging from the depths of a storm. His eyes sparkled with renewed determination and unwavering resolve. With a fervent nod, he affirmed his commitment, his voice echoing with a quiet strength that belied the lingering traces of emotion on his cheeks.

"En."

Xie Jianyu gingerly unfastened the prayer bracelet that had adorned his wrist for countless seasons.

He then clasped the string of beads around Zhang Fengxi’s wrist.

"For good luck," he said.

Zhang Fengxi gazed at the bead bracelet around his wrist.

"But Baby, isn’t this...?"

"It was my mother’s," Xie Jianyu explained. "It shall protect you from harm, and bring you back to me safe and sound."

Zhang Fengxi pinched Xie Jianyu’s cheek playfully.

"Such a precious item, how can I drag it with me to the battleground? Baby, you should keep it with you. As long as you and our babies are safe, I do not need any good luck charm."

"You said that you are going to be back before I give birth," Xie Jianyu reminded his husband. "Come back in time to return it to me, and hold my hand as I give birth."

The corners of Zhang Fengxi’s lips curled up into a smile.

"Alright, I will."

With an urgency fueled by love and anticipation, Zhang Fengxi reached out and clasped the back of Xie Jianyu’s neck, pulling him into a kiss that was both tender and passionate. The kiss was a silent symphony of emotions, a language shared only between them.

With a reverence that mirrored his loving kiss, Zhang Fengxi lowered himself to his knees, his gaze drawn to the gentle swell of his wife’s pregnant belly. His hands reached out, gently cradling the miraculous life that was growing within his wife’s belly.

"I cannot wait to meet the both of you," he whispered to his unborn children.

"Be good when I am not home, do not cause unnecessary problems for your mother. I love you both."

When the soon-to-be father rose to his feet, his gaze was fixed on his radiant wife. He leaned in, allowing their lips to meet in a lingering, parting kiss.

Zhang Fengxi gently caressed Xie Jianyu’s face and cupped the latter’s face in his hands.

"I love you, Jianbao," he murmured in a low voice brimming with warmth and affection for his wife.

"Please wait patiently until I return."

Xie Jianyu smiled softly, his voice barely a whisper.

"En," he replied, his heart echoing the sentiment, "I will wait for you. I love you too, Fengxi."

A lot of farewell words were exchanged that day.

The troops and their leaders were convinced of their victory, but those left behind were gripped by a gnawing anxiety, their hearts heavy with the weight of uncertainty.

Jiang Muchen, usually a picture of composure, found himself momentarily paralyzed when his mother enveloped him in a warm embrace, a gesture that seemed to amplify the fear that had settled in the pit of his stomach.

Xie Jianshen’s hugs, typically reserved for his beloved Xie Jianyu, were now freely given to Jiang Muchen, offering a comforting solace that the young man desperately needed.

It also caused Jiang Muchen to cry like a little boy in Xie Jianyu’s arms. He made his Little Uncle promise to take good care of himself and also to go ghost-hunting with him once this last battle concluded.

Wu Shenxia and the Monkey King solemnly offered a graceful bow before the Crown Prince.

"We shall return as soon as possible, Your Majesty," Wu Shenxia said. "Please do take care of yourself."

"Thank you," came Xie Jianyu’s answer.

The Monkey King had not seen Xie Jianyu for a while. In awe of the latter’s very pregnant form, he was at a loss of words. In the end, he merely cleared his throat and pressed a kiss on Xie Jianyu’s hand.

As the last of the troops marched away, the once bustling courtyard of Fuxi Palace fell into an eerie silence, its vast expanse echoing the emptiness of their hearts. The Xie siblings, their hands intertwined, stood at the palace gates, their gazes fixed on the horizon where streaks of ominous black clouds were rapidly gathering.

"It smells like a storm," Xie Jianyu remarked, the gathering darkness reflected in his eyes. The scent of impending rain hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the warmth that had just vacated the courtyard.