When Xia Yan opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by an endless silver plain, with reeds resembling snow stretching as far as the eye could see.

He was standing under a towering tree, its branches extending into the pristine white clouds, making it impossible to determine its true height.

Just as Xia Yan was wondering how he ended up here, a faint but familiar voice came from behind him:

"Xia Yan, long time no see..."

Hearing the voice, Xia Yan's expression froze for a moment, and then he turned around in disbelief to see the owner of the ethereal voice. His eyes were filled with an expression of incredulity.

He had fantasized countless times about the scene where he would see her again. But he had never imagined that they would reunite in this way.

——————————————————————

Xia Yan approached her, reaching out to touch her cheek, his eyes brimming with tender affection for her.

Then he called out the girl's name: "Manling, long time no see, how have you been?"

A green vine snaked its way out and climbed up his arm. In the next second, Manling threw herself into his arms, tightly embracing the man in front of her.

"I've been fine, just... missing you a little."

This time, it was her who voluntarily expressed her feelings, making Xia Yan's heart flutter with delight.

He also reached out and held her gently, while the vines continued to extend and eventually bind the two together. At the same time, beautiful blue flowers, unknown to him, bloomed on the vines, spreading a fragrant scent that intoxicated them both.

After a while, the vines gradually retracted, returning to Manling's side.

Xia Yan picked a blue flower from one of the vines and gently placed it in her soft, shiny hair, making her look exceptionally beautiful.

Then he took her delicate hand and asked curiously, "By the way, is this your spiritual domain, Manling?"

She nodded gently and replied, "Yes."

"I see, I thought this was the real world. I really wish I could have seen you earlier in the real world..."

"Don't worry, that day will come soon enough!"

Xia Yan lowered his head with a smile, looking forward to that day as well.

Suddenly, he remembered something and immediately asked her, "By the way, didn't you say you would be in a deep sleep for a while? How did you summon me here to see you again?"

"It's probably because you contracted with the Holy Sword... The Holy Sword was originally one of my branches, in a sense, it is like my incarnation. So when the power of the Holy Sword flowed into your body, I also gained a part of its power, allowing me to awaken again. That's why I took this opportunity to bring you into my spiritual domain."

After her explanation, Xia Yan finally understood that the main reason he was able to reunite with Manling was because of his previous contract with the Spirit Branch.

"I see. How long can this place be maintained? Can I come here often to see you in the future?"

Xia Yan asked the question he most wanted to know at the moment.

However, Manling's answer slightly disappointed him.

"This time, it cannot be maintained for long. Probably after you wake up and leave this world, I will fall back into a deep sleep... I still lack power. But it's okay, at least we have plenty of time to be together now."

"Alright... Although it's a bit of a pity, I already know the whereabouts of the Water of Life and the Soil of Death. I believe soon your seed will sprout again! When we meet in the real world, I will introduce you to everyone around me and tell them that the World Tree is my wife, Xia Yan!"

Manling blushed faintly at Xia Yan's words, then she playfully pinched his waist without too much force."Oh my goodness, Manling, why did you pinch me? It hurts!"

"...Why did you have to say such embarrassing things? I feel embarrassed for you... Even if I am your wife, do you really need to go around showing off to everyone?"

Manling pouted and complained to herself.

This was the first time he had seen Manling angry.

But even when she was angry, she was still so cute!!

——

"Of course I have to show off! After all, you are the legendary World Tree, and I, am the man of the World Tree!"

Xia Yan clenched his four fingers and proudly pointed to himself with his thumb raised.

He couldn't wait to let the whole world know that the essence of the World Tree was such a lovely girl, and she had become his wife!

What an accomplishment it would be!

————————————————

"You, always running your mouth! By the way, during the time I was asleep, did you increase the number of your harem again?"

When asked this question, Xia Yan was stunned for a moment, then showed a very embarrassed expression and truthfully answered her question, "Indeed, I did increase it, but only by one. It's Xiao Hei Yin... but I ended up with her accidentally, but I have to take responsibility for her now! So, I'm really sorry, Manling! Did I disappoint you?"

He felt guilty at this moment, afraid that Manling would be disappointed with what he had done.

After all, who made him increase the number of his harem again?

But unexpectedly, Manling didn't blame him. Instead, she comforted him.

"I don't blame you, Xia Yan. Rather, I'm actually happy to see your harem growing. After all, I can't give birth to children for you, so the responsibility of offspring lies with my sisters. Besides, the more powerful the male, the more attractive they are to the opposite sex. I understand this logic. Since you have the ability to be my man, your charm naturally won't be lacking... But, it shouldn't be too many! In general, I won't mind."

...

At this moment, Xia Yan felt a deep sense of guilt. Manling was really too forgiving of him!

If it were his other wives who knew he wanted to increase the harem, they would probably have already been jealous or even started sharpening their knives...

But Manling was different. She was willing to give unconditionally and tolerate whatever he did. Where else could he find such an amazing wife?

Xia Yan then grabbed Manling's hands and looked into her eyes. He sincerely said, "Don't worry, Manling. I promise you that I will do my best not to increase the harem anymore in the future! I only love a few of you, and my heart can only contain you all!"

At this moment, a faint smile appeared on the corner of Manling's lips. Her smile was like a warm spring breeze, melting the winter ice and blowing into his heart.

"Fool..."

In the next second, he felt a soft and unimaginable sensation on his lips. Manling, in front of him, stood on her tiptoes and awkwardly gave him a shy kiss.

And this completely ignited the impulse in Xia Yan's heart. He reached out and wrapped his hands around her slender waist, holding her tightly as if wanting to kiss her forever!

But in the end, reason overcame desire. It was not the right time yet. He could wait until Manling returned to the real world before doing these things.

Right now, he just wanted to spend more time with her, to tell her more about himself, and to express his emotions to her. He wanted to ensure that even after they were separated, she wouldn't feel lonely.

Next, Xia Yan held Manling's small hand and led her to sit on a branch extended from the World Tree, allowing her to lean on his chest. They both gazed at the silver plain, enjoying the beautiful view of the setting sun and listening to the sound of the breeze rustling through the leaves.

He wished time would stop at this moment, allowing this beautiful moment to last forever.May the world turn into an endless sea, may you and I return to our first encounter.