"Sure, entering the Heavenly River makes it difficult to see even at close range. In terms of space, actually, each wave is separated by an endless distance, each containing its own universe, unseen by others. That's why I descended here on purpose, because it's safe here."

This means, it seems, truly connected with the Cosmic Galaxy. Zhao Changhe found it interesting, gazing at the sky in thought.

As night deepened, the mist in the river grew denser, fading into obscurity. Silence surrounded them, with no sound of water or buzzing insects, quiet as if haunting the abyss.

Only two wounded souls leaned on each other, floating above the Heavenly River, gazing at the stars higher above.

Souls don't breathe, don't have heartbeats; even leaning together was actually a deliberate action to solidify their soul bodies, barely providing each other with a sense of mutual support. Amidst the serene cold solitude, there was hardly any human warmth, otherwise, they would be drifting ghosts and ghouls in the Heavenly River.

But Piaomiao seemed quite accustomed to the vast, lonely feeling, having begun meditative self-healing, misty clouds swirling around her, appearing ethereal like a fairy.

Zhao Changhe, however, was very unaccustomed to this quiet atmosphere, his mind restless for a long time, couldn't help but prop himself up slightly to observe Piaomiao's figure lying on the water's waves.

It was truly too beautiful.

Can't blame her for thinking his words were unreliable... The previous talk of affection and pursuit were dubious even to himself, until this moment he truly felt that thumping sensation of attraction, whether visually or in the feeling of interaction after returning to normal demeanor.

Boldly assertive externally, tenderly protective internally.

Seemingly, the landscape of mountains and rivers should be like this; when embodied in a person, this feeling uniquely resonated with him.

The prior antics under demonization now recalled seemed like flirtatious banter, a smile unconsciously appearing at the thought.

Piaomiao suddenly spoke with closed eyes: "What are you doing..."

Zhao Changhe coughed dryly: "Nothing... my mind is restless, just looking at you... probably acting as a protector. Haven't you entered meditation?"

"No one can meditate with someone staring like this." Piaomiao opened her eyes: "Zhao Changhe, you're disturbing my calm mind." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

The words sounded like complaints, but her eyes were gentle, showing no hint of reproach, instead slightly flickering, indistinct.

Could it be her heart wasn't at peace either just now?

"I... we..." Zhao Changhe paused, thickening his skin, whispered: "We don't have medicines here, self-healing is ineffective... Why not... try dual cultivation?"

Piaomiao's eyes finally showed a hint of irritation.

"No, that's not it..." Zhao Changhe forced: "We're not in physical forms, so dual cultivation is not that, it's soul merging... If you feel merging in human form, embracing is awkward, we could disperse into mist..."

"Self-deceiving." Piaomiao turned her head: "You clearly have lustful intentions; I suspect even your body in the temple is reacting now."

Zhao Changhe accepted silently, you really see people clearly.

Unexpectedly, she was such a gentle girl... So dramatically different when facing the Sea Emperor and others, an extreme contrast.

He accepted wordlessly, Piaomiao also turned her head without speaking; the supposed dispersing into mist wasn't implemented, the atmosphere returned to silence.

Zhao Changhe couldn't help but slowly lower his head, lips drawing nearer.

Piaomiao pursed her lips, her eyelids slightly moved, ultimately closing her eyes.

Soul bodies touched, lips united in a kiss.

"You may have lustful intentions." Piaomiao murmured softly: "But I think I like you... I was harmed by you guys..."

Zhao Changhe didn't respond, only hugged her tightly, kissing her with abandon.

Piaomiao slightly tilted her neck, whispered: "It's just soul dual cultivation, don't do messes..."

Normal soul bodies can't do such things; fusion can only emulate appearance, it's impossible to form a flesh-like human structure, neither has anyone willfully tried to make a soul body's 'second self' harden, how silly that would be. Piaomiao was truly afraid this lunatic would do so, reminding deliberately.

In reality, Zhao Changhe wasn't that nonsensical, only instinctively undoing the clothing strap Piaomiao had conjured.

Piaomiao weakly pushed, ultimately sighed and didn't directly cancel the conjured clothing, allowing him to complete this process of undressing.

After all... it's not like they haven't seen each other, even watched bound by chains...

Ultimately, they faced each other earnestly, embraced and kissed, doing nothing yet equally captivated by confusion and desire.

Unconsciously rolling within the river's water, surrounded by cloud and mist, as if in the curtains of a bridal chamber.

Zhao Changhe felt this scene was somewhat familiar... Indeed, a few days ago seemed to have dreamed like this, entwined with Piaomiao in an unclear place, feeling like nothing truly occurred, hazy and indistinct; perhaps this was it...

So it wasn't a dream, it was foresight of future fragments?

The river of time, glimpsing the past, viewing the future as well; that marks the true beginning of entering the realms.

But why perceive trivial matters instead of important ones... What was the catalyst... Pinpointing this critical element might allow future foresight consistently.

Thinking this, Zhao Changhe suddenly wanted to slap himself.

While others meditate, one's mind is restless. Now entwined together, yet pondering cultivation.

Nutcase.

Stop thinking, focus on dual cultivation healing.

...

The next morning, Zhao Changhe woke up slightly earlier than Piaomiao.

Post dual cultivation naturally led to a meditative state; theoretically, Piaomiao's cultivation was higher, waking faster, yet surprisingly, Zhao Changhe woke quicker.

Roughly sensing, finding it seemingly connected with the Heavenly River aura.

Zhao Changhe's cultivation instinct, especially his sword intent, largely aligned with the grandeur of Galaxy Falling Nine Heavens; the river referred to being this one here, its intent compatible, theoretically, making this his domain? It felt like cultivation here could further strengthen his sword intent, and compensate for his Divine Soul's shortcomings.