Chapter 54

Outside the cave, the sound of rain began to fade, yet the night remained profoundly dark. Shen Niantang stared at the man before her with a cold, indifferent expression. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the weeds, illuminating his sharp, angular features. He slowly sat up, resting his back against the stone wall. His gaze swept vigilantly toward the cave entrance, and only after confirming his pursuers had moved on did he turn his attention back to her. Within the cave, the dim moonlight traced the delicate lines of Shen Niantang’s profile. She leaned against the rock face, her hair cascading down like a waterfall, with a few stray strands falling against her cheeks. Her eyelashes were lowered, her nose bridge high and elegant, and her lips, as soft as cherry blossoms, still held a faint luster in the gloom.