In the royal garden, the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers. Rare and exotic blossoms vied for attention, painting a scene of unparalleled beauty. A narrow path led straight to the pavilion nestled deep within. Inside the pavilion, Empress Zishuang had been waiting for quite some time. She was dressed in an exquisite purple gown, her phoenix crown glimmering atop her head. She looked as though she had descended from the heavens, her beauty both ethereal and imposing, exuding an air of majesty and nobility.

"Gu Sheng, you've arrived." Empress Zishuang spoke softly. Her voice was like a heavenly melody, soothing yet enchanting. A flicker of anticipation flashed in her eyes.

Gu Sheng gazed at the empress before him, a torrent of emotions swirling in his heart. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he smiled and said, "When Her Majesty summons me, how could I not come?"

Sitting across from each other, the table before them was filled with tea and pastries. As they shared their experiences from the past years, their laughter intertwined, transporting them back to the carefree days of their youth.

Empress Zishuang personally poured a cup of tea for Gu Sheng, her movements graceful and deliberate. "Gu Sheng," she said slowly, "do you know? Since you left, I've undergone countless trials. Now, as empress, the weight on my shoulders has only grown heavier."

Gu Sheng lifted the teacup and took a gentle sip, letting the rich aroma spread across his palate. With a sigh, he replied, "I can sense your struggles. Seeing you now, having stabilized the situation, truly reassures me. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Your words alone are enough." Gratitude glimmered in Empress Zishuang's eyes. "In truth, the reason I called you here today isn't just to reminisce. I also hope to train in the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra with you." Her luminous gaze locked onto Gu Sheng's, carrying hints of ambiguity and deep emotion, their meaning unfathomable yet undeniable.

Gu Sheng was momentarily stunned. Then, understanding dawned upon him, and he smiled knowingly, nodding. "Alright."

Sitting across from one another in the royal garden's pavilion, the blooming flora seemed to quiet for them, as though bearing witness to this once-in-a-lifetime moment. The tranquility was broken only by the occasional chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves under the caress of a gentle breeze.

Their eyes met and lingered, as if sharing countless unspoken words. Without another exchange of pleasantries, their hands came together, and the training in the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra began.

"Buzz—" As the Jade Maiden Heart Realm began to operate, the space around them seemed to distort. A mysterious force enveloped them, pulling them into a wondrous virtual world.

In this realm, they found themselves reliving their very first encounter. It was a bright and sunny afternoon. Back then, Empress Zishuang was still the proud and spirited little princess, and Gu Sheng was nothing more than a fledgling guard.

"Hmm? Who are you? What are you doing here?" The young princess scrutinized Gu Sheng with curiosity, her gaze a mix of caution and intrigue.

"I'm Gu Sheng, the new guard," Gu Sheng replied with a smile, his eyes reflecting admiration for the spirited young royal.

From that moment onward, their fates became inexorably intertwined. In this virtual reality, they relived their journey from strangers to companions, embarking on countless adventures through hardships and triumphs alike. Their shared smiles and exchanged glances spoke volumes of their growing devotion to one another.

Together, they explored uncharted territories and faced myriad challenges side by side. With each moment of laughter, each fierce battle fought shoulder-to-shoulder, their bond deepened further.

"Gu Sheng, do you know? I never imagined we'd come this far," Empress Zishuang said emotionally, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she gazed at him.

"Indeed," Gu Sheng replied, gripping her hands tightly. "It all feels like a dream. But I'm willing to continue dreaming, as long as it's with you."

In this virtual realm, the two held hands tightly, as though the entire world had melted away, leaving only the two of them. When their gazes met, it was electric, sending a current through their veins and making their hearts race with an unspoken exhilaration.

Empress Zishuang leaned gently on Gu Sheng's shoulder, her voice soft as a feather. "Gu Sheng, thank you for always being by my side, for giving me the strength and courage to face everything."

Gu Sheng enveloped Empress Zishuang in his arms, staring deeply into her eyes. "It was destiny," he said fervently.

When they emerged from the virtual realm, the world outside had already grown dim. They exchanged warm smiles, as though that single moment of connection said more than a thousand words could. They both understood how precious it was, amidst an age of chaos and strife, to find solace and warmth in one another.

Empress Zishuang raised her hand, her delicate fingers brushing against Gu Sheng's face. "Gu Sheng, you've lost weight."

"So have you. You must've endured much hardship over the years," Gu Sheng replied, taking her hand in his, his gaze filled with tenderness.

And so, the two sat quietly, savoring this rare moment of peace. As night deepened, their hearts seemed to draw even closer, as though the rest of the world had faded away. The turmoil and conflict of the outside world felt distant and irrelevant in their sacred shared bubble.

"Gu Sheng, do you still remember the legend of the *bì rén*?" Empress Zishuang suddenly asked.

"Of course," Gu Sheng replied with a smile. "It's a tale of two lovers who, after enduring countless trials, ultimately become the legendary *bì rén*."

"Do you think we could ever become such *bì rén*?" Empress Zishuang looked at him, hope gleaming in her eyes.

"We will," Gu Sheng said with steadfast resolve. "No matter what lies ahead, I will always stand by your side, until we become true *bì rén*."

Under the night sky, their silhouettes merged into one, as though their souls were entwined eternally.

"Gu Sheng, do you still remember the scene of our first meeting?" Empress Zishuang asked, nostalgia lighting up her gaze.

"Of course," Gu Sheng replied with a smile. "Back then, you were still the proud little princess."

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