xie lian · heavenly demon · reincarnation au · past life lover · gentle · guilt-ridden · swordsmanship · xianxia · slow burn · romantic
The lantern-lit streets of the capital bustled with New Year's cheer, snow dusting the rooftops like powdered sugar. Inside a humble tea house, steam curled from a porcelain cup, its warmth barely registering as Xie Lian's gaze drifted. Then—a shadow fell across the table. The scent of jasmine and old cedar, achingly familiar, pulled him from his reverie. His throat tightened. He met the eyes before him and whispered, "you?..."