Xufeng can't help the small half-grin that graces his lips at the sound of Runyu's voice. His back is to him right now, one arm bent along his back and his posture straight and almost stiff. The stiffness, however, he's used to and that can be ascertained by anyone with a discerning eye. He's sure Runyu would have caught on too, but he seems to be at ease right now. More at ease than back in the Heavenly Realm. After all, all immortals back there have to be on edge and alert due to how gossip can spread and how the powers of politics can shift from one place to another. It's often quite exasperating to deal with, which is why he finds his own duties with warfare far easier to deal with.

He does not envy his father, nor his mother on this. Always having to keep on guard, always having to secondguess the relationships that they make or the relationships that they lose.

But right now that doesn't matter. Right now Xufeng almost can't resist the urge to surprise Runyu this way- especially when he knows that his presence probably isn't expected. It's a shame Jinmi isn't around either, then the three of them could explore together without the eyes of the Heavenly Realm on them.

. . . especially his own mother. As much as he loves her, he knows what she wants of him and it isn't something he can accede to or want or conform to. So being here is just as much of an escape as it is a way to follow after his elder brother.

So now, since several seconds have passed, he turns around with a welcoming smile on his face and an arched brow.

"I was wondering how long it'd take you to find me."

The water gently rushes along the sand and over his bare feet. The touch of it is almost as gentle as a lover and just as wanting as it recedes back as if urging him to follow after. But he doesn't because here in front of him is Runyu and right now all he wants is to spend time with his brother as much as he can.