The newcomers were none other than Yu Xian and Wu Nan.

Huo Junxiao, in his youth, had been reckless, saying and doing whatever came to mind, exuding the aura of a troublemaker who feared nothing. Yet after he matured, he became decisive in his actions, always resolute and rarely leaving things half-done.

In his long life, there was only one person—his one and only—who could make him so cautious and deliberate.

Even now, with a kiss, he didn’t dare to seize what he longed for straight-out. Instead, he hesitated, brushing his lips tentatively, like a dragonfly skimming the water’s surface. It was as if he feared he was caught in a fragile, fleeting dream, one that might shatter if he pressed too firmly and awaken him to harsh reality.

But after testing the waters and finding Bai Ke did not shy away, Junxiao could no longer restrain himself.

The man he had held in his heart for thousands of years—the one he yearned for day and night yet was separated from by the taboo of their master-disciple bond—had unexpectedly accepted his kiss, crossing the line that defined their relationship. No other event in the world could drive Junxiao more crazy with joy.

Perhaps it was the release of pent-up longing accumulated over millennia, or the residual malevolence in his body still influencing his emotions, or maybe even the heart-wrenching scenes from the nightmare that had amplified his desires. Whatever the reason, Junxiao’s tentative kisses grew bolder, more fervent, like a conquering force advancing deep into enemy territory. A faint hint of feral hunger began to emerge.

Before long, he had unconsciously pinned Bai Ke’s wrists and pressed him against the wall of the bed, his kisses growing deeper and more demanding. Bai Ke’s breathing turned heavier under the attack.

In his five millennia of yearning, Junxiao had envisioned countless outcomes for this situation. He imagined either suppressing his feelings until the bitter end or finally confessing them, tearing away the veil between them. For Bai Ke’s response, he had only considered two possibilities: either rejection and banishment as a disciple who had crossed the line, or cold tolerance until his passion withered away, unspoken.

When Bai Ke initially responded with neutrality, Junxiao thought the second outcome was most likely. But tonight overturned all his assumptions, driving events toward an unimaginable third possibility—a reality he had never dared to dream of.

In disbelief, Junxiao grew desperate to confirm this was real, that Bai Ke had truly accepted him. His kisses became frantic and intense, a mixture of elation and urgency, as if proving to himself this wasn’t a delusion.

Though Bai Ke was nearly overwhelmed by Junxiao’s relentless passion, he made no effort to push him away. Through the storm of kisses, Bai Ke could taste Junxiao’s reverence for him, a love so profound it was almost bittersweet in its intensity.

The echoes of the Junxiao in his nightmare interwove with the man before him, stirring an unexpected ache in Bai Ke’s heart.

After being pinned to the bed and kissed relentlessly for what felt like an eternity, Bai Ke finally managed to free one hand. He reached out, placing it gently on Junxiao’s firm back, and patted it soothingly, as if to calm a frenzied beast.

That single gesture only seemed to drive Junxiao to greater heights of fervor.

His lips trailed from Bai Ke’s mouth to the corners of his lips, down his jawline, and along the curve of his neck, lingering at each spot to ignite sparks before moving on to set the next place.

Bai Ke’s robe, already loose from his earlier struggles in the nightmare, barely clung to him. For Junxiao, such obstacles were trivial, no more than a sweep of his hand to clear away.

The candlelight flickered faintly in the deep night, casting unsteady shadows across the room. Within the bed curtains, ragged breathing intermingled, growing heavier with each passing moment. Tangled figures shifted in the dim glow, their movements blurred and indistinct, as if even the curtains had absorbed the heat and condensed into a fine mist of sweat, thick enough to twist water from.

At last, a muscled arm extended from within the bed curtains, sweeping through the air. Instantly, every candle in the room flickered, then extinguished with a soft puff.

In the final moments before darkness claimed the room, one could barely make out the faint silhouette of Bai Ke, gasping sharply as he was pulled into another embrace. His head tilted back, only to have his neck captured by Junxiao’s lips once more.

The room fell silent, save for the lingering scent of bamboo from the incense burner. The cool fragrance floated quietly, filling the chamber with tranquility.

By early morning, long before the first light of dawn touched the horizon, two figures could be seen at the hot spring on Wangchen Peak.

Although cleansing techniques were as effortless for cultivators as closing a door, Bai Ke insisted on soaking in the spring for a while.

This was no ordinary hot spring but a Living Spirit Spring. Meditating in its waters could soothe one’s meridians, calm the mind, and harmonize spiritual energy, amplifying one’s recovery.

Their visit to the spirit pool served two purposes: one to address the lingering effects of the nightmare and the residual malevolence in their bodies, and the other…

Well, the other required no further explanation.

Even the most thorough cleansing spells couldn’t match the comfort of soaking in warm spring water.

Bai Ke sat in the hot spring with his eyes closed, regulating his breathing. Perhaps because the issue that had weighed on his mind the most had been resolved, the residual malevolence lingering in his meridians suddenly became easier to control.

Focusing intently, he began clearing each area of stagnation one by one, gathering the scattered evil energy into a single point. Gradually, he guided it along his meridians and expelled it. In the end, it coalesced into a stream of blackened blood that dripped from the tips of Bai Ke’s middle fingers.

By the time Bai Ke had expelled the last drop of black blood, Junxiao, whose body had been less affected by the evil energy, had already finished his meditation.

However, Bai Ke did not immediately open his eyes. Instead, he remained seated, guiding his spiritual energy through his meridians once more to ensure there were no remaining abnormalities. Only after confirming everything was clear did he exhale softly.

But as soon as he let out that breath, he felt a warm, firm chest press against his bare back.

Then, soft yet deliberate kisses began falling lightly along his shoulders and the back of his neck. A pair of beautifully sculpted, muscular arms loosely encircled him.

Bai Ke: "…"

What does it mean to give an inch and take a mile? Just look at Junxiao for the perfect demonstration.

For a moment, Bai Ke almost felt like the shameless, audacious Junxiao from his youth had been resurrected in full force.

Expressionless, Bai Ke raised his hand, scooped up a handful of water and, without even turning his head, flung it backward.

Junxiao took the splash straight to the face but showed not a hint of irritation. Instead, he curled his lips into a faint smile.

“Dawn is approaching. Once you're done meditating, return to the palace. Don’t forget you’re scheduled to teach the new disciples their introductory sword forms today,” Bai Ke said, and with a flicker of movement, he vanished from Junxiao’s sight.

In the next moment, Bai Ke reappeared on the beam, fully dressed, his robes immaculate.

Junxiao responded with a cheerful "Got it" and was about to leave the spring himself.

But before he could make a move, two figures suddenly landed beside the hot spring on Wangchen Peak—just two steps away from where Bai Ke now stood.

Junxiao looked up and saw that the newcomers were none other than Yu Xian and Wu Nan.

Bai Ke, who was very much aware of his questionable situation: "…"

Yu Xian, whose teeth were almost hurting from clenching them: "…"

Wu Nan, who had no idea what was going on: "…"

 

Translator : DarNan