Clouds linger, and snow heavily falls.

Even the calmest person might feel utterly shocked in certain situations, as if struck by a bolt of lightning, left wondering whether it’s their own eyes deceiving them or others having a brain twitch.

Right now, Bai Ke was feeling exactly like that.

This was the first winter after their return to Yusheng Sect.

Just like a thousand years ago, this season brought a relentless snowfall over the sect. The snow fell heavily and densely, like goose feathers drifting through the air, tilting and swirling with the mountain winds as it blanketed the sky. The towering mountains, exposed and unshielded, made the snowfall seem even more magnificent when viewed from below.

For the newly initiated disciples, especially the younger ones, this was a rare and awe-inspiring sight. Even for Bai Ke and the others, it was a long-missed scene.

But those strong cultivators, armed with their deep reserves of spiritual power, were unbothered by the cold. Dressed in their thin flowing robes, they moved gracefully through the snow, appearing effortlessly elegant and full of ethereal charm.

However, someone like Bai Zixu, who only knew superficial techniques, didn’t resist so well in the freezing weather.

Wrapped up tightly, Bai Zixu carried a bronze hand warmer Bai Ke had given him. Engraved with spiritual runes, it emitted a constant, gentle warmth—never too hot, but perfectly cozy.

With this treasure in hand, Bai Zixu didn’t seem pitiful or out of place. In fact, he continued to spend his days goofing around with Yu Xian, often disappearing for long stretches—so much so that even Bai Ke didn’t see him daily.

This particular day, as Bai Ke landed outside Yunfu Palace, he noticed two figures standing by the steps leading down the mountain. One was dressed in black, the other in white.

The one in black wore a deep-hued long robe that no one else in Yusheng Sect could possibly match—it was naturally Huo Junxiao.

The one in white was layered in thick, puffy clothing, looking far more bundled up than necessary. Given the distinct style, it could only be Bai Zixu.

Although the two of them were familiar with each other, they rarely conversed alone. Seeing them standing in the snow, chatting at the steps, was an unusual sight. Bai Ke’s curiosity was piqued, and he moved a couple of steps closer to get a better look.

Of course, with his keen hearing, even without moving closer, he could already hear every word of their conversation. Thus, two sentences floated abruptly into his ears:

Bai Zixu: “You really treat my Xiao Ke so well. If he were a girl, I’d just let him marry you.”

Junxiao chuckled lightly and replied in rare jest: “He doesn’t have to be a girl to marry me.”

Bai Zixu: “Hahaha!”

Bai Ke: “…”

No matter how much he thought about it, Bai Ke couldn’t understand what was so funny about that exchange. He had no idea what bizarre idea had struck Bai Zixu and tickled him so much.

And then, just as Bai Ke was trying to make sense of things, Bai Zixu added another line: “You’re right. Either way, it’s not a bad deal.”

Bai Ke, who had already “lost out” countless times: “…”

Seeing the conversation grow more absurd by the second, Bai Ke couldn’t take it anymore and rushed over, cutting off the nonsensical exchange.

Junxiao, having already sensed Bai Ke’s arrival, showed no surprise at all. Bai Zixu, on the other hand, immediately grabbed Bai Ke’s arm and exclaimed, “Xiao Ke! You’re here! We were just talking about you!”

Afraid that Bai Zixu might blurt out something like “If Junxiao were a girl, he’d marry you,” Bai Ke quickly diverted the topic. “Where are you headed with that hand warmer?”

“Oh! Old Yu invited me to fish by the Cold River. I’ve never tried fishing in heavy snow before—it sounds exciting!” Bai Zixu replied cheerfully, patting Bai Ke on the hand. “No time to chat; I’m off!” With that, he ran down the stairs like a gust of wind.

Half a year in Yusheng Sect hadn’t taught Bai Zixu much else, but he had certainly mastered the art of making a quick getaway.

Bai Ke watched as Bai Zixu’s figure disappeared into the distance, feeling an inexplicable sense of resignation—something akin to the sentiment that "a grown child is beyond keeping." However, before he could fully indulge in this thought, Junxiao slipped an arm around his waist.

“You—” Bai Ke had barely uttered a word when his vision blurred. The next moment, he found himself in the bedroom of Yunfu Palace. It wasn’t that he couldn’t handle this rebellious disciple, but within Yusheng Sect, he rarely maintained a vigilant posture. As a result, this rascal frequently seized opportunities to take advantage of him.

Junxiao pressed Bai Ke down and kissed him deeply, starting at his brow and the corners of his eyes before moving to his lips and chin, finally biting gently at his neck and grazing the skin.

Junxiao’s aptitude in this regard was outrageously superior—even more so than his talent for cultivation or swordsmanship. In moments like these, Bai Ke couldn’t gather any will to resist and was quickly rendered weak and pliant.

A ticklish warmth began to creep up his lower back, spreading along his spine. Forced to retreat step by step, Bai Ke’s knees soon hit the edge of the bed. With a slight push from Junxiao, he was pressed down onto it.

Outside the room, snow fell endlessly, covering the world in white. Inside, the room was perfused with warmth from a lit incense burner on the table, the heat intensifying as the two entangled figures on the bed moved. Amidst their struggles, faint and urgent breaths escaped into the air.

Junxiao, pinning Bai Ke’s wrists above him, reached back with one hand. A soft metallic sound rang out, and with a light clink of silver hooks, the bed curtains fell, veiling the scene in intimate secrecy.

After being teased for a while, Bai Ke was left flushed and covered in a light sheen of sweat. He lay face-down on the bed, his forehead resting against the back of his hand as he breathed heavily.

Junxiao leaned over him, trailing kisses down his bare spine, one at a time, until he reached the nape of Bai Ke’s neck. Then, pressing his lips close to Bai Ke’s ear, he murmured in a low, husky voice, “You heard it earlier—your elder has already approved it. I’ll marry you...”

Bai Ke’s ears were tingling with sensitivity, the itchiness becoming almost unbearable. He tried to hold back and replied, “This is how you plan to marry someone?!”

Besides, you’re over 5,000 years old, calling someone barely over 40 your elder—where’s your shame…

But even if Bai Ke wanted to throw out a cold retort, he didn’t have the strength anymore. The next second, Junxiao left him utterly speechless, his body trembling as he pressed his face against his hand, unable to make a sound for quite some time.

A long while later, Bai Ke’s back arched slightly as a low groan finally escaped his throat.

The bed curtains swayed lightly, and the incense in the room continued to fill the air, growing even more fragrant and dense.

Outside, the snow continued to fall, blanketing the world in a tranquil white. From a distance, the entirety of Yusheng Sect appeared clean, untouched by even the slightest impurity. Peaceful and serene, it quietly flowed forward with the passage of endless time.

 

End

 

Translator : DarNan