Once Zhu Yan had securely cradled Yichen in his arms, he carefully laid him down on the ground. Drawing from his power of creation, he conjured the softest white fur coat and draped it over him just as the others hurried to join them. Yichen's body was still far too cold, struggling to adapt to the new dragon blood coursing through his veins. Though his horns remained, they were smaller now, and the icy tattoos marking his neck had diminished but were still faintly visible.
"Xiao Zhuo Ge!" Bai Jiu shouted as he moved to approach, only for Li Lun to grab his shoulder and pull him back sharply.
"Hey, take it easy, kid. I know you're a healer and that he's your beloved big brother, but when he transforms into a full-fledged dragon capable of destroying a malicious energy star—even if it was fake—you need to think carefully before blindly running to his side." Li Lun cautioned him, only to be met with a baffled stare from Bai Jiu, as though Li Lun had suddenly sprouted a second head.
"What are you even talking about? I'm a healer, and he's unconscious! Of course I need to help him! Don't tell me you've started sharing Zhu Yan's aversion to anyone getting close to him." Bai Jiu retorted irritably. Instead of offering a verbal reply, Li Lun pointed to the frost-covered earth around them, the ground encased in a thick layer of ice.
"This has nothing to do with Zhu Yan's absurd jealousy. At this moment, only Yun Guang can safely get close to those two. Yichen is still dealing with the lingering effects of channeling divine power he wasn't entirely ready to handle. If you had approached him, you might have met the same end as the Black Calamity—his oblivion star—and his accursed wheel," Li Lun explained seriously as Yixuan stepped in to join them.
"Li Lun is right. Even while unconscious, Yichen's ice spell still lingers. As a dragon myself, I can withstand the cold until his dragon energy fully stabilizes. The rest of you, however, should keep your distance," Zhu Yan stated with calm authority, cradling Yichen securely in his arms while his watchful eyes remained fixed on his unconscious husband.
"But..." Bai Jiu began, still hesitant, his concern evident as he glanced at Zhu Yan.
"Dragons are the most powerful of heavenly beasts for a reason," Li Lun interjected. "They have special scales that shield their cores from destruction, even against elemental spells like Yichen's. We, however, have no such protection. Besides, he's more dragon than human now. He's undergoing a full awakening, and there's little anyone else can do to help him through it."
"Will my brother be alright? I share Bing Yi's blood as well. If there's any way I can help him recover, I'd be happy to," Yixuan said, worry evident on his face.
"There's no need for too much concern. His condition isn't serious," Zhu Yan replied with reassurance.
"My Baobei is strong. He just needs some rest and minor adjustments after he wakes up—nothing critical. Ying Lei, have Yichen's dragons fully replenished your energy? We could really use your teleportation spell right now. The farther away we get from here, the better. That fight drew far too much attention; I'd wager the entire world felt it in some way. And let's not forget, we're still not completely out of danger. We need to address Qiongqi's involvement in whatever schemes are unfolding in this world."
"The sooner we get to our destination, the better. Now that Yichen has taken on Bing Yi's freezing ability, he'll be a key asset in neutralizing the valley's effects, which will provide a safer environment for the rest of you to undergo your awakenings." Zhu Yan's tone was steady but urgent, while Ying Lei was now fully recovered thanks to Yichen's healing dragons.
"I can teleport all of us, but I need someone to show me the place. I could try linking to Wen Xiao's vision like we did before, but this time, she'll have to stretch her sight much farther. Can you manage that?" he asked her.
"I can try," Wen Xiao replied, her tone calm and resolute, "but someone else has already been there and has all the details you need. If he agrees, Li Lun can share his memories of the location with you, ensuring there's no chance of error." Wen Xiao answered, and just as Li Lun was about to voice his thoughts, Zhu Yan spoke up first.
"Great distance teleportation demands immense energy. That's why the Kunlun monks used a divine tool for that. Ying Lei may not have enough power to get us all the way there." Zhu Yan pointed thoughtfully.
"Then, should I use the Shanhai portal instead?" Ying Lei asked.
"No, it would be prudent to avoid going straight to our intended destination. If Qiongqi or anyone else is following us, we have to ensure they don't uncover our true objective. If other demons learn the real reason for our presence here, everything we've planned could fall apart catastrophically, taking us down along with it. If the one we are looking for ends up being freed, we won't make it through," Zhu Yan warned.
"I agree with Zhu Yan on this. Instead, I can show Ying Lei another location, midway to our destination—an expansive tundra, empty and barren, stretching for miles. It's a place most demons avoid due to its openness and lack of anything worth risking their lives over. But for a group like ours, it would serve as an ideal spot to rest and prepare for any confrontation. Defensively, we'd hold the upper hand if attacked, as we will be able to see it coming from any direction." Li Lun's tone deepened.
"Any edge against an incoming attack from a great demon is invaluable. If he comes for us as well, it will be nothing like facing the Black Calamity and his wheel. Qiongqi is far more dangerous—a hundred times so. The wheel's power, even when enhanced by malicious energy, is insignificant compared to him. He is the embodiment of a true demon, despising all that is righteous, pure, truthful, and moral. Just imagine how thrilled he will be if he finds out that most of us are exactly what he hates most. We must be very careful with this one."
The weight of his words sent chills through them. The battle with the Black Calamity had already felt like they were fighting a god—a power beyond human comprehension. If that was only a taste, just how unimaginably strong were the great demons at their fullest strength?
"Li Lun is telling the truth. You humans have yet to witness the full might of a great demon in all its glory. There's a reason they once challenged the gods themselves. Frankly speaking, you haven't even seen Zhu Yan unleash his full potential. All he used were defensive spells and some basic attacks. What he unleashed during the war was far more terrifying than a cursed wheel." Yu She explained, casting a knowing glance as Zhu Yan glared back at him.
"You held back?" Pei Siheng asked, astonished.
"Indeed, the attacks I used here differed from those typically wielded by great demons in battle. You already witnessed my fight with Li Lun in the Forest of Convergence; though not a fight to the death, it was far from trivial. By now, you should recognize the contrast between what I used then and what I'm using now. As I recall, every demon hunter who saw us fight in the forest was gripped by fear, which was the reason why the Zhuo brothers sought me out in the first place."
"Still, let me make one thing clear—casting one-word spells demands that my commands surpass the might of those I bind. Doing so takes a considerable toll on my energy, particularly when confronting top-tier forces nearing god-like levels. So, no, I wasn't holding back in my attacks before. Instead, I prioritized shielding the group while Yichen readied himself for the decisive strike." He paused for a second to let the words sink in.
"Had I shifted my strategy to offense, there's a good chance you'd have been caught in the crossfire and been harmed unintentionally. You're all aware how my duel with Li Lun could have devastated the forest had we both been more serious, without the barrier I summoned to contain the destruction," he explained, casting a playful glance at Li Lun, who met his gaze with a look of defiance. Yes, he had lost that round, but he hadn't been fully committed either.
"Show off..." Li Lun muttered under his breath, while Zhu Yan wore a triumphant smile.
"I must confess, witnessing the clash between you two in the forest sent chills down my spine. I nearly lost my mind when you boldly faced Xiao Zhuo Ge to test his skills. Thank goodness you were just trying to flirt with him, right?" Bai Jiu asked, and a broad grin lit up Zhu Yan's face as he nodded in agreement.
"My Baobei has been utterly captivating from the very beginning," Zhu Yan replied, gazing affectionately at his beloved husband and bestowing a gentle kiss on his forehead.
"Love-sick fool..." Li Lun muttered, shaking his head in dismay. Zhu Yan arched an eyebrow, fixing his gaze on Li Lun with a hint of challenge.
"And what makes you any different from me?" Zhu Yan countered. "You, who once despised humans with such fervor, ended up falling for one in no time. I must hand it to my brother-in-law—he certainly knows how to tame a grouchy old tree demon!"
Yixuan let out a weary sigh, sensing yet another round of bickering on the horizon. But before the tension had a chance to bubble over into an all-out argument, Wen Xiao stepped in with practiced ease, cutting through their brewing conflict with the calm precision of a mediator.
"Come on, guys, this isn't the time to revert to old habits. Xiao Zhuo's awakening was bound to happen—it was only a matter of time, just like it will be for the rest of us. Each battle unfolds differently based on the situation, and Zhu Yan's choice to focus on defense was the right decision for this one. Honestly, the details of the battle don't matter; it's the outcome that counts. In this journey, fate will continue to weave around us, as it always has. And as I sense it, Xiao Yixuan's destiny is also on the verge of a transformation." For a fleeting moment, Wen Xiao's eyes shimmered with a golden glow as she looked up, as if she had caught a glimpse of something far beyond their grasp.
"Is everything alright, Wen Xiao?" Pei Sijing asked, noticing how her gaze lingered on the sky for a moment longer than usual. It was as if she had spotted something beyond their view or found herself immersed in deep thought. Her words pulled Wen Xiao out of her daze, and glancing at the sky once more, she offered Sijing a warm smile before linking arms with her to draw closer.
"Oh, Sijing, don't worry about me. Everything's fine. I just thought I saw a shadow in the sky, but it was probably nothing." As soon as she shared her observation, the others followed her lead and looked up. Zhu Yan and Li Lun exchanged a glance before activating their True Eye to double-check that no unseen presence was looming over them.
Yet the sky revealed nothing unusual—only faint traces of Yichen's powerful freezing spell fading away. The remnants dissolved into nothingness, leaving no sign that just moments earlier, a massive star had been reduced to icy dust.
Bai Jiu glanced around nervously, then leaned closer to Ying Lei and asked in a hushed voice, "Are we safe? There's nothing out there, right?" Zhu Yan offered a calm, reassuring smile.
"There's nothing for now, but it's better if we relocate—just to be cautious. Li Lun, share your memory with Ying Lei. I'll prepare a spell to block any tracking attempts. And as for you two..." He nodded toward Du Wu and Yu She.
"Head to Li Lun's lair and keep watch for any demons near the gate. If a great demon appears, use this." He tossed a small dimension to Yu She, who caught it effortlessly. Du Wu scrutinized the item resting in Yu She's palm, sensing the latent energy within.
"What exactly does this do?" Du Wu inquired, eyeing the dimension in Yu She's palm, sensing the power it contained.
"Let's hope you won't have to find out. Just remember—betrayal is not an option. I might not control your cores like Huan Jing once did, but don't test me," Zhu Yan cautioned.
"You don't have to worry about that. You've saved us more times than we could ever repay. Even demons value loyalty when the circumstances demand it." Yu She assured him. Du Wu glanced at the dimension again, curiosity getting the better of him.
"So, how do we use it?" Zhu Yan arched an eyebrow at the question.
"How else? Break it." His tone made it sound self-evident, prompting Yu She to shoot him a half-exasperated look.
"Break it? Do we look like we have the strength to shatter dimensions? Come on, Zhu Yan, try being serious for once," Du Wu complained, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Think carefully. What's the one thing both of you have in common as demons?" Du Wu smirked before offering a cheeky response.
"Good looks?" Without missing a beat, Yu She lightly smacked the back of his head and replied dryly.
"Poison, you idiot." Yu She clarified, understanding dawning on him.
"Then you have your answer," Zhu Yan said with a smirk as Bai Jiu tried to suppress a smile. He had leaned closer to Ying Lei and whispered in his ear.
"At least one of them is sharp enough to pick up on the hints," Ying Lei remarked with a nod.
"Before you head back, you should take someone else with you as well." This time, it was Yun Guang who spoke.
"Huh? You're suggesting one of you will come with us? We may be demons, but we still have our pride," Du Wu grumbled in frustration.
"It's not one of them..." Yu She interjected, clearly understanding whom Yun Guang had in mind.
"Then who?" Du Wu persisted.
"Have you forgotten her already? It's Zhi Ren, the one trapped in that pendant." Yu She gestured toward Yichen, and suddenly, realization dawned on Du Wu.
"Oh, right. Is it safe to release her?" he asked hesitantly.
"She's no match for them," Yu She replied. "Even within that dimension, she must have felt the intensity of this battle. She's not reckless enough to throw her life away after being spared. Go ahead. We'll ensure she stays out of trouble—at least until you finish what you came here to do." With Yu She's consent and Zhu Yan's agreement, Yung Guang was sent into the Yichen dimension.
Moments later, he returned, bringing her along. The group tensed briefly, bracing for her reaction upon being freed for a second time. She cast a sharp glare at all of them, lingering particularly on Yun Guang, then turned on her heel without a word and strode off. Yu She and Du Wu followed close behind.
With no other task at hand, Li Lun shared his memory of the tundra with Ying Lei. Moments later, they were effortlessly teleported to that very location. By then, the sun had dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue across the vast grassy expanse. The shift in time was a result of their battle—intense clashes of energy inevitably blurred the perception of time. Although it had felt like mere hours, nearly an entire day had passed.
The surroundings reflected tranquility, a sweeping plain of grass and scattered stones stretching endlessly toward distant mountains on the horizon. The breeze carried a refreshing coolness, and the clouds above took on a soft gray tint under the fading sunlight. There were no demons lurking nearby, no looming threats or oppressive presences stalking them. Only a serene stillness surrounded them, an unspoken invitation to pause and rest.
Li Lun was no less uneasy than Zhu Yan when it came to the surrounding stillness. He scattered seeds into the breeze, letting the wind carry them far and wide. These seeds soon sprouted into small red flowers, laced with poison—an unspoken warning against any intruding demon that might try to creep past unnoticed.
The flowers would serve as his silent sentinels, alerting him instantly to any disturbance. To bolster their defenses further, Zhu Yan conjured another barrier around their resting spot and prepared some traveling mats—simple comforts for the weary. He gently laid Yichen onto one of them, draping him with his warm fur coat to keep his cold at bay.
Turning to him with a practical request, Ying Lei said, "A fire pit would help; I could cook something to restore our strength." Zhu Yan obliged, creating the needed fire pit before returning his focus to Yichen. He began coaxing his husband's unfocused dragon energy into a steady flow, channeling it in ways Yichen had yet to master on his own.
Moments later, Yichen stirred slightly. Nestling deeper into Zhu Yan's embrace, he opened his arms and clung to him tighter.
"Cold..." he muttered faintly, his body trembling beneath the coat's heavy folds.
"I know, Baobei," Zhu Yan replied softly. "Your human side isn't ready yet to fully assimilate the nature of your water dragon self." Yichen's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Water dragon? I thought I was an ice dragon, like Bing Yi." He mumbled, eyelids fluttering closed again as exhaustion threatened to pull him under. Zhu Yan stroked his hair gently, his voice patient and steady.
"Ice is merely another form of water—more formidable and lethal, but water all the same. The reason you assume Bing Yi to be an ice dragon lies in his extreme mastery over his element, refining his dragon Qi to such an extent that it radiates an innate chill." However, Yichen's curiosity persisted even in his weakened state.
"If my element is water... then why can I summon blue fire?" A small smile tugged at the corners of Zhu Yan's lips.
"Because dragons are extraordinary beings. Blue flames are one of their divine gifts. Long ago, the gods blessed dragons, elevating them as the first creatures to reach godhood. After that, any beast or plant with enough cultivation could ascend similarly, evolving their cores into that of a deity. Sadly, corruption found its way into that balance over time... and what once was pure fell apart, never to be wholly restored, as you already know." Zhu Yan's words lingered in the air, carrying both awe and sorrow for the ancient tales etched into their world—a world both beautiful and broken.
"Are the others doing well?" Yichen asked, and Zhu Yan smiled warmly.
"Your magnificent dragons have done an impressive job restoring their stamina, but now it's your turn to replenish yours. Can you sit for a moment? You need to eat something." Yichen nodded, allowing Zhu Yan to assist him.
Once Yichen was settled, Zhu Yan stood and asked for a serving of food to Ying Lei, which Bai Jiu insisted on delivering personally to his big brother. Then he approached Yichen with the plate in hand, hesitating slightly before speaking.
"How are you feeling?" He wondered if it would be appropriate to check Yichen's pulse, sensing that his Qi energy still carried an unusual chill, although not as strong as before.
"There's no need to worry about me," Yichen replied with quiet reassurance. "Zhu Yan is going to teach me how to be a true dragon. Once I've grasped it, I'll be stronger than before. Xiao Jiu, I'm sorry for letting you suffer during this time." With a grateful smile, he accepted the bowl of food his younger brother held out to him.
"It wasn't as bad as you might think. Zhu Yan may act foolish with me occasionally, but he's the one who keeps us safe. We did our part too, of course, but most of our protection came from him. If anyone should apologize to you, it's me." Bai Jiu lowered his gaze, a hint of sadness clouding his expression.
"Why would you say that? You've done nothing wrong before, and certainly not now," Yichen said, trying to make sense of his words.
With a heavy sigh, Bai Jiu admitted, "Zhu Yan and Li Lun mentioned that since your dragon blood awakened, my healing abilities won't work on you like they used to. You're not entirely human anymore. Your body has undergone changes that I don't fully understand yet. Take your horns, for instance—they're shorter now, but I don't know why you still have them."
Yichen smiled softly, reaching out to take Bai Jiu's hand. Bai Jiu hesitated, half-expecting his hand to freeze upon contact. Yet, though there was a coolness to Yichen's touch, nothing unbearable happened. Relief washed over him. At least he could still hold his hand—and maybe treat minor injuries.
"To be honest, Xiao Jiu, I don't know why I still have them either," Yichen admitted lightheartedly. "I assume they're not permanent, since Zhu Yan doesn't have any." Bai Jiu gave a tentative smile, his cheeks flushing faintly.
"I wouldn't mind if you kept them. They look good on you." Behind them, Zhu Yan let out an exaggerated cough, clearly making his presence known. Bai Jiu rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"Go on and eat while it's still warm. Your husband is too territorial for his own good," Bai Jiu complained, and Yichen offered him a mischievous smirk as he blushed, remembering they were soulbonded.
"He's acting on instinct, but you know he can't have me all to himself," Yichen said with a playful tone. "I have my family too. A husband won't change that."
"Yeah, and it's not like I like him in that way. I admired him because he's my childhood hero—there is nothing more to it, you possessive monkey," Bai Jiu grumbled, glaring at Zhu Yan. Yichen could almost see the sparks flying between them.
"You're still an insufferable brat," Zhu Yan snapped back.
"Ā Yan, please behave," Yichen interjected gently. "He didn't say anything untrue. But listen—I understand now. We're bonded in such a deep way that, aside from my blood brother, you feel like everyone else is overstepping. Even if they are not. Can you get along with my little brother? Please, for me?" His voice carried such genuine sweetness that Zhu Yan's heart nearly melted on the spot. The urge to kiss him senseless was overwhelming.
"I will if he does too," Zhu Yan agreed, his tone reflecting the calm resignation of the thoroughly tamed demon he was now. Yichen smiled warmly at his words before turning his gaze toward Bai Jiu.
"Then it's decided. Xiao Jiu, be kind to my husband, will you? He can be a handful—mischievous through and through—but that's exactly how I love him. As a trade-off, I'll let you touch my horns, since you seem so fascinated by them. How does that sound?" Yichen asked with a playful glint in his eye as he winked at his younger brother. His teasing left Zhu Yan momentarily frozen, struggling to keep up.
"Really? I can? That will be awesome!" Bai Jiu replied with a chuckle, clearly entertained by the offer. However, before he could even raise his hand, Zhu Yan sprang into action, wrapping his arms around Yichen to cover him in an over-the-top display of territorial protectiveness—as if he were shielding him from some grievous offense.
"Don't you dare! My Baobei's horns are sacred!" Zhu Yan cried out with a sense of desperation that bordered on panic.
The scene was almost overwhelming, balancing precariously between grandeur and absurdity. Yichen felt a flicker of amusement but chose instead to gently rub Zhu Yan's arm, hoping to calm him.
"It's okay, Ā Yan. I was just teasing. Don't be upset—it's my mistake, sorry. Relax now," Yichen murmured softly, his words barely audible as Zhu Yan continued holding him tightly.
"Dragons' horns are very special. They're not something anyone can touch so freely," Zhu Yan admonished with a stern tone. Yichen nodded in agreement, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Alright, alright, I get it. I promise I won't let anyone touch them, not even Yixuan. Happy?" Yichen's gentle reassurance seemed to melt away Zhu Yan's tension, and with a quiet sigh, his grip finally loosened.
Chuckling to himself, Bai Jiu shook his head, deciding it was time to make his exit. Relishing his small victory, he subtly pumped his fists in celebration as he made his way to join Ying Lei for a meal, a smirk lingering on his face.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yan let go of Yichen completely, who was smiling warmly, and sat properly beside him with arms crossed. His expression clouded with apparent disapproval. Despite Zhu Yan's brooding, Yichen knew better. The fact that his husband never left his side was the proof of it.
To Yichen, the sight of his sulking husband was undeniably endearing. He couldn't suppress a smile, genuinely amused and thoroughly delighted. As dramatic as Zhu Yan could be, Yichen secretly adored it. It was a reminder that their relationship would never be boring. Once he finished his meal, he resolved to make it up to him with a hot kiss.
Li Lun/Yixuan
Not too far away, Li Lun stared intently at Yixuan, his mind swirling with questions about what his awakening would entail. How would it manifest? Would it be as painful as it had been for Zhu Yan and Yichen? How could he possibly assist him through it? Having spent centuries as a friend to Zhu Yan, he had gained some understanding of awakenings—but his own nature as a tree demon left him ill-equipped to guide a dragon endowed with divine powers. The uncertainties gnawed at him.
"Xiao Lun... you're looking at me so intensely that it's starting to make me anxious. What's on your mind? You know we've never kept secrets from each other. If something bothers you, tell me—I'll do whatever I can to ease your worries," Yixuan said, his tone calm yet reassuring.
Li Lun responded with a faint smile, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "I'm just thinking about your awakening. Until recently, humans barely occupied my thoughts, but you... you've changed that. Now I find myself wondering how much help I can actually give when the time comes for you to become a dragon. With Nuwa's blood coursing through your veins—and her being half-serpent—I have no idea how that will affect the transformation or how I could possibly make it easier for you." His voice was laced with vulnerability, a rare admission.
Yixuan placed his bowl aside and gently reached out to touch Li Lun's face, his fingers gliding over the porcelain-like perfection with delicate care, offering comfort without words.
"Your presence alone is all I could ever need, no matter how my awakening unfolds. So far, Nuwa has shown me kindness, and I've endured far less than my brother, likely because she was the one who created humans. I doubt my awakening will be as intense as Yichen's. Given my stronger connection with her, it's possible I might lean more toward becoming a snake rather than a dragon—or perhaps I'll be some blend of the two. Whatever the outcome, I'm unafraid of the change. All I hope for, is the strength to protect you and everyone else." As he finished speaking, Li Lun couldn't help himself, and he reached out, took his hand, and pressed a kiss to it.
"Your wisdom and courage never cease to amaze me. I truly chose well in you, my mate. Yet, that only fuels my desire to grow even stronger for your sake. I swear to you, Xiao Xuan, that I will not falter. Whatever challenges fate may set before us, I will remain steadfast by your side until the very end." Feeling a flush rise to his cheeks, Yixuan quickly lifted his bowl, pretending to focus on it to mask his flustered expression.
"We are soulbound, Xiao Lun. Nothing can separate us now, not even death. There is no need to reassure me—I feel it in the depths of my heart. Your loyalty is unwavering, and your love is genuine. I trust that the gods will guide us as we navigate this journey. Once the storm has passed and the path ahead becomes clear again, I look forward to us becoming a true couple, like my brother and Zhu Yan, and finding our way back to peace and happiness together," Yixuan replied softly.
"Xiao Xuan, we truly are a couple. Just because we haven't had much time to show our affection doesn't mean our bond is any less real than theirs." Li Lun gently rested his head on Yixuan's shoulder.
"True, but look at them... you can't mistake the bond they share for anything else." Yixuan replied, his gaze drifting toward the other couple. Li Lun followed his gaze, sighed, and closed his eyes.
"You know I'm not the clingy type." Yixuan laughed softly.
"Neither am I, Xiao Lun. Yet, I can't help but notice how happy they look. My brother truly enjoys being spoiled by Zhu Yan. He's so young, and while he was happy before, I've never seen him shine like this," Yixuan admitted with a delicate trace of admiration in his voice.
"Once this is all over, I'll ensure you shine even brighter and beat that silly monkey once and for all," Yixuan laughed again, entertained by his words.
"I'll hold you to that promise, not that you have failed to do so far. I know you'll make me just as happy as my brother is right now." He whispered, and Li Lun shifted to place a gentle kiss on Yixuan's neck.
"You can count on it. Nothing would make me happier than to see you smile more often—it makes you even more captivating." Li Lun murmured with genuine warmth.
"And what about you? Will you let me bring more smiles to your handsome face?" Yixuan asked with a playful glint in his eye.
"Of course you will. I'm no longer the same demon who crossed the gate to face Zhu Yan. I owe that transformation to you alone. Now go ahead and finish your meal—we never know when things might heat up around here again." Li Lun urged him gently, and with one last smile exchanged between them, Yixuan followed through with his advice.
Bai Jiu/Ying Lei
After Bai Jiu left Yichen with his sulking husband, he sat beside Ying Lei, grinning like a fool. There was a solid reason why he admired his Xiao Zhuo Ge so much—because he was simply incredible. The way he managed Zhu Yan, kept him in check, and simultaneously shielded him was nothing short of impressive.
"I see you've bested Zhu Yan again. You always look so smug when that happens. Poor Zhu Yan, he seems like a miserable puppy now, even if he is just pretending to score some sympathy points with Xiao Zhuo." Ying Lei commented, glancing in Zhu Yan's direction. Bai Jiu's grin grew even wider.
"I didn't accomplish anything; Xiao Zhuo Ge handled it all for me. Ah, it feels so refreshing after so much stress. Zhu Yan can be ridiculously overbearing sometimes," Bai Jiu remarked.
"Don't let him get to you, Xiao Jiu. He's not entirely serious about it. Zhu Yan doesn't navigate human relationships the same way we do—he just enjoys teasing," Ying Lei said while handing him a bowl of stew.
"Yeah, yeah, he's just an old nuisance, completely fixated on his husband. It would almost be funny if he didn't annoy me so much," Bai Jiu grumbled.
"And that's exactly why he keeps doing it—because he knows it annoys you. I swear, you two are just like kids," Ying Lei teased playfully.
"Hey! I'm not a kid!" Bai Jiu protested, earning a chuckle from Ying Lei.
"Alright, alright," Ying Lei replied, grinning. "By the way, is Xiao Zhuo doing okay? He looks awfully pale to me."
"Well, he's practically more dragon than human now, so maybe that's just how it's supposed to be," Bai Jiu said pensively. Then his expression darkened. "Truth be told, in dragon terms, Zhu Yan really has the upper hand over me... I'm so useless to my brother right now," he added, a raw sadness creeping into his voice.
"Don't talk like that," Ying Lei said firmly. "Instead of treating Xiao Zhuo's transformation as a setback, think of it as an opportunity—a challenge. Remember why you studied medicine: because your mother was a healer. You became a demon hunter after what happened to her. Now fate is giving you the chance to understand your brother's half-dragon transition and master it. Sure, Zhu Yan may seem ahead at the moment, but that doesn't mean it'll stay that way forever. You're clever enough to figure this out. And don't forget—it's not as if your healing abilities are useless on him. You just need to adapt and be more cautious when he uses ice attacks." Ying Lei's words struck a deep chord in Bai Jiu, his heart skipping a beat, because Ying Lei's trust in him was overwhelming.
"You're absolutely right! I still have time to send that monkey flying through the air. Studying a dragon transition should be easy for me—after all, I'm a brilliant healer with Divine Tree ancestry. Until now, I've only used its power to heal, but an ancient tree's wisdom goes far beyond simply sustaining life. It's a repository of memories—century after century of witnessing the world's transformations, births of all kinds of living things, ascensions, and conflicts between humans, gods, and demons. All of that knowledge is part of my inheritance as well. I just need to dig deeper to unlock it. Ying Lei, you truly are wise!" With that, he placed a quick kiss on Ying Lei's cheek, prompting a burst of laughter from his boyfriend.
"Alright, alright," Ying Lei chuckled. "But before you go rummaging through ancient memories, how about eating your stew first? We need to stay sharp—whether it's for the battles ahead or lending a hand to a half-dragon in need." Bai Jiu nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
Wen Xiao/Sijing
As night cloaked the tundra, Wen Xiao sat quietly beside Sijing, both of them gazing up at the stars scattered across the vast, open sky. The earlier clouds had dissipated, revealing a breathtaking view, yet unease lingered in Wen Xiao's heart.
"You've been unusually quiet for a while now," Sijing said, breaking the silence. "That's not like you. Do you want to tell me what's on your mind?"
Wen Xiao pulled her blanket tighter around her shoulders. "It just feels... too calm out here. Maybe the last battle was so overwhelming that this peace feels wrong somehow. Does that make any sense to you?"
"It does," Sijing replied gently. "The kind of battles we've been thrown into here are unlike anything we've faced before. We've wrestled with demons for years, and my brother stands as proof of how hard those fights were. We grew so accustomed to the demons in our world, that the high-tier ones here seem like gods to us. It shifts our sense of reality and makes everything feel off-balance. What you're feeling isn't strange, Wen Xiao—it's human." Sijing reached out and took Wen Xiao's hand in hers, offering a firm yet comforting squeeze, a silent promise of solidarity against the unease creeping into the night.
"True. To be honest, I used to believe that humans were gaining the upper hand over demons, growing stronger with each passing day. Back in the human world, surviving a hunt was never a challenge for me. I only dealt with low-level demons that posed no real threat to our team. That overconfidence made me complacent." She shuddered for a moment under the cold breeze.
"Now, I'm grateful that Ying Long sealed the demons in this world and that Zhu Yan was left behind to protect us. If demons like the Black Calamity ever made it into our world, we wouldn't stand a chance. We've been living in a fragile bubble of safety, and I fear that one day reality will shatter it, leaving us helpless." As Wen Xiao spoke these words, she suddenly questioned why such thoughts had even crossed her mind.
"We are not powerless, Wen Xiao. We simply need to adapt to this new reality, just as we have done before. Our strength hasn't diminished; on the contrary, we've grown more resilient and capable of surviving the extremes of a world that was never meant for us. While Zhu Yan protected us, it's important to remember he didn't fight alone. We stood by his side, aiding him every step along the way. He believed in our ability to endure this chaos, and he trusted that Xiao Zhuo could face the Black Calamity on his own. He understands we are far more than mere humans. We are the descendants of gods, entrusted with a mission."
"We came here to save lives, and the gods stand with us. So lift your spirits, Xiao Xiao. Humanity is too stubborn to let even fate defeat us. You've done an extraordinary job, and you should be proud of yourself. If you'd like, I can write your father a report detailing how his daughter has surpassed all expectations. I'm sure he would be elated to hear about your many accomplishments." Sijing smiled warmly, and Wen Xiao found herself relaxing, a smile forming on her lips as well.
"Ah, Sijing, even with your quiet nature, you have an unexpected talent for bringing comfort. Honestly, I don't even know why I said all that—it must be exhaustion. Even though we've been resting for hours, it feels impossible to sleep," Wen Xiao admitted.
"It's natural during war to feel on edge when an attack could come at any moment. But you're not alone—I'm right here with you. Lie down for a while; I'll keep watch," Sijing offered gently. But Wen Xiao shook her head in protest.
"You need sleep as much as I do," she murmured softly. Sijing's smile remained steady, calm.
"I've been fighting this war longer. I'm used to it. Rest for a few hours. If anything happens, I'll wake you right away," Sijing reassured her, but Wen Xiao still refused to relent.
"We have no idea what tricks this new demon might have up its sleeve," Wen Xiao said firmly.
"Are you going to disobey your commander?" Sijing asked lightly. "Even if Zhu Yan is leading this mission, I'm still the highest-ranking officer in our unit." Hearing this, Wen Xiao couldn't help but giggle.
"Oh? Are you threatening me with insubordination?" she teased, amused by the shift in tone. Sijing gave a faint smile in response.
"Absolutely. It's a direct order. Now lie down—I'll be right here," Sijing commanded with quiet authority. With a playful grin, Wen Xiao finally relented. But instead of resting on the mat, she rested her head on Sijing's lap, settling in comfortably.
"The commander doesn't mind this setup, right?" Wen Xiao asked with a sly smile.
"Not at all," Sijing replied, her fingers starting to gently comb through Wen Xiao's hair. Within moments, the tension melted away as Wen Xiao drifted into a sound sleep.
Yun Guang/Siheng
The sight of Siheng's soul drifting away from his newly regained human body terrified him more than he thought possible. It wasn't just fear—it was a dread he realized he couldn't bear, because somewhere along the way, he'd grown to genuinely care for him in a way he hadn't cared for anyone in what felt like ages.
Of course, he deeply cared for Yichen as well, but in a completely different way. Yichen was like the little brother he'd watched grow, struggle with the hardships of becoming a demon hunter, to eventually flourish like a rough stone polished into a rare, dazzling gem. He cherished Yichen fiercely and held profound respect for him, not just as his master. Yet Siheng stirred something else within him, awakening a part of himself that had long been buried and forgotten.
Though he was, by nature, a sword spirit, he wasn't ordinary by any means. Ying Long's power made him unique. That distinction meant that even though his human form was still fortified by the same protections as his steel one, it also granted him the capacity to feel deeply—even to love—just as Ying Long had once loved Bing Yi.
For Ying Long, a sword devoid of spirit was merely a tool, limited to offering protection only when held by a hand. In contrast, a sword imbued with a spirit—capable of feeling, thinking, and acting independently—could safeguard his master even in moments of helplessness. This was why his essence was no different from that of any living being, and why a profound sense of fear now took root in his heart.
During the battle, his concern for the humans weighed heavily on him, but his focus was especially drawn to Yichen and Siheng. Relief washed over him when Yichen came under the divine protection of Bing Yi. However, that relief quickly turned to dread as he saw Siheng perilously close to falling victim to yet another cursed demon—one that could have claimed his life permanently this time. The worst part was the helplessness he felt, forced to watch it unfold without intervention, because the attacks transcended the physical realm.
He had the power to shield them from physical assaults, redirecting each strike. Yet, he was powerless when it came to saving their souls if they were taken. It was a merciless attack, too evil in nature to even comprehend the cruelness behind it. Now he understood perfectly why Ying Long was compelled to create a separate world solely for them. This same reality drove the gods to offer their blood, giving humans a fighting chance to survive.
Lost in these reflections, Yun Guang was drawn back to the present by Siheng's voice. "You know, I've been thinking..." Siheng's words broke through as he settled beside Yun Guang, closer than necessary, as their bodies were now close enough to touch.
"You're still awake? There's no need for you to stand watch as well. Zhu Yan, Li Lun, and I have it covered. You can rest easy for now," Yun Guang said, his voice calm, though it did little to reassure Siheng.
"I'm not so sure about that," Siheng replied with a faint smirk. "From what I see, Zhu Yan seems more focused on Yichen meditating to better control his chilling Qi than on keeping watch. Li Lun isn't much better—his eyes keep wandering to Yixuan like a leaf pulled by the wind. And you..." he paused, raising an eyebrow at Yun Guang, "you're lost in thought. I can almost hear the gears in your head turning." The humor in Siheng's tone softened the edge of his words, and Yun Guang allowed a small smile to emerge.
"We don't need our eyes to sense when something is amiss," Yun Guang responded gently.
"Maybe so," Siheng said, his expression growing more serious, "but I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. Ever since the battle, it's as if we're all slipping into some kind of... limbo state we've never faced before."
"Doubts after surviving a life-and-death encounter are only natural," Yun Guang said, his tone steady and reassuring. "They're part of being alive." Siheng let out a quiet laugh, more to himself than anyone else.
"Oh, trust me, I've had my fair share of doubts back when I was..." He hesitated briefly, then corrected himself.
"Well, when I was just human. Not that I'm anything else now, but... you know what I mean. The thing is, you're not the same as us. Your immortality grants you a perspective on life that we can't understand—or so I thought." He turned his gaze fully to Yun Guang now, his voice lowering slightly.
"But when I heard you call my name during that fight, with such raw emotion... it made me realize something. Among all of us, maybe you're the one who truly understands fear the most." Yun Guang's smile faded for a moment, his composed expression giving way to surprise. Siheng's observation had landed with an accuracy that left him speechless.
"It makes sense, doesn't it? Zhu Yan and Li Lun possess the long lifespans typical of demons, yet even they can be killed when faced with a stronger opponent. You, however, carry the blessing of divine protection—true immortality. That kind of existence can be terrifying in its own way, especially when you're forced to witness everyone you hold dear die. If I were in your place, I'd be utterly devastated." Siheng spoke softly, his gaze fixed intently on Yun Guang.
"Siheng..." Yun Guang began, but before he could finish, Siheng closed the small distance between them and kissed him with unrestrained passion.
Their last brush with intimacy had been under the influence of Ying Lei's wine—or so Siheng had convinced himself at the time. But that was then. Now, everything felt different. Siheng wanted more of this of his own free will. The kiss awakened something in him: a warmth that made him feel undeniably alive. It was as if a door he believed firmly shut had swung open again, allowing him to step willingly into a forbidden realm he now embraced without hesitation or fear.
The kiss deepened briefly before they broke apart, gasping for air. Under the shimmering starlight, they shared a second kiss, followed by a third. Neither feared being caught. Wen Xiao and Sijing lay peacefully side by side, as did Ying Lei and Bai Jiu, while the great demons had far more pressing matters than watching two people lost in each other.
When their fervent exchange finally eased, they pulled away, breathless. Meeting each other's flushed faces, soft laughter escaped their lips—a shared amusement, as if they were teenagers sneaking moments of forbidden intimacy in the quiet of night.
"When all of this is over... I'll ask you to officially date me," Siheng murmured, resting his forehead against Yun Guang's.
"Are you not asking me already?" Yun Guang teased with a glint in her eye, earning a smile from Siheng.
"You know what I mean," he said. "I want more than just the spark between us. I want to uncover the soul hidden within the sword. There's so much I don't know about you as a man, but let's be honest—you're already a smart and, might I add, incredibly seductive weapon." His playful smirk softened as Yun Guang chuckled at his cheeky remark.
"You really are as shameless as Zhu Yan... but alright, we have a deal. Again," he replied with a smile that held fondness.
"Indeed," Siheng said, sealing their pact with another passionate kiss.
AN: Okay, the lovebirds had their special bonding moment, next comes the real chaos. Wich is your favorite couple? Let me know which one you like best. This gives me an idea of who to focus more on in future chapters. Thanks for reading. Until next time, take care.