The moon hung in the sky like a silver platter, its faint glow cascading down and enveloping the entire inner courtyard in a hazy silver veil. Inside the room, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on the bed, engrossed in his unceasing cultivation. Threads of energy seeped out from the surroundings, continuously flowing into his body.
“Xiao Yan gege, are you asleep?” After nearly an hour of cultivation, a gentle knock came at the door, followed by the soft, melodious voice of Xuner.
Slowly opening his eyes, Xiao Yan glanced at the door, puzzled, and said with a smile, “Come in.”
The door opened at his command, and the green-clad maiden stepped in, her exquisite face illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window, captivating anyone who laid eyes on her.
Xuner stood gracefully before Xiao Yan, her delicate scent wafting towards him, causing a flutter in his heart. Unbeknownst to him, the little girl who used to follow him around had grown into such a charming and alluring young woman.
Swinging his legs off the bed, Xiao Yan’s gaze locked onto her eyes, like pools of spring water, and his eyes grew a bit warmer. “Is there something?”
Feeling the intensity in Xiao Yan’s eyes, a faint blush spread across Xuner’s fair cheeks. This shy, delicate demeanor was quite different from her usual calm composure, but it couldn’t be denied that she was incredibly charming at this moment.
As Xiao Yan’s eyes burned even more intensely, the blush on Xuner’s cheeks deepened. The late, quiet night, with a lone man and a single woman in the same room, seemed to easily lead to thoughts of less-than-innocent matters.
Suddenly, Xuner retrieved a black scroll from her storage ring and thrust it into Xiao Yan’s hand, intending to flee, but Xiao Yan, quick as a flash, caught her slender, porcelain-like wrist, pulled her gently, and drew her into his embrace amidst her soft gasp.
Her body collided softly with Xiao Yan’s, feeling the warmth emanating through his clothes. The blush on Xuner’s cheeks intensified, almost to the point of overflowing. After a brief struggle, she ceased her futile resistance, her voice barely audible, “Don’t.”
Xiao Yan’s arm wrapped around her delicate waist, the sensation pleasing him. Looking down at the blushing Xuner, he teased, “Miss, what brings you to my room so late at night? What do you want?”
“The wicked accuse first,” Xuner muttered, furrowing her delicate brows.
Seeing her pouting, revealing a rare and pitiful expression, Xiao Yan’s grip on her waist tightened involuntarily. His hand tilted her smooth chin upward, his eyes lingering on her luscious, rosy lips. His head began to slowly lower.
“X…Xiao Yan gege, you must keep this safe,” Xuner, fully aware of his intentions, felt her blush deepen and her heart race. As his breath fanned her face, she suddenly grabbed the black scroll from his hand and held it up, just as their faces were about to touch.
With the scroll blocking them, Xiao Yan had no choice but to stop. He reached out and took the black scroll from her. As he did, Xuner breathed a sigh of relief, though a sense of unease lingered in her heart.
In the fleeting moment, Xiao Yan put the scroll away in his storage ring and, under Xuner’s stunned gaze, firmly held her face. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he leaned in, and their faces drew closer until they touched.
Under the moonlight, the tall, slender figures embraced tightly, releasing their passionate emotions. Their kiss, somewhat awkward and clumsy, was undoubtedly the most intoxicating moment for the young couple experiencing their first forbidden fruit.
After a long while, they finally parted, their breaths heavy.
Xiao Yan licked his lips, looking down at the girl in his arms. His heart, which had just calmed, started racing again. A strand of her hair fell over her forehead, and her usually serene eyes now had a hint of seduction. The mix of innocence and allure made Xiao Yan feel a fire brewing in his belly.
Their bodies were pressed together, and even the slightest movement from Xiao Yan made Xuner, nestled weakly in his arms, flinch like a frightened deer. She quickly broke free, her face crimson, and scolded, “Xiao Yan gege, don’t be a rascal!”
Seeing Xuner’s flustered state, Xiao Yan chuckled and curbed his desires, licking his lips again. Remembering the intoxicating softness, his smile widened.
Xuner’s cheeks turned even redder, and she gave him a sharp look, but after their passionate encounter, even her glare was endearingly coy.
Smiling once more, Xiao Yan decided to stop teasing her. He knew she was too shy about such matters. He lazily slumped into a nearby chair, casually examining the black scroll Xuner had given him. As he scrutinized it, his surprise grew.
The scroll was entirely black, with a dull, dark sheen. If one looked closely, a faint, almost imperceptible black glow could be seen. It was also adorned with intricate, esoteric patterns, resembling cursive writing, complex and unfathomable.
Turning the scroll over, Xiao Yan noticed its unusual design. There was no opening, and it resembled a bamboo cylinder, unlike any ordinary scroll.
“What is this?” Xiao Yan asked, raising the scroll to Xuner.
The blush on Xuner’s cheeks had faded, but a hint of charming shyness remained. She walked over to Xiao Yan, smiling, “It’s a combat skill, but it requires the strength of a Dou Wang to open it.”
Xiao Yan’s hand trembled, nearly dropping the scroll. A combat skill that required the strength of a Dou Wang? This was a first for him.
“What level of combat skill is it?” Xiao Yan’s smile faded, and he asked seriously.
“When you can open it, you’ll find out,” Xuner shook her head, evading his question.
“This thing… it’s too valuable…” Xiao Yan frowned, but before he could finish, a pair of reproachful eyes stopped him mid-sentence.
“From childhood to now, Xiao Yan gege, you’ve never accepted anything from me,” Xuner sighed softly.
“Alright, alright, I’ll take it,” Xiao Yan smiled wryly, hesitating before nodding. He wasn’t being overly macho; it was just that Xuner’s sudden gift was too extraordinary for him to accept easily.
“Remember, you must wait until you reach Dou Wang before you can open and practice it. Otherwise, it won’t be good for you,” Xuner’s reproachful face brightened, and she reminded him gently.
“Mm,” Xiao Yan nodded, his eyes fixed on the green-clad maiden.
Xuner’s eyes locked onto Xiao Yan, and in a serious tone, she whispered, “Also, Xiao Yan gege, remember what I said about the Ta Sha Ancient Emperor Jade. Don’t mention it to anyone, or you’ll be in big trouble. You’re not strong enough to possess it yet, so you mustn’t let it slip!”
Seeing Xuner’s seriousness, Xiao Yan didn’t joke around and nodded solemnly.
“Alright, I’ll go back to my room now. Xiao Yan gege, get some rest. There’s a fierce battle tomorrow,” Xuner smiled sweetly and walked out the door.
Watching Xuner’s retreating figure, Xiao Yan’s brows furrowed slightly. Something about her behavior these past few days seemed odd, constantly reminding him of things…
“Maybe I’m overthinking it?” Closing the door, Xiao Yan summoned the black scroll into his hand and asked inwardly, “Teacher, can you tell what this scroll is?”
“No, there’s a special seal on it. Unless it’s forcibly broken, no one knows what combat skill it contains,” the Pharmacist Elder’s voice answered. “But given your girlfriend’s background, whatever combat skill she values so highly must be extraordinary.”
Xiao Yan nodded silently, his eyes flickering, and he sighed lightly.
…
“Miss, you gave that to Young Master Xiao Yan?” In the fragrant room, Ling Ying stared at Xuner, who held a cup of tea, a faint blush still lingering in her eyes.
To Ling Ying’s question, Xuner merely nodded casually, as if the gift was trivial.
“But that was obtained with great difficulty by the clan leader,” Ling Ying sighed, marveling at the gesture.
“Xiao Yan gege is more suitable for it,” Xuner smiled softly, then waved her hand, “Ling Lao, don’t tell anyone about this, not even Father.”
“Alright, then,” Ling Ying sighed, reluctantly, and melted into the shadows, disappearing into the darkness.
“Xiao Yan gege, Xuner has done everything she can. The true path of a strong person depends on you now. I hope when we meet again, you will have become a true powerhouse, one whom Xuner can look up to,” Xuner whispered, cradling her warm teacup.
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