Chapter 4: Hug

The Luo family’s corridors were long, wearing out shoes with every step.

Luo Jiutian, dragged by Luo Yunlan for nearly half a street, felt like a lost kindergarten kid being hauled home by his big sister.

“Yunlan, if you grip any tighter, your fingers might dig into my flesh,” Luo Jiutian said helplessly.

Luo Yunlan didn’t look at him, loosening her hold slightly but not letting go.

They passed through the corridor, turning into a quiet path, soon arriving at a courtyard.

This was Luo Jiutian’s residence in the Luo family.

It wasn’t large but was orderly, furnished cleanly with no excess decoration.

Luo Yunlan released his hand, straightening his collar and smoothing his bangs with practiced ease, clearly not her first time tending to him.

Luo Jiutian looked down at her, suddenly feeling uneasy but not pulling away.

“Yunlan, what’s wrong?”

His brows furrowed slightly, his tone tinged with confusion.

Luo Yunlan’s expression was complex, her gaze flickering with nervousness or hesitation.

She stared at him for a long moment before asking softly, “Xiaotian… are you unhappy?”

Luo Jiutian barely kept his expression in check.

He wasn’t unhappy—quite the opposite.

The Young Master position was a heap of trouble with little reward, dragging down his cultivation.

Whoever wanted it could have it.

But on the surface, he showed a hint of confusion and grievance: “Unhappy? You’re still here—why would I be unhappy?”

Luo Yunlan fell silent, her eyes reddening as she fought to control her emotions, fearing she’d lose composure.

The air grew still for a few seconds.

Luo Jiutian stepped closer, casually pulling out a chair and sitting, gesturing to the spot beside him: “Yunlan, if you’re really worried, sit and chat. I’m a free man now, after all.”

Luo Yunlan let out a soft laugh, sitting beside him, just half an arm’s length away.

That distance was close enough for certain topics.

Luo Jiutian nonchalantly picked up the teapot, pouring her a cup.

“Don’t overthink it,” he said. “I’ve got places to go. In a few days, isn’t Tianheng Sect recruiting? Worst case, I’ll join as an outer disciple. The sky won’t fall.”

Luo Yunlan reached out, stopping him, her voice low but steady: “Don’t talk nonsense. If you want to stay, there’s always a place for you here.”

Seeing her so serious, Luo Jiutian couldn’t resist teasing: “Yunlan, are you in a rush? I’m not dead yet, and you’re already planning my escape route.”

Her expression shifted instantly, her pupils contracting, her breath catching.

But she quickly hid it, lowering her head and pursing her lips. “Don’t say such unlucky things.”

The courtyard fell quiet.

A breeze stirred the bamboo shadows, light and shade dancing between them.

Steam rose slowly from the teacup as Luo Yunlan stared at its rim, lost in thought, before speaking, her calm voice laced with unease: “You were too calm today.”

Luo Jiutian lowered his eyes, feigning ignorance. “Calm about what?”

“Luo Chen’s return, Father’s announcement—you didn’t argue at all.” She looked at him, her gaze earnest. “I’m not trying to stir trouble… but you shouldn’t give up so easily.”

Luo Jiutian’s lips curved slightly. “Isn’t this what you always wanted? I’ve always been obedient.”

A light, teasing remark, yet heavy with meaning.

Luo Yunlan froze, giving a bitter smile, unable to respond.

Back then, his lack of ambition had pained her.

Now, with even his stubbornness gone, her unease deepened.

“If you ever want to leave…” She hesitated, then added, “Tell me first.”

Luo Jiutian raised an eyebrow. “Why bring that up again?”

Luo Yunlan glanced at him, unsmiling, just watching quietly. Words reached her lips but were swallowed back.

She stood abruptly, turning away. “Xiaotian.”

“Hm?”

“Could you… hug me again, like before?”

Luo Jiutian froze.

Looking at her back, his heart stirred faintly.

No wonder she lingered—she was waiting for this.

The request was light yet heavy.

To others, it was just a simple embrace between family. But for Luo Yunlan, such words were never spoken lightly.

She was always restrained, never one to seek affection openly.

Luo Jiutian’s mind raced.

Was she genuinely asking for a hug, or… testing him?

If the former, refusing would hurt her.

If the latter, hesitating would expose him.

Reason told him agreeing was the ‘best move.’

Yet he paused.

Even for a fleeting moment, he felt at a loss.

He prided himself on his acting, but faced with such raw longing, even lifting his arms felt daunting.

His fingers twitched, and he finally stood.

He stepped behind Luo Yunlan, slowly wrapping his arms around her from behind.

The motion was gentle, the pressure light.

Luo Yunlan trembled as she felt that familiar warmth.

She noticed his brief hesitation.

But she said nothing, turning slowly to lean into his embrace, hugging him lightly, closing her eyes to avoid dwelling on what that pause meant.

She just wanted to hold onto this warmth.

Even if only for a moment, she wouldn’t let go.

Time passed silently, the two embracing without words.

Finally, Luo Jiutian let go first.

“It’s getting late,” he said softly. “Go rest. You’ll need to appear at the banquet tonight.”

Luo Yunlan murmured agreement, her gaze unfocused, still lingering in the embrace.

She stood for a few breaths before turning to leave the courtyard.

Outside, the light was dimmer, the setting sun casting long shadows through the corridor’s stone pillars.

Her silhouette stretched far, moving haltingly as she walked.

At the corridor’s end, out of sight, she stopped.

Her gaze fell on her hands, which had just held him, her fingertips trembling, still warm.

Yet her chest felt heavy.

She’d gotten the hug, so why was her heart more troubled?

She looked to the horizon.

Twilight deepened, the mansion’s lamps lit, dividing light and shadow sharply.

Her eyes began to change.

Her once-clear, gentle gaze slowly tinged with crimson.

The red was subtle but stark in the fading dusk.

“Xiaotian… why did you hesitate? Were you worried?” she murmured.

Her gentle expression faded, replaced by a stubborn glint, her demeanor utterly transformed.

After a long pause, her lips curved slightly.

“It’s fine.”

She stepped forward, standing at the boundary of light and shadow.

“This time, I’ll find everyone who hurt you…” she said softly, “and make them all pay.”

Her restrained spiritual energy stirred, faintly spilling out.

Even standing still, she exuded a steady, sharp pressure.

It was the aura of a Soul Transformation cultivator.

“When it’s all over, we’ll…”

She didn’t finish, her smile widening, excitement gleaming in her eyes.

“…You’ll agree, right, Xiaotian?”

*

Elsewhere, Luo Jiutian had no idea he was already on her mind.

He sat cross-legged on his bed, deep in thought.

After a moment, he spoke slowly: “System, restore all my previous assets.”

[Host request confirmed. Transferring now…]

As the system spoke, light particles emerged from the void, settling before him.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the movement technique manual—Night Burial Steps.]

Luo Jiutian stared at the thin booklet in his hand, his expression faltering.

Night Burial Steps…

One of the top movement techniques, from the Night Burial Pavilion in the Central Region, tied to one of the heroines.

Thinking of her and the past strategies, he sighed inwardly.

Of the ten heroines, her background was likely the most tragic.

A sudden wariness struck him.

If she, like Luo Yunlan, was reborn with memories… that would be trouble.

With her personality, if she believed he was alive, she’d tear through the Five Regions, shaking heaven and earth to find him.

He gave a wry smile, shaking his head, muttering, “Trouble never ends.”

The Central Region’s gates were far off, so no need to dwell on it now.

His priority was boosting his strength.

He opened the manual, scanning it with his divine sense, imprinting the techniques in his mind.

Instantly, countless practice scenarios flashed through his head, the technique taking shape without effort.

The system’s prompts rang incessantly.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the growth-type spiritual sword—Weeping Red Dust.]

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the special treasure—Play of Red Dust.]

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining…]

The system’s barrage didn’t slow, until finally—

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the unique physique—Chaos Flower Eyes.]

As the system’s voice faded, a searing energy surged into his eyes. Luo Jiutian grunted, feeling his eyeballs tear and heal rapidly. After the pain, an unprecedented clarity enveloped his senses.

[Chaos Flower Eyes: Can see through the weaknesses of arrays and techniques, with mental interference capabilities, able to briefly disrupt others’ minds. Evolves with the Host’s cultivation.]

As the Chaos Flower Eyes fully integrated, Luo Jiutian felt his spiritual energy surge, his cultivation soaring to—

Foundation Establishment, late stage.

When the power stabilized, he opened his eyes, his vision sharp and clear, yet his heart remained calm.

He knew these eyes all too well.

Not bad—the recognition banquet was tonight, and this trump card came just in time.

Heh heh heh…

Luo Chen, your good days are coming.