Chapter 22: Then Get Out

A Tantrum on the Ground

Feng Xizhi rolled on the ground, fuming.

Her earlier docile, obedient act was clearly a facade.

Temporary submission didn’t matter.

If she could tame Gu Chi, the thrill would far outweigh any humiliation.

Yet, despite her coquettish efforts, he remained unmoved.

Frustration surged, and she rolled, kicking her fair legs, skirt fluttering.

Gu Chi leaned against the stone wall, watching with amusement.

This was far more entertaining than her kitten-like obedience.

After a while, she calmed, her eyes fixing on him seriously.

“But… Gu Chi, I’m serious.”

“Hm?”

“Consider joining Fire Phoenix Sect.”

Her tone shed some of its feigned flattery.

“No.”

“Inner disciples aren’t tightly controlled.”

“Just one sect mission a month.”

“We could do them together—like monthly trips.”

“I’d arrange a spirit-rich cave for you to cultivate in.”

“If you explore realms, I’d join.”

“I have many treasures—I won’t drag you down, I’ll protect you.”

“Other perks?”

“When we’re closer… I could… fulfill your desires…”

“Not dual cultivation… but other things… probably.”

She bit her lip.

“This time, I’m serious.”

“What’s the cost?”

He eyed her.

Nothing came free in this world.

“Remember my kindness—or Fire Phoenix Sect’s.”

“That’s the cost.”

“The sect would nurture you sincerely.”

“With your talent, you’d become a legend in Eastern Domain.”

“The sect gains glory training a genius like you.”

“You’d owe me a favor.”

“I’d ask you to do one thing, safe for you.”

Her words were pretty, but he shook his head.

“I believe your goodwill, but I must decline.”

She sighed, her seriousness fading.

No longer pressing, she scooted closer, nestling against him.

“Fine… I won’t force you.”

Her cheek pressed to his chest, petite body atop his.

She muttered softly.

“Hug me?”

He gently wrapped his arms around her delicate frame.

Whatever her true thoughts, a hug was warm.

He couldn’t fully discern her truth from lies, but it seemed less important now.

Her small, exquisite body was soft, like a warm cat.

Her skin radiated heat, a little furnace.

She’d be cozy to sleep with at night.

“Sleep in my bed tonight?”

He asked suddenly.

She lifted her head from his chest, eyes resentful.

“Anyone else saying that, I’d have them chopped up for Fire Phoenix Sect’s red lions.”

“Hm?”

Her resentment turned to sweet flattery.

“But if it’s you… I’d agree.”

“I could sleep in just my undergarments.”

In the Cave

The cave was carved by Gu Chi.

He’d smashed out a space for two with his fists.

Feng Xizhi watched, trembling.

“What realm are you?”

“Physical strength isn’t tied to realm.”

“Your body… how many spirit herbs did it take?”

“Our sect’s top body cultivator can’t match you.”

“Can’t explain it to you.”

The Demon Dragon Gu converted blood essence into pure physical power and refined spiritual energy.

When hungry, he’d hunt demonic cultivators.

Alone at first, then with Pei Ningxue.

He had no noble sense of justice.

Killing demonic cultivators was just eating when hungry.

Their blood soul pearls, refined from mortals, fed his gu.

His body’s healing was terrifying.

The python’s venom had hurt him, but it healed in moments.

A campfire burned in the cave.

He held a sizzling grilled fish.

“Eat first, leave me half—or a third.”

She wiped her mouth.

He handed it to her.

“Got tired of it. You eat.”

Her eyes sparkled.

She ate, cheeks puffed, voice muffled.

“I’m so pathetic.”

“You were so mean, now a little kind, and I’m touched to tears.”

He chuckled, saying nothing, preparing the bed.

He always carried bedding and pillows.

Pei Ningxue, his frequent realm partner, demanded comfort.

She used the finest spirit silk bedding.

A true princess, she’d fuss if anything was off.

He’d teased her with the pea princess tale, mocking her pampered nature.

Later, he learned she was an actual princess.

Bed ready, Feng Xizhi wiped her lips, sipped water, and glanced at the cave’s glowing stones.

Glowing stones lit with spiritual energy, softer with a lampshade.

Their eyes met.

She kicked him lightly with her fair foot.

“I’m undressing. Wanna watch?”

“If you mind, I won’t.”

She hesitated, clutching her skirt.

“Didn’t you say my body’s not tempting?”

“It’s not, but your blushing is fun.”

Her cheeks, faintly pink, turned redder.

She muttered.

“Why’re you so nice at night?”

“Trying to make me weak, eat me up?”

“You’d have to be edible first.”

He shed his outer robe, lying down, pulling the covers, staring at the wall.

She slowly undressed.

Outer jacket off, then the ruqun’s ties.

Skirt dropped, leaving a silver silk undergarment.

It barely covered from chest to hips.

Her long legs were tender, her back exposed, held by two thin straps.

Too youthful—he felt a strange guilt.

She slipped into bed, wrapping herself tightly.

He lay on the other side.

Her head hit the pillow, catching a scent.

She froze.

“Why’s there a woman’s powder scent on this pillow?”

“Another woman slept on it.”

Her eyes widened.

“How could you sleep with another woman?”

He tilted his head, glancing at her.

She sat up, clutching the blanket, ignited.

“You! How could you?”

“Aren’t you the abstinent Qingmian?”

“Who said I abstain?”

He looked at her oddly.

“You fantasize too much about me.”

She bit her lip, tears welling.

“Who was she?”

“A fleeting beauty, now gone.”

She relaxed slightly, then asked timidly.

“How’s her looks compared to mine?”

“Maybe a hundred times prettier.”

He said casually.

Her small fists swung, more coquettish than angry, like a massage.

He ignored her.

Frustrated by his indifference, she stood on the bed.

Her fair leg lifted, delicate foot tapping his abdomen.

He grabbed her ankle, pulling.

She slid down, facing him.

He held her ankle; she struggled, but her strength was no match.

Her arched foot tensed, toes curled, pink and cute.

He flicked it.

Her laughter echoed in the cave.

The scene reminded him of Pei Ningxue.

He thought he wouldn’t miss her.

Heartless by habit, knowing she was fine should’ve been enough.

But he’d overestimated himself.

Memories of their playful courtyard moments surfaced.

She’d called him a cold stone, stepping on him when he was tired, and he’d let her.

Feng Xizhi’s feet were daintier than Pei Ningxue’s.

Panicked, she thought he’d tickle her again.

But he just held her foot, toying with it briefly, then let go.

He met her eyes, opening his arms.

“Come to me.”

“Not till you explain who she was!”

She puffed her cheeks, sulking.

“Then get out.”

She dove into his arms.

His hand slid to her hips, then her tender thigh, squeezing.

He pulled the blanket over them, extinguishing the glowing stones.

“No talking, no moving.”

“Sleep, or I’ll toss you out.”

“So harsh.”

She pouted but nestled closer, curling like a kitten, eyes closing.