"Are you mad? What's wrong with telling the truth?" Yu Xiao's voice quivered, defiant yet tinged with trepidation as she faced Yun Qingjue.
Yun Qingjue's jaw tightened, eyes flashing with irritation. He stepped forward, boots scraping against the cold stone floor, his presence radiating suppressed fury.
"So you know what the word respect means?" he ground out, each word bitten off as if it cost him restraint.
Long Jianyu stood motionless, tall and regal, but a faint tension around his eyes betrayed his patience wearing thin. He released a drawn-out sigh, as if the weight of their quarrel pressed on his shoulders.
Behind him, Yu Xiao edged closer, seeking the Dijun's shadow for protection from Yun Qingjue's stormy glare.
"You audacious woman." Yun Qingjue's voice rose, sharp and unwavering. "I almost forgot about the venom you spat recently. How dare you badmouth my character? Am I stingy?" His sneer cut the air as he jabbed a finger in her direction. "Fine, but don't forget—if I hadn't arrived on time at the Beiming training pavilion these past days and saved you, you'd have met your funeral that day."
Yu Xiao flinched, shutting her eyes as Yun Qingjue's words crashed over her like icy water, her body tensing with each syllable.
He pressed on, folding his arms across his chest with a huff.
"Yu Xiao, I don't need to repay you. In fact, you owe me. Next time, think before you speak." His voice sharpened, almost incredulous. "One more thing, you are truly shameless! You dare compare me to that person, 'Stone-Honey'? You're ungrateful—after I save you, this is how you treat me? There's nothing he can do that I can't."
Yu Xiao's hands flew to her mouth, eyes wide as she darted a desperate glance to Long Jianyu.
The Dijun turned, his sharp gaze settling on Yun Qingjue, silent but radiating authority.
Unfazed, Yun Qingjue squared his shoulders and met their eyes, voice brimming with scorn.
"Where is that so-called Stone-Honey when you're in danger? You act like he's your hero, but when you need him, he's hiding somewhere! How pathetic."
"How dare you!" Long Jianyu's voice cracked through the tension, deep and commanding, startling Yun Qingjue out of his tirade.
For a heartbeat, Yun Qingjue faltered, eyes widening as he faced the Dijun's wrath.
"Insolent!" Long Jianyu hissed, his authority undisputed, the word ringing out like a verdict.
A heavy silence fell, thick with the consequences of Yun Qingjue's reckless words. The air trembled between them, the fragile trust in the room left hanging in the balance.
"Dijun, what's wrong?" Yun Qingjue asked, his voice faltering as uncertainty crept into his features.
Long Jianyu stood before him, his expression darkened by fury. His gaze was like a sharpened blade, cold and unyielding, as if ready to cut down anyone who dared cross him.
Yun Qingjue blinked, bewildered. He truly had no idea why his Dijun had suddenly turned so angry at his words.
Meanwhile, Yu Xiao, still half-hidden behind Long Jianyu, had lowered her face, shoulders trembling with suppressed laughter. Her lips were caught between her teeth, biting down to keep her amusement from spilling out.
Poor Yun Qingjue tilted his head, trying desperately to piece together what he was missing. Seconds dragged by as he studied Yu Xiao's expression, searching for clues.
Slowly, realization began to dawn on his face, though uncertainty lingered.
He swallowed and gathered his courage, turning back to his Dijun, who seemed on the verge of an outburst.
"Di—Dijun... that Stone-Honey... is that you?"
Long Jianyu's response was instantaneous, his eyes widening.
"Who else?" he snapped, voice edged with incredulity.
A flush crept up Yun Qingjue's neck as he pressed his lips together, mortified.
Embarrassment warred with disbelief in his eyes, and for once, he found himself utterly speechless.
Yu Xiao finally lost control and buried her face in her hands, shoulders shaking as she laughed in silence. Her muffled giggles echoed faintly in the tense chamber.
Yun Qingjue glanced at her, his face turning a deep shade of red.
Moments ago, he thought he had the upper hand in their argument, but now embarrassment swept over him like a wave, leaving him utterly exposed.
Awkwardly, he cleared his throat and straightened his back, forcing himself to regain composure before speaking.
"Dijun, I'm sorry. I didn't know."
Long Jianyu let out a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as he closed his eyes for a brief moment, collecting himself. When he spoke, his tone was curt but calm.
"Forget it. Just a trivial matter. Watch your words next time."
Yun Qingjue dipped his head in acknowledgment, voice subdued. "Understood."
Look at him—the fierce and arrogant aide, now reduced to a pitiful puppy after being scolded by his master. Who's toast now?
Yu Xiao couldn't help but slide her tongue across her teeth in silent amusement.
Stone-Honey, you're truly terrifying when you're angry. Thankfully, you're broad-minded enough to forgive.
Yu Xiao thought, her eyes glinting with mischief as she watched the scene unfold.
The silence broke as Yun Qingjue, still nursing his wounded pride, looked up with genuine curiosity.
"Dijun, how did you end up with a nickname like that? You're a respected person—why accept such a flowery title? Who was bold enough to give it to you?" he asked, brow furrowing in disbelief.
Before Long Jianyu could reply, Yu Xiao piped up, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I made it up myself," she whispered, her voice brimming with pride.
A satisfied smile spread across her face as she watched Yun Qingjue's stunned reaction.
"It's you again?" Yun Qingjue's voice was tinged with exasperation.
Yu Xiao blinked innocently, lips pressed together, choosing not to respond.
"Dijun, why are you tolerating her like that?" Yun Qingjue demanded, turning to Long Jianyu with a frown.
Long Jianyu's tone was calm and unruffled.
"What's the problem with accepting it?"
Yun Qingjue huffed, shaking his head.
"You don't need such a flowery title. If you keep letting her call you that, others might get the wrong idea."
Yu Xiao listened, feigning indifference, but her eyes sparkled with silent amusement.
"What flowery title are you talking about? It's just a name. Why are you objecting?" Long Jianyu asked, one brow arched in mild curiosity.
Yun Qingjue hesitated, suddenly cautious. "I wouldn't dare."
Long Jianyu gave him a cool look. "Since you don't, you should be considerate."
Yun Qingjue straightened, trying to sound sincere. "I do dare. I just care about you, Dijun. I only wish that title would stay hidden, not be used in public. Why are you so unfazed by this?"
Long Jianyu glanced at Yun Qingjue, then turned to Yu Xiao with a rare, gentle warmth in his eyes.
"It's cute," he said simply.
Both Yun Qingjue and Yu Xiao stared at him in stunned silence, completely at a loss for words.
"Qingjue, deliver my words to Lord Xue. Tell him I would like to meet him in three days," Long Jianyu instructed, his tone steady and authoritative.
Yun Qingjue bowed his head in respectful compliance. "As you wish, Dijun. I'll take my leave."
With a final, solemn glance, he turned and strode from the chamber, the echo of his footsteps fading into the distance.
They watched Yun Qingjue until he disappeared from sight, the echo of his departure lingering in the air.
As the silence settled, Long Jianyu's cold demeanor returned. He slowly turned, his piercing gaze fixing on Yu Xiao.
"And you."
Yu Xiao snapped her head up, bracing herself for his authoritative tone.
"Be good," he said, his voice low but commanding.
Yu Xiao froze, caught off guard, unsure how to respond.
Long Jianyu's gaze softened only slightly, but his words remained stern.
"This place is riddled with hidden traps. You were lucky today, but don't let that make you overconfident. With your knowledge, you should know your own limits. Even those blessed with immense power can still make mistakes."
"Oh, I got it," Yu Xiao replied softly, her tone gentle.
Long Jianyu's eyes dropped to her burned wrist, concern flickering across his usually stoic face.
After a brief pause, he looked up and met her gaze, his voice sincere. "Does it hurt?"
Yu Xiao glanced at him, then down at her wrist.
"It's... just a little bit sore," she admitted, quickly hiding her hand behind her back with a subtle, reassuring smile. "Nothing serious. It'll heal quickly."
However, for Long Jianyu, such words weren't enough. He stepped forward, concern etched in his features, but Yu Xiao misunderstood his intent and instinctively took a step back.
Seeing her reaction, Long Jianyu let out a quiet breath.
"Are you afraid of me?" he asked, his voice unexpectedly gentle.
Yu Xiao managed a sheepish smile and shook her head.
"Show me your hand," he said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
Like a pitiful puppy, Yu Xiao slowly extended her hand, raising it hesitantly in front of Long Jianyu. "Here," she murmured.
With surprising gentleness, Long Jianyu took her wrist in his hand, his touch careful as he examined the fresh burn.
Without a word, he dipped his head and softly blew over the wound, the warmth of his breath soothing against her skin.
Yu Xiao froze, eyes wide, momentarily speechless at the unexpected tenderness.
"This burn was caused by me. Don't overthink it. It's my responsibility to heal you," Long Jianyu said quietly.
Yu Xiao fell silent, her eyes fixed on him in surprise.
Long Jianyu's gaze softened as he looked at her wrist.
With a swift yet gentle touch, he pressed his fingers lightly to her burn.
A subtle surge of spiritual essence poured from his hand into her skin—a cool, tingling sensation spreading through the wound.
In just a moment, the burn faded, the pain vanishing with it, until her skin was completely healed, as if nothing had ever happened.
Yu Xiao stared in astonishment at her fully healed wrist, her fingers gently tracing the unblemished skin in disbelief.
Then she looked up at Long Jianyu, her eyes wide and luminous, filled with admiration and gratitude.
A bright, genuine smile curved her lips.
"Thank you!" she said, her voice soft but brimming with wonder.
Long Jianyu fell silent, simply gazing at her with a rare softness in his eyes—a quiet admiration flickering beneath his usually composed exterior.
"Then, you should set Tiaopi free for me," Yu Xiao ventured, hope flickering in her voice.
Long Jianyu let out a quiet sigh and lifted his chin, a hint of playfulness in his eyes.
"That depends on my mood," he replied, then turned and strode down the corridor without another word.
Yu Xiao's mouth fell open in disbelief. "Hey! Stone-Honey, wait!"
Long Jianyu paused, glancing over his shoulder. "You still won't give up?"
"Why not? Please, let Tiaopi go—for me," she pleaded, hurrying after him.
He offered a small, teasing smile. "Soon. But promise me you'll behave and not leave my sight."
"Is that so? I understand," Yu Xiao replied, a playful glint in her eyes.
The two of them left the secret chamber together, their voices echoing softly off the stone walls—teasing and bantering like a pair of close companions, their laughter mingling as they walked side by side down the corridor.