Chapter 145: Worried About Xiao Yan's Misunderstanding
After the pair flew away, the little lion cub cautiously emerged from the cave and landed next to its battered father, letting out pitiful whimpers.
The elder Purple Crystal Winged Lion, its face still swollen and bruised, listened to its cub's sorrowful cries and growled lowly, fury burning in its eyes. The humans hadn't just defeated it they'd also taken their treasures and even struck its child.
"That damned human even stole my cub's milk supply!" the lion raged internally.
It wanted vengeance, but it knew it was no match for that terrifying human boy.
"Once I recover, I'll call for my elder brother to help me kill that insolent human!"
If the Netherworld Demon Snake could hear its thoughts, it would surely sneer, "Foolish beast. That's courting death!"
But the Purple Crystal Winged Lion didn't possess the knowledge or foresight of the snake. As a mere sixth rank magical beast, all it could think about was revenge.
Night fell over the Magic Beast Mountain Range, and the wilderness was alive with the low growls and howls of magical beasts. Shadows darted through the dense forest, but any creature that came near a particular cave would suddenly halt and flee.
Something about the cave's aura told them it was best left alone.
The sky glittered with stars, scattered like gems across a dark velvet tapestry. Inside the cave, the golden glow of a crackling campfire danced on the walls, casting long shadows and filling the air with a comforting warmth.
Two fish roasted above the fire, their golden skin sizzling as beads of oil dripped into the flames, sending sparks flying.
"Here, have some." Xiao Yan handed one of the golden fish to Yun Yun.
"I didn't expect Young Master Xiao Yan to be skilled at cooking too," Yun Yun said, smiling softly as she took the fish.
"This isn't just cooking. This is a seventh tier alchemist using heavenly flames to prepare your meal," Xiao Yan corrected with mock seriousness.
"Then I must thank you, Lord Xiao Yan," Yun Yun replied, a rare playfulness in her tone as she took a small bite.
The moment the fish entered her mouth, its rich flavor blossomed on her tongue. The tender meat melted in her mouth, leaving behind a lingering fragrance.
Under Xiao Yan's watchful and amused gaze, Yun Yun shyly finished the entire fish.
"Stop staring at me," she said, her face tinged with embarrassment.
"Alright, I won't." Xiao Yan leaned back against the cave wall, folding his arms behind his head as he continued to gaze at her.
The flickering firelight illuminated Yun Yun's figure, highlighting her delicate features and serene beauty. The soft glow outlined her snow white skin, accentuated her refined nose and rosy lips, and made her bright eyes sparkle with warmth.
Her cascading black hair framed her face, adding a touch of mature charm to her otherwise regal demeanor. The golden light caressed her graceful curves, creating a mesmerizing interplay of shadow and light that accentuated her elegance.
"What are you looking at?" Yun Yun asked softly.
"You're beautiful," Xiao Yan murmured, his voice carrying genuine admiration.
"What's beautiful?" Yun Yun's cheeks turned pink, but her tone was light, her heart warming at his words.
"You look like a living masterpiece a painting filled with life and mystery. If I were better at painting, I'd want to capture this moment forever."
Xiao Yan's eyes twinkled with amusement as he leaned closer to her.
"With your talent, you'd probably master painting in no time," Yun Yun replied, smiling gently. "Then you could paint whenever you want."
"Maybe I should give it a try when I have the time." Xiao Yan chuckled, casually undoing the sash at her waist.
"What are you doing?" Yun Yun gave him a playful glare but didn't resist.
"Are we heading back to the Jia Ma Empire tomorrow?" Xiao Yan asked casually as his hands continued their mischief.
Yun Yun nodded, her face turning redder by the second. "Yes, but…"
Outside, the moonlight bathed the mountain range in a silvery glow, but within the cave, the firelight painted a far more intimate scene.
The sounds of the night faded into the background, leaving only the crackling of the fire and the soft murmur of shared laughter.
The lingering warmth between the two filled the cave, and Yun Yun rested her head on Xiao Yan's shoulder, her heart full of peace and contentment.
"I just hope Xiao Yan doesn't misunderstand…" she thought, her cheeks flushing once more.
"Are you sending me away?" Yun Yun's body stiffened as she heard Xiao Yan's words.
"I'm not sending you away," Xiao Yan replied gently. "But I have many things to deal with in the near future, and I might not have the time to take care of you. Besides, I suggest you focus on organizing the matters of the Misty Cloud Sect and the Flame Alliance. You're not just the sect master of the Misty Cloud Sect anymore; you're also my woman now."
His voice was calm as he admired the artwork before him her perfect, ivory like figure revealed under the flickering firelight. Her body was truly a masterpiece, though some details could not be described.
"Is this how you treat the 'masterpiece' you spoke of?" Yun Yun's voice carried a hint of reproach as she shyly covered key parts of her body with her hands, her eyes hazy as she looked at Xiao Yan.
"Whether it's a masterpiece or a work of art, it deserves to be appreciated properly," Xiao Yan replied with a wicked grin.
The fire continued to crackle, illuminating the intertwined shadows on the cave walls. The flickering light cast ancient and mysterious silhouettes, like a moving mural that depicted the primal secrets of life.
As the first light of dawn filtered through the cave entrance, Yun Yun cast Xiao Yan a reluctant glance.
"I'm leaving now. Be sure to return to the Jia Ma Empire soon," she said softly.
"I will after I've dealt with the Queen," Xiao Yan thought to himself, but on the surface, he leaned forward and kissed her gently on the forehead.
"Stay safe," she whispered.
Xiao Yan watched her graceful figure disappear into the distance, his gaze lingering until she was entirely out of his spiritual perception. Only then did he exhale deeply.
With a flick of his finger, a small black lotus materialized in his palm. Nestled within the petals was a tiny, finger length serpent.
"Master, do you have instructions for me?" the serpent immediately transformed into the figure of a middle aged man upon seeing Xiao Yan.
"Take me to find the Beast Sovereign," Xiao Yan said with a faint smile. It was time to delve deeper into the legacy of the Seven Colored Demon Saint.
"As you wish, Master!" The middle aged man Nether Serpent grinned, excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Beast Sovereign, you probably never imagined that after a thousand years of my body's demise, I'd be back to cause trouble!" Nether Serpent cackled inwardly as he began briefing Xiao Yan on the path ahead.
Three Nights Later – Misty Cloud Sect Main Hall
Gu He's figure appeared outside the grand hall of the Misty Cloud Sect.
"Sect Master, thank you for the matter of the Purple Spirit Crystal," Gu He said respectfully. He had received the crystal the day before but had returned to discuss something else with Yun Yun.
Not long ago, rumors of a Heavenly Flame in the Tagore Desert had spread. The news had ignited a fiery desire in Gu He's heart. However, the Tagore Desert was under the rule of the Snake People Tribe, making it a dangerous venture even for a Dou Wang.
Thus, Gu He had gathered several allies and hoped Yun Yun would join them as their strongest member.
"No need to thank me," Yun Yun's cool and clear voice echoed from within the hall. This time, however, there was an unmistakable vitality to her tone.
Gu He's heart stirred with hope. Ever since Xiao Yan had left, Yun Yun had been distant and detached. This was the first time her voice carried such emotion, and it was directed at him.
He cleared his throat, ready to broach the subject of the Heavenly Flame. But before he could, Yun Yun's voice interrupted him.
"Brother Gu, unless it's a matter of utmost urgency, I ask that you refrain from seeking me out in the future."
"What?" Gu He froze, his words caught in his throat.
"Have I troubled you too much lately? Or are you too exhausted?" Gu He forced a bitter smile, trying to understand her sudden coldness.
"It's neither," Yun Yun replied, her voice calm yet tinged with a hint of apology. "I'm afraid Xiao Yan might misunderstand."
"Afraid… Xiao Yan might misunderstand?"
Gu He's body stiffened as if he had been struck by lightning.
Her words were like a blade piercing his heart.
At that moment, Gu He could almost hear the sound of his heart shattering into pieces.
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