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The desert was vast, not so easily traversed.
Bai Xu decided to rest here for the night. Lush greenery erupted wildly, spreading hundreds of meters in moments. With a wave of his hand, streaks of emerald light scattered, and wooden cabins rose from the ground as if conjured by an immortal.
Within this oasis, a rich vitality pulsed through the air, refreshing the heart and soothing the mind.
At the same time, spirit beasts continuously awakened, bowing to Bai Xu before turning to march deeper into the desert. The reason this desert was so expansive was that it bred a spirit beast harmful to forests—the Sand Demon Worm. It corroded the earth, ravaged nature, and could be considered a pest.
These creatures survived and cultivated by draining the lifeblood of all living things—whether animals or plants, they were all targets.
Gu Yuena gently stroked the willow leaves beside her, feeling the undulations of the ten-thousand-year-old willow. She sighed. "Now that you've reached the ten-thousand-year level, can you summon an army of hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts with just a wave of your hand?"
"Most likely. But that would require the level of Divine Prohibition. At that realm, as long as my divine soul remains intact, I can be reborn."
Of course, achieving this so effortlessly was partly due to the subtle assistance of the Plane Lord.
The willow leaves swayed in the night breeze. Inside the tightly shut wooden cabin, Bai Xu lay on the large bed, intending to sleep rather than cultivate as usual.
Creak—
The wooden door opened, and a silver figure stepped inside under the moonlight. Gu Yuena's silvery-white gauze dress was nearly transparent under the glow, her skin as flawless as white jade. Her violet eyes shimmered as she watched Bai Xu's reaction.
"You seem... enchanted by me," Gu Yuena said with a faint smile, her steps light as she approached the bed.
Bai Xu sighed. "Your clothing choices grow bolder by the day. It's as if you're certain I won't devour you. With such beauty before me, restraining myself is agony. If my rationality snaps, you'll be in trouble."
Yet she seemed entirely unbothered, even carrying an air of boldness. "There's only a thin veil between us—one that could be torn away at any moment. Why keep up the pretense?"
Bai Xu didn't respond, his gaze drifting downward. Fortunately, he could control his blood flow, preventing any awkward reactions.
"Do you want me to tear it away?" Bai Xu asked seriously.
Gu Yuena met his eyes, her expression tinged with melancholy. "Actually... I've long sensed it. You won't. Perhaps the future holds variables that weigh on your mind. Even with all preparations made, you still consider the worst-case scenario... fearing your own demise."
Bai Xu froze, surprised by her insight.
"After being by your side for so long, I naturally understand your thoughts," she explained.
"Considering the worst outcome is the only way to ensure survival. I don't want everything to end in vain, nor do I want those around me to live with regret."
"But how do you know they would regret it?"
A breeze swept through, as if on purpose, lifting the silver gauze. Unnoticed, a mist had begun to rise in the room, enveloping them in an ethereal haze. The faint glimpses of spring's allure sent warmth rushing to Bai Xu's nose for the first time.
"You're... bleeding."
Ignoring her words, green vines suddenly surged from the wooden bed, lashing toward Gu Yuena.
"W-what are you doing?!" she exclaimed, attempting to summon her spirit power to block them.
But in the next moment, she saw the Five Elements Flags already spread across the room's corners—the green vines were chains specifically designed to restrain the Silver Dragon!
"I can't use my spirit power! When did you set up this formation?!"
"Mmm~ N-no... don't..."
Shy murmurs filled the air as the figure on the bed squirmed, further igniting Bai Xu's fervor. His rationality was on the verge of collapse—he couldn't hold back anymore.
"If you truly don't want this, use the Dragon God Core," Bai Xu pressed closer, locking eyes with her.
"Mmm~... I didn't bring it..."
As warmth brushed against her neck, Gu Yuena's jade-white skin flushed pink. She was utterly embarrassed, passive yet helpless.
Bai Xu whispered in her ear, "Playing with fire like this demands a price..."
Though he wouldn't take her body, there were... other ways.
"No! Stop—if you keep restraining me like this... I'll make you pay later."
Bai Xu continued downward, nearing sensitive spots that sent her into a fluster.
A devilish whisper sounded in her ear: "You said it yourself... you didn't bring the Dragon God Core. Tonight, you're mine."
Gu Yuena's body grew weak. Bai Xu sensed that even without the wooden restraints, she wouldn't resist. The thickening mist in the room only emboldened him further.
Suddenly, a sharp pain flared in his shoulder.
She had bitten him, her eyes filled with defiance. "If you don't release the vines, I won't let go."
"It's fine. Even if you tear off a chunk, my current abilities make it negligible." Unfazed, Bai Xu descended further, reaching the twin peaks.
"Mmph! You—you're nothing but a scoundrel! Mmm~"
"You smell incredible... why haven't I noticed before?"
Hearing his teasing remark, Gu Yuena glared at him with reproach. "Scoundrel! Just you wait—ah! Don't go further... you really like this place, don't you?" Gritting her teeth, she bit down on Bai Xu again, unable to move her limbs.
Though she had mentally prepared for such intimacy—even studying up on it—Bai Xu's boldness and audacity left her stunned and deeply flustered.
Bai Xu lifted his head, tilting her chin to bring her closer. Their eyes grew hazy, their breaths mingling.
"Am I beautiful?"
"Like a peerless immortal... utterly intoxicating."
"Good..."
Passion erupted between them. Their lips met, mingling with traces of blood—whether from the Silver Dragon or Bai Xu, both were potent elixirs.
Bai Xu's hand roamed her abdomen, stroking gently, causing Gu Yuena's breathing to grow ragged. Tonight would not end quietly.
Entangled in each other, Gu Yuena's jade-white skin turned rosy, her cheeks like blooming peach blossoms, dewy and delicate. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, her silver-white hair clinging to her chest.
Yet, freed from the bite, she still refused to yield. "Scoundrel... just you wait, Bai Xu—mmph!"
"Do you want to be on top?" Bai Xu teased, his own desires burning fiercely.
"Someday... I'll make you beg me—"
Smack!
A crisp sound echoed through the room.
Gu Yuena's eyes widened in shock. "Why did you spank me?!"
"My hand has a mind of its own at times..."
Smack!
Another slap.
"I don't believe you!"
"Just you wait, you scoundrel~"
Ah~
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The Next Morning.
Bai Xu's eyes snapped open. Glancing at his lover curled beside him, memories of last night's madness brought an involuntary smile to his lips.
He gently brushed her silver hair back before lying down again to admire her face.
"Mmph!"
Gu Yuena jolted awake, meeting Bai Xu's gaze. Instantly, her cheeks and neck flushed crimson. Yanking the blanket over his head, she swiftly donned her sleepwear.
Her eyes burned with reproach, displeasure, and lingering embarrassment as she glared at him. "Satisfied?"
"Heh. Shouldn't I be the one asking? Were you satisfied last night?"
"You—!"
A thousand words condensed into a cold snort. Noticing the marks on her chest and neck, Gu Yuena wordlessly changed into her formal Spirit Pagoda uniform—its high collar provided ample coverage.
"Let's go. To the Fire Basin's Spirit Pagoda."