AUOF - 95

Sang Li returned to Gui Xu with the Fan Sha Flower, handing it over to Qi and personally watching him take it inside. Only then did she collapse onto the steps, her strength entirely drained.

The night wind gushed in reverse.

A thin mist enveloped the palace of Gui Xu, resembling delicate gauze. The sound of waves seemed to echo in her ears, layer upon layer, lulling one into drowsiness.

Sang Li wrapped her arms around herself, lazily resting her head on them.

She couldn’t hear any sounds from inside and, fearing she might disturb Ji Hengyu’s rest, didn’t dare enter.

It was a bit cold.

Just then, a black cloak embroidered with bamboo leaves fell onto her shoulders, faintly carrying the lingering scent of Ji Hengyu.

Sang Li’s face lit up with joy as she turned around quickly: ‘Ji Hengyu, are you awake?’

The expected face didn’t appear. Qi still stood there awkwardly, his hands suspended mid-air behind him after draping the cloak. The two remained silent for a long time before Qi finally scratched his head hesitantly, distancing himself slightly and sitting down beside her.

Sang Li murmured: ‘How is Master…’

Qi didn’t know how to respond.

He was naturally tongue-tied and not good at handling such situations. To be honest, when Sang Li had brought the Fan Sha Flower back, exhausted and covered in dust, he felt more shock than gratitude. All these years, it had always been Ji Hengyu sacrificing for the six realms; never had anyone risked their life to protect him like this.

He was genuinely happy for his master but also felt a pang of sorrow.

The deeper meaning wasn’t something he could reveal to Sang Li. Beneath his mask, Qi’s expression softened slightly. ‘Master is feeling better. He told me to let you rest.’

Sang Li still wasn’t reassured: ‘The Fan Sha Flower… has he used it yet?’

Qi avoided her gaze: ‘Yes.’

Sang Li thought Qi seemed a bit strange, but considering his introverted and quiet nature, it wasn’t surprising.

After sitting for a while, her legs began to go numb. She stood up, stomping her feet, unconsciously tightening the cloak around her shoulders. The garment was oversized, its hem trailing along the cool steps, making Sang Li appear even smaller and more delicate.

‘I’ll wait here. When Ji Hengyu wakes up, I’ll check on him, and then I’ll leave.’

Qi faltered, wanting to speak but holding back, as if burdened by something unspeakable.

Struggling internally to find the right words, he finally managed to say: ‘If you stay out here, Master will worry. Why don’t you… stay in the side hall for now?’

In the side hall, there was a small pavilion originally meant for the maidservants who attended to Ji Hengyu. However, Ji Hengyu’s chambers had always been occupied solely by him. Even cleaning was done by leaf automatons, leaving no need for servants.

Sang Li thought for a moment, nodded, and followed Qi to the side hall.

It was the tail end of spring, and Gui Xu was colder than it had been in the twelfth month. Qi lit a warm stove and ignited the heated walls, finally dispelling the lingering chill and dampness. Without lingering further, he gave her a few instructions before retreating.

Though her body was weary, sleep eluded her.

Sang Li lay on the bed, warming herself. As her limbs warmed up, her tense nerves gradually relaxed, and she drifted off into a light sleep. In that half-dreaming state, she vaguely felt someone caressing her cheek. The touch was icy, as if a thin piece of jade was gently gliding across her skin.

She opened her eyes, still groggy, and saw a blurry outline.

Soon, the outline became clear. It was a lean face, with eyebrows extending like distant mountains, eyes radiating a serene glow. His subtle emotions were all gathered at the corners of his eyes, but when he lowered his gaze, the sharpness disappeared, leaving only a gentle warmth akin to spring.

Sang Li stared at him unblinkingly for a long moment, her heart skipping a beat as she propped herself up.

Ji Hengyu came forward to help her sit up.

His hands were long and slender, exuding strength. Even through her clothes, Sang Li could feel the temperature emanating from his palm.

Very cold.

Sang Li couldn’t help but look at him.

Ji Hengyu wore only a snow-white outer robe, his jet-black hair cascading down his back, complementing the serene moonlight and appearing as gentle as bamboo. There wasn’t a single trace of injury on his body; it truly seemed as though he had undergone a complete transformation. Aside from being slightly thinner and paler, there was no sign of his previous severe injuries.

‘Are you feeling better?’

External wounds healed quickly, but internal injuries were harder to mend.

Sang Li still harbored some concern and, afraid of disturbing him, cautiously observed Ji Hengyu’s current condition.

Ji Hengyu’s eyes curved slightly as he leaned closer: ‘Check for yourself.’

Sang Li didn’t dare to boldly touch him everywhere. She merely intended to lightly graze his eyebrow and quickly withdraw, but unexpectedly, Ji Hengyu suddenly grasped her wrist, guiding her fingertips to slowly slide down.

First, her lashes—when her fingertips brushed against them, it felt like touching a layer of soft down, briefly tickling her before moving on. Then her fingertips slowly wandered to his nose, philtrum, and beautifully arched lips.

Ji Hengyu moved very slowly.

His gaze never left her. Though it was she who was touching him, Sang Li felt as though she was being stripped bare by him.

Next, her fingers traced his chin, then moved lower to his Adam’s apple, collarbone…

He patiently allowed her to explore every inch.

The faint red glow of the warm stove under the bed cast a gentle heat, rising in layers. Unconsciously, Sang Li clutched the thin blanket tighter, a thin layer of sweat forming on her neck. Held firmly by him, her fingertips burned hot, yet Ji Hengyu’s grip on her hand remained cool and dry.

At the moment her palm touched his chest, a fierce kiss descended upon her.

She lay beneath him, her hands pressed against him, receiving a flurry of delicate kisses.

Ji Hengyu didn’t close his eyes.

His pupils were deep and black, concealing all brilliance while reflecting her current confusion and bewilderment.

Ji Hengyu wasn’t a gentle person.

Compared to his seemingly docile exterior, his true nature was cold and obsessive, revealed more clearly during intimate contact.

Sang Li panted heavily, trying to push him away with force. Sensing her intention, Ji Hengyu tightened his grip, pinning both her wrists together above her head with one hand.

Ji Hengyu calmed his restlessness, soothingly licking the corner of her lips, kissing her deeply and intensely, gradually transitioning into slow, tender caresses.

The overwhelming fragrance invaded her lungs, pulling her into a moist, chaotic swamp where both her consciousness and herself were entirely under his control. Rather than discomfort, she seemed to prefer this sensation.

Watching him become intoxicated, deeply immersed, and entranced by her.

After a while longer, Ji Hengyu finally released her. Dazed, Sang Li reached for his chest, fumbling around inside.

Ji Hengyu appeared slim, but beneath his clothes lay a solid, muscular frame.

Her palm pressed against the coolness of his skin, eliciting a comfortable sigh. Wanting to take advantage, Ji Hengyu finally stopped her, grabbing her hand with a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

Still dazed, Sang Li tilted her head in confusion.

His voice carried a laugh: ‘That was presumptuous of you.’

Sang Li’s hand froze awkwardly, unable to retract.

Her cheeks flushed with a faint heat, likely from embarrassment, deepening the blush.

‘Let me lie down for a bit.’

Silently, Sang Li shifted further inside.

The small chamber meant for servant rest was naturally less luxurious than his quarters. The bed was small, suitable for one person, but cramped for two.

Ji Hengyu turned to his side, pulling her closer. Though the space widened slightly, they were pressed even closer together.

His chin rubbed against the top of her head, his arm tightly encircling her waist, leaving no gap between them.

Facing away from Ji Hengyu, Sang Li still mulled over what had just happened. Feeling uncomfortable with the current contact, she couldn’t help but shift her hips slightly.

‘Don’t move.’

A gentle warning came from above.

Sang Li stiffened immediately, unable to focus on a particular spot.

There was movement.

Her cheeks burned hot.

‘Isn’t this considered overstepping too?’

‘No,’ Ji Hengyu replied matter-of-factly. ‘At most, it’s called being blinded by lust.’

‘…’ After a long pause, Sang Li managed to mutter three words: ‘You’re shameless.’

It was evident that Ji Hengyu was in a good mood, which made her feel lighter as well.

‘I saw Cui Wan Ning constantly suffering from the backlash of the Fan Sha Flower. Are you experiencing any discomfort after swallowing it?’ The original work hadn’t mentioned much about this. Caught up in saving lives, Sang Li hadn’t considered the consequences. Now, thinking of the backlash, she couldn’t help but want to turn and examine him.

Her waist was plump and soft, providing a comfortable hold. Dissatisfied with her movement, Ji Hengyu tightened his grip, simply saying he was fine.

If he said it was fine, then it definitely was.

‘What about Situ? With your engagement dissolved, will she face any consequences?’ Ji Hengyu had already endured the thunder punishment, so logically, he shouldn’t bear any further responsibility. Compared to Ji Hengyu, Sang Li was more worried about Situ, who had gone completely silent in the Heavenly Pavilion. Unable to reach the Divine Realm, and considering Situ’s identity and situation, Sang Li couldn’t help but feel concerned.

‘The matter started because of me. She won’t face any trouble.’

Sang Li raised her head: ‘Really?’

Ji Hengyu held her fox-like eyes, looking straight at her: ‘Really.’

‘For now, I’ll believe you.’

Ji Hengyu’s joyful expression deepened further.

Perhaps it was too early to say such things, but love wasn’t bound by time, nor was it something to hide.

‘In the eightieth level of the Abyss Prison, many things are hidden.’

‘Hm?’

‘They were all prepared by my mother for me.’ Mentioning his mother, Ji Hengyu fell silent for a rare moment before continuing: ‘All the treasures she and my father collected from the seas, filling an entire level… they said…’

He paused. ‘…they were my dowry.’

Sang Li was momentarily stunned.

‘But you know,’ Ji Hengyu said, ‘I’ve spent my entire life trapped in the Gui Xu Sea, lowly and unloved. I’ve never bothered seeking others’ favor. Meeting you is my fortune. If you’re willing to spend your life with me, aside from hardship, I’m willing to entrust everything to you.’

Ji Hengyu buried his face in her nape, greedily inhaling her scent. His hand, previously resting on her waist, slowly found hers, intertwining their fingers tightly.

‘If we can’t cross life and death together in this world, then let me cross the remainder of my life with you.’

In this sliver of heaven beyond the mortal realm, he had found what he sought for a lifetime.

Sang Li’s heart stirred subtly. Though she had already leaned towards him, she couldn’t help but complain: ‘But you wouldn’t even let me overstep.’

Ji Hengyu hadn’t expected her to still dwell on that teasing remark, causing him to chuckle softly. ‘As long as you nod, you can overstep all you want.’

After a brief mental debate, Sang Li nodded slightly. Before he could react, she flipped over hungrily, biting onto his Adam’s apple like a starving fox.

The scene immediately became awkward.

True to his word, he didn’t resist, allowing her to roll around on top of him, misbehaving freely.