"Before telling me to leave, think twice," Zeyan said in a cold voice.
Lingxi's eyes filled with regret. She didn't like what she had done. She tried hard to control the temptation—the desperate need for relief from the pain that had forced her into that moment. That was why she wanted Zeyan to leave.
But he was still there, hovering over her, not moving, just inches away, waiting for her to say it clearly.
Suddenly, she closed her eyes and curled her fingers tightly around the bedsheet as the pain surged again. The burning agony returned, sharper than before. The lust for blood rose violently inside her.
Zeyan could see it clearly.
"I know you're regretting it," Zeyan said, looking at her with softened eyes. "But resisting yourself won't work. This is the only way. I will find a permanent solution, but for now, this is the only way to ease your pain. Otherwise, it will only increase. Just give me a few more moments and I will suck away your pain, giving you relief."
His voice was low… desperate.
Lingxi slowly opened her eyes and looked straight into his. This time, it wasn't just pain in them—there was something else. A silent plea. An acceptance she couldn't bring herself to say aloud, but her eyes said everything.
Without waiting another second, Zeyan locked her lips tightly with his, pressing them firmly and deepening the kiss.
A few moments later…
Lingxi lay sleeping peacefully on the bed.
Zeyan sat beside her, gently covering her with the blanket. He brushed the loose strands of hair away from her cheek with his fingers and softly patted her head.
"You will be fine soon," he whispered.
Then he left.
Zeyan returned to his room, only to find Yanlong already waiting for him.
Yanlong sat on the couch with his elbow resting on his knee, fingers pressed to his temple. His eyes looked disturbed—he still couldn't digest what he had witnessed.
Yanlong's head was lowered. He noticed a pair of shoes on the floor, looked up, and found Zeyan standing before him.
He stood up immediately.
"Master… you finally came," his voice was strained.
"Yes," Zeyan replied, studying his face. "But what happened to you? I can tell something's wrong."
"N-Nothing, Master," Yanlong replied quickly. "Actually, you must be thirsty. Let me bring you some water."
He turned to leave but was stopped by Zeyan.
"Wait. Where are you going? I'm not thirsty."
Yanlong turned back.
"Then… you must be tired, Master. I'll leave you to rest."
He turned toward the door again.
"Wait!" Zeyan called sharply. "Why are you acting like this? From your behavior, it looks like you are the one need rest. What happened?"
"That should be my question," Yanlong muttered under his breath.
"What did you say?" Zeyan asked coldly.
"N-Nothing… H-how is Lingxi?" Yanlong finally dared to ask.
"For now, she is fine," Zeyan replied. "But the evil spirit is not fully destroyed."
Yanlong froze.
"Even after that… the evil spirit wasn't destroyed?"
He slapped his palm against his forehead loudly, unable to control himself—then instantly covered his mouth with his fingers, realizing his mistake.
Zeyan narrowed his eyes and stepped closer.
"Explain."
"I mean, Master… you tried to enter her Soul Realm. You were inside for so long. You gave so much effort, and now you're saying the evil spirit is still there. I was just shocked."
"Her Soul Realm is sealed," Zeyan said calmly. "Someone sealed it. That's why I couldn't enter and destroy the spirit."
"Then… what were you doing for so long, Master?" Yanlong asked hesitantly, unable to suppress his curiosity.
"I was curing her," Zeyan replied plainly—without hesitation.
Yanlong swallowed hard.
"M-May I ask how…?"
Zeyan's expression changed. He clasped his hands behind his back and moved closer, staring straight into Yanlong's eyes.
"May I know why this bothers you so much?" he asked coldly. "I remember clearly telling you to stand outside the room. I hope you followed that order."
"Y-Yes, Master! Of course!" Yanlong replied quickly. "I was outside the whole time. Then I thought it was taking too long, so I left. I didn't peek even once. I really don't know what was happening inside. I haven't seen you both kissing—!"
The moment the words left his mouth, Yanlong realized his blunder.
His eyes widened. His mouth fell open.
"You—!" Zeyan raised his hand, ready to strike, but stopped himself midway, clenching his fist in the air.
"P-Pardon me, Master!" Yanlong said, covering his head with his hands. "I didn't mean to! I was just checking if you were fine and then—"
"So that's why you've been asking strange questions," Zeyan said coldly.
"I was just shocked, Master. I've never seen you like that… I didn't know what to think."
"Enough," Zeyan interrupted. "Stop overthinking. I was saving her—you know that. I was transferring my Blood Flame Vein aura to relieve her pain and satisfy the blood lust. Otherwise, it could have caused far greater trouble."
Hearing this, Yanlong smiled innocently, like a relieved child.
"Now I understand, Master. Thank you… and I'm sorry for doubting you."
"Enough," Zeyan said again. "Don't waste time. We have more important matters."
"Yes, Master," Yanlong nodded. "So… what will you do next when she wakes up?"
Zeyan shot him a sharp glance.
"Master, you said we should discuss the serious matter," Yanlong added quickly.
"For a few days, she will be fine because of my Blood Flame Vein aura," Zeyan said firmly. "During this time, we must find a permanent solution."
"But you can't enter her Soul Realm," Yanlong said. "Then what will you do?"
"There is still a way," Zeyan replied, his eyes turning resolute.
"One last way to save her."