"Lingxuan…"
A low, gentle voice brushed past her ear, carrying a warmth that made her heart tremble.
"You like it too… don't you?"
Before Bai Lingxuan could respond, a soft, moist warmth pressed against her lips.
Her breath caught.
A faint scent—cool and deep, like ancient pine—filled her senses. Strong, calloused fingers cupped her cheek, rough from battle yet impossibly gentle. When she lifted her gaze, she met a pair of dark eyes filled with quiet affection.
That tenderness was overwhelming.
Like still water—calm on the surface, yet deep enough to drown her.
"May I?" he asked softly.
"No."
—
Bai Lingxuan snapped awake.
Her eyes flew open as she gasped, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Cold fear flashed across her fair face.
"How could I dream something like that…?"
Her heart pounded violently, refusing to calm.
The dream was far too vivid.
The warmth of his touch, the texture of his fingers, the depth of those eyes—every detail remained painfully clear, as if it had truly happened.
Heat surged to her cheeks.
"Impossible…"
She pressed a hand against her chest, trying to steady her breathing.
"I don't even have someone I like. Why would I have such an absurd dream?"
They said dreams reflected one's thoughts, but she had never entertained such ideas. There was no reason—none at all—for such intimacy to appear in her sleep.
"I won't think about it."
Her face burned crimson as her heartbeat slowly settled.
Just then, a gentle female voice sounded from outside her door.
"Lingxuan, are you awake? Captain Yu has accepted a King-level mission. We're preparing to move."
Bai Lingxuan exhaled softly and replied, "Alright. I understand. I'll be there shortly."
She rose, opened her wardrobe, and swiftly stored her clothes into her spatial ring. After washing up and composing herself, she stepped out.
—
The first-floor lobby of the villa was already occupied.
Their residence was a two-story structure with a wide balcony on the upper floor—simple, sturdy, and practical, befitting an elite demon-hunting team.
Bai Lingxuan belonged to a King-level Demon-Hunting Team.
There were six members in total.
Their captain, Yu Yan, was an eighth-tier Guardian Knight. Broad-shouldered and stern, he had black hair, sharp eyes, and an expression that rarely softened. At thirty-eight, he was the oldest among them.
The vice-captain, Cong Xuan, was an eighth-tier Berserker—fierce in combat, straightforward by nature.
The mage, Lan Tingnan, was a seventh-tier Grand Magister from the Magic Temple's Lan family.
The summoner, Yun Xianglu, was a peak seventh-tier plant-type summoner, gentle and warm, like sunlight itself.
The assassin, Qu Wu, came from the Assassin Temple's renowned Qu family—a rare prodigy and its pride.
As for Bai Lingxuan—
She hailed from the prestigious Bai family of the Priest Temple.
Before turning thirty, she had already stepped into the eighth tier, making her one of the youngest high-level priests of her generation.
When she entered the lobby, the others were already seated.
"You're here," Yu Yan said calmly.
"I've accepted five killing missions and one exploration mission."
His tone was steady, authoritative.
"The targets include several high-tier demon races, demon commanders above the eighth tier, and a large number of mid-tier flying demons."
Killing missions meant direct confrontation—high risk, but equally high rewards.
"The exploration mission concerns an abnormal fluctuation detected near the Demon Clan's border region. Merit value: two hundred thousand."
Combined with the killing missions, completing this operation would bring their accumulated merit close to the threshold needed to advance further.
They had fought together for more than ten years. Trust among them ran deeper than blood.
Their goal was clear.
To become an Emperor-level Demon-Hunting Team—one of the titled teams of the Alliance.
"This mission will take us through multiple demon-controlled territories," Yu Yan continued. "We'll depart from Exorcism Pass and pass through several demon cities along the way."
"Since it's a long operation, we'll need enough supplies to last a year."
His gaze shifted to Bai Lingxuan.
"Lingxuan, handle the procurement."
She nodded without hesitation.
"Understood, Captain."
As a priest, she was meticulous and organized. The team's logistics, supplies, and even merit allocation were all under her management.
"Qu Wu, Tingnan—assist her. We leave in three days."
"Yes," they answered together.
—
After breakfast, Bai Lingxuan led Qu Wu and Lan Tingnan to the Holy City market.
They purchased large quantities of meat, water, and vegetables, sealing everything into spatial rings to prevent spoilage.
Every member of the team was equipped with top-tier gear. All six wielded legendary-grade weapons, a testament to both their strength and accumulated merit.
Once the preparations were complete, Bai Lingxuan returned to the villa.
Yu Yan stood in the lobby.
"You're back quickly," he said.
His voice was deep and steady, like flowing spring water.
"Yes, Captain," she replied with a relaxed smile.
"Rest well. We leave tomorrow."
He turned away, already focused on other matters.
"Lingxuan."
Yun Xianglu beckoned her over with a smile.
She had fair skin, softly wavy blonde hair, and deep blue eyes. Her blue robe was densely etched with summoning runes.
She was warm, gentle, and eight years older than Bai Lingxuan—someone everyone relied on.
"What is it, Sister Yun?" Bai Lingxuan asked curiously.
"I heard your family has been urging you about marriage," Yun Xianglu teased lightly. "I'm just wondering… which outstanding young man could possibly win your heart?"
With the war between humans and demons intensifying, many elites chose to start families early, fearing they might never return from the battlefield.
By comparison, Bai Lingxuan was already considered late.
She shook her head helplessly.
"Please don't tease me, Sister Yun."
"I don't have such thoughts right now."
She smiled faintly, her gaze clear.
"I'm still young. I want to focus on my path."
—
End of Chapter 1