Soft murmurs continuously escaped Yun Yun's lips.
Looking at her current state, and noticing the gray snake, Xiao Zhitian had already confirmed it was a low-grade magical beast: the Shadow Bat Bewitching Snake.
Returning to the Mountain Cave, Xiao Zhitian held Yun Yun, who clung to him like an octopus, and immediately found a small knife, which he heated over the fire.
He carefully laid Yun Yun down, made a tiny incision on the wound on her left foot, and used his mouth to suck out the venom, spitting it out repeatedly.
Just as Xiao Zhitian was sucking out the last bit of venom, something unexpected happened. Yun Yun broke free from his grasp and lunged at him. Her eyes burned with intensity, her face flushed, and her creamy skin showed faint red spots.
Xiao Zhitian's mouth was suddenly covered by her lips, causing him to momentarily choke.
"Spicy!" he exclaimed, stunned for a moment, and quickly tried to stop Yun Yun.
But Yun Yun, determined and fierce, seemed unstoppable. Xiao Zhitian instinctively wrapped his arms around her as the venom he had swallowed began to circulate. A strange, mysterious sensation rose from the depths of his soul, surging into his mind.
The two gradually embraced, holding each other tightly as the night passed quietly…
The next morning.
Xiao Zhitian woke first and slowly sat up, gazing at the woman lying beside him. Memories of the previous night flooded back like a tide, feeling unreal, like a fleeting dream.
Feeling movement beside her, Yun Yun opened her eyes and instinctively slapped Xiao Zhitian.
Caught off guard, he was knocked off the stone platform, rolling several times in a disheveled state.
Looking at Yun Yun, whose face was filled with shame and anger, Xiao Zhitian awkwardly said, "You're awake?"
Yun Yun abruptly sat up, covering herself with her clothes. Recalling the previous night, she realized she had overreacted and placed herself in an embarrassing position.
Gazing at Xiao Zhitian, she bit her lip lightly, a complex, unexplainable emotion flickering in her clear, watery eyes.
Although she had been poisoned by the snake, her memories were intact. She knew Xiao Zhitian had been trying to save her and that he had swallowed the venom by accident. Ultimately, she was the one in the wrong.
Yun Yun exhaled softly and sat up, letting out a faint gasp of air.
Seeing her in this state, Xiao Zhitian slowly approached the stone platform and sat on its edge. Looking at her, he softly called out, "Yun Zhi."
"Turn around," Yun Yun said, her tone tinged with shame and anger, a hint of coldness in her voice.
Xiao Zhitian said nothing, standing up awkwardly and turning his back to her.
Only the rustling of the fire broke the silence. After a moment, Yun Yun's calm voice reached him: "Jiang Feng, what happened yesterday was just an accident. Let's pretend it never happened."
"What do you mean by that?" Xiao Zhitian frowned, turning to look at her.
"Exactly what it sounds like. Let's act as if nothing occurred. It's better for both of us," Yun Yun said, feigning indifference.
"Sorry, I can't do that. And do you really think it can be ignored?" Xiao Zhitian said firmly, meeting her gaze.
Xiao Zhitian already liked Yun Yun. And after being rescued, seen, and cared for by him, she had also developed feelings, though she refused to admit it.
Yun Yun asked herself silently: Could she truly forget? Could she pretend it never happened?
Seeing her expression waver, Xiao Zhitian sighed, stepped closer, and hugged her from behind.
"What are you doing?" Yun Yun struggled lightly.
"Don't move. I know this might be difficult to accept all at once. You may have concerns, but none of that matters. Since it happened, I will take responsibility," Xiao Zhitian said tenderly, holding her close.
Yun Yun's body stiffened at his words. Xiao Zhitian seized the moment to embrace her fully, gently stroking her long hair: "You like me, and I like you too. Time will prove everything. One day, I will make you willingly accept me."
He released her, understanding that too much could be counterproductive. Yun Yun was thoughtful and reserved; she needed time to reflect.
Watching Xiao Zhitian string fish by the fire, Yun Yun's eyes reflected a mixture of complexity and melancholy.
The atmosphere remained quiet and tranquil. Xiao Zhitian flipped the fish in his hand, then offered one to her: "Have something to eat. You must be hungry after not eating for so long."
"I'm not…" Yun Yun began to refuse, but softened at his gentle, warm smile. She sighed and took the roasted fish.
"Be careful, it's hot," Xiao Zhitian reminded her.
"Mm." She responded softly, taking a careful bite. Whether from his words or the delicious fish, her melancholy eased: "My seal can be broken tomorrow."
"Then congratulations," Xiao Zhitian said, pausing his own meal. He muttered quietly, "I hope I can seal you again someday."
"What are you saying?" Yun Yun asked, hearing only fragments of his muttering.
"Nothing. After the seal is broken, will you continue to seek the Amethyst Winged Lion King?" Xiao Zhitian asked.
"Yes. The Purple Spirit Crystal is vital. I've traveled thousands of miles for it. But this time, I need your help with something," Yun Yun replied, setting the fish aside.
"Okay, I promise," Xiao Zhitian said decisively.
Seeing his immediate agreement, Yun Yun's eyes showed surprise: "I haven't even told you what I need help with. Aren't you worried I might ask you to lure the Amethyst Winged Lion King?"
"No," Xiao Zhitian said confidently. "I know you're not that kind of person."