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Moonlight flowed like liquid silver through the window lattice, spilling across the bed.
Liu Erlong lay drenched in sweat, strands of damp hair clinging to her flushed cheeks and neck. Her chest rose and fell with breaths still not fully calmed.
Her eyes were half-lidded, tiny beads of perspiration clinging to her long lashes. Her legs occasionally brushed together softly, as if trying to soothe the lingering echoes of pleasure.
Dai Chengfeng lay on his side, propped up on one elbow, gazing at her with quiet satisfaction.
The moonlight traced the gentle curves of her form—her expression caught between satiation and bashfulness—and stirred something warm and tender deep within him.
"What are you staring at…?"
Liu Erlong murmured without opening her eyes, her voice still laced with post-coital softness.
Dai Chengfeng chuckled lowly and gently tucked a damp strand of hair behind her ear. "Just admiring how beautiful my Erlong is."
"Flatterer," she grumbled, finally opening her eyes to glare at him—but her gaze shimmered with dewy luminosity, utterly lacking in reproach, only adding to her allure. She pushed lightly against his solid chest. "Move away. You're burning up."
Though it sounded like a complaint, her touch was feather-light—more caress than protest.
Dai Chengfeng caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingertips.
"Wasn't it you who clung to me just now? And now you complain I'm too hot?"
"You!"
Liu Erlong's face flamed crimson again. She yanked her hand back and rolled over, turning her back to him. "I—I was just… that was…"
"That was what?"
Dai Chengfeng leaned in, wrapping his arms around her from behind, his warm chest pressing against her bare back, his chin resting in the hollow of her shoulder.
Liu Erlong stiffened instantly.
"Dai Chengfeng! You promised—only once!"
"Mm. Just once," he murmured, amusement threading through his voice, though his arms tightened possessively. "I'm just holding you."
"You'll keep your word?"
She turned her head slightly, eyeing him with suspicion.
"Of course." He kissed her shoulder. "Get some rest. We have to rise early tomorrow."
Only then did Liu Erlong relax. Indeed, the night's exertions had drained her strength.
She nestled deeper into his embrace, found a comfortable position, and closed her eyes.
Dai Chengfeng listened to her breathing grow slow and even, a soft smile curving his lips.
He pulled the light quilt over them both and closed his eyes as well.
---
Dawn broke with pale gold light.
Dai Chengfeng woke first.
He looked down at Liu Erlong still asleep in his arms—her expression peaceful, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Carefully, he withdrew his arm without disturbing her and rose silently.
After dressing, his gaze fell upon the pale violet object resting on the bedside table.
It lay there quietly, its surface now dusted with a faint, almost imperceptible layer of white frost—a delicate residue from the night's use. In the morning light, it glowed with a subtle, warm luster.
A knowing smile flickered in Dai Chengfeng's eyes. He picked it up.
It felt cool to the touch, yet still carried the lingering warmth and scent of last night.
His fingers traced the swirling cloud-like patterns engraved into its surface. Then, with a thought, he stored it safely within his soul-guided storage ring.
Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss to Liu Erlong's forehead—then, unable to resist, stole another light peck at her slightly swollen lips—before slipping soundlessly from the room.
In her sleep, Liu Erlong seemed to sense his absence. She let out a soft, unconscious whimper and reached out beside her—only to find an empty space.
Frowning slightly, she sank back into slumber, too drowsy to wake fully… though the smile on her lips deepened.
---
After leaving Liu Erlong's quarters, Dai Chengfeng headed straight back to the Spirit Hall.
The streets were nearly empty at this hour, save for a few early-rising vendors setting up their stalls.
He walked with calm composure—but a closer look would reveal an unusual, post-satisfaction languor softening the lines of his brow.
By the time he returned, daylight had fully claimed the sky.
Instead of going straight to his room, he sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard and closed his eyes to meditate.
"Brother Chengfeng?"
A bright, surprised voice echoed from the corridor.
Dai Chengfeng opened his eyes.
Xiao Wu stood beneath the arcade, dressed in a thin, pale-pink sleep robe, her long hair tousled over her shoulders—clearly on her way to wash up.
Morning light filtered through the pillars, casting her translucent silhouette into sharp relief. Beneath the sheer fabric, her slender figure was faintly visible.
"Good morning, Xiao Wu," Dai Chengfeng greeted her with a nod, his expression perfectly composed.
Xiao Wu blinked her large, luminous eyes and padded barefoot across the cool stone tiles toward him.
"How come you're already here so early? Didn't you come back last night?"
"Went out to handle something. Just returned."
He gestured for her to sit on the adjacent bench. "And you? Why not sleep in a bit longer?"
"I'm used to waking early to practice," she said, settling across from him and propping her chin in her hands. She studied him curiously. "Brother Chengfeng, you seem really happy today. Did something good happen?"
Dai Chengfeng arched his brow. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yeah!" Xiao Wu nodded emphatically. "You always smile, but today… it's different."
He laughed softly and ruffled her hair. "You're too perceptive for your age."
"I'm not that young!" she protested—but didn't pull away from his hand.
She swung her legs idly, the delicate silver anklet around her left ankle chiming faintly with each movement, glinting in the morning sun.
Dai Chengfeng's gaze dropped to her ankle. Suddenly, he said, "Come here."
"Huh?" Xiao Wu blinked in surprise.
"Come closer. Let me take a look." His tone was calm. "That anklet seems a bit loose."
Xiao Wu's face flushed instantly.
Biting her lip, she slowly stood and shuffled toward him.
Dai Chengfeng reached out, his fingers lightly brushing her slender ankle.
Xiao Wu shivered involuntarily, instinctively trying to pull her foot back—but he held it gently in place.
"Don't move," he murmured, voice low.
She froze, every nerve alight where his skin touched hers—as if electric currents raced up her leg and spread through her entire body.
Head bowed, she watched as his long fingers traced the silver chain, carefully examining the clasp.
His fingertips were cool against her warm skin, sending tremors rippling through her.
She held her breath, heart pounding wildly.
"It is a little loose," Dai Chengfeng observed.
But instead of tightening it right away, his fingers began tracing slowly upward along the chain—gliding over the smooth expanse of her calf.
Xiao Wu's legs were long, straight, and flawless—her skin pale and silky, glowing like fine white jade in the morning light.
Under his touch, a delicate pink flush bloomed across her fair skin.
"B-Brother Chengfeng…" Her voice trembled. Unconsciously, she gripped the hem of her sleep robe tighter.
Dai Chengfeng acted as if he hadn't heard. His fingers continued their unhurried ascent—sliding past the graceful curve of her calf, pausing just below her knee.
His touch was slow, reverent—like an artist admiring a masterpiece.
"Your legs are so fair, Xiao Wu," he said suddenly, his voice low with quiet admiration.
Xiao Wu's face burned scarlet, heat pooling in her chest. She wanted to speak—to say something—but her throat was dry, words failing her completely.
All she could feel was the warmth of his fingertips… and the weight of his gaze, heavy and tangible, scorching her skin wherever it fell.
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