Xinyi inquired, "You've been completely silent along the way. Did you run into any trouble?"
Rover recounted the events she had encountered within the Mirage.
Lucian asked curiously, "So you even encountered an illusion of Changli as a child?"
Changli also recalled that, while inside the Mirage, aside from the illusion resembling Rover, there had indeed been a frail, small silhouette beside her.
It seemed that what Rover had encountered in this Mirage were phantoms of her own past.
Xinyi sighed. "A temporal disturbance hidden within the Mirage... No wonder it was never detected before."
"But to think the final solution was to burn the entire Mirage to ashes..."
"That was far too reckless."
Rover shot a glance at Lucian and Changli, lifted her delicate nose, and snorted. "Exactly! Far too reckless!"
Lucian: "..."
Are you and Xinyi even talking about the same thing?
Changli chuckled softly. "It was the most thorough solution."
Then, Changli turned to Fuling and asked, "How is your condition now?"
Fuling quickly responded, "I feel better than ever before. I must thank Mr. Lucian for that..."
Wuli also chimed in, "And we must also thank the three of you for bringing me back to Hongzhen... I heard you were ambushed by the Fractsidus in the mountains. I... I really..."
Wuli covered his face, overwhelmed with guilt. He felt that his own stubbornness had brought this misfortune upon his benefactors.
Changli smiled reassuringly. "There's no need for such words."
"Our destination coincided with the Fractsidus'. They had long laid their ambush in the mountains—this attack had nothing to do with you, Mr. Wuli."
Fuling took out three small gift boxes from her pocket and said gratefully, "We will never forget the debt we owe you for saving our lives. Moreover, it was because of the three of you that we were able to witness such breathtaking scenery..."
"And I must especially thank Mr. Lucian for curing my illness."
She handed over the gift boxes, and none of the three refused. At this point, declining would only make Fuling feel worse. Accepting the gifts would put both Fuling and Wuli at ease.
Seeing the three accept the gifts, the couple finally relaxed.
Rover gave a slight nod. "In that case, we won't stand on ceremony."
She glanced at Wuli, then crossed her arms. "Fuling is a good girl. You'd better treat her well—don't be like someone... so fickle."
Lucian: "?"
Who is she talking about? Surely not me?
Wuli nodded solemnly. "I'll take Fuling with me to more places, to explore more scenery together."
Fuling also looked at Wuli sweetly before adding, "I've also renewed my collaboration with the magazine. They've agreed to continue publishing my illustrations."
Changli smiled. "I hope to see more of Fuling's works in 'Artist of Huanglong' soon."
"It's been six consecutive issues without the most beloved landscape paintings—many devoted readers have been quite disappointed."
"Now that everything is settled, let's return to Hongzhen first. You all need proper rest."
"After everything that's happened, Lucian and Rover must be exhausted as well."
Lucian asked with concern, "What about you?"
Changli smiled, gently touching Lucian's cheek. "Someone must assist Lady Xinyi with the aftermath and cleanup. Leave it to me."
Rover walked over expressionlessly, removed Changli's hand, then pulled Lucian behind her. "In that case, we'll head back first. We'll come find you in a few days."
Changli covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Rest well."
——
Nightfall, Hongzhen, in front of the Waterscreen.
Jiao-Jiao had also come out from her residence to meet up with the two.
Rover sat in Lucian's lap, pinching his ear indignantly. "You... You fickle-hearted fool, I don't even know what to say to you..."
Lucian bit Rover's earlobe apologetically and probed, "Did Changli tell you everything?"
Rover snorted coldly. "Of course. She said you've been snatched away by her, that you'll be staying in Jinzhou from now on, and not coming with me anymore."
Lucian: "?"
Lucian looked skeptical. "Did she really say that? Or did you embellish it a little?"
Given his understanding of Changli, he doubted she would say such things.
Abby, who had been eating heartily nearby, gasped in amazement. "Lucian, is Rover not enough for you?"
Jiao-Jiao also chimed in reproachfully, "That's right! Master is so strong and so beautiful how could you still look for other women? Unbelievable!"
Rover tugged at Lucian's hair. "Hear that? As they say, 'Those involved are blinded, while onlookers see clearly.' I think Abby and Jiao-Jiao make perfect sense."
Lucian's face darkened slightly as he threatened mildly, "Abby, do you not want Satiety Pills anymore? Jiao-Jiao, do you not wish to receive treatment?"
At these words, Abby and Jiao-Jiao immediately fell silent.
Abby coughed lightly. "Rover, I think... well, even though you're incredibly strong, Lucian is also very powerful. Maybe he just needs to... release himself often?"
Jiao-Jiao nodded slightly. "I think so too. Lucian is extraordinary, witty, and charming—it's only natural he attracts many young ladies, no?"
Rover slammed a palm on the wooden table, splashing some of the soup. "You two fickle turncoats! Whoever benefits you gets your support, huh?!"
"And Abby, where did you even learn such things? So young and already picking up nonsense like this!"
Lucian kissed Rover's snow-white neck to soothe her, then asked curiously, "What exactly did Changli tell you?"
Rover pouted slightly. "She said that once I recover my memories, you'll return to Jinzhou to settle down. Until then, she won't interfere with our relationship or our journey."
Lucian found this odd. "And you agreed just like that?"
Rover shook her head. "Of course not. I only agreed after she promised me a few conditions."
Lucian's interest was piqued. "Conditions? What conditions?"
Rover wrinkled her delicate nose. "I'm not telling you."
Lucian was amused by her tsundere attitude. "Then... what do you think?"
Rover blinked. "About what?"
Lucian: "About me returning to Jinzhou to settle down after you regain your memories..."
Rover fell silent for a moment before meeting Lucian's gentle gaze. "I've said it before—wherever you are is home."
"If this journey really does end one day, and you return to Jinzhou... then I'll come back too."
"No matter what happens in the future, Lucian... don't think you can escape my grasp."
The girl lowered her head slightly, delivering what was almost a confession in the guise of a threat.
The warm streetlights and cool moonlight intertwined on her face. Lucian smiled. "So adorable."
He lifted Rover's chin and kissed her deeply.
"Mmmhn Lucian!" She gasped as his hands slid down, gripping her hips hard enough to bruise.
He broke the kiss only to trail hot, open-mouthed kisses down her throat, sucking at her pulse point until she whimpered. "Nngh!"
"You're mine"
Her nails dug into his shoulders as she arched against him.
Lucian smirked, nipping at her collarbone before reclaiming her lips in another searing kiss—one that left them both trembling, breathless, and aching for more.
Once they returned to their room, Lucian's hands were everywhere, skimming under her clothes, calloused fingers tracing the soft skin of her waist, making her tremble. "Mmmhn~ Lucian..."
Rover's fingers curled into Lucian's hair, pulling him closer as she pressed her lips to his, her tongue demanding entrance. Her body thrummed with heat, hips grinding against his lap as she straddled him, the fabric of her clothes a frustrating barrier. She tugged at his shirt, nails scraping his chest as she ripped it open, buttons scattering.
Her hands roamed his taut muscles, igniting sparks under her touch. His pulse raced beneath her fingertips, and she smirked against his lips, feeling his hardness press against her thigh. She ground down harder, relishing the way his breath hitched, his hands gripping her waist with bruising force.
"Take it off," Rover growled.
"Mmm Whatever you want."
Her fingers fumbled with his belt, yanking it free as she shoved his pants down, freeing his throbbing cock. She wrapped her hand around it, stroking firmly, feeling it pulse in her grip. Lucian groaned, head tipping back as she worked him, her thumb teasing the sensitive tip. She slid off his lap, dropping to her knees, her lips brushing against his length before she took him into her mouth, tongue swirling. The wet heat of her mouth made him shudder, his fingers tangling in her hair.
"Fuck, Rover…" His voice broke, hips twitching as she sucked, her lips tight around him. "Slurp~ Mmmph~"
She hummed around him, the vibration sending jolts through his body. Her hands gripped his thighs, nails digging in as she bobbed faster, tongue flicking along the underside. Saliva dripped down her chin, and she pulled back, letting her lips pop off him with a wet sound. She smirked, licking her lips, then pressed her chest against his cock, squeezing her breasts around it. The soft, warm flesh enveloped him, and she moved, slow at first, then faster, her eyes locked on his.
"Look at me," she purred, her voice a sultry challenge. "You like this, don't you?"
"God, yes…" Lucian's hands fisted the sheets, his hips jerking as she worked him with her breasts. "You're fucking perfect."
Her pace quickened, the friction driving him wild, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. She felt his cock twitch, and with a final stroke, he came, hot spurts painting her chest and neck. She moaned softly, rubbing the slick warmth into her skin, her eyes never leaving his. But she wasn't done. Climbing back onto his lap, she shoved him down onto the bed, straddling his hips. She stripped off her top, her breasts bouncing free, and guided his still-hard cock to her dripping entrance.
"Ready for me?" she teased, grinding against him, her slick folds coating his tip.
"Always," he rasped, hands gripping her hips.
She sank down, inch by agonizing inch, her walls stretching around him. The fullness made her gasp, her head falling back as she rocked her hips, setting a relentless pace. Her moans filled the room, high and desperate, as pleasure coiled tight in her core. Lucian's hands roamed her body, squeezing her breasts, pinching her nipples until she cried out, her movements faltering.
"Ahhhn~! Lucian!" Her nails raked his chest, leaving red trails as she rode him harder. "Mmmph~ So good!"
He thrust up to meet her, each movement sending shocks of pleasure through her. Her body trembled, thighs burning as she chased her release. The pressure built, overwhelming, until it snapped—she screamed, her walls clenching around him as she squirted, soaking his hips and the sheets beneath. Her body shook, vision blurring, but Lucian didn't stop. His hands gripped her tighter, flipping her onto her back with a growl.
"My turn," he murmured.
"Nngh~ Lucian…" Her voice was breathless, her body still trembling from her climax. "Ahhhn~"
He hooked her legs over his shoulders, folding her beneath him as he thrust deep, the angle hitting spots that made her see stars. Her moans were incoherent, a string of "Ahhhn~" and "Mmmph~" as he pounded into her, relentless. Her hands clutched the sheets, body arching as another orgasm built, faster this time. She was spent, limbs heavy, but Lucian's stamina was endless. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a bruising kiss, his hips never slowing.
"You feel so fucking good," he growled against her mouth. "Gonna make you come again."
"L-Lucian! Ahhhn~!" Her voice broke as pleasure crashed through her, her body convulsing as she squirted again, the wet heat soaking them both. "Mmmph~!"
He pulled out, flipping her onto her stomach with ease. She barely had time to catch her breath before he yanked her hips up, thrusting into her from behind. The new angle made her cry out, her face pressed into the pillows as he drove into her, hard and fast. Her body was oversensitive, each thrust pushing her toward another edge. She moaned, muffled by the fabric, her hands clawing at the sheets.
"Fuck, Rover… so tight," he groaned, one hand smacking her ass lightly, the sting blending with pleasure. "Ahhhn~"
"Lucian! Mmmph~!" Her voice was a desperate whine, her body trembling as he pushed her further. "I-I can't—!"
"You can," he growled, leaning over her, his chest pressed to her back. "And you will."
He reached around, fingers finding her clit, rubbing in tight circles as he thrust. The dual sensation was too much—she screamed, her body seizing as another orgasm ripped through her, her release gushing onto the bed. Lucian groaned, pulling out just in time to spill across her ass, the warm liquid dripping down her skin. She collapsed, panting, her body limp and slick with sweat and cum.
"Still with me?" he teased, voice low as he kissed her shoulder, his hands still roaming her trembling form.
"Mmmhn~… barely," she gasped, her voice weak but laced with a smile. "Ahhhn~"
Lucian chuckled, flipping her onto her back again. He wasn't done—not even close. He knelt between her legs, guiding his cock to her lips. She opened her mouth eagerly, tongue flicking out to taste him. Her lips closed around him, sucking softly at first, then harder, her hands stroking what her mouth couldn't take. The wet sounds of her efforts filled the room, mingling with his groans.
"Fuck, your mouth…" His hands tangled in her hair, guiding her pace. "So good, Rover."
"Mmmph~!" She moaned around him, the vibration making his hips buck. "Slurp~ Ahhhn~"
He thrust shallowly, careful not to overwhelm her, but her enthusiasm drove him wild. With a guttural groan, he came, spilling into her mouth. She swallowed what she could, some dripping down her chin as she pulled back, licking her lips with a satisfied hum. But Lucian wasn't finished. He pushed her back, straddling her chest, his cock sliding between her breasts again. She pressed them together, letting him thrust, her tongue darting out to tease the tip each time it neared her mouth.
"God, you're insatiable," he growled, his voice thick with lust.
"For you… Ahhhn~ always," she panted, her eyes half-lidded but burning with desire.
He came again, this time across her face, the warm spurts marking her cheeks and lips. She moaned softly, licking what she could reach, her body still trembling from the aftershocks of her own climaxes. Lucian leaned down, kissing her deeply, tasting himself on her lips. He pulled back, positioning himself between her thighs once more, lifting her legs to rest against his chest as he slid back inside her.
"Lucian… nngh~!" Her voice was hoarse, her body spent, but she clung to him, nails digging into his arms. "Ahhhn~"
"Gonna fill you up again" he murmured, thrusting slow but deep, drawing out every sensation.
Her moans were softer now, her energy fading, but the pleasure still sparked through her. He moved with purpose, each thrust pushing her toward one final peak. Her body tensed, a low whine escaping as she came again, weaker this time but still intense, her release soaking them both. Lucian followed, spilling deep inside her, his groan mingling with her soft whimpers.
"Mmmph~… Lucian…" She was barely coherent, her body limp as he pulled her close, kissing her forehead.
"Rest now," he whispered, his voice tender but still laced with hunger. "We're not done yet."
"Ahhhn~…" Her eyes fluttered closed, a faint smile on her lips as she melted into him, knowing he'd wake her for another round soon.