Fang Lee's smirk deepened as he held Xian Rui's golden gaze.
The air between them was thick with something electric—an unspoken challenge, a lingering heat. He liked women who were dangerous, and Xian Rui, with her teasing words and sharp intelligence, was proving to be exactly that.
"You're still avoiding my question," he murmured, fingers brushing lightly against the silken sleeve of her robe. "If I stay, will you make it worth my while?"
Xian Rui chuckled, stepping closer until her perfume—a subtle blend of lotus and something more primal—filled his senses. "That depends," she said smoothly. "Are you truly interested in me… or simply the thrill of the game?"
"Why not both?" Fang Lee countered, his tone rich with amusement.
But instead of laughing, Xian Rui studied him more seriously this time, her golden eyes narrowing slightly.
"Young Master Fang," she said at last, her voice softer now, almost thoughtful. "You do realize that if you pursue me… you will be bound by your words?"
Fang Lee raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Bound?"
Xian Rui let out a slow breath before lifting a hand. With a flick of her fingers, a golden thread of Qi shimmered between them, vanishing as quickly as it appeared.
"I am of age to marry," she admitted, tilting her head.
"And in the customs of my kind, choosing a mate is not done lightly. If I accept your pursuit, it will be with full intent to take you as my husband."
Fang Lee's breath caught—not from shock, but from sheer surprise.
Then he laughed, low and rich, as realization dawned. "So that's why you were testing me," he mused, eyes gleaming. "You wanted to see if I was serious."
Xian Rui arched a brow. "And? Are you?"
Fang Meilin, who had been half-listening with an expression of growing horror, choked. "Are you two seriously discussing marriage over casual flirting?"
Fang Lee ignored her, his attention locked onto Xian Rui. He could have deflected, could have turned it into another joke—but something about the way she watched him, calm and unyielding, made him pause.
This wasn't just playful seduction anymore.
And strangely… he didn't mind at all.
A slow, wicked grin spread across his face. "Well then," he said, voice smooth as silk. "If I say yes… does that mean I get to share your bed tonight?"
Xian Rui's lips curved, but her eyes remained unreadable. "Not so easily, Young Master Fang," she said lightly. "First, you must gain the Elder's approval. Only then will you be worthy of taking me as your wife."
Fang Lee exhaled, shaking his head in amusement. "So, it seems I have a challenge ahead of me."
"Mm," Xian Rui murmured, stepping back. "Let's see if you're truly up to it, then."
Fang Meilin groaned. "This is going to be a disaster."
Fang Lee let out a low chuckle, his jade-green eyes gleaming with amusement.
"A challenge, huh? I suppose I should have expected that." He crossed his arms, studying Xian Rui with newfound interest. She wasn't just toying with him—she was setting the stakes. And yet, despite the gravity of her words, there was still that unmistakable glint of mischief in her golden gaze.
"Don't tell me you're reconsidering already," she teased, tilting her head. "I thought the great Fang Clan never backed down from a challenge."
Fang Lee scoffed, stepping closer until their bodies were mere inches apart. His voice dropped to a smooth murmur. "I don't back down, Rui. But I also don't make commitments lightly." He reached out, brushing a stray lock of silver hair from her cheek. "If I go through with this, you'd best be ready to handle me."
Xian Rui's lips curled in amusement. "Oh? You say that as if I wouldn't be the one handling you, husband-to-be."
Fang Meilin pinched the bridge of her nose. "I can't believe this. You just met, and now you're engaged? What kind of nonsense—"
"Not engaged yet," Xian Rui corrected smoothly, flicking her gaze toward Meilin. "There's still the matter of the Elder's approval."
Fang Meilin narrowed her eyes. "And what exactly does that entail?"
Xian Rui smirked. "The Elder who oversees the Jade Serpent Hollow is strict. He will test Fang Lee to ensure he is worthy—not just of me, but of standing beside the sacred bloodline that tends to these lands."
She paused, her gaze steady.
"Though we serve your clan, the purity of our blood remains our own. "
Fang Lee arched a brow, intrigued. "And what kind of test are we talking about?"
Xian Rui's expression remained unreadable, but the amusement in her voice never faded. "That, my dear Fang Lee, depends entirely on what the Elder deems appropriate. But rest assured…" She leaned in slightly, her breath warm against his skin. "He has never approved a suitor easily."
Fang Lee chuckled, unbothered. "Then I suppose I'll just have to make him."
Xian Rui pulled away with a satisfied smile. "We'll see."
She met his gaze, golden eyes alight with mischief. "Naturally, husband-to-be."