Xun'er blushed as she heard Xiao Jietian's teasing words, warmed by his breath and the gentle teasing.
Xiao Jietian ruffled her hair, eyes narrowing. "Even if they don't come for me, I'll go find them. Some people aren't meant to covet others."
His powerful aura filled the room, making everyone feel a suffocating pressure, like facing a terrifying beast.
A soft hand grabbed his, and his aura calmed.
"I see I underestimated your strength. My title as a Profound-rank Instructor is safe this time," said Ruo Lin, sensing his overwhelming power as a five-star Da Dou Shi.
Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan nodded in gratitude. Ruo Lin had risked a lot over the past year for them.
"Selection trials start tomorrow. Go get some rest. Xiao Yan, stay behind for now," Ruo Lin instructed.
Xiao Jietian gave Xiao Yan a look, then led Xun'er out, with Xiao Yu following quickly. As the door closed, Ruo Lin's voice called after them with playful reproach.
Xiao Yu grinned mischievously, teasing Xiao Jietian, who replied calmly, leaving Xun'er rolling her eyes.
...
Xun'er led Xiao Jietian to a quiet mountain where she often cultivated. Night had fallen, the moon bright, stars dense.
"Xun'er, you usually cultivate here?" he asked, sitting on the grass against a tree.
"Yes. How did Tian Ge know?" she replied, nestling into his embrace.
"I sensed your aura. Only long stays leave residual traces," he said, resting his chin on her head and placing his hand on her stomach.
"It's quiet here, perfect for cultivation," she murmured.
Looking at the stars, Xun'er said, "It's been so long since we watched the stars together."
Xiao Jietian stiffened at the memory, recalling cherished times together.
"Actually, I knew you were a philanderer all along," Xun'er suddenly said, biting the web of his thumb.
"Ah~ Spare me, my dearest Xun'er!" he exclaimed, deactivating his automatic defenses. Though it didn't hurt much, he played along, letting her.
Xun'er released his hand, a trace of blood on her lips, tears in her eyes.
"You're rotten, but I fell for you anyway," she whispered.
Xiao Jietian gently wiped her tears, treating her as if she were a treasure.
"I know your heart wouldn't abandon them. But..." he started, tenderly.
Xun'er took his bleeding hand, wiped it with a handkerchief, murmuring, "You are the main wife, the empress, the boss at home. Your word rules."
Xiao Jietian held her tightly, and she leaned against him, finally smiling softly.
"I'll spend more time with you. This is your punishment, and I want to meet them," she said.
He promised her everything, grateful for the careful groundwork they had done before.
"You've probably said that to them countless times, hmph," she teased, lips pouting.
Xiao Jietian kissed her gently. Surprised, she resisted briefly, then surrendered, their kiss deepening.
"Tian Ge, you're so bad…" she murmured, breath ragged, heart racing, gazing at him with deep love.
They nestled together under the stars, sharing stories of the past year, until midnight, setting up a Dou Qi shield before falling asleep in each other's arms.
...
The next morning, a soft, shy voice called from the hillside: "Oh, what are you doing? You, you quickly take your hand out!"