Hua Yan originally intended to just leave a mark like a seal on a painting, and then let go. When she grabbed Lu Chengsha’s collar, she still felt a bit anxious, but with a “seize the day” mentality, she resolutely closed the distance. As she saw Lu Chengsha’s face getting closer and closer, until their lips met—
Cool and soft.
She was suddenly bewildered for a moment. Although she knew quite a lot, no one had ever told her that kissing someone would feel like this!
Her mind exploded, feeling both numb and tingly, her body shivering involuntarily, tightening up. Especially when she thought that these were the lips of Great Hero Lu, it felt exceptionally thrilling. Her breath became erratic, and even the hand gripping his collar grew unsteady.
She completely forgot to let go.
Fortunately, this place was secluded and deserted.
Lu Chengsha’s reaction was even simpler—he had no reaction at all, just standing there stiffly.
Unfortunately, Hua Yan had no time to care about him. It was as if she had opened a door that should not have been opened, breathing erratically as she pressed against him, the sensation in her mind growing stronger, like a continuously burning flame, crackling and roaring…
How could it be so intense?
Was this right?
Hua Yan even felt a slight sense of guilt.
Lu Chengsha finally reacted. He slightly raised his head, creating a distance. A visible blush crept up his neck, his clear black and white eyes widening slightly, and his chest heaving unusually. If one knew Lu Chengsha well enough, they would understand just how shocked he was. Even his fingers instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword, as if that could help him regain his composure.
But Hua Yan felt a bit unsatisfied, like being interrupted halfway through eating a dessert.
So, she pulled him back and pressed against him once more.
Lacking more experience, Hua Yan could only rely on the scattered knowledge she had gleaned from her mother and from storybooks, trying to extend her tongue a bit.
Lu Chengsha’s body trembled immediately.
His lips were tightly pressed together, not tasting of anything, yet Hua Yan oddly found a hint of sweetness.
Sweeter than sticky rice lotus root, sugar tower candies, and osmanthus cakes combined.
She sighed heavily in her heart, while her mind was flooded with waves of astonishment. Carefully savoring the tingling sensation, she still felt it wasn’t enough, though she didn’t know what exactly was lacking. Amid her gasps, Hua Yan let out a few indistinct murmurs.
Lu Chengsha’s lips parted slightly.
She understood.
Before Hua Yan could marvel at her own natural talent and instinct, the sensation that followed left her even more bewildered—this was too exhilarating!
The sense of guilt grew stronger; she felt like she was doing something wrong.
Was such pleasure allowed?
But Hua Yan quickly lost the ability to think about these things. Her consciousness scattered, overwhelmed by the intense sensations. The shuddering feeling burned from her lips all the way to her brain, becoming fervent and uncontrollable.
However, it seemed she wasn’t the only one losing control.
When Hua Yan finally regained a bit of composure, she noticed that her hand was being held, and the other person’s hand was on her waist, pressing tightly as if unable to control himself, the warmth from his palm scorching her lower back.
Lu Chengsha’s mind was in chaos; he had no idea what he was doing.
Maybe he could have controlled himself earlier, but now only instinct remained.
Instinctively, he wanted to take, to desire, to invade, without needing anyone to teach him, as if it was ingrained in his very being. His nose and mouth were filled with that delightful fragrance, no longer faint but extremely rich.
Lu Chengsha had never had much desire for food or drink, but now it was different; he was famished.
As if he had been starving for a long, long time, everything in front of him seemed overwhelmingly delicious and sweet.
The urge to crush and consume her was overwhelming.
As he held her waist, he couldn’t help but apply force, pulling her closer with a certain dominance. The girl’s rapid breaths and soft murmurs only further stimulated his senses, making her seem even softer, almost powerless, as if she needed the support of his arm.
It continued until Hua Yan felt she could barely breathe, her mind dizzy, unsure if it was from the kiss or the lack of air.
She tried to pull back, only to be drawn in again by Lu Chengsha. Left with no choice, she nudged him with her elbow, applying a bit of inner strength. Lu Chengsha finally snapped back to reality, releasing her, embarrassed by the faint, ambiguous trace of moisture where they had been connected, breaking with a “pop.”
Hua Yan panted heavily, her face burning.
Lu Chengsha completely let go of her, including the hand on her waist.
For a long while, neither of them spoke, the sound of their pounding hearts substituting for words.
Hua Yan had originally just wanted to leave a mark, to prepare for the future, but who could have thought—it would become so thrilling!
Her chest heaved violently, the earlier pressure making her feel suffocated. In her daze, she wondered, could this be the legendary feeling of losing control to passion?
After calming down for a while, Hua Yan said, “Um…”
Unexpectedly, Lu Chengsha hesitated and began, “I…”
Both their voices trailed off again.
Hua Yan said, “…You first?”
Lu Chengsha remained silent.
He couldn’t bring himself to speak again, and he didn’t dare to look at her, appearing extremely uncomfortable and wanting to leave. It was as if the person who had just been holding her waist and pulling her close wasn’t him.
Although Hua Yan’s face was also very hot, seeing him like this, she couldn’t help but poke him mischievously. “…Great Hero Lu, how did you feel just now?”
Lu Chengsha’s lips moved, but he couldn’t say a word.
Hua Yan poked him again, “…Well, you at least know what we were doing, right?”
This time, Lu Chengsha nodded lightly, still avoiding her gaze.
Hua Yan finally tugged at him and said, “Then you’re mine now! You should know that, right?”
Lu Chengsha finally turned his gaze to her, but it quickly averted, as if looking at her would cause thunder and lightning.
He turned his face away and said very softly, “Yes.”
Hua Yan was overjoyed, her smile unstoppable, wanting to immediately announce it to the world. She reached out to touch Lu Chengsha again.
However, he deftly avoided her touch. He took a deep breath and said with difficulty, “Just now…”
Hua Yan was puzzled, “Yes?”
Lu Chengsha continued with difficulty, “You… wouldn’t think…”
Hua Yan recalled Lu Chengsha’s unusual behavior earlier. She instinctively touched her lips, feeling dazed and… her heart raced, replaying the scene in her mind, her cheeks heating up again. She blinked and said, “It’s okay, just now… I was… a bit out of it too…”
This didn’t seem to comfort him, as Lu Chengsha still appeared very embarrassed, carefully choosing his words, wanting to say something more.
Hua Yan suddenly stood on tiptoe and kissed Lu Chengsha on the cheek.
Then she said, “I don’t mind,” and left the stunned Lu Chengsha, quickly fleeing.
She had a slight sense of what her mother meant about the joys of being a demoness.
In contrast, within Cixin Valley, it was a scene of grief and turmoil.
Due to the usual preparations for such events, there were coffins and burial clothes readily available, and someone naturally took care of Nian Yi’s corpse. The disciples of the valley all wore white sashes around their waists and foreheads. Upon returning, Yin Xi fell ill and shut herself away, refusing visitors, while Xue Tingshan was overwhelmed with handling the mess left behind.
From morning until night, the entire day, everyone in the valley was talking about the old affairs of Nian Yi and the Yin family.
On the high platform, Nian Yi’s breakdown and subsequent suicide left a vivid impression on everyone. Even Hua Yan couldn’t help but feel the bleakness. Initially hesitant and unsure of what to do, this event abruptly cleared her mind—
However, she still felt a bit worried.
“There’s no need to worry,” Xie Yingxian said, shaking a folding fan he had acquired from who knows where. “Although Nian Yi is dead, the people under him are deeply rooted. Even if Xi Wu and Yu Ye have some collusion, they won’t be able to trouble me anytime soon. Though he longed for death, it’s a pity he died this way. He really wasn’t cut out to be a villain. He only lost his mind once in his life and it cost him everything. When I met him, I thought his life looked—just watching him made me feel exhausted. We real villains never live like that.”
Hua Yan, squatting in a tunnel alongside him, rested her chin in her hand, her thoughts drifting.
“Or is it that you’re worried about something else?” Xie Yingxian’s tone changed as he closed the fan and tapped it on Hua Yan’s head. “How are things with you and Lu Chengsha? Did he say anything when he found out your inner strength has recovered?”
Hua Yan snapped back to reality, covering her head, her expression dissatisfied. “Why did you hit me… He didn’t say anything…”
Xie Yingxian, unsurprised, said, “He really likes you… Hmm? Why are you blushing? Did you two do something? Let me guess…”
Hua Yan immediately glared at him angrily, “No guessing allowed!”
Xie Yingxian paused for a moment, then said, “You can’t possibly have…”
Hua Yan pointed at his head, “Stop your brain right there! It hasn’t gotten that far!”
Xie Yingxian said, “Oh.”
He only uttered one word, but the teasing tone made Hua Yan blush instantly, wishing she could shut his mouth.
Of course, that was just a thought. Hua Yan’s mind spun a few times, then she suddenly said, “Master, do you think you could defeat Lu Chengsha?”
Xie Yingxian gave her a sidelong glance. “What are you plotting?”
Hua Yan said, “Just asking.”
Xie Yingxian replied, “You can only know after fighting. But honestly, I’m not eager to fight him, it’s troublesome.”
Hua Yan said, “Are you that lacking in confidence?”
Xie Yingxian laughed, “Do you really think reverse psychology works on me?”
Alright then.
Hua Yan sighed and continued to rest her chin on her hand.
“If you don’t want to stay here, just go up,” Xie Yingxian didn’t force her. “I don’t lack company anyway.”
Hua Yan switched to resting her chin on the other hand. “You mentioned last time that we must part ways eventually. Is there any way we don’t have to?”
Xie Yingxian unfolded his folding fan again, gently waving it as he half-joked, “If you two retire from the martial world, change your names, and hide in some remote mountain village, there might be a slim chance.”
Hua Yan’s face fell.
“Must it be forever?” Xie Yingxian reasoned, “Stopping at the most beautiful moment is also a kind of beauty. The memories left behind will be of good times, not marred by petty arguments and annoyances. Have you ever read a story about an old hero?”
No one could beat Xie Yingxian in justifying their logic in their sect.
Hua Yan straightened up and clapped her hands, “Forget it, you don’t even have someone you like. I’m done talking to you, I’m leaving!”
Xie Yingxian: “?”
***
By the time Hua Yan returned to the surface, it was almost dark.
Most disciples from other sects had given up, but the disciples of Dangshan Sect were still searching for the legendary demon cult leader. After Nian Yi’s death, the disciples of the valley were noticeably dispirited and even more unwilling to engage.
Some who had come for Nian Yi, or couldn’t accept what he had done, chose to leave.
No matter what, for a medical valley master to have poisoned and killed an entire family out of hatred was hard for anyone to accept, even if he had saved many lives. His legacy would inevitably be mixed.
“I never expected Nian Yi to be that kind of person. I thought it was the demon cult…”
“I still have some doubts. Could Nian Yi really not have been colluding with the demon cult?”
Hua Yan almost couldn’t resist going up to them and saying, “Can you not blame everything on the demon cult!”
The other disciples of Cixin Valley had set up a mourning hall at the entrance of Nian Yi’s courtyard, burning paper money and offering tributes.
“Alas, this was the Valley Master’s favorite food in life. It’s a pity he didn’t get to eat it when it was ready…”
Hua Yan glanced over as she passed by. It was a bowl of oily wonton noodles, already cold and a bit wilted. Because of her knowledge of poisons, she was extremely sensitive to smells and thought she detected a faint, familiar scent in the bowl—a plant unique to the vicinity of the Zhengyi Sect. This plant, aside from being used in combination with other drugs to produce poison, had no other known uses and was very obscure.
“Who was responsible for your Valley Master’s food and clothing?” Hua Yan asked.
A Cixin Valley disciple looked up, somewhat mournfully, and replied, “Usually, Aunt Xi personally took care of it.”
Hua Yan suddenly remembered something and rushed into Nian Yi’s room, finding the incense burner she had previously thought harmless. She opened it and took a sniff.
The disciple who had followed her in panicked and said, “Lady Hero, please leave quickly! This place is not allowed to be entered now…”
Hua Yan understood immediately. She put down the incense burner and left.
No wonder she had always felt that Nian Yi looked like he was poisoned. The incense burner had a very shallow layer of powder in it, harmless on its own, but combined with the plant from the wonton noodles, it could gradually form a chronic toxin. This toxin wasn’t lethal but was very torturous, causing a person to slowly waste away and their internal organs to deteriorate, making it an ideal silent killer.
Hua Yan asked, “When did your Aunt Xi come to Cixin Valley?”
“About ten years ago…”
“Then she wasn’t part of the first group that came. How did she become one of the two main stewards of your valley?”
The disciple shook his head, “I don’t know about that…”
Hua Yan thought for a moment but decided not to ask further.
She made a round but didn’t see Lu Chengsha. Finally, back in the courtyard, she learned that Lu Chengsha hadn’t left his room since he returned. Hua Yan was surprised, “Did he eat lunch and dinner?”
“We were just about to send dinner…”
Hua Yan volunteered, “I’ll take it!”
She carried the tray and pushed open the door. Lu Chengsha was sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, seemingly meditating. Hua Yan placed the tray on the table and walked over to him.
She had already started to miss him after just half a day apart.
Lu Chengsha’s closed eyes made his face look very peaceful. Unable to resist, Hua Yan leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, causing Lu Chengsha to open his eyes with a jolt.
He had spent the entire afternoon calming his mind, only for it all to go to waste.