Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

"Is this the lotus platform of the Green Lotus Core Flame?"

Xun Er's lively eyes sparkled with surprise as she gazed at the naturally formed teal lotus before her. She'd read of it in ancient texts, but this was her first time seeing the real thing.

Nurtured by Xiao Bai's wood qi and after a quick wash, Xun Er's complexion had returned to normal, no longer the ghostly pallor of before.

"Indeed," Xiao Bai said, holding her close, savoring her faint fragrance. He produced a small jade vial from his storage ring and placed it in her delicate hand.

"You've broken through to Dou Zhe and can start cultivating your technique. Here are six Earthfire Lotus Seeds—perfect for fire-attribute techniques. They should help you."

Of the eleven seeds, he'd given one to Cai Lin, leaving ten. One went to Yao Lao, and now six for Xun Er, leaving him three. Rare and hard to find, he kept them for emergencies.

"Mm!" Xun Er tilted her head, her smiling eyes meeting his, her heart brimming with joy.

The seeds were precious, and she valued them, but what touched her most was Xiao Bai's thoughtfulness—always prioritizing her needs. That's what makes me happiest.

Xiao Bai looked down at her exquisite smile, so close. Her usually cool, ethereal beauty bloomed vibrantly only for him.

Their gazes locked, breaths mingling. Xun Er's orchid-like breath stirred excitement in Xiao Bai's eyes. His hands, wrapped around her slender waist, tightened, feeling the silken smoothness beneath her clothes.

Sensing his shift, Xun Er's cheeks flushed crimson, her misty eyes shimmering.

Her dazed, alluring expression sent a dry rasp through Xiao Bai's throat. She's too captivating right now. The fire in his gaze intensified.

As his eyes blazed, Xun Er's blush deepened, a flush spreading across her cheeks. A soft, shy murmur escaped her lips.

That faint moan, laced with magic, made Xiao Bai's heart race. Unable to resist, he leaned down, pressing his lips gently to hers.

The soft, delicate touch sent a jolt through them both, a tingling warmth spreading. The air grew charged.

"Mm… Xiao Bai… gege…" Xun Er squirmed reflexively, but her body felt limp, strengthless.

A flash of clarity crossed Xiao Bai's eyes. They parted, and he gave an awkward smile to the flustered, indignant Xun Er in his arms. My self-control's usually better than this!

Xun Er shot him a fierce glare, muttering, "You scoundrel!"

Xiao Bai adored her in this moment. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "Can't help it—my Xun Er is too enchanting today. Xiao Bai gege couldn't hold back."

"Hmph!" Xun Er, still weak-kneed, leaned into him, huffing softly. "Don't say that!"

Xiao Bai chuckled, holding her gently, saying no more.

"Great dreams—who wakes first? This dragon knows life's truth!"

A lazy voice broke the moment, and a golden streak shot from Xiao Bai's sleeve.

"Hey, My Lord, Little Mistress—miss me?" The tiny golden dragon hovered between them, grinning cheekily, its small eyes glinting with mischief.

"Scram!" Xiao Bai snapped, irritation flaring. Promised to guard me, and it sleeps through everything? Who's protecting who?

"Oi, My Lord, you're breaking this dragon's heart! I saved you, slept till now, and this is the thanks I get?" The dragon shook a tiny fist, shouting indignantly.

"Saved me?" Xiao Bai frowned, puzzled. He knew nothing of what happened after he passed out. Was someone after me?

"Little Mistress, judge this! My Lord fainted that day—must've done something wicked. A thundercloud appeared to strike him down. Good-hearted me blocked it, fell into a coma, and now good-hearted dragons get no respect! Oh, woe!" The dragon darted to Xun Er's shoulder, clutching her close and muttering about its troubles.

Xiao Bai's jaw tightened. If Xun Er digs into this, Xian'er's involvement will come up!

"Fainted?" Xun Er's face paled. She stepped out of his embrace, scanning him with worry. "When?"

"It was about—"

"Hold it!" Xiao Bai cut the dragon off, reaching for it, but it zipped behind Xun Er.

Noticing his reaction, Xun Er's eyes narrowed. She stepped back. "Little Gold Dragon, come here and tell me exactly what happened."

"No problem, Little Mistress!" The dragon strutted out, smirking at Xiao Bai. That's for wronging me!

Xiao Bai glared, itching to tear it apart.

The dragon whispered to Xun Er, recounting events up to its sleep—ignorant of what followed.

Xiao Bai exhaled in relief. Good, it doesn't know about Qing Shan Town or after.

Xun Er listened, then stared at Xiao Bai, her emotions swirling—guilt, heartache, and a trace of resentment.

"Xiao Bai gege, did your breakthrough go wrong because of that night?" She stepped closer, gently touching his pale face.

"What night?" Xiao Bai blinked, confused. His issues stemmed from the Geng Metal Calamity Thunder and the black mist in his soul.

"I didn't mean those words that night—they were just said in anger. How could I ever bear to keep you away if you wanted to see me?" Xun Er said, her voice trembling with regret.

She believed her harsh words had wounded him, causing his breakthrough to falter, and the thought of him lying unconscious in the wilderness, unnoticed, pierced her heart. Her eyes reddened.

Xiao Bai stifled a wry laugh, caught in a bind. She's misunderstood, but I can't set this straight.

Admitting it would prick his conscience—it wasn't true. He'd planned to break through and then smooth things over with her, unaware of the chaos that followed.

But denying it would hurt her more, possibly driving her to return to the Gu Clan, never to see him again.

He stayed silent, neither confirming nor denying, cursing the dragon's loose tongue. He considered punishing it, but recalled it had blocked a thunderbolt for him. Fine, I'll let it slide.

"No need to worry, Xun Er. Look, I'm fine!" Xiao Bai said, patting her head to soothe her overactive mind.