Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

The woman didn't initially understand why Xiao Bai glared at her, but as she caught sight of his slightly flustered retreat, realization dawned. A flush crept across her cheeks, and she inwardly cursed.

Once Xiao Bai stepped out, she assessed her condition. Though still unable to rise, the chest wounds no longer throbbed as they had. Instead, a cool, soothing sensation lingered. Recalling the embarrassing moan she'd let slip in front of the white-haired youth, she bit her lip.

For years, she'd maintained an image of elegance and nobility. When had she ever acted so unguarded before a man, especially half-exposed? It felt almost as if she'd been deliberately enticing him.

Her emotions swirled—complex and conflicted. Yet, thinking of Xiao Bai's awkward gait as he left, a faint smile tugged at her lips, her eyes softening with a trace of warmth.

Though unmarried, she wasn't ignorant of matters between men and women. She knew he must have been struggling, yet even in that state, he'd draped a robe over her to ease her discomfort, remaining respectful without taking advantage. That restraint sparked a flicker of fondness in her heart.

Quite an intriguing young man, she thought. Despite his mature demeanor, his youthful features suggested he wasn't much older than her disciple.

Outside, Xiao Bai stood by the waterfall, the cool mist from its cascade washing over him.

Sigh, I've really grown up, he thought with a wry smile. An eighteen-year-old body can't handle temptation. My mind can stay in check, but my body doesn't hold back!

It was his first time feeling so flustered before a woman. Even with Cai Lin, he hadn't been this stirred.

It wasn't that Cai Lin was less alluring, but with that proud woman, he'd always kept a wary edge, their relationship not yet at a point of ease.

With the woman in the cave, however, his guard seemed to vanish. Why is that? Xiao Bai mused, rubbing his chin.

It hit him—he'd never been cautious around her from the start, likely influenced by the original story. Her actions in the tale showed that once someone earned her trust, she'd never harm them, even at her own expense.

Quite an intriguing woman, he thought, chuckling. Since she's so intriguing, let's take our time with that seal.

With seven days until Jia Nan Academy's departure, he only needed to return in time. As for gathering herbs, he could stretch it out—collect a bit each day for seven days. That's reasonable, right?

Boom!

A flash of earthy yellow lightning crackled at his feet. Nearby, a Green Wood Sheep that had come to drink convulsed and collapsed. Xiao Bai drew a dagger from his storage ring, dispatched it, and carved off its four legs. After cleaning them by the waterfall, he carried them back to the cave.

Inside, the woman lay still, eyes closed, likely trying to channel her dantian's Dou Qi to break the seal.

Xiao Bai didn't disturb her. He set to work by the fire, seasoning the lamb legs and roasting them on a rack.

He could sense her efforts were futile. With her internal injuries unhealed and no Dou Qi to wield, the seal rendered her powerless. Without external aid, she'd need to wait until her injuries eased, slowly absorbing ambient energy to chip away at the seal.

Soon, a savory aroma filled the cave. The woman opened her eyes, glancing at the black-robed figure.

"Hungry?" Xiao Bai asked without turning. Without Dou Qi to sustain her, even a Dou Huang needed food.

"No," she replied, but her stomach betrayed her with a loud gurgle, flushing her cheeks. Seeing he didn't turn, she relaxed slightly.

Moments later, Xiao Bai took a golden-brown lamb leg from the fire, placing it on a large leaf he'd gathered. He sliced it into small pieces, then approached, helping her sit up. Setting the leaf with the meat on her lap, he returned to roasting.

She stared, stunned by his actions. Only when he moved away did she snap out of it. Glancing at his back, then at the fragrant meat, she felt a surge of emotions but could only murmur, "Thank you."

"You're lucky today," Xiao Bai said. "I rarely cook. Few in this world are worthy of my culinary skills!"

He wasn't exaggerating. So far, only Xun Er and Xian Er had tasted his cooking—Cai Lin hadn't even gotten a chance.

His narcissistic tone drew a soft laugh from her. "What an honor," she teased. "I don't cook often either. Once I'm healed, I'll make you a meal to return the favor. How's that?"

Xiao Bai shivered, recalling her culinary disasters in the original story—burnt fish, and a Dou Huang who couldn't tell aphrodisiacs from spices. A pampered noblewoman like her? No one's eating that!

"Heh, we'll see," he said evasively, determined to avoid her cooking. Who knows what weird stuff she'd throw in, especially in some dark cuisine!

"You little punk, daring to look down on me?" She pouted, catching his dismissal. I've never cooked for anyone! His rejection stung, especially given her status—anyone in the Jia Ma Empire would be thrilled at the offer.

Xiao Bai rolled his eyes inwardly. You don't know your own limits? Dodging the topic, he asked, "By the way, what's your name?"

"Yun Zhi," she said, her eyes flickering slightly.

Same old alias, Xiao Bai thought, suppressing a smirk.

"And you?"

He paused. If we're using aliases, let's all play the game. The Xiao Clan's situation was likely known to her, and names like Xiao Bai and Xiao Yan might be flagged at the Cloud Mist Sect. It wasn't time to reveal himself.

"A'Niu."

She paused mid-bite, not pressing the name's authenticity but forming her own conclusions.

She couldn't sense Xiao Bai's cultivation—no energy fluctuations, like an ordinary person. But an ordinary person wouldn't have the meat she was eating.

Likely a cultivator, but young, so probably not too strong. Maybe using a concealment technique.

The cave fell quiet. After exchanging names, conversation stalled, the silence stretching.

Roar! A distant beast's cry echoed.

Yun Zhi's brows furrowed. She recalled the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's furious roar after her escape. The smarter beasts nearby are probably searching for me.

What now? After a moment's thought, she looked at Xiao Bai, reluctant to drag this youth who'd saved her into danger. Sighing, she said, "A'Niu, you should leave soon."

"Why?" Xiao Bai asked, his tone neutral.

"You know my situation. The Purple Crystal Winged Lion King is hunting me. If his beasts find this place, you'll be in trouble," Yun Zhi said bitterly.

"What about you if I go?" Xiao Bai asked, turning the lamb leg over the fire, his face flickering in the glow.

"That's my problem, not yours," she said, urgency creeping into her voice as the beast's roar grew closer.

"Fine." Xiao Bai grabbed the lamb leg, stood, and walked out without hesitation.

"…" Yun Zhi blinked, stunned. His attitude flipped so fast! One moment he seemed concerned, the next he's gone without a second thought?

She'd wanted him to leave, but a small part of her had hoped for more. Seeing him actually go, a twinge of disappointment settled in.

Oh well. We're just strangers passing by. Saving me was already more than enough—he can't be expected to risk his life for me.

Shaking her head with a wry smile, she wondered what she'd been hoping for. Taking a cyan, ornate sword from her storage ring, she laid it across her lap, closed her eyes, and waited for the lion's minions. I can't move, but if I'm to die, I'll fight.

Outside, Xiao Bai spotted two third-tier magical beasts charging toward the cave. Glancing at them, he vanished, reappearing atop a tree, concealing his aura. Nibbling on the lamb leg, he watched the show.

The beasts sniffed the riverbank, following the scent to the cave. At the entrance, they roared, sensing something, and lumbered inside.

Though watching, Xiao Bai's soul force had locked onto them. I'm just teasing the Yun Lan Sect Leader, not abandoning her.

Inside, Yun Zhi faced the two third-tier beasts, despair in her eyes. First-tier, I could handle. Second-tier, maybe a chance. But two third-tiers? I'm outmatched.

Will I, a Dou Huang, fall to third-tier beasts? She gripped her sword, running her fingers along its blade, sorrow in her gaze.

Struggling to stand, she leaned on the sword, her eyes fierce. "Come, beasts!"

The beasts' wary eyes gleamed with bloodlust, their claws scraping the ground restlessly.

Roar! They split, attacking from both sides.

Yun Zhi swung her sword, using technique without Dou Qi, aiming for one beast's weak point. Ignoring the other, she hoped to trade injury for a kill, buying a slim chance at survival.

Slash!

Despite her sealed Dou Qi and injuries, her Dou Huang instincts held. She sliced a deep gash in one beast's abdomen, the sword's force knocking her to the ground.

Oddly, the second beast, which had lunged at her, froze mid-air, as if dazed, and crashed down.

Roar! The dazed beast regained clarity, roaring and preparing to pounce again.

The injured beast, bloodlust intensified, dragged its bleeding body toward her, growling.

Yun Zhi's hope faded. She'd fought on willpower alone, but now her strength was gone. Closing her eyes, she awaited the end.

Memories flashed—childhood, youth, adulthood, her teacher, Yanran… and, at the last, A'Niu's face.

I wonder if he's alright, a fleeting thought passed.

After reliving every memory, she felt no expected pain. Puzzled, she wondered, Did I faint from fear?

A familiar voice, laced with teasing, sounded nearby. "Not scared unconscious, are you?"

Opening her eyes, she saw his face close by. Confusion gave way to clarity as she glanced at the two lifeless beasts on the ground. He saved me again.

"You didn't leave?" she asked, a spark of joy in her eyes.

"I did, but halfway out, I realized you're still wearing my robe. Had to come back," Xiao Bai said, his gaze drifting to the black robe, hesitating.

"Heh." Yun Zhi smiled, unconvinced. Noticing his odd expression, she followed his gaze.

Her pale face flushed crimson, a wave of shame crashing over her. Never in my life have I wanted to disappear more!

The black robe had slipped open, revealing a glimpse of her figure—fully exposed from their angle.

She hurriedly pulled the robe closed, took a deep breath, and opened her eyes, her gaze icy with murderous intent. "Speak. How do you want to die?"

"Not my fault! I was about to warn you but didn't want to embarrass you!" Xiao Bai leapt back, grabbing the soulless beast corpses and bolting.

Yun Zhi stared at his fleeing figure, her furious eyes glazing with a hint of daze.

Her pristine reputation, guarded for years, had been thoroughly seen by him—front and back. Even with her cool, composed nature, her heart couldn't remain unmoved.

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