Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Three days slipped by like a gentle stream.

___

Beast Mountain Range, inside the cave.

Yun Zhi sat on a stone slab, draped in an oversized black robe cinched tightly at her slender waist, accentuating her alluring figure against the dark fabric. Her hand propped up her cheek as she gazed absently at the cave entrance, a faint trace of worry shimmering in her eyes.

Where is that guy? Every morning, he vanished for hours without explanation. This is the Beast Mountain Range, and the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's minions are scouring the area for me. What if he runs into those fifth-tier beasts? That'd be dangerous!

Though A'Niu was enigmatic—silently dispatching two third-tier beasts the other day—she doubted someone under twenty could handle fifth-tier beasts, equivalent to a Dou Wang.

"You're back!" Seeing his figure at the entrance, the worry in Yun Zhi's eyes melted into a spark of joy, a soft smile curving her lips.

"Mm," Xiao Bai replied, glancing at her briefly before moving to the fire. He skewered a few fish he'd brought back and set them to roast.

"Everything go alright out there?" Yun Zhi ignored his curt response, rising gracefully and settling beside him, her presence carrying a faint fragrance. She asked softly, her tone warm.

"Mm."

"…" Yun Zhi sighed inwardly at his aloofness.

"If you keep talking to me like that, we'll part ways after this meal," Xiao Bai said, flipping the roasting fish, his face expressionless.

Since that incident three days ago, Yun Zhi's tone with him had been gentle but laced with a subtle distance. At first, Xiao Bai thought it was embarrassment and let it slide.

But three days later, her soft words still carried that cold detachment. Though he felt a fondness for her, he had his pride. If she doesn't care, why should I keep chasing her attention?

Yun Zhi froze, caught off guard. This was the longest he'd spoken to her in days, but the words stung.

After that day, she'd been unsure how to face him, using this distant demeanor to mask her awkwardness. She hadn't expected him to threaten to leave over it.

Sigh. She exhaled softly. He'd saved her twice, and despite his recent coldness, his care had been meticulous. Relenting, she dropped the detached tone. "Happy now?"

"Very happy!" Xiao Bai's face lit up, his grin wide. "Come, eat some fish!"

Yun Zhi rolled her eyes, ignoring her stomach's protests. "I'm not hungry. You eat."

But when he held the roasted fish to her lips, looking ready to stuff it in if she refused, she glared and took it. Just wait till I'm healed—I'll deal with you then!

"It's hot, be careful," Xiao Bai said, his concern earnest, oblivious to her fierce look.

"Have you ever seen a Dou Huang care about a little heat?" Yun Zhi shot him a look, as if he were an idiot.

Xiao Bai's eyes dimmed, his lips twitching silently as he turned back to the fire.

Seeing his sudden gloom, Yun Zhi paused, realizing her words might've been misinterpreted. Guilt flickered in her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that…"

She missed the sly glint in his eyes as he turned away, unaware he was thinking, That performance deserves an Oscar!

She'd kill me if she knew!

"It's fine," Xiao Bai said, waving it off, mentally reliving every sad memory to keep from laughing. "I know you didn't mean it. I'm just weak, too sensitive."

"…" Yun Zhi couldn't tell if he was serious. Weak?

She didn't know his exact level, but felling two third-tier beasts in a blink made him a prodigy in the Jia Ma Empire at his age.

"No teacher?" she asked, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

Xiao Bai shook his head. "Nope. Got a bit of luck and figured it out on my own."

He wasn't lying—his unique technique was indeed self-taught through trial and error.

"Then… how about I recommend a place?" Yun Zhi's face brightened, her eyes gleaming as if appraising a rare gem. "You'd get the best growth there. What do you say?"

Xiao Bai's brow twitched. I'm trying to charm you, and you want to be my teacher?

Rubbing his chin, he tilted his head. "Are you there?"

Her eyes flickered, hesitating. "No, but I have a friend there. If you go, she'll look after you."

Xiao Bai glanced at this "classic" woman and waved dismissively. "Pass."

"Why not?" Yun Zhi blinked, puzzled.

"You're not there—what's the point?" Xiao Bai said matter-of-factly.

Her cheeks flushed, but irritation flared. "What are you even cultivating for? If I'm not there, you just won't bother?"

Her anger grew, and she stood, exasperated. "Groping your way through cultivation? How's that better than having guidance and top resources? What if you mess up alone and get hurt—or worse?"

"Uh, Yun Zhi, are you cursing me?" Xiao Bai asked, bewildered by her sudden outburst.

"Pah! No, I'm worried about you!" she snapped, the words slipping out. Realizing what she'd said, she froze.

What's wrong with me? She questioned her reaction, so unlike the poised Yun Lan Sect Leader. Seeing A'Niu's lack of ambition had sparked an inexplicable fury.

It must be because he's such a promising talent. I can't bear to see him waste it! Yes, that's it! After a moment's thought, she nodded, convincing herself with a plausible excuse.

A playful glint danced in Xiao Bai's eyes. Now I get why she got so mad.

"Stop staring, you slacker!" Yun Zhi squirmed under his piercing gaze, huffing in embarrassment. She moved to a far corner, delicately eating her fish, ignoring him.

Xiao Bai shook his head, the scene oddly familiar. Last time, Cai Lin chewed me out for touching my nose. Now, a joke's got the Cloud Sect Leader scolding me.

For the rest of the day, Yun Zhi didn't speak to him, focusing on dissolving her seal after eating. Xiao Bai didn't mind. If I'd played along, I'd be headed to the Cloud Mist Sect.

Yun Zhi was the only one there he cared for—the rest meant nothing to him.

Night fell, stars blanketing the sky, the silver moon casting a cool glow over the Beast Mountain Range, draping it in a delicate veil.

___

In a small forest on the range's outskirts.

A campfire flickered, its dancing flames illuminating a youthful face.

"Teacher, we could've entered the Beast Mountain Range near Wu Tan City. Why come all the way here?" Xiao Yan asked, idly poking the fire with a stick, his voice tinged with boredom.

After leaving Wu Tan City, the thrill of his sword-wielding wanderer dream had faded, replaced by the loneliness of the journey. He missed the Xiao Clan.

"This is the eastern edge of the Beast Mountain Range," Yao Lao said, smiling. "Cross it, and you'll reach the Tagore Desert—your final training ground."

"Cross it?!" Xiao Yan nearly leapt up, alarmed. "Teacher, are you joking? With my strength, I can barely handle first-tier beasts in the outskirts. Second-tier's a stretch. How am I supposed to cross?"

"Danger sparks your true potential," Yao Lao said calmly. "My plan is for you to break through to Dou Shi in the range, then head to the desert to devour a Heavenly Flame. After that, you'll train further and get used to the Flame Mantra's upgraded power."

"Fine," Xiao Yan sighed, his lips twisting wryly. Looks like I'll be living in the mountains for a while. With Teacher here, I won't end up in a beast's jaws, right?

"Look at that sorry face!" Yao Lao scolded, exasperated. "First time out of Wu Tan City, and Xiao Bai strode through this range like he owned it, taking down anything that crossed him without my help. Then there's you!"

He shook his head. No comparison, no pain. With Xiao Bai, the kid had clear goals, acting decisively, only needing Yao Lao when he nearly killed himself with lightning. But Xiao Yan? He needed a planned itinerary, constant guidance, and endless oversight.

Xiao Yan rolled his eyes. Who compares themselves to that freak?

Yao Lao had shared Xiao Bai's exploits in the range—ignoring first- and second-tier beast cores, blasting them to ashes with a single bolt. Xiao Yan's eyes had burned with envy. I'm broke! If I'd known Brother Bai was that loaded, I'd have robbed him!

"Your two brothers are in Stone Desert City, right? We can swing by," Yao Lao added.

"Big Brother and Second Brother!" Xiao Yan's heart warmed, a spark of excitement rising.

"Starting tomorrow, I'll guide you to gather herbs to speed up your cultivation," Yao Lao said. "Besides talent, elixirs are essential now."

"Nalan Yanran's probably doing the same, huh?" Xiao Yan said, his brow quirking.

"Heh, her? She's got Gu He at the Cloud Mist Sect—a mere sixth-grade alchemist. How's he compare to me?" Yao Lao scoffed, dripping with pride.

Xiao Yan could only give a thumbs-up, silently saluting the eighth-grade alchemist's swagger.

"Oh, and carry this from now on. Don't take it off, even when sleeping." A massive black ruler flew from Yao Lao's ancient ring.

___

Dawn broke, the morning light soft.

Xiao Bai surveyed the nearly depleted herb stock in the valley. He'd dragged out the gathering over days, but the small valley had its limits.

With a final glance, he soared away. Who knows when I'll return?

Landing near the waterfall, he headed to the cave to check Yun Zhi's progress with the seal. If she can't break it by tomorrow, I'll have to step in.

It was the fifth day, and Jia Nan Academy's departure loomed in two days. If he didn't return tomorrow, those two girls might storm the range.

After the last incident, Xun Er had given him a soul jade to imprint his soul mark for safety. He hadn't refused.

That's why they hadn't shown up yet. Otherwise, with Xun Er's temper, even if she didn't come herself, Ling Ying would've been circling nearby.

Entering the cave, Xiao Bai met a pair of pale blue eyes. They flicked away casually, as if nothing had happened.

Cough. "How's the seal going?" As the man, Xiao Bai broke the awkward silence, letting her attitude slide.

"Should be broken by tomorrow," Yun Zhi said after a pause, her voice soft.

"Good," Xiao Bai said, relieved. If it's not done by tomorrow, I'll have some explaining to do. If I don't help, why wait? If I do, why didn't I act sooner?

"You seem pleased," Yun Zhi said, glancing at him coolly.

"Shouldn't I be?" Xiao Bai pointed at himself, baffled. Is her brain sealed too?

"Hmph!" A barely audible huff, paired with a subtle glare, left Xiao Bai bewildered.

"Once I'm recovered tomorrow, I'll confront that lion," she said, sighing softly at his confusion, her eyes warming. "Stay back—don't get too close."

"No need for my help?" Xiao Bai asked, a teasing smile in his eyes.

She shot him a look, about to snap, Don't make trouble! But she paused, studying him. He might actually be useful.

"Purple Spirit Crystal is usually in the Lion King's cave," she said, nodding after a moment's thought. "Tomorrow, I'll draw the lion away. Can you search the cave for the crystal? Here's a crystal—it'll heat up near a Purple Spirit Crystal, making it easier to find." She handed him a small crystal.

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