Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

"Don't worry. Follow me, serve me well, and a Transformation Pill might not be out of reach in the future!"

After imprinting a soul seal on the Amethyst Winged Lion King, Xiao Bai watched as it froze in shock before collapsing to the ground, its expression one of utter despair. He couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.

Though he hadn't studied the art of managing subordinates, Xiao Bai understood the principle of balancing discipline with reward. To motivate the beast, he dangled the promise of a grand prize.

The Amethyst Winged Lion King, hearing this, first showed a flicker of doubt. But then, recalling the formidable soul power of its new master, a glint of excitement sparked in its eyes. Could he also be an alchemist?

Noticing the lion's sudden enthusiasm, Xiao Bai gave a satisfied smile. Though the beast was under his control, a lack of effort at critical moments could still be troublesome. For now, he'd entice it with promises and judge its performance later.

Yun Yun approached, her curiosity piqued. She studied the massive lion, which only moments ago had fought her with ferocious intensity. Now, its rage and killing intent had vanished, leaving her in awe.

To think this trip to the Magical Beast Mountain Range would lead me to such an extraordinary young man.

"A'Niu, are you sure you won't come with me to that place I mentioned?" Yun Yun asked, reluctant to let such a rare talent, capable of revitalizing her sect, slip away.

"No need to trouble your friend," Xiao Bai replied with a smile, shaking his head. "From the look on your face, it seems you're about to leave?"

"Yes." Yun Yun nodded, her voice soft. "I've been away for several days already. With matters here resolved, I must return."

She had lingered too long, and the sect's affairs demanded her swift return.

"Here's the Purple Spirit Crystal you wanted." Xiao Bai retrieved a crystal from his storage ring and handed it to Yun Yun, ignoring the Amethyst Winged Lion King's sidelong glance.

"Thank you," Yun Yun said, her delicate hand accepting the hard-won crystal. Her voice was gentle, filled with gratitude.

"No need for thanks. I promised to help you, didn't I?" Xiao Bai replied with a slight smile.

Yun Yun's beautiful eyes softened as she gazed at him—this young man who had saved her twice, cared for her, and aided her. A complex emotion flickered in her gaze, difficult to name.

"Come with me," she said suddenly, as if resolving herself. She took his hand and led him back into the cave.

Puzzled but curious, Xiao Bai followed her inside, deep into the cavern's heart.

"Turn around," Yun Yun instructed, her voice tinged with hesitation. "Don't look back, and don't use your soul force to peek."

"Alright." Guessing her intent, Xiao Bai's expression grew serious. He turned away and, for good measure, erected several soul barriers along the cave's passage.

Behind him, Yun Yun's hands trembled as she loosened her plain dress, slipping off the pale blue metallic inner armor that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. In an instant, her flawless, jade-like figure was bared to the cave's dim light.

Quickly redressing, her cheeks flushed with a hint of shyness, she held the armor in her hands and softly called, "You can turn around now."

Xiao Bai turned, first noting the faint blush on Yun Yun's face before his gaze settled on the armor in her hands. He understood immediately.

Stepping forward, Yun Yun offered the armor to him, her voice gentle. "You have your own opportunities and lack neither cultivation techniques nor Dou Skills. I don't have much else to offer, but this Heart of the Sea Armor, forged from a rare metal found in the belly of a Tier 6 Three-Tailed Blue Whale, might be useful. Its defensive strength depends on its wearer's power. With your Dou Ling strength, it should serve you well. Consider it… a small token of my gratitude."

At first, Xiao Bai's expression was warm, but as she spoke of "gratitude," his brows furrowed, and his face grew cold.

Seeing him refuse to take the armor, Yun Yun was puzzled. Noticing his sudden change in demeanor, she wondered what she'd said to upset him.

"If this is payment, keep it. I don't need it," Xiao Bai said coldly.

Realizing her mistake, Yun Yun couldn't help but laugh softly. She had meant to compensate him, yes, but more than that, she wanted the armor to protect him. He'd misunderstood her intent. Changing her approach, she said, "Alright, alright, my mistake. This is a parting gift, not payment. Is that better?"

"That's more like it," Xiao Bai muttered, accepting the armor. As he touched it, he found it surprisingly soft, like silk rather than metal, still carrying a faint warmth and a delicate fragrance.

Yun Yun, seeing his mood shift from stormy to bright, found it amusing. This boy can be so mature, caring for others with such finesse, yet sometimes he's like a child. A warm, unfamiliar feeling stirred in her heart.

Watching him stroke the armor, her face reddened again. It had just come from her body, and his touch felt almost as if it lingered on her skin. Flustered, she quickly interrupted, "Alright, put it away already!"

"Heh, is this a token of affection, then?" Xiao Bai teased, tucking the armor away and winking at her playfully.

"Pfft! Token of affection? That's an awful way to put it!" Yun Yun's cheeks flushed, and she lightly tapped his head in mock anger. "You're so young, yet you're already such a rascal!"

Her charming, flustered expression stirred something in Xiao Bai. Knowing they were about to part, he couldn't hold back. Opening his arms, he said softly, "Yun Yun, I want to hug you."

Yun Yun froze, caught off guard by his boldness. Part of her wanted to refuse, but seeing the reluctance in his eyes and recalling his respectful behavior over the past days, her heart softened. She lowered her gaze, neither agreeing nor refusing.

Taking her silence as consent, Xiao Bai's heart leaped. He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her slender waist, bound by a green silk ribbon, and pulled her close.

Feeling her soft, trembling form in his embrace, Xiao Bai held her tightly, breathing in her faint, elegant fragrance. His chin brushed against her smooth forehead.

Yun Yun's emotions swirled in complexity. She had devoted years to solitary cultivation, never expecting this trip for the Purple Spirit Crystal to stir such feelings for a young man. Sigh. With a quiet breath, she extended her graceful arms, wrapping them around Xiao Bai's sturdy waist and resting her head against his chest.

"Won't you come with me?" she asked again, feeling the steady beat of his heart. The thought of parting, with no certainty of when they'd meet again, prompted her to revisit her earlier offer.

"When I've settled some matters, we'll see each other again. I have a feeling it won't be long," Xiao Bai said, gently stroking her hair. He chuckled inwardly—she wasn't even pretending to have a "friend" anymore.

But as he thought of future challenges, his gaze grew resolute. This time, I won't let her face hardship alone.

"Mm." Yun Yun nodded, unsurprised by his answer. She hadn't expected him to agree but couldn't help asking one last time.

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