Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

After seeing Xiao Yan and Yao Lao off, Xiao Bai noticed Xiao Xun'er giving him a faintly resentful look.

At first, he was puzzled, but then it hit him. He'd promised to spend these few days with her, yet he'd just agreed to refine Foundation Spirit Liquid for Yao Lao.

Taking her hand, he smiled gently. "Alright, I'll be refining in the courtyard these days. If you don't mind the boredom, stay with me. How's that?"

The resentment in Xiao Xun'er's eyes vanished, replaced by a bright smile. She'd feared he'd head back to the mountain, leaving her with little chance to see him before his departure. "Will I disturb you, Xiao Bai gege?" she asked, her excitement tempered by caution.

She was probing if there was anything he'd rather she not know.

Looking at the considerate girl, Xiao Bai's gaze softened. "In this world, Xun'er will always be the one I trust most—past, present, and future."

He wasn't worried about Ling Ying anymore. He could now sense the man within a hundred meters, but since telling Xun'er that story, she seemed to come alone, leaving Ling Ying behind. He wasn't sure why.

Her eyes glistened at his words, her heart warmed by his trust.

Over the next few days, Xiao Xun'er arrived early each morning. She'd read quietly or watch Xiao Bai refine pills with keen interest, her chin propped in her hands. Being with him daily brought back memories of their childhood, filling her with joy.

Xiao Bai worked tirelessly in the courtyard, experimenting with Foundation Spirit Liquid. The herbs posed no issue, but the magical beast core caused several explosions, leaving him disheveled.

The first time Xiao Xun'er saw the cauldron erupt, coating Xiao Bai's face and clothes in soot, she was alarmed. But seeing him unscathed, she giggled at each subsequent blast.

Xiao Bai would tap her head lightly, chuckling, "Heartless little thing!"

She'd just smile, her eyes curving with delight, offering no retort.

But noticing Xiao Bai change clothes after each explosion, she grew thoughtful. Xiao Bai gege's clothes are always clean, but they're so worn.

The days passed, and the agreed-upon day with Yao Lao arrived—tomorrow, they'd depart.

Xiao Bai eyed the jade vials before him. From twelve portions of materials, he'd successfully refined seven. The cores had caused five explosions, but he'd gained insight into handling them. Given another twelve portions, he was confident he could succeed ten times, if not all twelve.

From now on, he could call himself a second-tier alchemist. Yao Lao's Foundation Spirit Liquid recipe was peak second-tier, and with this trade, Xiao Bai's alchemy would likely advance quickly. He had all the hard requirements—only knowledge and experience were lacking.

Glancing around the room, he noticed Xiao Xun'er was gone. "Where'd that little lass run off to?" he muttered. She'd been eagerly watching his final batch moments ago.

Shaking his head, he decided not to dwell on it and prepared to deliver the Foundation Spirit Liquid to Yao Lao. The old man would likely want to test its effects and instruct Xiao Yan on its use during their absence.

Before he could leave, Xiao Xun'er burst in, breathless. Seeing he'd finished, her face lit up. She glided over, her voice secretive. "Xiao Bai gege, are you still busy?"

Her demeanor piqued his curiosity. "I'm free now. What's up, Xun'er?"

Without a word, she pulled several cloth bundles from her storage ring and handed them to him, her voice sweet. "I noticed your clothes are all old, so I got you some new ones. Go try them on for me!"

She shoved the bundles into his hands, pushing him toward the screen. "Hurry, hurry!"

Xiao Bai looked at the clothes, touched by her thoughtfulness. This girl's so observant.

Behind the screen, Xiao Xun'er stepped back, waiting. Unwrapping the bundles, Xiao Bai sighed. Black? But it was her gesture, so black it was.

Xiao Xun'er waited eagerly outside. She'd almost bought white but decided black would complement his gray-white hair better.

When Xiao Bai emerged, her eyes widened. The black robe, edged with golden patterns, lent him a mysterious, regal air. His sharp brows and gray-white hair, with two strands falling over his chest, exuded an imposing presence. Unlike the gentle warmth of his white robes, he now radiated a cold, commanding aura, his tall frame like a steadfast pine, unapproachable yet striking.

Xiao Xun'er's heart raced. She'd never seen Xiao Bai like this—his intensity was overwhelming.

Catching her dazed look, Xiao Bai's lips curved into a mischievous smirk. He strode toward her, steps steady, face stern, eyes like cold stars, exuding an aura of dominance. Tilting her delicate chin up, he leaned close to her ear, his voice low and commanding. "Little lass, remember: you're mine. Even your breath belongs to me. Understand?"

Xiao Xun'er's eyes clouded with enchantment. Xiao Bai had always spoken to her gently—never with this domineering edge. I can't handle this black-robed Xiao Bai gege. The impact's too much!

She threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest, her voice a breathless murmur. "Xiao Bai… gege!"

Xiao Bai chuckled at her reaction. This cool, composed girl likes the domineering type? Stroking her hair, he teased, "Didn't expect you to have such tastes, little lass."

Squirming in his embrace, her face flushed, she let out a soft whine. "Stinky Xiao Bai gege, always teasing me!"

Holding her close, he whispered, "I love this Xun'er so much—how could I bear to tease her?"