Since Bai Jiu would soon recover, Ying Lei asked for a celebration to mark the special occasion, even though not all of their problems had been resolved. There was still the matter of the poison in Wen Xiao, but it was a topic most didn't want to address just yet, so Ying Lei made sure to keep them all busy with good food and drinks.
They sat down at the table, as they had not long ago, and for once, their spirits lifted. They ate and drank while chatting animatedly, until Bai Jiu ran to Yi Chen in a hug, nearly knocking him off his seat, while the young doctor sobbed into his neck.
"Calm down, calm down... it's okay, Xiao Jiu... you're free now..." Whispered Yi Chen as the boy hugged him tighter.
"I hurt you... I hurt all of you..." Whispered Bai Jiu into the crook of his neck as he cried loudly.
Yi Chen wasn't very good at calming others down, let alone someone as dramatic as Bai Jiu. He looked to Zhu Yan for advice, but his great demon only hunched his shoulders. He then turned to Wen Xiao, but she merely smiled at him and raised her cup of wine. His gaze then turned to Ying Lei, almost pleading, and the young mountain god sighed before standing up and gently pulling Bai Jiu away from him. Then, Bai Jiu turned to hug Ying Lei as if his life depended on it, while crying some more.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." Bai Jiu sobbed, and Ying Lei rubbed his back, trying to comfort him.
"It's okay... it wasn't you, and we all know it. In fact, we're happy to have you back, and this celebration is for you. Are you hungry? There's plenty of food, and I even prepared something special for you." Ying Lei gently pulled him away to look at the young man.
"What?" Bai Jiu asked, wiping away his tears.
"Almond cheese, a whole jar. I know it won't be the same as the one your mother made for you, but it's something I put my whole heart into." Ying Lei explained, pointing to the brown jar in the center of the table, as more tears streamed down Bai Jiu's cheeks.
"I... thank you. I'm sure it will be delicious." Bai Jiu smiled as Ying Lei passed the jar to him.
"Sit down and try it... if you don't like it, there are plenty of other things you can eat. I made your favorites."
"No, this is fine." Bai Jiu said, a little embarrassed as he hold the jar close to him like it was a precious thing and Ying Lei's heart fluttered with happiness.
"Xiao Jiu..." Yi Chen whispered his name, and the young doctor turned his head to look at him.
"Yes?"
"Welcome back... we all missed you." Yi Chen told him and Bai Jiu almost screeched in happiness, as he blushed deeply. Ying Lei rubbed his face in utter defeat. The commander was too ruthless, Pei Si Jing thought as she saw the exchange firsthand, while Zhu Yan and Wen Xiao laughed.
They had a great time together, but there was still the task of sending Li Lun's root to the sundial for cultivation, so they agreed to go together and even spend the rest of the night there. Since time passed differently inside the sundial, the time they would spend there would be very little in the real world, so no real harm done.
However, once inside the sundial, they each go their separate ways and agree to meet at dawn. Wen Xiao and Pei Si Jing went off on their own to spend some time together, while Bai Jiu and Ying Lei sought out more adventure, with Ying Lei telling him everything he missed while he was trapped. Zhu Yan and Yi Chen went to Li Lun's birthplace to place his primordial root on the large stone where he had once been imprisoned. Zhu Yan sat there for a moment, quite tired as most of his energy was drained and Yi Chen stood by his side like a ethereal sentinel.
"Why did you confront Li Lun alone, knowing you were in no condition to face him like this? Zhu Yan... I know you have a kind of blind faith in him, from all the years you spent together as friends, but it wasn't going to be the same for him. What if I had arrived a little later..." Yi Chen stopped mid-speech, imagining how disastrous it would have been if he had arrived just a few seconds later, and Zhu Yan, seeing his distress, took his hand and intertwined it with his.
"I know it was a bit risky, but it worked out in the end."
"You tried your best, and you got hurt too."
"Nothing my precious baby dragon can't fix..."
"Don't call me that!" Zhu Yan smiled.
"Okay... sit with me, Yi Chen. I'm a little tired." Hearing his soft request, Yi Chen complied and sat beside him, letting Zhu Yan lean on his body and wrapped him up so that he could rest a little better, his head comfortably resting in the crook of Yi Chen neck.
"Yi Chen, can Wen Xiao's poison really not be detoxified?" Zhu Yan asked in a very low voice, and Yi Chen involuntarily tensed and remained silent for a moment.
"That's what Zhen Mei said. The poison has no antidote." Yi Chen whispered into Zhu Yan's silky hair, not lying, though not completely truthful either. Zhu Yan closed his eyes and suppressed a sigh.
"Then, we can only find another way..." He said, thinking that they were both withholding truths. It wasn't because they didn't care, but because they cared too much, and it was difficult to let go of the person they loved so deeply. However... neither of them was going to let Wen Xiao die like that either. It was an impossible decision, but one Zhu Yan would gladly make, if it meant Yi Chen would live.
"Yi Chen, I love you." It was time to give everything to his beloved dragon. If he absorbed the poison in his current weakened state, he wouldn't survive long. So he swallowed his sadness and promised himself that tonight Zhu Yan would be completely his. If he was going to leave Yi Chen, even if it was because he had no other choice, he would give him something for Yi Chen to remember, a part of him that would remain even after he was gone.
"I love you too, Zhu Yan..." Yi Chen was deep in thought, not unlike Zhu Yan, so they looked at each other before kissing, not with the usual passion, but with tenderness, sweetness, and a deep longing. Then Yi Chen sat Zhu Yan on his lap to deepen the kiss, and when he finished, he help Zhu Yan stand and to walk away with a mission in mind. The same one Zhu Yan had planned.
WEN XIAO/PEI SIJING
It was a cold night, even inside the sundial, but Wen Xiao didn't mind, as her lover held her arm as they strolled through the desert. She had so many things on her mind, but she was glad that at least some of them turned out well, like Ying Lei being saved by the Zhu Yan spell and Bai Jiu returning to them. It was a joyful night, as they celebrated and spent time together not just as a team, but as friends who had overcome hardships, life, and death.
"Wen Xiao... what do you think? You're too quiet, and I'm worried seeing you like this," Pei Si Jin asked, and Wen Xiao smiled sweetly at him.
"It's a good night. I don't want to ruin it with something inevitable," she said, and Pei Si Jing stopped, forcing Wen Xiao to look at her.
"You know what they're hiding from you, right?" Pei Si Jing asked, and Wen Xiao's smile faded.
It's hard not to notice so many people trying to act normal when it's obvious they're looking at me more often than I'd like. Both Xiao Zhuo and Xiao Zhao are pitifully hiding their inner struggle. You can always tell when they want to sacrifice themselves for someone, in this case, me. She admitted, and Pei Si Jing squeezed her hand tightly.
"They care so much about you, I would too if I weren't a mere mortal. If I had a demonic core, I wouldn't hesitate to give my life for yours..." the hunter confessed sincerely, and Wen Xiao was almost moved to tears.
I know you too will join their list of foolish, yet very caring people. I know my destiny, and I don't want to take anyone's life to prolong my own. It's not who I am, it's not why I was chosen to be the next goddess, or what I've been through. It moves me so much to think that so many of you would give your lives for mine, but I don't want you. I won't live knowing that I'm sharing time with someone I love... You understand, right?
It was a cold night, even inside the sundial, but Wen Xiao didn't mind, as her lover held her arm as they strolled through the Wilderness. She had so many things on her mind, but she was glad that at least some of them turned out well, like Ying Lei being saved by the Zhu Yan spell and Bai Jiu returning to them. It was a joyful night, as they celebrated and spent time together not just as a team, but as friends who had overcome hardships, life, and death.
"Wen Xiao... what are you thinking? You're too quiet, and I'm worried seeing you like this." Pei Si Jin asked, and Wen Xiao smiled sweetly at him.
"It's a good night. I don't want to ruin it with something inevitable." She said, and Pei Si Jing stopped, forcing Wen Xiao to look at her.
"You know what they're hiding from you, right?" Pei Si Jing asked, and Wen Xiao's smile faded.
"It's hard not to notice so many people trying to act normal when it's obvious they're looking at me more often than I'd like. Both Xiao Zhuo and Xiao Zhao are trying hard to hide their inner struggle. You can always tell when they want to sacrifice themselves for someone, in this case, me." She admitted, and Pei Si Jing squeezed her hand tightly.
"They care so much about you, I would too if I weren't a mere mortal. If I had a demonic core, I wouldn't hesitate to give my life for yours..." The huntress confessed sincerely, and Wen Xiao was almost moved to tears.
"I know you too will join their list of foolish, yet very caring people. I know my destiny, and I don't want to take anyone's life to prolong my own. It's not who I am, it's not why I was chosen to be the next goddess, nor for what I've live for. It touches me deeply to think that so many of you would give your life for mine, but I don't want you to. It won't be living knowing that I'm borrowing time with the life of someone I love... You understand, right?" Wen Xiao asked and she nodded, then brought Wen Xiao's hand to her lips to kiss it softly.
"Yes. I knew you'd object to them sacrificing themselves for you. You're as noble hearten as the others, and that's why I love you so much..." Pei Si Jing said before cradling Wen Xiao's beautiful face in his hands and kissing her forehead.
"How lovely, Si Jing..." Wen Xiao smiled tenderly.
"Do you want one more?" She asked with an amused, raised eyebrow.
"Sure!" Wen Xiao exclaimed mischievously, and Pei Si Jing placed another kiss on her temple, then on her closed eyes, then on her nose, and finally a soft touch on her lips. It was that warmth and sweetness that broke the dam in Wen Xiao's heart, and, hugging Si Jing tightly, she wept.
"I'm sorry, Si Jing... this should be a happy night but..." Wen Xiao subbed into her chest and Si Jing hold her closer.
"I know is unfair to you... is unfair to all of us to be honest... just let it out Wen Xiao... you deserve it and I am here for you for as long as I can." Si Jing whisper to her ear and Wen Xiao press them together a little tighter, trying to take Si Jing's warm and empathy like a safe net.
"I'm so glad to have you... it's such a dark time for me..." Wen Xiao was in no mood to hide her true feelings from the one she cared the most.
"And we will do all we can to turn this darkness into something shining. You still with us and so there is still hope." Si Jing said and Wen Xiao smiled, feeling a bit better, but he didn't let go of Pei Si Jing, instead, they look for a place in where to lie down and stayed in each other arms for the rest of the night.
BAI JIU/YING LEI
"Um... Xiao Jiu, can I ask you something without scaring you?" Ying Lei asked as they wandered aimlessly through the Wilderness.
"What's wrong? You've been awfully quiet since we arrived, and you were the one who promised a night of adventure and hidden treasure." Bai Jiu said accusingly.
"Well... I wanted to get away from those two pairs of lovebirds." Ying Lei admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Which two pairs of lovebirds? What are you talking about?" Bai Jiu asked sincerely, and Ying Lei smiled mischievously.
"I guess you were away for a while, huh? You see... after you broke Zhuo Yi Chen's sword... I mean, Li Lun, his life was in grave danger, and that's why one thing led to another. In short, the great demon Zhu Yan and commander Zhuo Yi Chen confessed to each other and even kissed a few times... not that you want to witness it, it's... awkward, even though they're both handsome, but..."
"What??? They are what???"
"Yeah... it caught me off guard too, and..."
"I'm dead!!! I hug Xiao Zhuo in front of the great demon!! He's going to kill me!! I know he's very possessive, and my Xiao Zhuo... I'm doom..." The young man panicked, and Ying Lei laughed as he realized it was the usual Bai Jiu, all dramatic and afraid of Zhu Yan.
"It's okay, he knows you're just a kid, so there's no need to worry about him. I, on the other hand, have been warned not to get too close to the commander."
"You dared!?" Bai Jiu looked at him suspiciously.
"Of course not! Good heavens! I value my life more than that. Anyway, let's not get off topic. The point is, as we already told you, the commander is now a great demon, most likely a dragon with a demonic core. Li Lun poisoned the Baize's token, and now Wen Xiao is also poisoned with the same thing as you were, and the only way to extract the poison is for someone with demonic energy to absorb it into their body... which is what both of our great demons are planning to do on their own."
"What!? And now you're telling me this!? What's wrong with you? I need to check on her and..."
"Then you can prepare an antidote for her? Because... you know how those two great demons are, one is already in love with death, and the other is too noble to let it pass..."
"Oh, no. No one will die under my care, much less the man I admire the most! This is all my fault, so yes! I'll prepare an antidote or die trying! You'll see... where are they?" Bai Jiu asked, looking around, completely lost.
"This way, young master..." Ying Lei pointed humorously and somewhat reverently, causing Bai Jiu to raise his chin, like a child of noble birth, and walk in that direction with a smiling Ying Lei behind him.
EXPLICIT 🔥🔥🔥 ZHU YAN/YI CHEN 🔥🔥🔥CONTENT
There were rooms in the place where they fought with Cheng Huang, and Yi Chen opened the door of one of them to let Zhu Yan in. The room was already illuminated by the soft glow of candles, giving the place an atmosphere of warmth and a scent of immeasurable love. That part of the sundial's memories was empty, so they were alone until morning came, when they had to make difficult choices.
However, this night, for both Zhu Yan and Yi Chen, was a night of surrender, of offering themselves without limits, without boundaries, without secrets, just two souls united, two hearts beating as one, two bodies sharing more than physical contact, feelings as deep as oceans.
Tonight, the air crackled with unspoken desire, an electric tension that shimmered in the space between them. Zhu Yan, radiated an aura of mystery and allure, his tall, slender form barely contained within the elegant folds of his dark robes. His long, gray and black hair cascaded around him like a waterfall of silk, framing a face that could only be described as otherworldly.
Yi Chen, exuded an ethereal beauty, his dark blue eyes glinting like sapphires under the soft glow of the candles. His long, black hair framed his angular face in a way that accentuated his sharp features, a perfect counterpoint to Zhu Yan ancient grace. Zhu Yan turned toward him, his dark eyes already showing hints of red reflecting the dim light, and the corner of his mouth curled into a knowing smile.
"Tell me what you want, Yi Chen, because I want to show you, how much I love you. Not just with words, but with every touch, every kiss... every whisper of your name." He murmured, his voice smooth as silk but laced with an urgency that sent a shiver down Zhuo Yi Chen's spine. He was aware of the importance of what was going to happen and he want it.
"You're not the only one who wants to show how much love you feel. I want to do the same, and I want this to be special. Something we haven't done before, something much deeper. I want to go beyond exploration... to bond." The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Zhu Yan's expression shifted, the love in his eyes deepening into something more profound, because Yi Chen was ready to claim him.
"I am at your mercy." Zhu Yan whisper far too close to his ear, his voice low and inviting, the promise resonating between them like a heartbeat.
With newfound resolve, Yi Chen leaned in, capturing Zhu Yan's lips with his own in a passionate kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of hunger and longing, a deep seated yearning that had been building for far too long. Zhu Yan responded with equal fervor, his hands finding their way to Yi Chen's waist, pulling him closer until there was no space left between their bodies.
Yi Chen was delighted with the sensation, his heart racing as he pressed against Zhu Yan hard body. The taste of him was intoxicating, sweet and smoky, like the finest wine. As their mouths moved together, he felt their souls intertwine, the barriers that once separated them dissolving into the night.
However, Yi Chen craved more than just kisses. The fire within him blazed hotter and he found himself pushing Zhu Yan into the nearby bed, his hands pinning his wrists above his head. Zhu Yan's body arched beneath Yi Chen, his breath coming in short gasps as Yi Chen's lips trailed down his neck, leaving a path of fire in their wake. Then, he found Zhu Yan's nipple, sucking and nipping at the sensitive bud, causing his great demon to moan in pleasure and his hands to tangled in Yi Chen's hair, guiding him lower, his body aching with need. Yi Chen's lips trailed a path down his stomach, his tongue dipping into his navel before continuing lower.
Yi Chen's fingers tease the waistband of Zhu Yan's pants and his hips bucked upwards, seeking more contact, his body aching for release. Then his hand slipped beneath the waistband, wrapping around Zhu Yan's hard length, making him groan, his hips jerking upwards as Yi Chen began to stroke him, his thumb teasing the sensitive head. Zhu Yan's hands grabbed the sheets as he shiver with the intensity of the sensation, the hand of his beloved set in giving him everything he wanted and more. Then Yi Chen strokes became faster and harder and Zhu Yan was a mess under his young lover teasing, to a point he wanted to bite something, anything in where he could hide the building growl of the beast he was deep inside, his primordial spirit.
"That's the way..." Zhu Yan said between gasp, but Yi Chen wanted to give him more to enjoy, so he pull off his pants completely as well as all his clothes and send them flying to the floor.
Zhu Yan's cock stood proud and hard, a bead of pearly liquid glistening at the tip. Yi Chen's eyes met Zhu Yan's, for approval, but his great demon was already lost in pleasure, so he took the length into his hand and mouth, his tongue swirling around the sensitive head. Zhu Yan's hips bucked, a gasp escaping his lips as he took him deeper, his throat constricting around the head of his cock.
A little more teasing and Zhu Yan mix of gasps and even growls make him built his own desire harder. He wanted to give Zhu Yan everything, to show him the depths of his feelings, to make him feel cherished and adored. Zhu Yan's hands gripped the sheets into fists, his body writhing with pleasure as Yi Chen's mouth worked him slowly, his tongue and lips driving him to the brink of madness. He could feel the pressure building, his body tensing as he neared the edge.
"Yi Chen.. you are too good." Zhu Yan moaned and he finally pulled back, gazing into Zhu Yan's eyes, which shimmered with something raw and primal.
"Tell me what you want." Yi Chen whispered, his voice thick with expectation. Zhu Yan's lips curled into a sensual smile and a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes.
"I want you to take me, Yi Chen. Show me how deep your love runs." The words sent a jolt of electricity through Yi Chen, igniting a fire that consumed him whole.
He nodded, his heart racing as he shifted his weight, positioning himself above Zhu Yan. Their eyes locked, and in that moment, a silent agreement passed between them, a promise of an impeding sacrifice, of surrendering to the passions that bound them. Then Yi Chen, guided by instinct, gently parted Zhu Yan's legs to have better access and very carefully push one finger in, just to see how his great demon will take it.
"Oh, yes, that's it." Zhu Yan praise him, the thrill of submission glimmering in his eyes and Yi Chen flushed, then leaned down, capturing Zhu Yan's lips once more, their mouths moving in a fervent rhythm, a dance of dominance and surrender. With each kiss, he felt himself slipping deeper into the abyss of their shared connection. Zhu Yan could feel Yi Chen's own hard length pressing against his stomach, and he longed to feel it inside him. He wanted Yi Chen inside him, filling him, making him whole. With a soft moan, he pushed back, his body opening up to Yi Chen's cock.
Yi Chen's breath hitched as he positioned himself in between his great demon legs, his silky long hair brushing against Zhu Yan's thighs. He reached his cock and guide it to his entrance, wetting it his his own precum while Zhu Yan watched, his breath hard as Yi Chen entered him slowly, their eyes never leaving each other's, their bodies moving in perfect sync. Zhu Yan moaned softly, his body stretching to accommodate Yi Chen's size, the sensation was initially painful, but only for a short moment, then it became what he expected, a swirl of exquisite pleasure of feeling him inside, hot and hard, throbbing with the new sensation.
"Oh gods..." Yi Chen gasped as he felt Zhu Yan's tight heat envelop him and his eyes fluttered shut, a low growl of his own, raw and even dragon-like escaping his lips as Zhu Yan grabbed Yi Chen's back filled with soft hair, wanting for him to give him everything he had. Then Yi Chen start to move inside him, slowly and carefully, allowing both of them to adjust and feel. There was no rush and what they were sharing was far too important.
"Yi Chen... Yi Chen..." Zhu Yan could feel every trust deep inside him, but also Yi Chen's care and caution not to hurt him, which he wasn't, so he help him and his hands went to Yi Chen's hips, helping him set the pace, urging to move faster, to let go of his restrain and enjoy.
"More... don't hold back." Zhu Yan whisper and Yi Chen obeyed, giving himself to what he wanted and the rhythm grew faster, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. The pleasure was intense for Zhu Yan too, a wave of heat and desire that threatened to consume him. He could feel his orgasm about to spiral up, his cock harder than ever under the pressure of Yi Chen's weight over him. Then Yi Chen reached him as he moved, wrapping his hand around Zhu Yan's cock and stroking it in time with his own movements.
"Zhu Yan... I love you..." Yi Chen said as his eyes brighten, his skin filling with more ice tattoos, running down his chest, his arms, his navel, his hips and legs, all glowing with the intensity of their feelings for each other. Zhu Yan almost came when he felt something else inside him, a soft caress on his inner core, then a healing energy enveloping him, filling him, trying to mend what was broken. Then his heart almost burst with something warm, a mark invisible to the naked eye, but binding him to the man he loved, sharing his feelings as well as his own. Zhu Yan arched his body with a kind of pleasure he couldn't bear, it was too strong. Yi Chen had claim him and a part of him was now merged within himself.
"I'm coming." Zhu Yan panted, his eyes shining red with pleasure in response of his claiming, they were one now. Yi Chen nodded, his own orgasm barreling down on him.
With a final, desperate fast trust, Yi Chen came, his hot seed spilling inside Zhu Yan while shivering as he did it with a low growl. The sight of it, coupled with the feeling of Yi Chen's tight heat milking his cock, sent Zhu Yan over the edge. He came hard, his seed filling Yi Chen's hand like a fountain.
Then, Yi Chen collapsed onto Zhu Yan's chest, his breath hot and heavy against his neck. His ice tattoos starting to fade, leaving only the ones on his neck. Satisfy, Yi Chen wrapped his arms around his great demon, holding him close as their hearts slowly returned to normal. He could feel the bond pulsing in his core, the acceptance, the merge of their two souls, the mark he had left on Zhu Yan's heart, the essence he released into Zhu Yan's own core, a protection against his inner demon, his way to avoid him to get out of control even in blood moons.
"That was... incredible and you claim me." Zhu Yan murmured, pressing a kiss to Yi Chen's temple and Yi Chen chuckled, lifting his head to meet Zhu Yan's gaze.
"I did... you are mine now." Zhu Yan laughed softly as he place a hand over his core.
"I am and you left me something cute too." Zhu Yan said and Yi Chen frowned.
"Cute? I thought it was all quite passionate, I fail if you only find it cute..." He pouted and Zhu Yan laughed.
"Don't worry, my passionate soulmate. What you did with me is beyond what I expected. What I mean is that the essence you left in me took shape and now is a very tinny cute baby dragon."
"A dragon? That's kind of..."
"Cute?" Zhu Yan insisted.
"Odd. I mean I am a dragon, but I haven't even take my true form yet..."
"Well, now I have a guess and let me tell you, I love it. He is curling around my inner core, trying his best to heal it... but since it's a slow process giving he is the size of coin, he got frustrated and is now liking it. It's too cute!" Zhu Yan laughed and Yi Chen smiled.
"Glad you like it then."
"It's your gift, your protection for me, your love and desire to mend me."
"Can he do it?"
"With time, yes. He takes energy from you and use it on me, but he is so tiny..."
"It doesn't matter, if this tiny dragon is as stubborn as me, then he will succeed."
"I think he will, I already feel better than before, stronger even... thank you." Zhu Yan moved to kiss him one more time.
"By the way, dragon instincts are powerful... I love it all... and now I am quite invigorated." Zhu Yan whisper as he mischievously traced one hand down Yi Chen's naked chest.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I know I did." Yi Chen whisper as he closed his eyes, feeling Zhu Yan's hand go lower.
"How about we do it again, but this time, I'm on top?" Yi Chen open his eyes, bright with renewed desire once more, and he nodded.
"Deal." And so, they did and after they finish, they lay down in bed wrapped in each other arms.
AN: Some bonding and a little love here and there and a mayor one.