Arc 3(20)

Zhang Xi changed into a sweet smile as he gazed at the child in front of him.

"Hello, little one."

The child stared at him silently for a while and then suddenly ran towards him, hugging his leg tightly.

Zhang Xi froze for a moment and then smiled again.

He bent down and picked up the child in his arms. The little boy immediately hugged him, burying his face against his chest.

"What's your name, little one?", asked Zhang Xi.

The little boy didn't reply. Instead, he just kept holding onto Zhang Xi's clothes tightly.

Zhang Xi chuckled softly, "I see, you're shy. It's okay, you don't have to be afraid."

Zhang Xi gently patted the boy's head, "I won't hurt you."

"But you have to tell me your name, otherwise how will I know what to call you?", coaxed Zhang Xi.

The boy looked up at him with bright eyes and said in his childish voice, "I don't have a name yet. My master said, My name was not selected yet. So I don't have a name yet.", the child continued, looking serious, "But my master calls me 'Brat'."

Zhang Xi laughed at the little boy's antics.

"Oh? Does your master do that? Haha..."

"Well, how about this, I'll call you...Xiao Bao, would you like that?"

The little boy nodded happily, "Okay! I want to be Xiao Bao!"

Zhang Xi smiled and patted his head.

"Alright, from now on, you are Xiao Bao."

"Yes, Uncle!", exclaimed the little boy excitedly.

Huo Yun watched their antics quietly. But suddenly in the mood to tease Zhang Xi, he said, "Wow, Xi Xi, you're good with children. Who would've thought? You surprised me today."

Zhang Xi glared at him angrily, "Shut up! Don't start with me."

Huo Yun chuckled mischievously and stuck out his tongue playfully.

"Uncle Huo, don't bully my new uncle!", protested Xiao Bao.

Huo Yun laughed, "Ahh...it seems I have to share you with someone else now, huh?"

Huo Yun acted as if hurt, clutching his heart.

Zhang Xi rolled his eyes and ignored him. Even Xiao Bao was annoyed by Huo Yun's actions.

He turned around and said seriously, "Uncle Huo, stop acting stupid. It's annoying."

Huo Yun grinned at him, "Why? Aren't I cute?"

Xiao Bao shook his head, "No, you're not."

Huo Yun pouted sadly.

Zhang Xi couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculous sight.

"Haha...you got scolded, hehe. Serves you right!"

Huo Yun sulked, "Don't laugh at me!"

Zhang Xi continued laughing and soon enough, Xiao Bao joined in too.

The old man smiled warmly as he watched the three of them interact.

He looked at the little boy who was happily giggling while holding onto Zhang Xi's clothes tightly. His eyes were full of love and affection.

"I see, so this is the person that you wanted to protect. He looks quite young."

"Yes, he is very important to me.", replied Huo Yun, smiling brightly.

"Hmm...So, let's talk about important matters."

The old man looked at Huo Yun, saying, "Many bugs will arise in this world now. Please take care of it, and I'll give you anything you want."

Huo Yun nodded and said, "Master, thank you for helping me today. You have my gratitude."

After a while, Huo Yun's eyes turned to Zhang Xi and said, "Xi Xi, You feel like yourself now right? Try to use your strength."

Zhang Xi tried to activate his power and he succeeded.

His body started to glow and became transparent. After some time, he completely disappeared.

Huo Yun smiled proudly and stood up.

"Let's go now. We don't have much time left."

Everyone followed him, leaving the void.

--------

When Zhang Xi opened his eyes, he found himself lying on the grasslands. The scenery in front would have taken his breath away but an annoying face was blocking his face.

"Huo Yun! You bastard! I told you not to kiss me!"

Huo Yun laughed softly, "I couldn't help it. You're just too cute. Besides, I didn't mean to do that."

Zhang Xi glared at him.

"Yeah, right! Do you think I'm stupid enough to believe you?"

Huo Yun grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"Well, no, but..."

"Don't worry about it anymore. Let's focus on finding Feng Li and Yu Xin.", interrupted Zhang Xi.

Huo Yun sighed sadly. His Xi Xi was still the same, grumpy and short-tempered. But that was one of the reasons he fell in love with him.

"Fine, fine. But we'll continue this conversation later. I promise."

Zhang Xi rolled his eyes.

"Whatever."

"Okay, fine. I understand.", agreed Huo Yun reluctantly.

After thinking for a bit, Huo Yun stated, "They should be near the rabbit clan. They wouldn't want to get caught by others so they would choose somewhere remote."

Zhang Xi nodded but then asked, "Where are Xiao Bao and Master?"

"Master and Xiao Bao would not come directly into this world. There will be too many problems if someone saw them."

"Alright, let's go."

Huo Yun helped Zhang Xi stand up and held his hand tightly.

He looked at Zhang Xi affectionately and kissed his forehead gently.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you.", assured Huo Yun.

Zhang Xi blushed slightly.

"Don't play your tricks on me, Huo Yun!", warned Zhang Xi.

Huo Yun chuckled, "But it worked though. Look how red your face is now."

Zhang Xi felt embarrassed and pushed Huo Yun away.

"Shut up! Don't talk nonsense!"

Huo Yun laughed loudly, "Haha...okay, okay. I'll stop teasing you."

Zhang Xi glared at him angrily.

"You better! Otherwise, you'll regret it!"

Huo Yun nodded obediently, "Yes, yes. I'll behave myself from now on."