C71. Crossing the Line.

C71. Crossing the Line.

"It's raining!"

"God bless! Finally, it's raining!"

Outside the farm, the jubilant shouts of the tenants reached the ears of those inside the walls, who had been still and silent.

The rain fell like a curtain of water, accompanied by the wind blowing into the pavilion.

The Wuman, soaked as if in a chicken soup, stood in the rain dumbfounded, a chill running from their feet to their hearts along with the rain.

It was really raining.

Lord Yuan Li's prediction had come true.

Yuan Li's eyes locked onto Dadan, who staggered on unsteady legs and clumsily fell into the mud and water.

A sense of fear rose in Dadan's heart as he looked at Yuan Li with shock and fear.

Could Lord Yuan Li really be aware of the will of the heavens?

Guli Chi, standing in the rain, was equally shocked and horrified.

Grinding his teeth, fear turned into intense murderous intent, surpassing even his intent towards Chu Hechao.

Anyone who understood the laws of nature could not be spared! Leaving him alive would only bring harm and no benefit to the Wuman.

Guli Chi thought it through clearly, realizing that Yuan Li's threat to him now surpassed that of Chu Hechao.

How could this be —

How could someone have such foresight?!

"Kill him," Guli Chi suddenly grabbed Zuo Sang with his remaining right hand, his eyes filled with bloodlust and fear, "Zuo Sang, go and kill him!"

Zuo Sang trembled all over, vehemently shaking his head, "I dare not... Chief, I dare not kill him..."

Guli Chi roared, "Idiot!"

He was about to call the guards. Guli Chi couldn't risk delaying any longer and giving Yuan Li the chance to grow stronger, as Yuan Li's mysterious abilities were beyond comprehension and couldn't be allowed to develop.

Kill him and flee, with the rain pouring down, Chu Hechao would be unable to pursue them.

The Northern Zhou Dynasty was too preoccupied to immediately deploy troops against them just because of a Governor's death. Even if it led to war between the Wuman and the Northern Zhou, he still had to kill Lord Yuan Li.

But as Guli Chi stood up, a sudden thunderclap echoed in the sky.

Guli Chi stood frozen in place, rain soaking his curly hair embarrassingly plastered to his cheeks, eyes widened in terror, unable to take a single step.

Was this a warning from God... telling him not to lay a hand on Yuan Li?

The impact felt by those under the pavilion was unmatched by the Wuman's plight.

Yuan Dan stretched out his hand, feeling the raindrops fall into his palm.

"Brother, it's really raining, not a dream," Yuan Dan's voice trembled, "Lord Yuan Li really predicted the rain today."

How could a storm be predicted in advance?

But Yuan Li had managed to do it.

Not only did he predict the rain today, he also predicted the exact time the rain would fall.

No.

Yuan Dan gasped in horror, thinking of a terrifying possibility. What if Yuan Li didn't actually predict the time the rain would fall, but instead prayed for rain due to the arrogance of the Wuman?

Yuan Lou, usually composed, could no longer maintain a calm expression. His heart beat so fast it felt like it might jump out of his throat, the sheer shock leaving him unable to speak.

The rain poured down relentlessly, drowning out all other sounds in the world, thunder reverberating, echoing through the sky.

Under the sudden bright flashes of lightning, everyone under the pavilion stared intensely at Yuan Li, their eyes filled with astonishment and reverence.

Their hearts pounded with excitement, as they watched Yuan Li as if he were a deity.

After Liu Jixin's ecstatic joy, there was an overwhelming sense of excitement.

In his mind flashed four words more quickly than anything else — fate is inevitable.

After these four words flashed in his mind, his breathing suddenly became rapid, even a bit labored.

Fate is inevitable.

A previously unseen ambition began to emerge in Liu Jixin's heart as he gazed fervently at Yuan Li, his thoughts nearly causing him to break out in a cold sweat, feeling a mixture of fear and an indescribable, overwhelming warmth.

If... if the Lord could really achieve such greatness, then being by his side, he would truly achieve a monumental legacy!

Just the thought of this made Liu Jixin feel like he was running out of oxygen.

Oh God, Liu Jixin had never considered such a possibility before. But once he did, his excited heart couldn't calm down.

However, upon seeing Chu Hechao beside him, Liu Jixin suddenly calmed down.

Now was not the time to reveal his ambitions, Liu Jixin thought. He would quietly assist the Lord, as long as the Lord could achieve such greatness, he would not hesitate. But the biggest challenge now may be Chu Hechao.

Without Chu Hechao's military assistance, the Lord would not be able to pacify the realm.

But if Chu Hechao had the strength to conquer the world on his own, why would he submit to the Lord and assist him wholeheartedly?

Liu Jixin was lost in thought.

Some were still in shock, some were contemplating, and some had little understanding. They didn't care about the muddy ground, hurriedly kneeling down and bowing to Yuan Li.

"Oh, heavenly being, we pay our respects to the heavenly being!"

Yuan Li looked at them and shook his head helplessly, "Quickly, there's no heavenly being here."

The servants on the ground refused to rise, so Yuan Li glanced at Wu Kai and Wang Er. Swallowing hard, he immediately stepped forward to pull the kneeling servants up.

He seemed calm as usual, but there was a hint of awkwardness in his demeanor. Yang Zhongfa cautiously asked, "How did you predict that it would rain in fifteen minutes?"

How could Yuanli respond to this?

Yuan Li calmly replied, "I observed the astronomical weather. Not only did I predict the rain today, but I also predicted that it would continue."

The look in Yang Zhongfa's eyes as he regarded Yuan Li was no longer just admiration. "Tell me, there must not be a single extra moment!"

Yuan Li: "..."

He belatedly realized that something was off.

Although he appeared calm and composed, Yuan Li was actually very nervous. The weather forecast provided by the system was precise down to the minute, but the technology before Yuan Li's arrival couldn't achieve this level of accuracy.

Yuan Li wasn't certain if the thunderstorm predicted by the weather report would arrive on time. Despite his confident words, it was really just a daring gamble based on trusting the system.

In the end, he won the bet.

Yuan Li breathed a sigh of relief.

But as he looked around at the reactions, he realized the impact of his actions on ancient times.

It seemed there were some supernatural elements at play, perhaps similar to the story of Zhuge Liang borrowing the east wind, becoming a widely-circulated and mysterious story.

Yuan Li smiled helplessly.

He wasn't sure if this newfound reputation was a good thing or not.

But rumors couldn't be stopped.

After all, the Wuman were still present.

But it was clear that Yuan Li's prophecy of rain carried more weight than any other action he might take.

Chu Hechao's subordinates looked at Yuan Li with great admiration. It seemed that whatever Yuan Li said next, they would wholeheartedly believe him.

Yuan Li sighed, realizing he had played this hand quite well.

Before long, the torrential rain began, and the Wuman in the rain couldn't withstand such a fierce downpour, rushing to cram under the last remaining pavilion.

A gust of wind blew fiercely, causing the top of Yuan Li's pavilion to suddenly lift half off.

As the rain poured down heavily, Chu Hechao instinctively grabbed Yuan Li and retreated to the second pavilion. Some of the direct wind blew into the rain, soaking them through as they crowded under other pavilions.

The guy shivered from the cold and shouted, "This rain is too much! We need to go back to the rooms!"

"If we go out, we'll get drenched. This pavilion won't hold up for much longer!"

"The governor said the rain would last all day. We can't wait under the pavilion for it to stop. General, what should we do?"

Chu Hechao looked at the rain, then frowned as he glanced down at the muddy ground slowly collecting water in puddles.

Yuan Li had already surveyed the farmhouses and knew where they could take shelter from the rain. He had not only set up the pavilions but also prepared raincoats.

However, there were only enough raincoats for about ten people.

"There are a dozen of them. Take a shortcut and lead the way," Yuan Li said as he put on a raincoat and dashed into the rain.

Yang Zhongfa, Liu Jixin, and the others quickly followed suit.

As they ran ahead with their heads down, the rain was slanting and hitting them in the face. After a while, Yuan Li suddenly felt the rain decreasing on his body. When he looked up, he saw Chu Hechao standing beside him, shielding him from the slanted rain.

The raincoat covered the man's face, revealing only his determined jawline.

He really likes him…

Yuanli clenched his fist against his lips and continued leading the way.

But as they ran, the wind grew stronger and began to blow them off course. Before they reached the rooms, a sudden gust scattered their raincoats.

Yuan Li turned to see another burst of wind and rain coming, about to scatter the raincoat he was wearing.

Not good.

Chu Hechao looked around, grabbing Yuan Li and rushing to a nearby rocky embankment.

Their followers quickly adjusted their straw hats and followed them into the rocky embankment to seek shelter from the rain.

Among the rocks, there were many caves for sheltering from the wind and rain. Chu Hechao pulled Yuan Li into one of the caves, only to realize it was quite small and could barely accommodate them.

The others hurriedly squeezed into the other caves nearby, still close enough to hear each other speaking.

"This wind is so scary," Yang Zhongfa shouted hoarsely, then chuckled, "But it's good to be out of the rain! Let's wait here for the wind to pass, or we'll be blown away!"

"I agree," He Lang replied, "Everyone, stay safe and don't catch a cold!"

"Don't worry, we're safe here."

In the cave, Yuan Li and Chu Hechao were pressed close together.

The sounds of shouting and the heavy rain were right beside them, and Yuan Li found the quiet in his ear soothing, only hearing the sound of raindrops falling from his raincoat.

The cave was too small, making it uncomfortable to wear the raincoat. What made it worse was that the cave was low, forcing them to hunch over. Chu Hechao removed his straw hat and raincoat, looking at Yuan Li, "Take off the raincoat first."

Yuanli nodded, took off his raincoat, and placed it at the entrance of the cave, covering half of the opening.

While others chatted about the rain, Yuan Li's miraculous prediction, the Wuman's displeasure, and their awkward situation, the rain gave them a rare opportunity for relaxation.

With the raincoats off, the cave seemed slightly more spacious, but still cramped. Yuan Li sat on the ground, finding standing too uncomfortable, his earlier fiery and excited demeanor towards the Wuman fading into an awkward and uneasy silence.

Out of the corner of his eye, Yuan Li glanced at Chu Hechao.

Their clothes were partly dry, clinging to their bodies at the waist, cuffs, and legs. The rainwater made their faces damp, trickling down their necks and collars.

The man's face was also wet with rain, flowing over his Adam's apple and onto his collar.

Yuan Li found himself inexplicably thinking about the scene where he had made Chu Hechao sweat on his forehead.

Oh.

After realizing this, Yuan Li quickly averted his eyes.

The cave was very dark.

Not just the cave, but after they had taken refuge in the rocky embankment, the outside gradually turned into pitch darkness, with the wind howling. Only occasional lightning flashes provided brief moments of brightness.

Fortunately, although the cave was cramped and low, the semi-circular recess in the walls offered some protection from the wind.

Just as he finished this thought, a chilly wind carrying the smell of grass and mud rushed in, making Yuan Li shiver instantly.

His soaked clothes exuded a chill, even though it was only early April, and the lunar calendar indicated the start of the month. The weather had turned cold with the slightest change.

Chu Hechao suddenly reached out, pulled Yuan Li with force into his lap, and urged, "Come inside to avoid the draft."

Yuan Li tumbled into Chu Hechao's embrace, where the man half-pulled and half-enfolded him into the semi-circular recess.

Chu Hechao leaned against the stone wall, which was inadequate, barely covering his broad shoulders, so he used half of his shoulder to shield Yuan Li from the draft.

With one leg stretched out and the other bent, Chu Hechao held Yuan Li securely, who now knelt between his legs on a calm and steady spot.

In the darkness, Yuan Li seemed to hear Chu Hechao's strong heartbeat, each beat resonating in his ears.

He looked up tentatively at Chu Hechao and saw the man, under the flicker of lightning, gazing at the weather outside with furrowed brows and pursed lips. The sudden light outlined his jaw and high nose bridge before plunging back into darkness.

Yuan Li also noticed the water-stained gloves on Chu Hechao's hand, which he tapped on his knee.

Ah, Yuan Li thought, this is so embarrassing.

Remaining silent in such a closed and dark environment would only make the awkwardness grow. Yuan Li cleared his throat, "You…"

Chu Hechao immediately cut him off, "Don't speak."

Despite Chu Hechao's objection, Yuan Li felt compelled to speak, "Why not talk?"

Chu Hechao turned his head to look at Yuan Li.

Although nothing could be seen in the darkness, Yuan Li felt something and pursed his lips. The words he didn't want to reveal suddenly surged within him, "Chu Hechao."

As he tried to see through the darkness, Chu Hechao responded, "Hmm?"

It was somewhat seductive.

Yuan Li's voice lowered, "Do you like me?"

His face flushed as he asked the question.

But he was incredibly curious about Chu Hechao's answer.

Chu Hechao's pupils constricted, his hand on his knee clenched into a fist.

In the silent and cramped cave, the heartbeat of one of them started to race louder, like a drumbeat, almost alarming.

Chu Hechao's temple throbbed, his jaw clenched as if facing a dangerous situation like a roaring tiger.

Ready to flee at any moment.

But the current situation did not allow him to escape.

After a long pause, Chu Hechao finally responded, "No."

Yuan Li furrowed his brow, finding it hard to believe, wanting to see Chu Hechao's expression up close, "Are you really sure?"

He was full of skepticism.

It couldn't be that he felt self-centered, could it?

Chu Hechao remained silent.

Yuan Li tried to make out Chu Hechao's expression but couldn't see clearly. He sighed inwardly, feeling a sense of stubbornness rising within him.

He couldn't believe that Chu Hechao truly didn't like him.

Yuan Li wanted to push Chu Hechao a little further.

Upon this thought, Yuan Li felt a twinge of guilt, realizing that while he was pushing Chu Hechao, he felt a slight inappropriate excitement.

Taking a deep breath, Yuan Li raised his slightly trembling hand and lightly touched Chu Hechao's side profile, chin, arm, and the hand resting on his knee.

Trying to prompt a response from Chu Hechao.

The man's breathing grew heavier and hotter. Outside, the storm raged, accompanied by other chaotic sounds and the damp scent mixing with the moss, creating a mysterious and invisible surge in the dark cave.

Outside the grotto, a lightning bolt streaked across the sky, briefly illuminating the surroundings.

The faces, now in close proximity, were exposed in each other's eyes, causing both hearts to skip a beat.

Chu Hechao felt as if the lightning had shattered his sanity too.

He suddenly grabbed Yuan Li's hand.

His palm was burning, causing a tremor in Yuan Li's heart.

"Sister-in-law," the man uttered a term not spoken in a long time, his voice filled with pain and desire, "I know you like Chu Mingfeng."

He slowly pulled Yuan Li's hand towards himself.

Yuan Li's body leaned forward uncontrollably.

As Chu Hechao's breathing became slightly labored, he whispered in Yuan Li's ear, filled with a faint pant and the damp scent of rain, "Just this once, Yuan Li, let's indulge this once."

The rain drowned out their voices, the cold wind howled past. Inside the grotto, others were relaxed, chatting lightly, unaware of what was transpiring.

In the dark cave, the narrow space, and the rising heat created an atmosphere akin to a breeding ground for illicit and sinful acts.

In such an environment, where Chu Hechao was attempting to break his own resolve, temporarily isolated from the world, disregarding their identities as brothers-in-law, and indulging just this once.

Only this once, the final time.

Chu Hechao's actions in holding Yuan Li's hand were gentle and slow. Yuan Li could withdraw his hand at any time, leaving enough space for contemplation.

However, in this chaotic and murky environment, it seemed like the air was thinning, exhaled breath turning into a mist, the surroundings becoming foggy and suffocating, clouding their faces and reason, causing them to behave irrationally due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

Yuan Li did not pull back his hand, and as he touched the scorching warmth through the clothes, his fingers trembled, and his breath caught in his throat.

His brain was lacking oxygen.

Only when the hand encircled his did he realize how scared he was, with the man's hand enveloping his.

The low panting echoed in his ear, and the hot breath sprayed around his neck. Yuan Li's face grew hotter, feeling almost drunk, as if intoxicated. The man enveloped Yuan Li, his muscles tense, his Adam's apple rolling, and his voice low and hoarse, "....Yuan Li."

Other sounds clearly reached their ears.

"After the rain, the river will be full."

"If the rain continues like this, who knows if it will be too much."

"Have Yibai and Banzhou had rain?" Sounded a voice.

And then, "Hmm, why is General not saying anything?"

These voices were both close and distant at the same time. Yuan Li's mind was in chaos, alternating between clarity and falling into a quagmire.

What exactly were he and Chu Hechao doing?

Their subordinates were nearby, they were a pretend brothers-in-law, hiding all the scandalous things they were doing.

But even as he thought this, Yuan Li still softly responded to Chu Hechao, "Yes."

He thought he didn't need Chu Hechao's answer anymore.

He already knew the answer.

The trees swayed heavily in the wind and rain, the wind and rain shaking the trunks back and forth. The deprived trees stood resilient, not surrendering easily.

Soon, Yuan Li heard a muffled sound, a cessation.

This was Chu Hechao's fastest time, as long as he thought of Yuan Li in front of him, he tensed his muscles, defeated from miles away.

The cave was filled with the scent of a man's knowledge, Yuan Li's ears started to burn, he shook his hand, embarrassedly trying to move away.

But the man's hands touched Yuan Li's face.

Chu Hechao said nothing, his breath drawing closer.

In the darkness, nobody could see each other clearly. Yuan Li's eyes widened momentarily but strangely, just like before, he did not move, did not avoid.

The man's lips met his, and their mouths pressed together.

Chu Hechao's lips were hot, causing Yuan Li to shiver. The rough fingers on Yuan Li's face rubbed, a bit painful, a bit itchy, and somewhat restless.

Yuan Li trembled, and the man started to bite him.

The exchange of wet saliva between their lips, the rain outside was damp, the ground was wet, and their touching lips were sticky and damp.

The man seemed addicted, his breath becoming heavier and more urgent, starting from probing to forcefully taking, biting Yuan Li's lips painfully, even hurting his tongue.

Yuan Li's voice was broken, sounding aggrieved, "It hurts..."

"Be gentle," Chu Hechao whispered, "This is the last time, I'll be gentle."

Yuan Li nodded slightly.

The man leaned in again, his prominent nose brushing against Yuan Li's, breath sprayed on their lips.

It began cautiously, but eventually became increasingly fierce and painful.

Yuan Li's lips parted, the man greedily sucking away saliva, from the heavy and suffocating breaths of Chu Hechao to the hand clutching the fabric on his back, Yuan Li realized Chu Hechao was in pain.

Because as he had said, this was an indulgence that would eventually end.

How could there be love between brothers-in-law?

This affection was wrong. Chu Hechao's kiss felt like an indulgence before punishment, the closer to the end, the more reluctant and agonizing it became.

The pain was too heavy and real, making Yuan Li taste bitterness, and even his eyes felt sour.

Outside came a voice, "The wind has subsided!"

The kiss came to a halt.

In the previous moment, the cave, enveloped in restlessness, waves of darkness, desire, and beauty, gradually fell silent as Chu Hechao retreated, leaving only their intertwined breaths echoing.

After a brief silence, Chu Hechao made a move.

Groping in the darkness, he carefully tidied up Yuan Li's and his own clothes, bending down to pick up the cloak. Yuan Li silently got dressed and headed towards the artificial mountain.

Step by step, as if moving from a utopia towards the reality of societal norms and ethical constraints. But in a small cave, just a few steps away, there wasn't even time for hesitation.

Outside, their subordinates had already put on their cloaks again.

The cold winds whistled, the dark night concealing them, making it impossible to see the misdeeds of the two or Yuan Li's swollen lips.

They stood one in front of the other, with half a meter between them.

Chu Hechao glanced at Yuan Li's lowered head from the corner of his eye, the tumultuous emotions in his eyes gradually settling down. He bowed his head, adjusting his hat and said, "Let's go."

They stood at the forefront, followed by their subordinates, appearing as the most normal brothers-in-law, hurriedly leaving the artificial mountain in the rain.