Chapter 273: Let’s go somewhere else

In the end, Xiao Tianyang dismissed Saber and the others.

Of course, this wasn't for a secret rendezvous—he merely wanted to understand Huo Wu's intentions.

"It's not convenient to talk here. Let's go somewhere else." Without waiting for Xiao Tianyang's response, Huo Wu turned and walked away.

With a clear conscience, Xiao Tianyang followed.

Or, to put it more bluntly—even if she recognized his identity, so what?

Given their relationship, Huo Wu would keep this secret to herself, never revealing it even to her closest kin.

Aside from her prideful nature, this girl was exceptional in every way.

Whether in talent, comprehension, or appearance, she was second to none—no less than Ning Rongrong or the others.

Especially in terms of looks. Before, she might have been slightly overshadowed, but as one's cultivation deepened, soul power inevitably refined one's appearance and demeanor.

Take Dugu Bo, for instance. No matter how amiable he tried to appear, an underlying gloom and chill always clung to him.

Ning Fengzhi, on the other hand, was different.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda enhanced his elegance, making him appear gentle and refined in both bearing and conduct.

After their martial souls evolved, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong's beauty and aura had also ascended to new heights.

The former grew icily alluring, like a solitary winter plum—inviting yet untouchable, her frosty demeanor warding off any who dared approach.

The latter became noble and ethereal, like a fairy descended to the mortal realm, exuding the purity of an untainted lotus—so pristine that no impure thoughts could linger near her.

But whether it was due to their brief separation or some other change, Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but notice that Huo Wu's figure had grown even more striking, her charm more intoxicating.

Her allure was different from Zhu Zhuqing's.

Zhu Zhuqing's beauty was voluptuous yet perfectly proportioned—the kind that made men's mouths water.

Huo Wu, however, had a more balanced physique, her muscles sleek yet supple, her skin taut and smooth.

Xiao Tianyang still remembered the elasticity of her delicate body that day. The sensation had been… unforgettable.

Just then, Huo Wu suddenly halted and turned.

"Tell me—who are you?"

"And why are we here?"

Xiao Tianyang paused, momentarily taken aback.

Huo Wu had led him to the very same secluded spot where Qian Renxue had once brought him.

"This place again?"

Admittedly, it was quiet—but surely, in an arena this vast, there were other places to talk?

Still, he recovered quickly, shaking his head.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Hah! Still playing dumb?" Huo Wu smirked.

"The way you were looking at me just now—it was like you wanted to devour me whole."

"And besides Xiao Tianyang, who else in this entire Spirit Arena could harbor such… lust?"

Xiao Tianyang's expression darkened. That was quite the accusation.

"Tch. If you hadn't thrown yourself at me back then, would I have kissed you?"

"Hmph. So the Young Master is just that shameless?"

'That's right. I am that shameless.' As he muttered to himself, Xiao Tianyang removed his mask.

"Fine. How did you recognize me?"

"I didn't know before—but I do now." A triumphant smile curled at Huo Wu's lips.

"I knew you were lying." Xiao Tianyang mirrored her smirk.

"But since you sought me out here… you weren't just hoping I'd do it again, were you?" With that, he closed the distance between them, pressing her firmly against the wall.

Of course, he didn't rush. Where was the fun in that?

He wasn't some inexperienced boy desperate for a woman's touch. Forcing himself on her would be dull.

With Qian Renxue, he'd had no choice—her strength demanded caution. Not because he couldn't overpower her, but because a struggle would draw attention.

Wouldn't that ruin the mood?

Xiao Tianyang wasn't that crude.

Besides, the thrill lay in the chase. If he didn't savor the process, what was the point?

In his past life, he'd lived the same way. Now, with all the time in the world, why rush?

Huo Wu, however, proved far bolder than Qian Renxue.

Though her cheeks flushed slightly, she didn't resist. Her lips parted faintly, but there was no tension in her stance—only the coy pretense of reluctance.

Of course, the more she feigned indifference, the more tempting she became.

As the saying goes: Haste makes waste.

So Xiao Tianyang took his time.

First, his free hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies nearly touched.

"You didn't bring me here just to confirm my identity, did you?"

"If there's something else, ask now. We don't have much time…" His breath brushed against her ear as he spoke, sending a shiver through her.

Huo Wu's voice trembled slightly, but her gaze remained locked on his.

"I… I just wanted to confirm it was you."

"But if possible… I also wanted to ask about that herb you gave me. Where did it come from?"

"Did you tell your brother about this?" Xiao Tianyang's expression didn't change.

"No. I didn't anything." Huo Wu hesitated before continuing.

"I know it's presumptuous, but if you could…"

"It's fine. The effect might not be as potent as yours, though." Xiao Tianyang agreed without hesitation, then added: "But this stays between you and your brother. Understood?"

His response stunned Huo Wu.

Her main goal had been to verify his identity—asking about the herb was secondary.

She hadn't expected him to agree so readily.

And his condition wasn't unreasonable. In fact, given their current relationship, her request was somewhat excessive.

"That's acceptable."

A wicked grin tugged at Xiao Tianyang's lips.

"Now that business is settled… shall we move on to some personal matters?"

Huo Wu's heart skipped a beat.

She didn't answer. Instead, she tilted her head up and closed her eyes.

'Do as you will.'

But make no mistake—this wasn't some transaction. Huo Wu had already resigned herself.

After all, he'd kissed her once before. What was one more time?

Besides, between the two of them, what wasn't already implied?

The only unresolved matter was the other girls around Xiao Tianyang…

But after spending time with him, she knew the truth.

He was a rake—carefree, unrestrained, leaving a trail of infatuated hearts wherever he went.

Some might call him heartless, but none could resist his charm.

His very nature was an inescapable poison.

There was no defense against his advances. Huo Wu had already lost—completely and utterly.

When he was near, she was happy.

When he left, she felt hollow.

In his absence, she longed for him.

This emotional turmoil ensured that any girl separated from Xiao Tianyang would, for a time, forget about the others in his life.

Even forget his true nature…

…

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