Chapter 80

After hearing the couple's account, Ji Chun and Su Ran exchanged glances, suspecting the man they described might be the masked individual they had encountered earlier. After a moment's thought, Ji Chun asked, "What color were his eyes?"

"His eyes… It was dark that night, and we didn't pay much attention. But we remember the patterns at the corners—they were terrifying." The woman frowned, struggling to recall, but could offer no further details.

"I see…" Ji Chun nodded, his expression darkening. Noticing the couple still kneeling, he quickly helped them up. "Please, stand."

The woman's gaze lingered on the child in Su Ran's arms, though she hesitated to approach. Only when the infant blinked drowsily and drifted to sleep did Su Ran hand the child over, his voice cool. "The world is a dangerous place. Be careful." With that, he took the monk's hand and said, "Let's go."

That evening, they arrived at the next town and took a room at an inn. After a simple meal, Su Ran settled into meditation while Ji Chun stepped out to freshen up, returning soon with a basin of water. Noticing the sweat beading on Su Ran's brow from his relentless practice, Ji Chun dampened a towel and gently wiped his face. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind Su Ran's ear, then pinched his cheek affectionately. "Come, let me wash your feet. Rest now—no more training tonight."

Su Ran's lips curved. They had been so preoccupied with travel lately that they'd scarcely spoken. Today, the usually reserved monk was being unusually forward. Seeing no urgency in his practice, Su Ran acquiesced with a nod.

As Ji Chun knelt to remove his shoes, Su Ran suddenly leaned down, tilting the monk's chin up with his fingers brushing their lips together in a teasing kiss. "Why so obedient today?"

Ji Chun flushed. Despite all they'd shared—their child, their months together—he still couldn't meet Su Ran's piercing gaze without embarrassment. He focused on carefully peeling off Su Ran's socks, his voice roughened. "Stay still."

Su Ran adored the sight of his righteous monk flustered. Naturally, he couldn't resist provoking him further. With a mischievous flick of his damp foot, he splashed water onto Ji Chun's face.

Ji Chun seized the offending foot and plunged it back into the basin, scrubbing with deliberate thoroughness. As he dried Su Ran's skin, he traced a fingertip over the most sensitive spot on his sole, making Su Ran jerk back with a glare. "You dare tease me? Come here."

"Patience, Sect Leader Su." Ji Chun set the basin aside, washed his hands, and returned to the bedside. In the candlelight, his stern features softened, a faint smile playing on his lips as he met Su Ran's gaze.

"Shameless monk," Su Ran muttered—just before Ji Chun pinned him to the bed, sealing his lips in a searing kiss.

Since leaving the village, this was their first moment of intimacy. Both were young, vigorous men who shared a bed nightly, and once ignited, their passion burned unchecked. Only when dawn's first light crept through the darkness did their fervor subside.

Su Ran lay dazed beneath the quilt, his mind oddly clear. Ji Chun curled around him, reluctant to let go, their synchronized breaths loud in the quiet room. "We'll rest tomorrow morning and depart at noon."His fingers idly twined in Su Ran's hair.

"Can't handle more?"Su Ran teased, studying the monk's face. "Dashi your stamina needs work. Next time, I'll take charge."

Ji Chun's jaw tightened. He'd meant the suggestion out of concern—Su Ran had been exhausted from travel—but now his pride was pricked. Biting Su Ran's lower lip sharply, he growled, "Next time, I'll make sure you're the one begging for mercy."

Su Ran laughed, then winced at his parched throat. Poking Ji Chun's shoulder, he rasped, "Water."

With a sigh, Ji Chun disentangled himself, shrugged on a robe, and fetched a cup. Su Ran took a sip, then patted the mattress, beckoning him back. "Thirsty?" he asked, eyes glinting.

Before Ji Chun could reply, Su Ran seized his chin and kissed him hard, letting the cool tea trickle into his mouth. Then, tossing the cup aside, he rolled over. "Lights out. Sleep."

Ji Chun glanced down at his own arousal and exhaled in frustration. Extinguishing the lamp, he slid back under the covers—where the night grew even more unbearable.

Xilongzhou lay on the border between two nations, its customs and traditions a vibrant blend of both. The novelty of it all was dazzling, but now that they had reached their destination, Ji Chun and Su Ran no longer hurried. They strolled leisurely through the streets, taking in the sights.

The people of Xilongzhou were warm, generous, and carried a chivalrous air that put newcomers at ease. At first, Ji Chun and Su Ran found the atmosphere fresh and intriguing. But the streets were crowded—mostly with Jianghu wanderers, the very kind of white-robed elites Su Ran despised. Soon, the sight of them grew tiresome, and the pair decided to find an inn to rest and meet up with Xue Yao and Mu Miefeng.

Just as they approached one such inn, a young man's voice called out from a distance. "Ji Chun Dashi!"

Ji Chun paused and turned. The one calling him was none other than Ouyang Yixun, the young master of the Ouyang family. They hadn't seen each other since parting in Jeju City half a year ago. Ouyang Yixun had grown taller, his delicate features even more refined. Though he still carried an air of frailty, he seemed far healthier than before.

As they drew closer, they exchanged bows. Ouyang Yixun spoke first, his tone bright. "Ji Chun Dashi, Mu Gongzi mentioned you'd be coming. What luck to run into you like this! You've only just arrived, haven't you? I see you still have your luggage."

The last time Ji Chun had seen him, Ouyang Yixun had been sickly and reserved. Now, his lively chatter caught Ji Chun slightly off guard. He nodded politely. "Indeed, we've only just reached Xilongzhou. How have you been, Ouyang Gongzi?"

"Quite well, thank you. I've spent the last half-year traveling the western regions with Ye Bang Zhu. Learned a great deal." Ouyang Yixun smiled, dimples flashing, his handsome face like something out of a painting. Then his gaze flicked to Su Ran beside Ji Chun, and his smile stiffened slightly. "Su Gongzi… how are you?"

Su Ran disliked how familiar this monk seemed with Ouyang Yixun, but the boy was just that—a boy. Losing his temper over him would make Su Ran seem petty. So he gave a curt nod and a noncommittal "Hmm."

"Speaking of which," Ouyang Yixun continued, "nearly half the inns in Xilongzhou have been booked already. Why not come with me? I can arrange better accommodations for you." He glanced at the inn behind them, realizing they'd been about to enter.

Ji Chun frowned slightly. "Ouyang Gongzi, who was behind this mass booking?" He wasn't one to impose on others, but if the situation demanded it, he'd accept the help.

"Ye Bangzhu and a few others," Ouyang Yixun explained, though his tone carried a hint of disapproval. "They claimed that since they arrived first, it was their duty to secure lodgings for those coming later. Now, whenever someone enters Xilongzhou and checks into an inn, word is sent ahead to notify them."

Ji Chun wasn't pleased with the arrangement, but there was little to be done. Since they were here, hiding was pointless. He nodded. "Then we'll trouble you to arrange our stay."

"No trouble at all," Ouyang Yixun said with a smile. "Mu Gongzi and Xue Shenyi are already at that inn. It'll be a good reunion." He stepped naturally to Ji Chun's right side, chatting amiably about his travels.

Su Ran, meanwhile, walked in silence on Ji Chun's left, his expression dark. The sound of the monk laughing with Ouyang Yixun grated on his nerves. Unconsciously, he quickened his pace, putting distance between himself and what he deemed two shameless men.

Damn monk, he seethed inwardly. Flirting right in front of me? I've spoiled you too much.

He was busy plotting retribution when suddenly, his hand was seized—enveloped in a warm, firm grip. He glanced sideways and saw Ji Chun's face as calm as ever, yet his fingers held Su Ran's tightly, pulling him back to his side.

For some reason, the boldness of the gesture didn't anger him. Instead, his irritation melted away.