Chapter 207

Chapter 207

The group kindled a bonfire in the clearing, swiftly and expertly setting up tents for rest.

Bu Jiuzhao, seeing the utility of tents, didn't wait for Xie Yinxue to suggest it. He set it up and promptly reached out to take Xie Yinxue's hand, his intentions clearly unveiled.

Xie Yinxue didn't resist.

After all, he had been the initiator the previous two nights.

The allure of mutual affection was relaxing and intoxicating.

Once the initial discomfort ebbed, each passionate moment lifted them, bringing pleasure akin to being amidst the clouds. Only in such moments, hearing the rapid beating of his own heart, did Xie Yinxue feel truly alive, reminded of his human emotions and desires.

He should be alive.

Alas, upon entering Mingyue Cliff, he had sealed away all his feelings and desires, setting them atop a high shelf. His heart became stagnant, cold and still, accompanied only by frost and snow.

Unexpectedly, someone forcefully intruded into this desolate snowy realm, unlocking that once-sealed door.

And thus, from a distant cloud, emotions cascaded and ripples began to form, forever changing his once-stagnant heart.

From that moment on, even the slightest touch from this man consumed him.

So, as Xie Yinxue found himself enveloped in the man's embrace, he felt like a thin layer of snow in the palm of a man's hand, melting away from the warmth.

Hence, he pushed Bu Jiuzhao's chin away, trying to escape the intimate nuzzling, seeking a moment to catch his breath. "Enough, don't cling. You're too warm. Let go a bit."

"You hardly move, while I'm always the one in motion. Of course, I'm hot. Besides, it's not just me – the weather outside is sweltering." Bu Jiuzhao brushed the damp hair from Xie Yinxue's temple, his gaze burning with unsated desire. "Didn't you say you wanted a warmer environment? I've provided that, and now you complain it's too hot?"

"Mm-hmm," Xie Yinxue replied without guilt, switching moods swiftly, leaning on the man's broad shoulder, "Indeed, I do complain."

Bu Jiuzhao always felt that there was a hidden meaning behind Xie Yinxue's use of the word "dislike". Taking Xie Yinxue's hand from his shoulder, he brought it to his lips and playfully nipped at it. "You're just speaking in anger. I don't believe you."

Xie Yinxue: "..."

Struggling to articulate his feelings upon hearing those words, Xie Yinxue managed to ask, "...Where did you learn to say something like that?"

With a hint of mischief, Bu Jiuzhao confessed, "I saw it while browsing the internet on your phone."

Xie Yinxue's response was akin to a concerned parent cautioning a child, "The internet can be a bad influence. Spend less time on it."

Bu Jiuzhao chuckled lightly at that, his gaze drifting suggestively downwards. He raised an eyebrow and teased, "If not the internet, then what should I 'spend more time' on?"

Xie Yinxue: "What?"

Sensing the hidden intentions in Bu Jiuzhao's words and his lingering gaze, and fearing more insinuations were to come, Xie Yinxue quickly silenced him as he had done before, asking, "Why do I hear voices outside?"

With a gentle brush of Xie Yinxue's hand, followed by a light kiss, Bu Jiuzhao replied, "There have always been people outside."

Xie Yinxue: "???"

Whenever they shared intimate moments, Bu Jiuzhao would cast a silencing spell on their tent. While it blocked any sounds or sights from inside the tent from escaping, it did not prevent noises from the outside from being heard.

On any other day, Xie Yinxue would have noticed immediately.

But today, with Bu Jiuzhao's eager advances and unabashedly brazen words, Xie Yinxue was preoccupied trying to keep him in check, paying no attention to external noises.

And now Bu Jiuzhao was telling him people had been outside all along?

"It's Thirteen," Bu Jiuzhao murmured, inching closer to Xie Yinxue's neck, even though the younger man was cooling down from their shared warmth. "He never entered his tent. He's been sitting by the campfire. Now, Bian Yuchen has also emerged from his tent."

Xie Yinxue suspected Bu Jiuzhao was up to some mischief and was about to scold him.

To his surprise, the man turned the tables on him, pinching his lips together, and whispered almost inaudibly into his ear, "I've already dispelled the silencing spell. Be careful with your words, my dear Xie."

What could Xie Yinxue possibly say in response?

If Bu Jiuzhao were to amplify their conversation for all to hear, then perhaps not only Thirteen and Bian Yuchen would be privy to their discussion. And as for physical retaliation? Bu Jiuzhao's thick skin was legendary – without weapons or magic, Xie Yinxue was powerless against him.

Just then, Bian Yuchen's voice cut through the night. Setting aside his irritation with Bu Jiuzhao for a moment, Xie Yinxue strained to catch their conversation.

"Xie Yinxue mentioned he'll take the night watch. There's no need for you to stay out here the entire time."

These words came from Bian Yuchen's lips.

He seemed to think that Thirteen sat by the bonfire all night just to keep watch.

"No, sir," Thirteen responded with a pleasing smile, "I just... wanted to see the sunrise."

Bian Yuchen smiled briefly, adding, "Today, you've voiced your own thoughts."

Thirteen froze, quickly realizing he shouldn't have. His duty was to obey Bian Yuchen's every command. He bowed his head and apologized, "My apologies, sir, I..."

Bian Yuchen waved his hand to interrupt him, assuringly saying, "It's alright, I'm not here to reprimand you."

Thirteen had an ordinary appearance, the kind you'd lose in a crowd. With a slight stature and his habitual submissive posture before Bian Yuchen, he often gave off an impression of being subservient. It wasn't a good look.

Many of those who have been in positions of power for long periods tend to unconsciously look down upon, disdain, or even loathe such individuals. Amplifying the malice in their hearts, they'd bully and humiliate them, not truly seeing them as equals.

Ironically, such people are the perfect candidates to become loyal, sacrificial guards.

Being inconspicuous, unattractive, and overly obedient to the point of losing self-respect, they are often easily forgotten by those in power when they die.

As Bian Yuchen looked at Thirteen's face, he felt as if he was seeing the countless "Thirteens" who had died before. Their faces overlaid and merged into the one before him.

Come to think of it, this living Thirteen would also die for him tomorrow. Bian Yuchen pondered: This Thirteen has only been with him for just over a month. After the previous "Thirteen" died, this new one arrived. Who would be the next "Thirteen" after this one's gone?

In the present, Bian Yuchen maintained his composure. He gently patted Thirteen on the shoulder, his smile warm and courteous, as he mechanically repeated words he'd said countless times, "I wanted to tell you, Thirteen, you've done well. Thank you... for everything you've done for the Bian family."

Thirteen replied with a touched smile, "It's my duty, sir."

Bian Yuchen nodded, "Alright then, I'm off to sleep. Goodnight."

Thirteen responded, "Goodnight, sir."

As he turned to leave, Bian Yuchen touched the corner of his lips, feeling that his smile today might've been forced. He thought he should practice it more in front of a mirror when he got home.

Their entire conversation was overheard by Xie Yin Xue and Bu Jiu Zhao. The tent didn't isolate sound well. Perhaps others in nearby tents heard it, perhaps not. In the end, only Thirteen remained by the bonfire, waiting for the sunrise.

Bu Jiu Zhao peeked through a slit in the tent at Thirteen, remarking, "He doesn't want to die."

Yet, he would still die saving Bian Yuchen tomorrow.

His death might also save other members of their team. In any perspective, Thirteen's death was both reasonable and necessary, even if he didn't wish for it.

"Xie Yin Xue." Bu Jiuzhao suddenly uttered her name, "Do you believe that sacrificing one to save many is the right thing to do?"

"There's no right or wrong here, only choices. He has his choices, you have yours, and I have mine," Xie Yin Xue replied, her eyes closed, not looking at him. "What if he doesn't want to die? He made his choice to be willing."

Bu Jiuzhao didn't respond.

Opening her eyes for a brief moment, Xie Yin Xue then laid her head on his arm and closed them again. "I'm tired; I'm going to sleep."

Bu Jiuzhao's gaze softened as he gently stroked her hair, "Alright, rest. I'll wake you at dawn."

However, the next day, as dawn approached, Xie Yin Xue woke up on her own, nudging Bu Jiuzhao's head, "Aren't you the one who loves sunbathing and watching the sunrise? Let's go."

"Let's," he replied. Although his interest in the bright and warm things had diminished since meeting Xie Yin Xue, he couldn't refuse the chance to experience them all.

Stepping out of the tent, they noticed several people already gathered around the campfire. Zhan Meng was asking Mu Jin Hai, "Got any more food? I'm starving. Let's grill some."

Mu Jin Hai brought out his stash, "Yes, the people of Na Luo Ta City were overly generous. They gave me loads."

"You have grilled meat?!" Zhan Meng's eyes widened, "Why didn't you bring this out earlier?"

Mu Jin Hai, looking distressed, shared the meat, "The best things should be savored. Had I shown this earlier, you'd have finished it all on day one."

"Not quite. I believe the best was that grilled pancake," Zhan Meng countered, nudging Thirteen, "Don't you agree?"

Thirteen laughed, "Yes, that pancake was the best."

How wonderful it would be to taste it again.

However, while others might have the chance, Thirteen probably wouldn't.

As Thirteen nibbled on his meat, he looked towards the sunlight peeking through the forest canopy, "But I've had it before. I'll remember how delicious it was."

After breakfast, they doused the campfire and set off. Mu Jin Hai discreetly added some wood to his now partially empty bag. Zheng Shu noticed but remained silent, perhaps sharing Mu Jin Hai's foreboding feeling — even if Thirteen didn't leave the Temple of the Lost Lands with them this time, their return to Na Luo Ta City wasn't guaranteed.

Should they return to the Mummy Forest, having torches would be an advantage over moving in the dark.

Especially this time, without Thirteen to protect them.