Chapter 88: Epilogue I

Chapter 88: Epilogue I

Mo Jiao really came back alive.

But there was nothing unusual after his return, as calm and reserved as always. After Zhong Yixiao woke up, he just sat quietly watching him, watching Zhong Yixiao clumsily getting dressed and washing up, then with a flushed face sitting next to Mo Jiao.

Mo Jiao gracefully poured a cup of tea, taking a sip with a gesture that exuded captivating charm.

Zhong Yixiao was almost dazzled; Mo Jiao always preferred plain colors, mostly wearing white or black, resembling a transcendent and pure white crane in white, ethereal as an immortal. In black, he was calm and composed, indescribably charming.

Zhong Yixiao especially liked seeing him in black, as it didn't make him seem distant or overly flamboyant. Close to Mo Jiao like this, he didn't feel like he was desecrating something sacred.

Mo Jiao rarely wears red except when assuming the identity of the sect leader of the demonic cult, donning this somewhat enchanting robe along with an exquisitely carved golden mask, appearing as a phoenix soaring through the heavens, proud and dazzling.

Currently, this mask rests to the right of Zhong Yixiao, who feels a bit uneasy yet can't hide his surprise and fascination as he gazes at Mo Jiao's face, his voice trembling slightly.

"You're really back."

Setting down his tea cup, Mo Jiao seems in good spirits, his handsome face clearly expressing joy as he asks Zhong Yixiao, "Have you had breakfast?"

Slow to respond, Zhong Yixiao shakes his head, his eyes fixed on Mo Jiao's perfect visage, never tiring of the sight.

Mo Jiao tuts, frowning slightly before standing up to leave the room.

"I'll have someone bring it up."

Upon returning, they sit down together for breakfast, with Zhong Yixiao stealing glances at Mo Jiao, hardly believing he's truly returned.

After breakfast, Zhong Yixiao regains his composure, watching Mo Jiao tidy up the room and make the bed, his ears turning suddenly red.

"Have you been living here all this time?"

The room, while not much changed, shows signs of Zhong Yixiao's presence, adding a touch of warmth to what was once a cold space.

Blushing, Zhong Yixiao steps forward to take the bedding from Mo Jiao, saying, "I'll take care of this."

Mo Jiao nods, watching him, amused by Zhong Yixiao's avoidance of eye contact and his visibly red face.

"You've been gone for half a year. If you hadn't returned, this room would have become mine," Zhong Yixiao mutters, feeling somewhat bitter.

After waiting half a year without a word from Mo Jiao, the sudden reunion leaves Zhong Yixiao flustered, unsure how to react, with his words carrying a hint of complaint.

Mo Jiao, barely concealing his joy, says with a smile, "Indeed, many people and things have changed in half a year."

"I haven't changed; I'm still the same. And you...?"

Zhong Yixiao turns back cautiously to look at Mo Jiao, his lips pressed together, his heart racing almost to his throat, as he asks anxiously and earnestly, "Have you changed?"

Mo Jiao smiles silently, simply observing him quietly.

This time, his smile seems more frequent, and the harshness around him has largely dissipated, leaving him looking more serene and gentle.

Suddenly remembering something, Zhong Yixiao hurries to take Mo Jiao to the temple.

Along the way, they encounter many sect members who are visibly thrilled and also somewhat shocked by Mo Jiao's return, especially since the sect leader actually nods and smiles back at their greetings.

Undoubtedly, the sect leader's smile is incredibly charming!

In fact, Mo Jiao is pleased by Zhong Yixiao taking the initiative to hold his hand.

Once inside the temple, Zhong Yixiao releases Mo Jiao's hand to light incense in front of the sacred tree, bowing deeply with hands clasped in devotion.

Mo Jiao looks on, somewhat puzzled.

"What are you doing? Bringing me to see the sacred tree as soon as I return?"

Zhong Yixiao puts a finger to his lips, shushing Mo Jiao, then after completing three bows, turns back to explain, "I'm here to fulfill a vow. Your return must be thanks to the sacred tree's blessing."

Mo Jiao raises an eyebrow, silently watching Zhong Yixiao as if amused by his actions.

Feeling the heat rise in his cheeks under Mo Jiao's gaze, Zhong Yixiao admits somewhat sheepishly, "The sacred tree bloomed last month, did you know?"

Suddenly understanding, Mo Jiao responds indifferently, "The sacred tree blooms every year, isn't that normal? Since when did you become so superstitious, truly believing the sacred tree would grant your wish?"

Zhong Yixiao frowns, retorting, "But you said before that the sacred tree hadn't bloomed in a thousand years."

Mo Jiao admits, "I was lying to you."

Hearing this, Zhong Yixiao is visibly annoyed, asking, "Can't you not lie to me?"

Mo Jiao candidly replies, "Impossible."

Zhong Yi Xiao paused but then felt this was the truth. He pondered for a moment and seriously said to Leader Mo, "Don't lie to me. I've heard from everyone that the divine tree indeed blooms once every thousand years, but it's all good as long as you're back."

He had never mentioned his wish, yet now it inadvertently came to light.

Leader Mo just smiled lightly at him.

Zhong Yi Xiao continued, "Don't laugh, I'm speaking the truth. A thousand-year-old tree blooming is indeed a miraculous event, isn't it?"

Leader Mo, rarely agreeing with him, nodded, "Indeed it is."

Zhong Yi Xiao then brightened up, glanced at Leader Mo, hesitating to speak.

Leader Mo asked, "What's wrong?"

Zhong Yi Xiao shook his head, simply gazing at Leader Mo, suddenly saying with a smile, "You look really good today."

Leader Mo: "..."

It was noon when they returned.

Leader Mo briefly explained to Zhong Yi Xiao about his return. He had actually planned to return three days ago, and this time, Elder Mo, Sister Mo, and the young miracle doctor, among others, had all returned.

But with more people, the journey was slower. Leader Mo, lacking patience, had returned ahead of the others.

Indeed, the urgent bell tolls that morning signaled Leader Mo's return, but many had gone out to greet him, except Zhong Yi Xiao. Being an outsider to the sect, he had secretly slept in, completely unbothered, which is why Leader Mo was displeased upon returning to their room.

Even so, Leader Mo didn't disturb Zhong Yi Xiao's sleep but quietly lay beside him, waiting for him to wake up to settle the score.

"Elder Mo and the others should have reached the mountain by now."

Regarding Leader Mo's illness, he briefly mentioned he had recovered, so he returned.

Zhong Yi Xiao said, "No wonder, Elder Shang suddenly came back yesterday."

Leader Mo said, "He came back to deliver a message. Didn't Xiao Jing tell you I was coming back today?"

Zhong Yi Xiao shook his head, thought for a moment, and added, "I was too tired from practicing swordsmanship last night, slept too deeply, and don't know if anyone came looking for me."

It's possible the Right Guardian assumed Elder Shang had seen Zhong Yi Xiao before seeing him, pre-emptively thinking Zhong Yi Xiao already knew.

However, at this point, Leader Mo's smile slowly faded as he asked, "Tired from sword practice? Then what about those account books in your room? Isn't the Left Guardian bullying you, making you do his work?"

"How did you guess?" Zhong Yi Xiao was surprised.

Leader Mo didn't explain, simply stating, "I'll deal with him later. If there's a next time, he asks you to help with sect affairs, feel free to decline."

His intention was clear; he didn't want Zhong Yi Xiao involved in the affairs of the demonic sect.

Zhong Yi Xiao, not quite understanding, stopped and looked up at him, saying, "I'm idle anyway, helping him out is no trouble."

Leader Mo glanced at him indifferently, his eyes expressing an undeniable stance.

Zhong Yi Xiao lowered his eyes, responding with a touch of disappointment, "Alright, I understand."

Taking the account books, Zhong Yi Xiao followed Leader Mo to find the Right Guardian, coincidentally, the Left Guardian was also there.

Leader Mo directly stated, "Take back what you're supposed to do and stop bullying him."

The Right Guardian, about to speak as Leader Mo approached, was immediately silenced, then looked towards the Left Guardian, who clearly understood and looked somewhat afraid of Leader Mo, his face filled with worry.

Thus, Zhong Yi Xiao awkwardly stuffed the tall stack of account books back into the Right Guardian's hands.

The Right Guardian said, "No wonder you've been much more reliable lately; turns out you went to ask Young Master Zhong for help."

The Left Guardian retorted, "There's too much work; I can't finish it all by myself!"

Leader Mo stated coolly, "That's your problem. Next time, I won't spare you."

Seeing this, Zhong Yi Xiao felt even more remorseful, as it was he who had agreed to help the Left Guardian.

The Left Guardian shrank back in fear, and the next moment, the Right Guardian dragged him behind.

The Right Guardian seriously told Leader Mo, "Brother, I understand. I'll supervise him next time. Don't hit him again."

Leader Mo: "???"

The Right Guardian smiled brightly, adding, "If he makes mistakes in the future, I'll deal with him personally."

The Left Guardian seemed to blush but still glared fiercely at the Right Guardian. Zhong Yi Xiao suddenly felt enlightened, as if he had seen through everything.

Leader Mo's visit to the Right Guardian was not just to stand up for Zhong Yi Xiao; he also had matters to discuss with him.

At this moment, Elder Mo came over with medicine. After not seeing Zhong Yi Xiao for half a year, Elder Mo warmly greeted him before pushing the medicine towards Leader Mo.

Seeing Leader Mo had to take medicine again, Zhong Yi Xiao's recently relaxed heart tensed up once more.

"Why do you still need to take medicine? Wasn't it supposed to be okay?"

Leader Mo paused while holding the medicine bowl.

Elder Mo beside him waved his hand to explain, "The poison has been cured, but it has taken a toll on the body, which needs to be gradually recuperated. The key is not to stop the medicine. Young Master Zhong, you must remember to remind the leader to take his medicine daily."

Zhong Yi Xiao nodded seriously, committing it firmly to memory.

Leader Mo twitched his mouth and quickly finished his medicine before talking with the Right Guardian.

Zhong Yi Xiao knew they were about to discuss the secrets of the demonic sect. Just before, Leader Mo had told him not to get involved with these matters, so he decided to leave first. Elder Mo also left, cheerfully taking Zhong Yi Xiao with him, a stark contrast to his attitude before departing.

After returning, Leader Mo became busier. Aside from having another meal with Zhong Yi Xiao, he spent the day discussing affairs with the Right Guardian, seemingly reviewing all the sect's business that had accumulated over the past half year.

Meanwhile, Zhong Yi Xiao was taken aside by Elder Mo, who gave him many medical instructions, such as what Leader Mo could not eat, things to avoid on a daily basis, the timing for taking medicine, and the best time to go to sleep early, detailing everything to Zhong Yi Xiao.

Such attentiveness left Zhong Yi Xiao somewhat overwhelmed, but he remembered everything.

However, when he asked Leader Mo about the process of curing the poison over the past six months, Elder Mo, like Leader Mo, was reluctant to elaborate, only saying—

"It was not easy, but fortunately, the outcome was good."

Hearing this, Zhong Yi Xiao suddenly felt a pang in his heart.

The young miracle doctor also returned with Elder Mo and would leave the demonic sect after some time, though when exactly was unknown. Currently, he was staying with Elder Mo, seeing each other frequently.

Being able to cure the poison in Leader Mo, the young miracle doctor was so elated he was almost floating on air, so when Zhong Yi Xiao asked him privately about the process, he accidentally let something slip.

Leader Mo had indeed warned everyone not to speak recklessly, not to disclose the process of curing the poison.

The young miracle doctor didn't say much, only mentioning—

"The first few months were incredibly tough, but towards the end, I truly saw how formidable this poison was. It had to regrow all over again. Can you believe how miraculous that is?"

To regrow all over again...

Zhong Yi Xiao instantly understood why Sister Mo had asked for various clothes of Leader Mo's from different ages that day. It turned out he had regrown, but...

Fortunately, it wasn't at the normal human growth rate; his recovery took only a month, and he had just stabilized when he returned, thanks to a message from Sister Mo brought by Zhong Yi Xiao.

No wonder Leader Mo didn't allow others to tell him. This regrowth must have started from infancy, a non-speaking, dependent, yet conscious infant. It's no surprise Sister Mo personally took care of him.

Imagining what Leader Mo looked like as a child, Zhong Yi Xiao thought he must have been an extremely adorable baby.

Discovering another secret Leader Mo desperately wanted to keep hidden, Zhong Yi Xiao felt particularly pleased.

At night, as Zhong Yi Xiao was preparing to sleep, Leader Mo had just returned from outside.

Zhong Yi Xiao, leaning against the headboard, was carefully wiping his long sword and its simple yet exquisite dark blue tassel, quite surprised to see Leader Mo return.

"Why are you here? Aren’t you going to rest?"

Leader Mo, pausing as he was taking off his crimson outer robe, assertively said, "This is my room."

Thus, he rightfully returned here to rest.

Zhong Yi Xiao quickly realized, his face turning somewhat red with embarrassment, but not wanting to leave, he bravely asked Leader Mo, "Then, may I sleep with you?"

Leader Mo thought for a moment, just a brief moment, during which Zhong Yi Xiao tensed up nervously.

After a short pause, Leader Mo nodded, removed his robe and outer shirt, then lifted his hands to untie his hairpin, letting his black hair cascade down, becoming even more gentle and beautiful under the warm yellow candlelight.

Zhong Yi Xiao was mesmerized again, only snapping back to reality as Leader Mo approached the bed. He instinctively scooted towards the inside of the bed, his entire body tense, unconsciously clutching his long sword.

Seeing this, Leader Mo laughed, his smile incredibly charming. Then, bending down to get into bed, he looked at Zhong Yi Xiao and without another word took the sword from his arms, chiding, "Don't hold onto the sword while sleeping."

Zhong Yi Xiao watched blankly as his sword was set aside by Leader Mo, his gaze slowly and reluctantly returning to Leader Mo.

Leader Mo wore a white undergarment, essentially half-naked. The loose neckline revealed clearly defined muscles underneath the fair skin, powerful yet not overly imposing, equally captivating.

"Looks thin in clothes but muscular underneath," probably describes this. Zhong Yi Xiao swallowed hard, struggling to divert his gaze to Leader Mo's slightly smiling face.

He felt that just being beside the mature Leader Mo, every action of his was tempting him, stirring his heart.

"…Alright, time for bed then?"

Leader Mo's gaze also swept over him, who was similarly scantily clad, then nodded. But seeing Zhong Yi Xiao motionless, staring at him with eyes sparkling like stars, seemingly expectant.

As desired, Leader Mo slowly moved closer to him. Unsurprisingly, Zhong Yi Xiao's breathing quickened, yet he did not flee again, merely biting his lip, waiting for Leader Mo's next move.

Leader Mo suddenly stopped, his teasing smile lifting, "What are you waiting for? Do you wish to serve your leader in bed?"

Zhong Yi Xiao's cheeks flushed red, while Leader Mo laughed. His complexion became increasingly embarrassed as he stared unblinkingly at Leader Mo, apparently getting a bit angry because he realized Leader Mo was mocking him.

Having laughed enough, Leader Mo raised his hand to extinguish the candle outside with his inner power, laid down under the silver moonlight, and said, "Let's sleep."

Thus, Zhong Yi Xiao understood there was no other intention behind it.

Recalling his earlier infatuated thoughts, he blushed again, wishing he could hide away, but obediently lay down beside Leader Mo.

Now in summer, the weather was hot, and no thick quilts were needed, just a thin blanket on the bed, hardly concealing anything in the dim and cramped space, where only two people with mutual feelings resided, the air filled with an ambiguous atmosphere.

Zhong Yi Xiao lay obediently, unable to resist glancing at the person beside him, unwilling to close his eyes.

The person beside him suddenly turned to lie on his side. Zhong Yi Xiao noticed Leader Mo's eyes were still open and even his breathing paused for a moment.

Then, Leader Mo reached out to gently caress his cheek, making Zhong Yi Xiao tense up again.

He watched as Leader Mo gradually moved closer to him, shoulder to shoulder, with Leader Mo's hand slowly sliding down to rest on his shoulder, the warmth from his palm penetrating through the thin layer of cloth to Zhong Yi Xiao.

Suddenly, Zhong Yi Xiao's body stiffened, and his breathing hitched.

Leader Mo noticed and retracted his hand in a disciplined manner, asking Zhong Yi Xiao, "Are you afraid of me?"

Zhong Yi Xiao's face paled, he hurriedly shook his head, then, remembering Leader Mo might not see clearly at night, he hastily added, "No! How could I be?"

Similarly, Zhong Yi Xiao couldn't see Leader Mo's expression, only hearing him say, "Then you're just nervous?"

Zhong Yi Xiao, caught in his sentiment, was speechless.

After a moment, Leader Mo, understanding, said, "You'll get used to it. Let's rest early."

He indeed didn't come any closer to Zhong Yi Xiao afterwards. Zhong Yi Xiao glanced at Leader Mo, surprised, but remembering the other's usual propriety or indifference, he realized he was overthinking.

Zhong Yi Xiao didn't know what to say. After half a year apart, he felt a slight strangeness towards the returned Leader Mo, unable to pinpoint his feelings.

Whether Leader Mo fell asleep, Zhong Yi Xiao wasn't sure, but after that exchange, he breathed a sigh of relief and soon fell asleep.

The next day.

Zhong Yi Xiao, in a daze, hugged the warm "pillow" in his arms, finding it solid yet comfortable.

But then he suddenly remembered he didn't have a pillow, so he slowly opened his eyes, only to see a stretch of bare, fair chest muscles. He widened his eyes in shock, looking up to find Leader Mo already awake.

Zhong Yi Xiao's breath hitched, unable to restrain himself, he lasciviously drooled over the beauty he saw upon waking up, involuntarily swallowing with a loud gulp.

Leader Mo also heard it, slightly raising an eyebrow at him, with a hint of surprise in his eyes, making Zhong Yi Xiao wish he could find a hole to crawl into from embarrassment.

But as Leader Mo said, one gets used to it. Since waking up that first day, Zhong Yi Xiao has been trying to convince himself, after all, Leader Mo hadn't said anything, just showed a bit of surprise at his infatuated state.

Getting used to it, he could become immune to Leader Mo's beauty...

Zhong Yi Xiao took deep breaths, constantly reminding himself, but the moment he saw Leader Mo dining elegantly beside him, he fell all over again.

Zhong Yi Xiao thought it must be because Leader Mo was getting more handsome. He never reacted like this when he saw Leader Mo as Mr. Mo before, surely it was because Leader Mo in red was too tempting!

After trying to get used to it for several days, Zhong Yi Xiao still couldn't, and every night, no matter how proper his sleeping position, he would wake up in the warm, broad embrace of Leader Mo, continuing to be infatuated with beauty.

Daily despising himself yet unable to resist the allure, Zhong Yi Xiao gave up struggling. Having such a uniquely beautiful person by his side every day was indeed a fortunate thing, wasn't it?

Leader Mo never said anything about this; after all, Zhong Yi Xiao liking his looks meant liking him as a person, which he was quite pleased with.

Leader Mo remained busy these days, as the fifteenth of next month would be the Ghost Festival, starting preparations for the new year's sacrifices.

Even without the Kunlun Divine Tree, as long as the divine tree exists, the sacrifices will not cease.

Moreover, the divine tree bloomed this year.

Gradually, it has been a month since Leader Mo and others returned, and the sacrifice ceremony was only a few days away.

Leader Mo came back early that day, having handed over all affairs to the Right Guardian, and if nothing unexpected happened, he wouldn't need to deal with any matters of the demonic sect anymore.

Sister Mo also gradually retired, as did Elder Shang.

Leader Mo had the intention to retire, only for those he left in the demonic sect who had lost their faith to stay any longer.

Leader Mo was surprised to find Zhong Yi Xiao not practicing swordsmanship upon his return today. Zhong Yi Xiao has always been diligent in his practice, never slacking even after Leader Mo's return, striving harder just for Leader Mo's praise.

When Leader Mo entered the room looking for him, Zhong Yi Xiao was at the window reading a book, appearing very serious, as if engrossed in some classic literature, piquing Leader Mo's curiosity.

However, as Leader Mo approached, he saw the book depicted two realistically drawn figures intertwined in a passionate embrace, a scene too erotic to describe with words, essentially a manual of erotic illustrations.

Leader Mo twitched his mouth, his slender fingertips picking up a corner of the book, taking it directly. The entranced Zhong Yi Xiao jumped in shock, turning back and then getting even more startled.

"It's not mine! This is the dual cultivation technique Elder Mo gave me!" Zhong Yi Xiao hurriedly disassociated himself.

Leader Mo glanced at it, calmly asking, "Dual cultivation technique? Are you sure it's not an erotic manual?"

Zhong Yi Xiao, blushing, stood up straight, like a student caught slacking off by his teacher in school, hastily explained, "It indeed is a dual cultivation technique! Elder Mo said it's beneficial for your body, we could practice together... uh, I said no need, but he insisted on giving it to me, I had no choice..."

Leader Mo gave him a glance, barely holding back a laugh, then seriously continued to interrogate, "How long have you been looking at it, and how much did you understand?"

Zhong Yi Xiao, somewhat troubled, said, "Didn't understand much, really didn't look much, you believe me!"

Fearing Leader Mo wouldn't believe him, his voice suddenly rose, repeating himself.

Seeing this, Leader Mo couldn't hold back a laugh, then took the book away, saying, "Well, since it's something good, let me borrow it and have a look then."

Zhong Yi Xiao's expression turned very strange. He looked at Leader Mo with a bit of surprise and suspicion in his eyes, then inexplicably blushed, possibly thinking of something.

Of course, Leader Mo didn't miss the slight anticipation in his eyes.

That night.

Zhong Yi Xiao cleaned himself thoroughly, lying on the bed waiting for Leader Mo to return, his face as red as a ripe lobster.

After Leader Mo also took a bath, smelling faintly of water, Zhong Yi Xiao quietly lay on the inside of the bed, his bright eyes fixed on Leader Mo.

Leader Mo sat silently at the head of the bed, pulling out the book confiscated from Zhong Yi Xiao during the day.

He looked at it expressionlessly while occasionally ruffling Zhong Yi Xiao's soft hair.

After an incense stick burned down, Leader Mo was still engrossed in the book, occasionally messing up Zhong Yi Xiao's soft hair. Zhong Yi Xiao's eyes were starting to hurt from keeping them open, but he patiently waited a bit longer.

Then, after waiting for nearly half an hour more, Leader Mo remained unmoved. Zhong Yi Xiao yawned, feeling sleepy.

At that moment, Leader Mo put down the book.

Zhong Yi Xiao perked up, blinking his eyes to make himself more alert, ready to do something.

Unexpectedly, Leader Mo blew out the candle, lay down under a thin blanket, and went to sleep, with no further movement.

Zhong Yi Xiao was dumbfounded, wondering why he bothered to look at that book all night without doing anything.

Feeling a bit upset but unable to resist sleepiness, he instinctively moved closer to the warmth, nestled in the solid embrace, and fell deeply asleep.

The next night, Zhong Yi Xiao, still hopeful, washed himself till he was fragrant.

Leader Mo took out the book again, occasionally touching Zhong Yi Xiao's head, continuing the good habit from the previous night, and fell asleep after an hour.

That day, Zhong Yi Xiao saw clearly, feeling even more frustrated.

On the third night, he gave up, casually washed up, and went to bed. Leader Mo was still reading, seemingly about to finish the book.

Now, Zhong Yi Xiao could lie on the beauty's legs without changing his expression because he felt very safe, as there was no place safer than being beside Leader Mo.

While yawning, he said, "When will you finish reading the book? I need to return it to Elder Mo."

As usual, Leader Mo stroked his head, softly asking, "Are you sleepy?"

Zhong Yi Xiao nodded, his eyelids heavy with sleepiness, not noticing anything unusual in Leader Mo's tone, who had flipped to the last page of the book.

Zhong Yi Xiao was so sleepy he forgot what he had just said, suddenly feeling an urge to ask a question, which he indeed did.

"Jiaojiao, how old are you exactly this year?"

Leader Mo looked at him deeply, "Why ask that?"

Zhong Yi Xiao unconsciously said, "No reason, just feels like you're quite old, even the Left Guardian calls you 'weird uncle' behind your back..."

Leader Mo paused, "Weird uncle?"

His tone was already off, but Zhong Yi Xiao, oblivious, smiled and went along with it, "Yeah, I did some calculations privately, thought calling you uncle seemed about right... Hey!"

The last word was uttered in shock as Zhong Yi Xiao suddenly woke up to find himself pinned down by Leader Mo, his drowsiness disappearing instantly. Seeing Leader Mo's somewhat fierce expression, Zhong Yi Xiao felt an unexplained fear.

Leader Mo, pinching his chin, said sternly, "Say it again?"

It sounded somewhat threatening, and Zhong Yi Xiao dared not repeat it, blinking innocently at Leader Mo, "It's the Left Guardian who calls you that, I never did."

Leader Mo smirked sinisterly, gritting his teeth, "Too late."

As he spoke, he covered Zhong Yi Xiao's lips with his own, his aggressive move catching Zhong Yi Xiao completely off guard.

Startled, Leader Mo seemed too fierce, even biting his tongue, making Zhong Yi Xiao too scared to move, trying his best to appease this suddenly violent demon, hoping to calm him.

Following his extremely dominant kiss, Zhong Yi Xiao's lips and tongue were left swollen and red, appearing pitiful.

Zhong Yi Xiao gasped for air, looking at the person above him with some panic. His previous claims of safety by Leader Mo's side were all lies, non-existent, as the desire in Leader Mo's eyes was very apparent now, seemingly ready to devour Zhong Yi Xiao.

"Scared now?"

Leader Mo's voice was hoarse, not hiding the desire in his eyes as he looked at the still shocked Zhong Yi Xiao, his smile becoming more terrifying.

"Call me uncle again, let's hear it?"

Zhong Yi Xiao knew today was doomed, but to maintain his last bit of defiance, he didn't want to utter such a shameful nickname at this moment.

His face flushed as he said, "I don't."

Mo Jiao smiled again, his expression softening to a tenderness. He lowered his head to kiss Zhong Yixiao's lips, the unabashed intimacy making Zhong Yixiao much more relaxed.

"How much of the dual cultivation technique do you remember?" Mo Jiao asked.

Dazzled by that beautiful visage, Zhong Yixiao responded in a daze, "I remember a bit..."

Mo Jiao nodded, neither expressing satisfaction nor dissatisfaction, and leaned down again to capture Zhong Yixiao's lips.

This kiss, however, was as gentle as a spring breeze and drizzle, making Zhong Yixiao blissfully comfortable, as if lost in a cloud, instinctively raising his arms to wrap around Mo Jiao's neck, drawing his warm body even closer to Mo Jiao.

The atmosphere in the room quietly heated up, and amidst the haze, Zhong Yixiao heard Mo Jiao utter a sentence.

"I hope you'll still be able to use it later."

Although it wasn't their first time, Zhong Yixiao still felt unbearable pain upon entry, but Mo Jiao, having had the experience once and having studied the dual cultivation technique for three days, had done some homework. Soon after, he made Zhong Yixiao moan in comfort, unable to resist writhing his waist to meet Mo Jiao's movements and instinctively tightening his embrace to seek kisses.

This time he was fully conscious, unlike the last time, and it was entirely of his own free will.

When Zhong Yixiao woke up the next day, he felt surprisingly refreshed, except for some soreness and fatigue, there were no other discomforts. The first thing he saw upon opening his slightly swollen, dry eyes was Mo Jiao reading by the bed.

The book in his hands was not the dual cultivation technique, yet Mo Jiao's expression bore no difference from those nights he spent reading the technique, albeit with an added sense of satisfaction and a touch of languor.

Gradually coming to his senses, Zhong Yixiao saw that Mo Jiao was casually draped in a red robe, which hardly concealed anything. The faint pink scratches on his chest were still visible, yet the red garment made his skin look even more like creamy jade, irresistibly inviting one's touch.

His slender waist and long legs were not overly concealed, looking enticing under the partial cover of the red garment and the thin blanket. His long hair cascaded down, some strands veiling his eyes, which he casually tucked behind his ear, revealing a stunningly beautiful face.

No matter how many times he looked, Zhong Yixiao never tired of that face.

When Mo Jiao came back to his senses, he saw Zhong Yixiao silently watching him, a sight far from the discomfort he had imagined. His eyes brimmed with affection, completely enchanted by Mo Jiao, winning Mo Jiao's heart.

"Awake now? Ready to get up?"

Mo Jiao stretched out a hand to pinch the nape of Zhong Yixiao's neck. Unlike his usual shyness, Zhong Yixiao affectionately rubbed his arm, though his cheeks still flushed with a rosy tint. His eyes shone brightly, reflecting only Mo Jiao, and when he spoke, his voice was slightly hoarse but unmistakably sweet.

"I want to sleep a little longer."

Mo Jiao smiled indulgently and said, "Alright then."

Zhong Yixiao obediently hummed in agreement, turned to his side, and laid his head on Mo Jiao's legs, comfortably closing his eyes again.

Mo Jiao put down the book he was holding, gently massaging Zhong Yixiao's head with skilled and gentle movements that made Zhong Yixiao feel very comfortable, while Mo Jiao looked down, watching him intently.

"Let's leave the mountain in a while."

Amidst the tranquil silence that one could get lost in, Mo Jiao suddenly said this, startling Zhong Yixiao into full alertness. He looked at Mo Jiao somewhat hurt, opened his lips as if to speak, then hesitated, and finally asked in a hoarse voice, "Why do you want me to go?"

Mo Jiao smiled faintly and replied, "Soon, I will resign from my position as the sect leader. I have nowhere to go for the time being. You haven't been home for over a year, have you? I wonder if your words still hold, is Idle Cloud Manor still welcoming me?"

So, they were to leave together, not just him alone. The promises made were indeed sincere.

Zhong Yixiao sighed in relief, his heart overwhelmingly shocked. He stared at Mo Jiao, speechless for a long while, until he couldn't suppress the joy in his heart any longer and a smile crept across his lips, nodding slowly.

"Okay, let's go home together."

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The author has a note: There's also a cross-dressing play extra for the main couple. If no one requests extras for the secondary couple, I'll wrap it up after finishing this.

Then, a little advertisement: My next work will probably start next week~

New work [The Eunuch's Daily Life of Doting on His Wife] is seeking pre-collection~

[Attacker's attributes: A merciless killer, a fiendish and gloomy eunuch]

[Receiver's attributes: A paranoid, beautiful, and charming little doctor with a crowd-pulling aura]

Synopsis:

Bai Mu has been pining for a former lover for five years, whom he has also bitterly waited for, but that person disappeared suddenly one day and has since vanished without a trace.

Bai Mu, gnashing his teeth in hatred, brands him a scoundrel.

By a twist of fate, Bai Mu saves a thousand-household officer, which leads him to be recommended to treat the master of the Western Factory.

They say life is full of unpredictability, but Bai Mu never imagined that the merciless master of the Western Factory would turn out to be the scoundrel he had waited for years!

If you don't like the new work, it's okay, but comments and collections are very important to the author. I humbly beg for them (:зゝ∠)

Finally, I must thank everyone for their support along the way. My initial modest goal was to abandon the story once there were no new comments (how unambitious), yet I kept writing, which wasn’t easy ○|￣|＿

Thank you for your affection, I love you all, kisses~