【Vermilion Dragon Camp Main Hall】
Afternoon sunlight filtered through the window lattice. On the carved rosewood table, ice-crack patterned tea ware glowed with a lustrous sheen.
Boiling water had just reached its first rise; steam like a light veil drifted out of the teapot’s mouth, winding into the air and scent.
Zhao Chengyuan’s fingertips held a celadon tea canister. The red label on its body read “Lingqu Yunwu” in bold, vigorous calligraphy. It was tribute tea he had specially ordered people to urgently transport from Lingqu County.
“Your Highness, White Grand Tutor, please try this Lingqu Yunwu.”
Zhao Chengyuan lifted his hand and opened the tea canister. Fine tea leaves, carrying a crisp mountain wilderness fragrance, rushed out.
“This tea is brewed with mountain spring water. Its aftertaste is long and lingering, best for relieving fatigue.” He poured water with a kettle. The boiling water flowed along the cup wall. Tea leaves unfolded in the water like butterflies, the liquor gradually turning a pale jade green, rippling with an alluring glow.
Su Manqing sat to the side, her gaze resting on the swirling tea leaves, and smiled.
“I drank Lingqu County tea in my early years. It’s a pity that after the wars, the tea tradition was cut off. I didn’t expect Chengyuan to still be able to find such fine goods.”
Yao Buyi had an open, straightforward temperament. He had already picked up his teacup and taken a sip, smacking his lips.
“Good tea! Much smoother than my medicinal herb tea. Even the water is nourishing—is this the spiritual spring from the back mountain?”
“Good eye, Elder Yao.”
“The back mountain spiritual spring water is the best match for this Yunwu tea.”
Zhao Chengyuan nodded, pushing the poured tea cups toward Crown Prince Zhao Jingheng and Grand Tutor Bai Yanhua.
Zhao Jingheng wore a moon-white brocade robe. The four-clawed dragon pattern on his collar faintly showed in the light, restrained yet noble. He lifted his cup and lightly sniffed it, his brows relaxing.
“Indeed, a refreshing fragrance. Chengyuan has put in effort.”
Bai Yanhua sat upright. His fingertips unconsciously traced the rim of the cup. The glaze was icy cold, yet it could not suppress the scrutiny in the depths of his eyes. He spoke slowly:
“Chengyuan now commands the Vermilion Dragon Camp, and even his tea etiquette is so refined. You are much more composed than when you were in the Zhenyue Bureau.”
After three rounds of tea, Zhao Chengyuan set down the teapot. The porcelain lid and body touched with a crisp sound.
His tone shifted into the main topic, becoming heavier:
“Your Highness, Grand Tutor Bai, I have invited you both today to ask: regarding the Purple Jue Flower case, how do you plan to proceed?”
The atmosphere in the main hall instantly quieted. Even the steam seemed to freeze.
Zhao Jingheng set down his teacup and tapped lightly on the table with his fingers. His gentle gaze swept across everyone.
“It has now been confirmed that the one spreading the Purple Jue Flower is Lingxi of Tianji Pavilion.” He paused, his eyes sharpening.
“Lingxi’s whereabouts are elusive. According to clues provided by Dark Shadow, I suspect she may follow the ‘Lingxi Merchant Group’ to Xiliang City to transfer prohibited goods. I intend to personally follow the merchant group’s trail to find her location. Even if I must chase her to Xiliang City, I will find her and eliminate the root of the problem.”
Bai Yanhua’s hand holding the teacup paused. He looked at the crown prince with consideration.
“Your Highness traveling north to investigate the Lingxi Merchant Group—along the route, Feng’an, Fuyang, and Muyun must be thoroughly searched.
These three places sit at key trade-road junctions and are highly likely to conceal internal trade nodes between Tianji Pavilion and the merchant group. We must send trusted aides to investigate carefully, and not alert the enemy.
But Your Highness personally going to Xiliang—the journey is full of danger. Safety must come first. I wonder if I should dispatch elite imperial guards to escort you?”
“No need.” Zhao Jingheng waved his hand.
“Too many people will instead alert them. I will only take a few Lingyun Guards. Chengyuan’s Vermilion Dragon Camp must stay stationed at the border of the Rong Kingdom to guard against further movements of the Wu Clan.”
As he spoke, he turned to Bai Yanhua, his tone becoming solemn:
“Grand Tutor Bai, please return to the capital immediately and report to His Majesty that the Purple Jue Flower case was done by Tianji Pavilion.”
Zhao Chengyuan appropriately stood and took out two brocade boxes from his robes, placing them gently on the table.
“These contain the remaining Purple Jue Flower fragments and insect eggs.”
He opened one of the boxes. White velvet lined the interior. Purple-black petals and tiny insect eggs were clearly visible, emitting an eerie glow that made one’s hair stand on end.
“Grand Tutor may use these as evidence.” Zhao Jingheng continued.
“Report to His Majesty that Tianji Pavilion intended to frame Chengyuan, trying to incite internal chaos in the royal clan of the Rong Kingdom and seize the opportunity to invade. In this way, Chengyuan’s suspicion can be cleared, and the court will recognize their wolfish ambition, uniting the people.”
Bai Yanhua picked up the box. His fingertips felt the cold surface as he carefully examined the remains, then nodded solemnly.
“Your Highness has thought this through. This old minister will depart tomorrow to return to the capital. I will present the evidence to His Majesty and clarify the truth. I will not let Commander Zhao be wronged.”
He understood clearly that this matter concerned royal dignity, border security, and also an opportunity to suppress Prime Minister Li’s faction. Naturally, he would not delay.
Su Manqing smiled.
“Your Highness’s plan is excellent—both pursuing the culprit and clearing injustice in one move. I have recorded the Wu Clan’s secret techniques. When Master returns to the capital, they can be brought together for greater credibility.”
Yao Buyi also said:
“I have also deciphered most of the Purple Jue Flower toxin formula. If His Majesty needs it, I can immediately write down the antidote method to prevent future poisonings.”
Zhao Chengyuan looked at everyone and relaxed slightly. He once again poured tea.
“Thank you, Grand Tutor, for your efforts returning to the capital, and thanks to Elder Su and Elder Yao for your assistance. The crown prince’s northern journey is dangerous—please take care.”
Zhao Jingheng raised his cup and lightly tapped Zhao Chengyuan’s cup. The crisp sound carried brotherly tacit understanding.
“Chengyuan, don’t worry. I will find Lingxi and uncover Tianji Pavilion’s full plan. You must keep watch in the Vermilion Dragon Camp. If there are new clues, we will communicate at any time.”
“Oh right, Teacher, I have something else to report.” Zhao Chengyuan suddenly spoke, his tone turning serious.
“What is it?” Bai Yanhua looked up.
“Lingxi originally entered the Vermilion Dragon Camp as a Purifying Heart Practitioner. At that time, other Shura had also received her purification. But when I fought her, I found her body’s parameters were abnormal, like a Shura. So I couldn’t help suspecting…”
“Dual abilities!” Elder Su and the crown prince said in unison, shock filling their voices.
“According to legend, dual abilities originated from the Mo Clan.” Zhao Chengyuan looked solemnly at the teacup in his hand, his fingers tightening slightly.
Bai Yanhua remained silent. His fingertips unconsciously rubbed the edge of the box. No one understood the Mo Clan better than him, but some past events—once revealed—would trigger monstrous waves. He had to be cautious.
“I will return to the Institute of Research and search the archives for records on this.”
He ultimately found an excuse to delay.
“Thank you, Teacher.” Zhao Chengyuan nodded.
Zhao Chengyuan looked out the window at the distant mountains. Clouds and mist coiled around them, just like this struggle with the Wu Clan and Tianji Pavilion—it had only just begun.
Outside the Chengtian Pavilion courtyard,
The stone-paved path was lined with rows of calm-heart bamboo. Their slender shadows swayed on the ground. A breeze passed through, rustling the bamboo leaves, carrying a faint scent of herbs and scholarly atmosphere.
Bai Yanhua had just come out from the main hall of Chengtian Pavilion. He originally intended to go to the Research Spirit Pavilion to find his eldest disciple Su Manqing to purify his mind. The strange fragrance of Purple Jue Flower still lingered in the brocade box, yet what occupied his thoughts was the departure back to the capital tomorrow—
This time, he might never again see the youth who resembled Li Yunshu so closely.
His fingers unconsciously rubbed the object in his sleeve. It was a small green stone, its edges smoothed over years. On the front was the carved character “Hua,” the strokes childish yet earnest. It had been personally carved by Li Yunshu and given to him back then.
The stone carried a warm, jade-like feel from years of being worn close to the body, still faintly retaining purification aura, like the scent of that person.
His thoughts drifted back to the old days in the Institute of Research.
At that time, he was the head of the Institute, teacher of Bai Xiao, and also a hidden Shura hunter in the court.
Li Yunshu (Bai Xiao) was a genius of purification, exceptionally talented, but quiet like an orchid in a corner wall—poor at speech, even carrying a hint of self-doubt.
Other disciples in the manor mocked his humble origins. He never argued, only silently stayed in corners reading and practicing. Only in front of Bai Yanhua did those dim eyes show a faint light, occasionally handing over neatly organized notes, the handwriting careful and restrained.
He remembered the first time Bai Xiao purified him. The violent energy in his body had accumulated for days, even his hand trembling while holding a pen. It was Bai Xiao, usually timid, who lingered outside his study for a long time before knocking softly, his voice like a mosquito yet firm:
“Teacher… this disciple… this disciple can purify your violent energy.”
That day, the study doors were closed. Incense burned in the furnace. Smoke curled upward.
Bai Xiao wore a plain white robe and a cold silver mask. His fingertips glowed with gentle light, trembling slightly from nervousness, carefully pressing against his chest—
the place where Shura chaos was most concentrated.
The warmth of his palm seeped into the flesh, carrying a pure cool warmth like melting spring snow, slowly dispersing the violent energy within.
The distance was so close he could smell the faint soap scent from his hair, feel his restrained breathing brushing his neck. Those always-lowered eyes were now focused on him, filled with unease yet also healer-like determination.
Occasionally their fingers brushed. He would stiffen, face instantly flushing, hurriedly trying to withdraw his hand—only to be subconsciously held back.
The usually steady Bai Yanhua found himself sinking into that careful tenderness.
He had seen too many blades and schemes, used to deception and betrayal.
Only Bai Xiao’s purification could calm his chaos and soothe the turmoil in his heart.
He knew such feelings violated master-disciple propriety, yet he could not resist that careful closeness, nor the warmth hidden beneath his humility.
Not long after purification, it was his birthday.
Bai Xiao stood outside his study for half the night before gathering courage to present this stone carved with the word “Hua.” His voice was barely audible:
“Teacher… I have nothing valuable. This stone was picked from the back mountain, carved with your name. I wish you peace.”
Then he fled in embarrassment.
This plain stone became his most precious possession, worn close to his body for four years.
Later, every few months, Bai Xiao would come to purify him.
His technique became more skillful, yet still retained that restraint and humility, never speaking much, only completing purification before bowing and leaving.
He once wanted to give him better treatment, to protect him from bullying, but Bai Xiao always shook his head and said softly:
“Serving Teacher is this disciple’s blessing.”
That deep-rooted inferiority made him both heartache and helpless.
Later… Bai Xiao disappeared.
What came instead was Li Prime Minister’s public death announcement. He and the crown prince sent people to search, but found nothing.
That hidden emotion became his deepest obsession.
If only he had protected him better back then…
A clear voice broke his thoughts:
“Grand Tutor?”
He snapped back to reality. In the bamboo path stood a young man in Vermilion Dragon Camp uniform, sleeves stained with medicinal plant juice, smiling eyes bright—it was Li Xuan, who resembled Bai Xiao greatly.
Li Xuan had just come to deliver Yao Buyi’s notes on breaking the Purple Jue Flower.
The moment Bai Yanhua saw him, his heart tightened slightly.
The more he looked, the more those features overlapped with Bai Xiao in his memory.
Same brows and eyes, same clear aura.
Only Li Xuan was more lively and bright, while Bai Xiao had always been shadowed by a faint mist of melancholy.
Bai Yanhua suppressed the strange emotion and regained his gentle expression.
“It is Disciple Li Xuan. Here to deliver the method of breaking the toxin?”
“Yes, Grand Tutor.” Li Xuan replied with a practiced smile.
Bai Yanhua looked at him, and the long-buried emotions in his heart stirred once again.
The next day, he was about to return to the capital, and this brief encounter unexpectedly made him feel a bit reluctant.
“Sir Taishi, it’s getting late. I should head back now. You should also return early and rest. If you encounter trouble in the camp, feel free to come find me.”
At this moment, perhaps due to long-suppressed emotions or an overwhelming fluctuation of mood, a trace of chaotic energy actually leaked out from Bai Yanhua’s body. A faint, dangerous black aura lingered around him.
“Sir Taishi! You…!” Li Xuan sharply sensed the abnormality and exclaimed.
Bai Yanhua was just about to turn and leave, but his steps felt heavier than when he came.
Seeing this, Li Xuan decisively grabbed his hand. The warmth of his palm passed through the fabric, carrying the vitality of youth.
“You need purification.” Li Xuan looked up.
Seeing cold sweat already forming at Bai Yanhua’s temples and his face turning pale, with that strand of black qi becoming more and more obvious—this was a sign of a Reaper hunter’s chaotic energy going out of control, something Su Lao had repeatedly warned him about.
Bai Yanhua’s whole body stiffened. He instinctively tried to pull his hand back.
But the chaotic energy grew even more violent due to his emotional disturbance, and a familiar dull pain surged in his chest. A wave of dizziness from past episodes of chaotic backlash flashed before his eyes. He forced himself to frown and said,
“It’s nothing. Just an old illness. It’s not serious.”
Though his tone was steady, his fingers were already trembling slightly.
In his sleeve, the small green stone engraved with the character “Hua” seemed to sense his instability, emitting a faint coolness, trying to soothe his chaotic aura.
Li Xuan refused to let go, his clear eyes filled with determination, no longer showing his earlier awkwardness.
“Sir Taishi, this isn’t an old illness! It’s chaotic energy backlash from a Reaper hunter! If it accumulates, it will damage your foundation. You’re like this because you’ve suppressed it for too long!”
As he spoke, he tightened his grip on Bai Yanhua’s hand. A faint glow formed in his palm—
It was the initial stage of purification technique, pure and warm.
Bai Yanhua’s pupils contracted slightly. Looking at the glow in the young man’s palm, his mind instantly flashed back to Bai Xiao’s warmth back then. His heart felt as if it was violently seized—sour and swollen. He turned his head abruptly, his tone carrying forced distance.
“I don’t need your cleansing. Let go!”
At this moment, Li Xuan suddenly remembered:
“Right! They just finished a meeting! Is Bai Lao afraid of losing memories, so he won’t accept my cleansing?”
But seeing the elder in front of him enduring pain and restraint, he couldn’t bear it. After a moment of thought, he decided to bluff him first.
“Bai Lao, I’m not using soul cleansing. I’m using ‘Gui Ji.’ It won’t make you lose your memory. Trust me, okay?”
“You know that purification requires—”
Bai Yanhua’s voice was hoarse, but before he could finish, Li Xuan interrupted him.
“I know! Just trust me!”
Saying this, Li Xuan didn’t wait for his reaction. He suddenly cupped Bai Yanhua’s face with both hands and stood on tiptoe, kissing him directly.
The moment their soft lips met, Bai Yanhua’s whole body shook, his mind going completely blank.
Purifying energy flowed from Li Xuan’s lips, carrying a pure and cool warmth, spreading along the tongue.
“Open your mouth.”
Li Xuan’s voice was slightly muffled with command, his tongue lightly pressing into his lips and teeth, invading his space.
A wave of numbness exploded from his lips, rushing down his spine. Bai Yanhua’s body tensed completely. The chaotic energy inside him seemed to have met its natural enemy, gradually calming down, replaced by an unfamiliar heat.
He could feel the softness and agility of the young man’s tongue, guiding the purification force with full focus. Beads of sweat slid from Li Xuan’s forehead onto the back of his hand, burning hot.
He could smell the faint herbal scent from Li Xuan’s sleeves mixed with the fresh breath of youth, feel his steady breathing brushing against his neck, scorching hot.
Unlike Bai Xiao’s past nervous trembling, this was instead full of trust and purity—also carrying a bold and fiery youthful directness.
Bai Yanhua’s heart trembled again and again. It was no longer Bai Xiao’s lingering obsession, but a brand-new, overwhelming heartbeat—
like a long-still lake suddenly struck by a burning stone, instantly stirring monstrous waves.
His body reacted more honestly than his reason. A heat slowly rose from his lower abdomen, spreading through his limbs and bones, making his entire body flush.
He subconsciously raised a hand, trying to push the young man away, but upon touching Li Xuan’s cheek, his fingers trembled slightly and instead hooked around the back of his neck, his strength becoming a bit out of control.
He craved this warmth, this purity that could dispel chaos and loneliness. Years of restraint and suppression were on the verge of collapse.
Li Xuan focused on guiding the purification, sweat increasing, but he refused to stop. He could feel the heaviness of Bai Yanhua’s chaotic energy, and also feel it gradually being suppressed from stiff resistance to relaxation. He even felt faint response, and a sense of achievement surged in him—
Not to mention, this was his boss’s ancestor!
Time passed without knowing how long. The glow in Li Xuan’s fingertips gradually dimmed, and the chaotic energy in Bai Yanhua’s body was completely suppressed. Only a calm aura remained.
Li Xuan slowly pulled back. When their lips separated, a faint strand of moisture lingered between them.
He smiled weakly, his face still flushed red. “Sir Taishi… it should be done.”
Bai Yanhua slowly opened his eyes. The gloom in his gaze had completely dissipated, leaving clarity, though still tinged with lingering redness.
Looking at the exhausted young man before him, and the warmth and sensation still remaining on his lips, the heat in his lower abdomen had not fully subsided. His heart still pounded violently.
A rare gentle smile appeared on his lips, no longer his usual distance and restraint, but a genuine warmth with a hint of desire.
“Thank you…”
“No need!” Li Xuan waved his hand, still flushed, avoiding eye contact. “Just… don’t tell anyone about this today, okay?”
Bai Yanhua looked at him gently and raised a hand to lightly pat his head. The gesture carried a teacher’s affection for a disciple, but also an indescribable indulgence and possessiveness.
“Alright, as you wish. After I depart tomorrow, study well with your teachers. Don’t waste your talent.”
“Yes! This disciple will remember Sir Taishi’s teachings!” Li Xuan replied respectfully, ears still red.
The wind passed through the bamboo forest again, leaves rustling. Sunlight filtered through the gaps, casting mottled shadows over them, carrying an ambiguous warmth.
Bai Yanhua stood up. His steps were no longer heavy, instead carrying a slight lightness, though a faint stiffness remained in his movement—
The desire in his lower abdomen had not fully faded, reminding him of the loss of control just now.
Looking at the young man, the obsession and regret in his heart gradually faded, replaced by a new, burning expectation—
Tomorrow he would return to court. Not only to clear Zhao Chengyuan’s name and investigate the conspiracy of the Tianji Pavilion and the Witch Clan, but also to protect this young man with pure spiritual veins who had made his heart stir.
He would let him remain bright and firm in this chaotic world.
[Shocking Intelligence Report from Shen Qingci]
Master! Emergency urgent report! Bai Lao’s chaotic energy went out of control today, nearly entering berserk state! Crisis was severe!
Fortunately, Brother Xuan arrived in time and saved him with purification. They were in close contact, atmosphere ambiguous and lingering—impossible to describe!
Mo Ying also wants to rush into this “multi-party battle” and get a share!
Where are you, Master? If you don’t come back soon to show presence and express concern, your position in Brother Xuan’s heart may be shaken and replaced! Hurry back! Hurry back!
[Inner Cabinet Study of Cheng Tian Hall]
Zhao Chengyuan: “How is Li Xuan today?” (drinking tea)
Shadow Agent A: “Reporting… R-Reporting Commander… Li Xuan today… was with Sir Taishi Bai in the bamboo forest… for quite a long time. The exact situation… this subordinate dares not report casually…”
Zhao Chengyuan crushed the teacup…