[Agarwood Courtyard]
To avoid disturbances, Chu Wanran moved Li Xuan to his private residence—Agarwood Courtyard.
After nearly a week of unconsciousness, Li Xuan’s awareness remained trapped in a haze of confusion. A low fever clung to him like vines wrapped around bone, leaving his entire body weak and sore.
This was the side effect of spiritual energy depletion—
During the battle on the rear mountain, he had exhausted every last bit of spiritual energy resisting the Sky-Hunting Wolves. At the same time, the backlash from the Heart-Cleansing Technique struck him as well.
He fell into a hazy dream.
In a courtyard paved with green bricks, a wooden basin soaked plump green plums, their skins glistening with crystal droplets of water.
A woman dressed in a plain cloth skirt bent over, rolling the plums lightly in coarse salt before placing them into a clay jar.
Beside her, a little boy stood on tiptoe, clinging to the edge of the table. His round green eyes stared at the fruit inside the jar as he chattered eagerly.
“Mom, when can we eat them?”
The woman straightened and pulled him into her embrace. Her palm brushed gently over his soft hair, her voice warm as cotton.
“After the Frost Descent. I’ll save a few extra for you.”
The boy puffed out his cheeks and grinned foolishly.
His mother held him and swayed gently.
Sunlight filtered through overhead leaves, scattering flecks of warmth that made one never want to wake.
Watching the dream, Li Xuan asked himself in confusion:
What kind of dream is this?
Who are they?
Why do they feel so familiar?
But dreams eventually shattered.
Li Xuan suddenly coughed twice, choking awake, though his consciousness remained blurry.
He only felt unbearably cold, as though submerged in an ice cellar. Even his breathing carried a chill.
He wanted to curl up, but his body felt heavy as lead.
Coldness spread through his limbs and bones until even his heart ached from freezing.
Chu Wanran, who had been keeping vigil by the bedside, immediately leaned down, pressing his fingertips against Li Xuan’s forehead—
Li Xuan’s icy skin stood in stark contrast to the heat of his palm, making Chu Wanran’s heart clench painfully.
For the past three days, he had not left Li Xuan’s side for even a moment.
Bowl after bowl of medicine had been changed, yet Li Xuan’s body temperature fluctuated unpredictably. His neck now radiated cold, and his lips had turned an unnatural shade of pale.
Chu Wanran swallowed hard and checked the back of his neck.
Cold sweat had already soaked through the fabric, sticking damply to his skin.
“Xuan’er, don’t be afraid.”
Chu Wanran’s voice was low and gentle, trembling faintly in a way difficult to detect.
He knew ordinary warmth would not help.
Only body heat could dispel the icy affliction buried within Li Xuan.
Without hesitation, Chu Wanran removed his outer robes, leaving only his inner garment, and carefully lifted the blanket before slipping beneath it.
He gently gathered Li Xuan into his arms, wrapping one arm around his slender back and guiding Li Xuan’s head to rest against his neck while pressing his own chest firmly against the cold back.
Chu Wanran’s body carried the warmth of years of cultivation, instantly enveloping Li Xuan like a living fire.
He could clearly feel the trembling in the person held in his arms.
Weak breaths brushed across his collarbone, hot enough to tighten his chest painfully.
“It doesn’t hurt anymore. I’m here.”
Lowering his head, Chu Wanran placed the lightest kiss atop Li Xuan’s hair.
His breath brushed warmly against his ear.
His hand slowly stroked down Li Xuan’s back, movements gentle as if caring for a priceless treasure, tracing the curve of his spine in an attempt to pass warmth into him bit by bit.
“When you wake up, we’ll go eat hot pot.
I’ll let you eat as much as you want.”
He murmured softly, comforting the fragile person in his arms.
In his haze, Li Xuan caught hold of a trace of warmth.
The tension in his body slowly loosened.
Unconsciously, he shifted closer toward the source of heat, pressing his cheek against Chu Wanran’s warm skin. A crisp scent of herbs and wood lingered around him, inexplicably calming him.
The fever had not fully faded.
But the bone-deep cold had eased considerably.
Chu Wanran stayed awake the entire night, holding Li Xuan like that.
Even when his arms ached, he did not dare move, afraid of disturbing the rare peace in the person sleeping against him.
Looking down, he saw Li Xuan’s sleeping face—tear stains lingering at the corners of his eyes, though the faintest smile rested on his lips, like a peacefully sleeping child.
Chu Wanran brushed his fingertips gently across Li Xuan’s cheek, his gaze overflowing with tenderness and devotion.
“Sleep.
I’ll stay with you until you wake.”
Outside, the night deepened.
Candlelight flickered softly, casting overlapping silhouettes of the two figures embracing beneath the warm glow.
Just like the first day after crossing into this world, Li Xuan dreamed once more of falling from a great height.
Rain still poured from the sky.
But this time, the scene was different.
He saw a young man holding onto his body as they fell together.
The youth looked almost identical to him, yet somehow different.
The two of them plunged endlessly into a boundless sea.
Softly, Li Xuan asked:
“Is it you?
Are you the original owner of this body?
Were those dreams your memories?”
The boy looked at him.
Behind him, the light grew brighter and brighter—so blinding that Li Xuan could no longer keep his eyes open.
Until suddenly—
He jolted awake.
The first thing he saw was a broad chest tightly holding him.
As awareness slowly returned, Li Xuan remained silent for several seconds before suddenly stiffening in shock.
“Th—this is—?!
Oh! Wow! Is this some kind of exclusive fan-service scene for spoiled fans?!”
Chu Wanran was holding him.
His robes were disheveled, exposing a broad chest and an absolutely unfair set of eight-pack abs.
That breathtakingly beautiful face—more seductive than any beauty capable of toppling kingdoms—paired with a body this absurdly perfect was downright lethal.
The visual impact hit him head-on.
He nearly got a nosebleed.
“Where are you looking?”
Chu Wanran asked with a smile, amusement flickering in his voice.
“Damn! You were awake?!”
Startled and embarrassed, Li Xuan hurriedly tried to push him away—
Only for Chu Wanran to tighten his hold and press Li Xuan’s head deeper against his chest.
“Still feeling uncomfortable anywhere?”
Chu Wanran’s voice sounded above his head, warm breath brushing against his hair.
“No… I’m much better now.”
Li Xuan’s reply came muffled, buried against his chest, too embarrassed to look up.
Chu Wanran loosened his hold slightly, pressing their foreheads together to check his temperature.
Their warm breaths mingled.
“Mm. The fever’s gone.”
Suddenly, Li Xuan lifted his head, urgency filling his eyes.
“What about Yan Chiyu? Is he okay?”
Chu Wanran’s arms immediately tightened around him again, his tone carrying a faint trace of jealousy.
“Could you stop worrying about everyone else all the time?
You were hurt far worse than he was.
He’s perfectly fine.”
After speaking, he released the embrace and stood to get dressed.
His movements were neat and efficient, though touched with deliberate coolness.
“Lie down. I’ll bring food.
You’ve been unconscious for five days without eating. You need to recover. Stop worrying about other things.”
Before Li Xuan could argue, Chu Wanran firmly pressed him back onto the bed.
His body had only just recovered from the fever and still lacked strength.
So he could only helplessly watch Chu Wanran dress—
The broad shoulders and narrow waist looked especially defined beneath the candlelight, making his face burn all over again.
When Chu Wanran turned, he caught Li Xuan secretly staring.
The smile in his eyes deepened, though he said nothing and simply left the room.
Not long after, Chu Wanran returned carrying food.
But Li Xuan was still sitting there in exactly the same position, cheeks flushed, eyes darting away nervously.
Setting the tray aside, Chu Wanran naturally sat by the bedside and reached out to help him up.
Yet Li Xuan instinctively shrank back.
“Still scared of me?”
Chu Wanran raised a brow, amusement dancing in his tone as he lightly caught Li Xuan’s wrist.
“After sleeping in my arms all night, now you’re shy?”
Warm fingers wrapped around his wrist.
The faint calluses of Chu Wanran’s fingertips brushed gently against his skin, sending tingling electricity racing straight to his heart.
Li Xuan stiffened all over.
He struggled twice—
Only for Chu Wanran to pull him closer until he fell back into that warm embrace.
His nose bumped against warm skin.
The scent of herbs mixed faintly with sweat, creating an overwhelmingly intimate atmosphere that surrounded him completely.
Chu Wanran’s heartbeat was steady and powerful, reverberating through fabric against Li Xuan’s ear, making his face burn and his breathing uneven.
“Mm…”
Li Xuan struggled weakly to sit up, but his wrist was held even tighter.
“Still moving?”
Chu Wanran’s voice carried laughter, low against the crown of his head.
“You just recovered from a fever and you’re already restless. Want to catch another chill?”
His arms tightened, leaving no space between them.
“Be good.
Let me hold you a little longer.”
Damn it! If this keeps going, I’m seriously going to get a nosebleed!
Embarrassed, Li Xuan buried his face into Chu Wanran’s neck.
He could clearly smell him, feel the warmth of skin and the steady pulse beating beneath it.
His heart hammered wildly, as though trying to break free from his chest.
He kept his lips pressed shut, too afraid to look up and meet those eyes overflowing with warmth and amusement.
“Yan Chiyu’s really okay?”
After holding it in for ages, he still couldn’t stop himself from asking softly.
His voice had softened, lacking its usual carefree tone.
Chu Wanran lowered his head, lightly brushing his nose against Li Xuan’s hair.
“I said he’s fine.”
His fingertips traced lightly across Li Xuan’s back, soothingly.
“He only stayed unconscious for two days and woke up long ago.
He even wanted to come visit you, but I stopped him.
You need rest right now.”
Li Xuan let out an “Oh,” finally relieved—
Though Chu Wanran’s closeness only made him more nervous.
He could feel warm breaths brushing his temples.
And that hand absently stroking his back sent shivers through him every time it touched.
“You… can you let me go?
I want to sit up and eat.”
His voice was tiny, cheeks nearly buried in Chu Wanran’s chest.
But Chu Wanran didn’t let go.
Instead, he lifted Li Xuan slightly higher until he rested against his shoulder, then slipped one arm beneath his knees and simply scooped him up bridal-style.
Li Xuan yelped in surprise and instinctively wrapped his arms around Chu Wanran’s neck.
Their faces were suddenly close enough that he could clearly see the long lashes, elegant jawline, and impossibly attractive Adam’s apple.
“Don’t move.
I’m taking you to wash up.”
Chu Wanran’s gaze deepened, smiling at his flustered expression.
“You’ve been unconscious for a week.
You’re covered in sweat—we need to clean you up.”
Li Xuan’s face instantly turned crimson.
“No, no! I can do it myself!”
I’m not going to die in battle—
I’m going to die from a nosebleed instead!
“You think you even have the strength right now?”
Chu Wanran raised a brow playfully.
“You’ve barely recovered and already want to act tough?
Or…”
His tone turned teasing.
“Are you afraid I’ll look?”
That hit Li Xuan right where it hurt.
He instantly lost the ability to speak, face growing even redder.
“I… I’m not.
Why would a man be afraid?”
Chu Wanran laughed softly.
The vibration of his chest passed straight through their touching bodies, making Li Xuan panic all over again.
Carrying him into the bathing room, Chu Wanran stepped into the misty warmth where prepared hot water waited, carrying a faint floral scent.
Setting Li Xuan carefully onto a stool beside the bath, Chu Wanran reached to help remove his clothes—
Only for Li Xuan to hurriedly grab his wrist.
“I’ll do it myself!”
His expression was frantic, cheeks blazing.
Chu Wanran looked at him, amusement deepening in his eyes, though he didn’t force the matter.
He simply stepped back, crossing his arms leisurely.
“Fine.
Do it yourself.
Just be careful not to slip.”
Li Xuan lowered his head and hurriedly undressed, awkward from nerves.
His skin looked pale after days of fever, carrying the faint scent of medicine, yet it couldn’t conceal the graceful shape of his slim figure.
Chu Wanran’s gaze lingered on him, completely unhidden tenderness and affection filling his eyes.
His throat bobbed unconsciously.
Li Xuan slipped into the tub.
Warm water enveloped him, and he let out a satisfied sigh as the tension in his body eased considerably.
But when he looked up—
He met Chu Wanran’s heated gaze.
Instantly, he grew nervous again and hurriedly looked away, pretending to wash his arm.
“Need help?”
Chu Wanran approached, voice low and gentle, carrying a dangerous hint of temptation.
Holy crap! Is he trying to seduce me?
Normally, upright protagonists in BL comics reject this kind of thing, right?!
Li Xuan stared at the handsome man before him with complete seriousness.
But I’m not normal!
“Okay!”
The words left his mouth immediately.
Then—
A warm hand touched his hair.
Chu Wanran picked up a wooden comb and gently began brushing through his damp hair, movements soft as if handling something precious.
Oh…
So it’s just hair brushing… hahaha…
Was I overthinking things?
He could feel Chu Wanran’s presence overhead—warm and calming, yet enough to make his pulse race and cheeks heat up.
Warm droplets slid down his hair.
Every so often, fingertips brushed lightly against his scalp, sending tingling sensations through him.
“Your hair’s all tangled.”
Chu Wanran’s voice carried a trace of heartache as he carefully worked through the knots.
“You’re not allowed to push yourself like that again.
Do you know how dangerous spiritual depletion is?”
Warmth spread through Li Xuan’s chest.
His nose stung faintly.
“I just didn’t want any of you to get hurt.”
Chu Wanran paused.
Looking down at the damp crown of Li Xuan’s head, his voice softened completely.
“I know.
But I want even less to see anything happen to you.”
He set down the comb and gently lifted Li Xuan’s chin, making him look up.
His gaze was deep and unwavering.
“Xuan’er, promise me this—
No matter what happens, don’t shoulder everything alone.
I’ll always be by your side.”
Li Xuan met his eyes.
Those eyes were filled with tenderness, certainty—
And an affection so deep he could not fully understand.
The warm mist blurred everything.
Including the distance between them.
He could clearly feel Chu Wanran’s breath brushing against his lips, warm enough to make his heartbeat spiral out of control.
Instinctively, he tried to lean back—
But Chu Wanran held his chin firmly in place.
Chu Wanran’s gaze dropped to his lips.
His throat moved once.
Then gently—
He kissed him.