[Meifang Pavilion]
The following afternoon, golden sunlight from the setting sun filtered through the lattice windows, casting mottled shadows across the bed.
Yesterday’s lingering intimacy still seemed to hang in the air, carrying an ambiguous scent interwoven with sandalwood and desire.
Chu Wanran’s stamina seemed bottomless, indulging himself with Li Xuan without restraint,
until the youth exhausted himself and fell asleep. Only then did that nearly obsessive possessiveness ease slightly.
“Ah Xuan, wake up.”
A gentle voice sounded beside his ear, soft with reluctance to disturb him.
Li Xuan slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Chu Wanran’s slightly disheveled appearance—
his dark outer robe hung loosely over his shoulders, collar open,
revealing faint red marks near his collarbone, traces left by Li Xuan the previous night.
He lay on his side nearby, propping up his head with one elbow, his eyes full of amusement as he quietly gazed at him.
In truth, Chu Wanran had long since awakened, only unwilling to break the peaceful moment,
simply watching Li Xuan’s sleeping face for a long while.
But delaying too long was not a solution. Serious matters still needed preparation, so he finally woke him softly.
Li Xuan pushed himself upright,
only to feel soreness spread through his entire body. His waist felt as though it had been dismantled and rebuilt, even his pelvis faintly aching.
“Ow…”
he muttered, like an elderly man, one hand supporting his lower back and the other bracing against the bed as he slowly climbed down,
“So this is what losing your virginity feels like? Feels like I got run over by a truck.”
He grimaced while getting dressed, all the while feeling a concerned gaze from behind.
“How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?”
Chu Wanran rose and reached out as if to support him, worry filling his voice.
Li Xuan turned back and shot him a cold glance, wearing a professional fake smile, his tone edged with sarcasm:
“If Ah Ran were really worried about me, how about next time we switch roles? I’m on top, you’re on the bottom.”
But inwardly, he had already cursed him a thousand times:
You should try getting stabbed and see how it feels!
Chu Wanran covered his mouth, mischief flashing in his eyes as he feigned shyness.
“So Ah Xuan is already looking forward to next time?”
He stepped closer and naturally wrapped an arm around Li Xuan’s waist,
his palm gently rubbing the sore spot on his lower back. Warm breath brushed against his ear.
“I had Mudan prepare nourishing soup and special pain-relief ointment. Drink it later and rest well.”
His fingertips deliberately pressed lightly against a sensitive spot, voice lowering into temptation:
“Tonight, we can try your preferred position. Ah Xuan, don’t worry—even underneath, I can still make you unable to stop.”
Li Xuan rolled his eyes, lips twitching.
“Are you misunderstanding what ‘switching roles’ means?”
The discussion hall that afternoon was filled with drifting sandalwood incense, diluting the lingering intimacy and leaving behind only solemn tension.
Chu Wanran held a folding fan, his long fingers lightly tapping its surface. The soft tap, tap sounded unusually clear in the quiet room, matching the gravity in his eyes.
Mudan, Zhiwei, Lin Que, and Shi Gan stood on either side, expressions serious as they waited for his decision.
“Ling Xi set the Soul-Devouring Insect trap for two reasons—first, to use Rushi to restrain us, and second, to eliminate a liability who might expose her whereabouts.”
Chu Wanran’s voice was low and steady, carrying unquestionable authority.
“Now that Ah Xuan used Origin Reversal on Rushi and completely removed the insect poison, she’ll definitely notice that the person in prison was only a fake substitute. Given her intelligence, she’ll conclude someone capable of reversing chaos was involved. And in all of Lingqu County, only Ah Xuan has that ability.”
Li Xuan sat beside Chu Wanran, his aching waist still bothering him. Hearing this, he frowned.
“So will she come straight for us? Meifang Pavilion probably isn’t safe anymore.”
Chu Wanran turned slightly, his fingers unconsciously brushing Li Xuan’s lower back in gentle reassurance, though his tone remained sharp.
“She may not immediately guess it was us. Xunhua Pavilion has made many enemies over the years. Plenty of brothel owners resent them already. She’ll likely suspect others first and won’t launch a reckless attack.”
“Besides, Ling Xi excels at using others as weapons. She invested tremendous effort into raising those Soul-Devouring Insects. Now that they’ve been ruined by you, she’ll think someone with your ability to reverse time is the key to breaking Purple Resolution Flowers—”
“She’ll try to abduct or control you, not simply kill you.”
He paused, then snap—the fan opened, the ink-painted bamboo seeming to sway beneath the candlelight.
“So, we’ll follow her expectations.”
“The Alliance Leader means… using Ah Xuan as bait?”
Mudan’s heart tightened as she looked toward Li Xuan, full of worry.
“But Ah Xuan just went through all this. Ling Xi’s methods are vicious. What if something goes wrong…”
“Relax. How could I bear to let Ah Xuan face danger?”
Chu Wanran’s gaze lingered openly on Li Xuan, undisguised affection in his eyes.
Then he turned back to the group, his tone growing serious.
“The bait is ‘Ah Xuan,’ but that doesn’t mean letting him face danger alone. We’ll deliberately spread word that Ah Xuan is escorting Rushi—who has ‘not fully awakened and still retains traces of chaos’—back to Hidden Dragon Camp to seek Elder Su and Elder Yao’s protection.”
“With Commander Zhao stationed at Hidden Dragon Camp, if Ling Xi wants to strike, she’ll choose Luoxia Ridge halfway there. The terrain is dangerous—perfect for an ambush, and perfect for us to surround them.”
“Exactly.”
Chu Wanran traced a finger along his fan and looked toward Zhiwei.
“Zhiwei, you’re skilled in disguise and information delivery. Tomorrow, disguise yourself as ‘Li Xuan,’ pretend to be suffering from insect poison, and deliberately spread rumors at the teahouse outside Fanyang City. Then rent a carriage at the post station and say you’re transporting an injured companion to Lingqu County’s Hidden Dragon Camp for treatment. Make it flawless so Ling Xi’s people believe it.”
Zhiwei bowed.
“This subordinate understands.”
“Shi Gan, take twenty elite disciples and head to the western cliffs of Luoxia Ridge tonight. Set up the Spirit-Locking Formation.”
Chu Wanran’s voice rang firmly through the hall.
“This formation can temporarily suppress Asura power. If Ling Xi arrives with Asura subordinates, their strength will be greatly reduced once the formation activates. Lin Que, take fifteen men and guard the eastern exit. Once Ling Xi enters the trap, seal off the retreat route. No one escapes.”
“Yes!”
Shi Gan and Lin Que responded in unison.
At that moment, Li Xuan seemed to think of something and lightly tapped Chu Wanran’s shoulder.
“Ah Ran, instead of relying only on formations, use this.”
He pulled a pouch embroidered with dark patterns from his sleeve.
“Ling Xi is a Purifier—she can sense spiritual energy within a ten-zhang radius. Use this, and she won’t detect the formation’s aura.”
Chu Wanran accepted the pouch, fingers brushing over the fine fabric, a smile of approval curling his lips.
“My Ah Xuan really is clever.”
His gaze finally shifted to Mudan, his tone softening.
“Mudan, stay at Xunhua Pavilion and look after Rushi. He’s reverted to sixteen years old, lost all memories, and his spiritual power hasn’t fully awakened. Watch him closely. Don’t let him come into contact with anything related to chaos or Ling Xi. Brew Purifying Spirit Grass soup to stabilize his spiritual meridians.”
Mudan’s eyes reddened as she nodded.
“Rest assured, Alliance Leader. I’ll protect Rushi and never let him be hurt again.”
The meeting ended, and everyone departed to make preparations, leaving only Chu Wanran and Li Xuan in the discussion hall.
The candlelight flickered, stretching their shadows long across the floor until they intertwined, impossible to separate.
Chu Wanran rose and walked over to Li Xuan, bending down to scoop him into his arms.
Li Xuan let out a startled cry and instinctively wrapped his arms around Chu Wanran’s neck.
The sudden movement tugged painfully at his sore waist, making him let out a quiet grunt.
“What are you doing? I can walk by myself!”
“Don’t move. Your waist is still sore.”
Chu Wanran lowered his head, brushing the tip of his nose lightly against Li Xuan’s forehead.
His breath was warm, carrying the faint scent of sandalwood.
“I had Mudan prepare ginseng black chicken soup and special pain-relief ointment. I’ll apply it for you when we get back.”
Li Xuan’s cheeks flushed faintly. He struggled once, only to be held even tighter.
“Ah Ran, can you be serious for once? We just finished discussing important business!”
“Important business matters,” Chu Wanran said with a low chuckle as he walked steadily toward the inner courtyard, “but taking care of my Ah Xuan matters too.”
“Besides, there’s still one crucial step in setting up the ambush—and that part depends on you.”
“Me?” Li Xuan blinked. “Didn’t you say Zhiwei would impersonate me?”
“Zhiwei is only the decoy. The thing that will truly make Ling Xi commit to acting is your spiritual energy.”
Chu Wanran carried him back to the room and gently set him on the bed. Leaning down, he looked into his eyes, mischief flickering there.
“When the ambush begins at Luoxia Ridge, you’ll hide at the center of the formation. Once Ling Xi enters the trap, you’ll secretly release a trace of spiritual energy.”
“She’s extremely sensitive to your aura. The moment she senses you, she’ll rush toward the formation’s center without hesitation. That’s when we’ll capture her in one move.”
Li Xuan frowned.
“I see.”
“I’ll be there.”
Chu Wanran’s fingertips lightly traced Li Xuan’s cheek, his tone firm and gentle.
“I’ll stay by your side every step of the way. If Ling Xi dares touch even a single hair on your head, I’ll make sure her soul is obliterated.”
He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Li Xuan’s lips, carrying the savory scent of ginseng chicken soup.
“And with my Dark Realm: Void Lock supporting the formation, she won’t stand a chance.”
Li Xuan’s heart skipped a beat.
Looking into those affectionate eyes, even the ache in his waist seemed to ease.
He turned his face away, cheeks heating.
Why does he have to look so handsome for no reason…
Chu Wanran chuckled softly and reached over, turning Li Xuan’s face back toward him. His fingers lightly pinched Li Xuan’s chin, forcing him to meet his gaze.
“What? Last night you were calling out so sweetly in my arms, and now you’re shy?”
“You—!”
Li Xuan, embarrassed and annoyed, raised a hand to push him away, only for Chu Wanran to catch his wrist and pin it gently to either side of the bed.
Chu Wanran leaned closer, lips nearly brushing his, voice dripping with temptation.
“Ah Xuan, after this is over, we’ll return to Chenxiang Villa. Didn’t you want to try ‘switching roles’?”
His fingertips traced lightly along Li Xuan’s waist in an ambiguous gesture.
“My room is spacious, and the bed is sturdy. When the time comes, I’ll let you be on top and let you experience what it feels like to be completely unable to get enough of me.”
Li Xuan’s face instantly turned crimson. Tiny goosebumps rose over his skin, and yet his heart still trembled.
He glared at Chu Wanran, voice tinged with panic.
“Chu Wanran, is that all you ever think about?”
“I think about other things too.”
Chu Wanran’s lips brushed against Li Xuan’s neck as he spoke, his voice low and serious.
“You. The Myriad Gold Alliance. The future we’ll have together.”
“Heaven’s Secrets Pavilion is our greatest threat. Once Ling Xi is gone and the organization falls apart, no one will ever hurt you again.”
“Then we can stay together peacefully and do whatever you want.”
Those words struck Li Xuan hard, making his eyes sting faintly.
He stopped resisting, letting Chu Wanran hold him as he listened to the warmth of his body and the steadiness of his heartbeat.
Perhaps this carefully planned trap
wasn’t only about eliminating Ling Xi—
but also about securing a future where they could truly stay together in peace.
Chu Wanran sensed the person in his arms relax and smiled softly.
He picked up the pain-relief ointment nearby, scooping a little onto his fingertips,
then gently rubbed it onto Li Xuan’s sore lower back, massaging with careful tenderness.
The cooling sensation of the medicine eased the ache,
blending with the warmth of Chu Wanran’s touch and making Li Xuan’s entire body relax.
“Feeling better?” Chu Wanran asked quietly near his ear.
Li Xuan closed his eyes and nodded.
“Mm.”
“That’s good.”
Chu Wanran lowered his head and pressed a kiss to the crown of his hair.
“Get some proper rest and recover your strength.”
“Tonight… I’ll make it up to you properly.”
Li Xuan’s cheeks flushed again, but this time he didn’t argue.
He only curled a little closer into Chu Wanran’s arms, enjoying this warmth and steadiness that belonged only to him.
Outside the window, the sunset slowly dipped below the horizon, staining half the sky crimson.
Its fading glow spread across the mountains of Luoxia Ridge, coating the dangerous terrain in warm color.
And in the darkness, a carefully arranged ambush quietly took shape—
waiting only for the prey to walk willingly into the trap.
At the same time, deep within a secret chamber of Xunhua Pavilion, dim firelight flickered beneath a single dying lamp.
A man dressed in black knelt on one knee, reporting to Ling Xi, who sat hidden in shadow.
“Pavilion Master, it’s been confirmed. Li Xuan rented three horses and a four-person carriage at the southern post station today. He plans to depart tomorrow morning for Hidden Dragon Camp.”
In the darkness, a cold smile curved Ling Xi’s lips, greed swirling in her eyes.
“He must be returning to seek Elder Su and Elder Yao’s help, hoping to completely eliminate the lingering insect poison inside Rushi.”
She slowly rose to her feet, graceful in form, yet radiating chilling coldness.
“After searching high and low without success, fortune delivers itself right to my door.”
Qin Hui let out a mocking laugh.
“He’s just some minor figure from Hidden Dragon Camp. Is he really worth all this effort? Or have you developed some other interest in him?”
Ling Xi smiled faintly, lifting a hand as a strand of black chaotic energy gathered at her fingertips.
“It’s rare to encounter someone this interesting. Naturally, he deserves extra attention.”
Qin Hui coldly reminded her,
“Play around if you want, but don’t forget our objective. Don’t ruin the Holy Maiden’s grand plan.”
Ling Xi gave a wicked smile.
“You needn’t concern yourself with that. If I can recruit Li Xuan to my side, he might even become one of Heaven’s Secrets Pavilion’s greatest assets.”
As she spoke, she lightly played with the Soul-Devouring Insect emerging from her body, her voice cold and resolute.
“Pass on my orders—Luoxia Ridge is their unavoidable route. Gather all Asura subordinates. At dawn tomorrow, lie in ambush at Luoxia Ridge.”
“Li Xuan must be captured alive.”
“I’ll personally wring every secret of his power over time from him.”
“Yes, Pavilion Master!”
The man in black accepted the order and withdrew.
Silence returned to the chamber.
Only Ling Xi’s cold laughter echoed through the darkness—mixed with a chilling anticipation.