“Are you saying these people are the ones massacring those small sects?” Xiao Yan suddenly looked up, eyes shining with excitement and anticipation, staring eagerly at Murong Qiufeng.
Shangguan Ye, clearly growing impatient with their questions, took Murong Qiufeng by the arm and led him toward the tree where the horses were tied. “Since everyone’s awake, let’s get moving.”
Murong Qiufeng frowned, lost in thought, patting his horse as he prepared to mount—but Shangguan Ye suddenly tugged his arm, pulling him onto his horse and holding him securely in his embrace. Mo Yan whinnied sharply, and the horse bolted forward. Shangguan Ye’s voice carried over the wind, calm and commanding: “We’ll meet at the small town ahead.”
A cold gust whipped past, and Murong Qiufeng instinctively turned his head. Without a hood to shield him, the wind bit at his skin.
Shangguan Ye quickly raised a sleeve to shield him, glancing down with a faint smile. Murong Qiufeng felt some relief and, frowning, looked up at him. “What are you doing now?”
Shangguan Ye’s eyes lingered on his face, darkly charming. He leaned in, his movements gentle and deliberate.
Murong Qiufeng froze for a moment, then reluctantly closed his eyes and tilted his head slightly, giving a small, acquiescent response. His previously restless mind began to calm.
The horse’s speed and the uneven trail caused their bodies to brush together, turning what had been a simple comforting kiss into something far more intense.
Murong Qiufeng snapped awake, pressing down on Shangguan Ye’s hands, face flushed. “You… this is on a horse! What are you thinking?!”
“Heh,” Shangguan Ye murmured hoarsely in his ear, “I’ve heard it’s even more thrilling this way. Want to try?” His hand, still restless, traced along Murong Qiufeng’s slender waist.
“You dare!” Murong Qiufeng’s voice rose in a mixture of indignation and embarrassment rather than fear.
Shangguan Ye arched an eyebrow, nipping at his ear with a soft laugh. “Darling, are you inviting me? Then how could I refuse?” He tightened his hold, implying what he meant.
Murong Qiufeng stiffened, heat flooding his face.
Before he could respond, Shangguan Ye pressed against the horse’s belly and tugged on the reins. “Giddy-up!” he shouted.
The horse surged forward. Murong Qiufeng’s body trembled, gripping Shangguan Ye’s arms, trying to push off—but he was held fast.
“Stop… not here…” Murong Qiufeng gasped, voice edged with both plea and helplessness. He had felt Shangguan Ye’s boldness many times before, and there was no doubting his intent.
“Heh,” Shangguan Ye chuckled softly, voice husky, “you’ve wanted it too, haven’t you?”
The horse galloped to a sparkling stream. Shangguan Ye shifted slightly, lowering them to the ground. He tossed his cloak aside, and the two collapsed onto the bank.
Murong Qiufeng’s expression was a mix of panic and tension. He pushed at Shangguan Ye, but the other grasped his hands and held firm.
Just as he considered slapping him into the water to cool him down, Shangguan Ye’s low, teasing voice sounded in his ear: “Just joking. I did want to do it here, but we didn’t bring extra clothes. Don’t want you to catch a chill.”
Hearing this, Murong Qiufeng’s face burned hotter, though he relaxed slightly. He glared at him. “Then get up.”
“Heh, let me hold you a bit longer—won’t take long,” Shangguan Ye said, deliberately pressing closer.
Murong Qiufeng squirmed, uncomfortable. In a house, he might not have resisted, but out here in the open? Absolutely not. Seeing those nearly lust-filled eyes, he cleared his throat and slowly turned away.
After a while, their tension eased. They stopped traveling and simply sat by the moonlit stream.
Shangguan Ye wrapped his arms around him, fingers threading through his black hair, savoring this quiet, private moment.
Murong Qiufeng rested his head on Shangguan Ye’s shoulder and finally spoke softly, “I’m sorry.”
“Huh?” Shangguan Ye looked down, puzzled.
Gazing at the stream, Murong Qiufeng sighed. “I know I shouldn’t be sentimental… maybe I’ll cause you trouble later.”
He understood that Shangguan Ye’s earlier boldness had been meant to divert his guilt, to make him relax. The men in the woods hadn’t been killed, only robbed. Murong Qiufeng wasn’t yet someone who could casually take a life.
Shangguan Ye cupped his chin, voice gentle. “Silly. Why apologize? They’re nothing but ants—harmless to me. Killing them makes no difference. And I love you—that’s all that matters. You awaken me from the killing, you’re my love and my salvation. One god of death is enough. If possible, I’d rather you not shed a drop of blood.”
Murong Qiufeng pressed his lips together, saying nothing. He was moved, but words of sweet nothings were never his style.
After a moment, he tilted his head and pressed a soft kiss to Shangguan Ye’s lips. “Thank you.”
Shangguan Ye lifted his chin, mischief glinting in his eyes. “Thank me? One kiss isn’t enough. There’s a small town not far ahead—shall we continue unfinished business there, hmm? Fully satisfy me.”
Murong Qiufeng rolled his eyes, playfully biting his chin. Then he stood, patted his clothes, and swung back onto the horse. “It’s almost dawn. Let’s meet up with them first.” Satisfying him? He would never forget that disastrous night in the bridal chamber. If he truly tried to ‘satisfy’ Shangguan Ye, it would take days in bed.
