Chapter 173: Desire, Affection, Adoration
Convincing Yan Wuhen to return to his disguise had not been easy, keeping him in the shadows even less so. But in the end, Wuhen relented, slipping back into illusion with that same dangerous smile, agreeing to wait, to watch and to move only when necessary.
That alone changed everything.
Ningyan had not planned to attend the banquet. Now, he had no choice.
Because now there was a way to stop this.
His chambers were bright and filled.
Servants surrounded him, layers of silk and spirit-threaded robes draped over their arms, colors shifting like light across water.
Gold. White. Azure. Crimson.
"How about this, Your Highness? It brings out your eyes!" A white-gold robe was lifted higher, shimmering faintly.
"No, no, this one." Another stepped forward quickly.
"This suits His Highness’ beauty better."
"It complements his aura."
"It’s too heavy, he needs something lighter."
The soft, insistent voices overlapped.
Ningyan blinked. His gaze moved from one robe to another, his glowing eyes scanning the fabrics without truly seeing them. His lips parted slightly as he raised a hand... hesitating.
He had no idea what to choose.
"...This is a disaster," he muttered under his breath.
He was just about to give up when a voice cut cleanly through the noise.
"I think that one is better."
Silence fell. Every servant turned.
Jun Haoxuan stood at the entrance, his posture straight, composed, one hand resting behind his back, golden eyes fixed steadily on Ningyan.
His gaze flicked briefly to the white robes. "That one."
The servants began murmuring.
"I told you the white—"
"Shh."
Ningyan smiled faintly at their quiet bickering before his gaze returned to Haoxuan.
He looked... immovable like a pillar that would not fall, no matter what storm came.
"I would like to be alone with my husband." Haoxuan’s voice was calm. "Return when I summon you."
At once, the servants straightened.
They placed the robes down carefully, bowing before withdrawing in quick, silent steps.
The room emptied.
Silence settled.
Ningyan rose slowly to his feet.
Haoxuan crossed the distance between them. "Did something happen?"
Ningyan hesitated. "I..."
Was it obvious?
Haoxuan didn’t wait. "Something happened."
His hand lifted, resting gently against Ningyan’s cheek. At once, a warm soft blue glow spread from his palm. It sank into Ningyan’s body effortlessly, the unstable purple glow in his eyes dimming almost immediately under the influence.
Ningyan exhaled. He hadn’t realized how tight his chest had been.
Haoxuan withdrew his hand slowly, his gaze never leaving him.
Ningyan sighed. "...Lan Yunlai is here."
Haoxuan’s expression did not change. "I know. I received word."
His lips pressed faintly. "You don’t need to worry. He won’t dare harm you."
Ningyan shook his head. "No. I’m not worried about myself."
Haoxuan’s brow lifted slightly. "What is it then?"
"...It’s Meishan."
Something shifted in his expression. "What about him?"
Ningyan met his gaze directly now with no hesitation. "He intends to kill Lan Yunlai."
His fingers tightened slightly at his side as his voice lowered further. "I’m not afraid of the fight. I’m afraid of what will happen... after."
His other side.....
Ningyan didn’t regret his choices. Not the path that had led him here.
Even now, standing at the edge of something dangerous. He did not waver.
Jun Haoxuan fell silent. His gaze was distant... Thinking.... Calculating. Then, he exhaled. "Come with me."
He turned without waiting and Ningyan followed.
They moved deeper into the chamber, toward the weapon rack, rows of divine weapons resting in quiet authority. Without hesitation, Jun Haoxuan reached out and grasped his twin swords.
In one fluid motion, he drove them into the wall.
—shnk.
The blades sank deep and blue, blinding light erupted.
The wall trembled, ancient formations awakening as the swords locked into place. Spiritual energy surged outward, lines of power weaving together until a metal door materialized, carved with dragons, alive with presence.
Haoxuan pushed it open and stepped through. Ningyan followed without hesitation.
The door sealed behind them.
They entered his cultivation space.
At its center, stood a colossal tree of flame.
Its branches stretched endlessly, its leaves flickering blue fire, each one swaying like a living soul. Beneath their feet, the ground shimmered like glass, like walking across the night sky itself, stars scattered beneath every step.
Ningyan had been here once before. Back at the academy.
He lifted his gaze, drawn instinctively to the burning tree.
Beside him, Haoxuan did the same and spoke. "I need you to do something for me."
Ningyan turned, surprised. "What is it?"
Haoxuan smiled softly. Uncharacteristically so. "I know..."
He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I know you do not feel for me what you feel for Lan Meishan. But I am beginning to feel far more than I intended."
The words were steady without bitterness as his unwavering eyes held Ningyan’s.
"Desire, affection, adoration.... I want to protect you. I want you to be mine." Each word landed clearly. "And I want to ask... if you would try to have me as yours as well."
Ningyan froze, his eyes widening.
The confession was not overwhelming... Not forceful. It was... real and that made it far more dangerous.
Heat rushed to his face before he could stop it. His gaze dropped instinctively, unable to hold Haoxuan’s eyes for long.
"I... don’t think I—" His words cut off.
Haoxuan stepped closer. A hand lifted, fingers tilting Ningyan’s chin upward, forcing his gaze back. "You don’t think.....?"
His voice was softer now.
Ningyan’s breath caught.
Too close! And that smile... That damn smile.
His thoughts scattered completely.
"I..." He swallowed, blinking rapidly. Trying, and failing, to regain composure.
"...I will accept your feelings." The words came out uneven. But honestly. "And I’m... happy you’re with me too."
His face burned.
Haoxuan’s smile deepened. He looked relieved. "Thank you."
He released his chin slowly.. reluctantly.
A faint flush rose along his own cheekbones, though his composure returned just as quickly. He cleared his throat, turning slightly but not completely away.
Then his voice went quiet and serious. "If anything goes wrong tonight, Ningyan, I need you to leave. Take my family and get away from the clan."