Xun Huang had completely broken free from his underground prison. As described in the novel, his true form was as massive as the entire area of Ling City. The giant dragon coiled in mid-air, making deafening roars, and whipped up a storm in its trail that swallowed everything around the vast land covered in white snow. In the distance, a small ball of light could be seen shuttling within the wind and snow, appearing as if it was going to be snuffed out at any time like a weak candle flame.

But after a short while, the light suddenly intensified, and after circling around the dragon a few times, it rose to a higher altitude, and disappeared into the clouds in a blink of an eye.

Bai Fanlu hadn't fully comprehended what just happened. He had to preserve the protective barrier and watch out for Xiao Liu at the same time. He feared that the youth could not withstand such a blizzard and would turn back into an ice popsicle once again.

Unexpectedly, the young man who he thought was frail suddenly took him in his arms. It was Bai Fanlu’s first time flying another on his sword and he was not adept at it. With Xiao Liu’s abrupt move, the sword under his feet left his control but oddly felt even more stable than before.

Bai Fanlu felt his body become light in an instant, and the two rushed into the sky like galloping steeds. From the corner of his eye, he could see the majestic dragon far below, and in the blink of an eye it turned into a wriggling white earthworm.

Bai Fanlu was stunned. He wanted to look back at Xiao Liu, but the youth held him by the back of his head and pressed his forehead against the side of his face. Bai Fanlu felt a cold sensation when their skin was in contact. He considered the youth’s condition so he didn't say anything nor resisted. Bai Fanlu subconsciously lowered his gaze to stare at the flying sword under his feet.

A glowing blue sword loomed among the clouds. They were so fast that clouds passed them in an instant and went out of sight. Was this his sword? Why does it look unfamiliar?

Without waiting for Bai Fanlu to observe any further, the hand holding his head suddenly fell to the back of his neck. Xiao Liu seemed to retract some of his strength, and Bai Fanlu was finally able to relax.

However, this was short-lived. Two fingers moved from the back of his neck to his lower jaw. Bai Fanlu felt Xiao Liu’s fingers press upwards slightly, lifting his face up. Then his vision went dark and his lips were sealed by another.

Compared with the uncomfortable first experience previously, the lips that met his were soft this time and felt warm. The gentle movement of this lingering kiss felt like winter’s first snow melting, a cold that carried a wisp of fresh breath. The other party’s lips receded a little bit, and the breathe between them gradually became hot and persistent.

Bai Fanlu squinted for a long time before realising the situation.

Was Xiao Liu kissing him while they were flying on the sword? How could he be so good at sword flight to do this?

He was just a novice cultivator and how could he make such fancy manoeuvres? Bai Fanlu subconsciously decided to try out these movements tomorrow…

!!!

Something’s wrong!

Bai Fanlu was jolted back to his senses which was thousands of miles away just a second ago. He pushed Xiao Liu away forcefully but his body lost balance and he was compelled to lean back. Then, he suddenly remembered that he was still in the sky. Just as he opened his mouth to exclaim, someone pulled him back to safety.

As a result, before he could say a word, his lips met with another’s again. This time both lips were pressed together even harder than before. And, it was his doing.

His slightly opened lips gave the other party the perfect opportunity. The simple taste of affection earlier was now rapidly upgraded. The youth's tongue broke in without any hindrance. In the end, what was supposed to be Bai Fanlu’s string of hateful protests was reduced to mere woo woo woo... and a certain inviting ambiguous gasp for air.

When Bai Fanlu felt dizzy due to lack of oxygen, they had already landed safely some time ago.

Xiao Liu was finally willing to let go of him. Bai Fanlu's ‘soft and boneless’ fists immediately swung up, "You brat, why did you suddenly—" Then his sentence came to a halt.

Suddenly what?

Bai Fanlu could not bring himself to continue.

"Not ‘suddenly’," Xiao Liu smiled slightly, leaned into Bai Fanlu's ear, and whispered in a hoarse voice, "I wanted to do this long ago…”

Long ago?

Bai Fanlu’s ears went hot at this. His cheeks turned bright red as if firecrackers had exploded. How long ago?

Could he have unknowingly been someone else's imaginary partner all this time?

Of course, it was impossible for Bai Fanlu to fathom Xiao Liu’s definition of ‘long ago’, for it was far earlier than what he could imagine.

Right now he could only secretly cover his face in his heart, lower his head and change the subject silently, "You... How did you learn sword flight?”

"Me? I figured it out myself!” Xiao Liu never needed to think twice when he lied.

Bai Fanlu remembered seeing the sword just now, and asked, "Where did your sword come from?”

He was certain that Xiao Liu only had a knife.

Xiao Liu's eyes glimmered, then answered, "That's your sword.”

"Huh?” Bai Fanlu was sure that he used his sword when he first flew up. But his sword didn’t have a blue sword glare.

And later on, it felt like Xiao Liu was the one in control of the sword flight.

Xiao Liu drew the sword from Bai Fanlu's waist, and with a ding, the sword body emitted a layer of shining blue light, which was indeed similar to what Bai Fanlu saw in the sky.

So it's really my sword? And Xiao Liu's sword flight mastery has reached the point where he can even manoeuvre another person's sword? As expected, all divine talents are genuinely outstanding.

Bai Fanlu was both envious and resentful. He then took a moment to examine Xiao Liu carefully. Does this even look like a person who had just been poisoned?

It had only been such a short time and this youth has regained his original vigour?

At this moment, Bai Fanlu almost doubted that even if he didn't obtain the antidote, it was possible that Xiao Liu would overcome the poison himself…

But as soon as this idea came up, it was dispelled by Bai Fanlu. In the original plot, even Yun Zhan could not deal with the poison. After returning to Tianshu Sect, Ling Qingzi spared a great deal of effort to neutralise it. Xiao Liu was lucky to have gained some mysterious powers but surely couldn’t be that powerful.

In front of Xiao Liu, Bai Fanlu didn't notice how much he let his guard down such that all his thoughts were practically written on his face.

Xiao Liu gazed at him intently, then looked away and pointed in a certain direction, "Look, Lil’ Snowflake is back.”

Bai Fanlu looked up, and it turned out that they had already left the vicinity of Xun Huang’s city. In front of them was an endless Gobi Desert, where the land filled with sand met the blue sky at the horizon. Silver Snow galloped towards him from a distance and came close in a blink of an eye.

Xiao Liu was the first to hop onto the horse before stretching out a hand to Bai Fanlu. He hesitated and was too embarrassed to take his hand so he summoned his sword and asked, "Where are we heading?”

Xiao Liu retracted his hand and grabbed the reins, "Aren't you worried about those kids? Let’s go check on them.”

Bai Fanlu widened his eyes slightly and the joy he felt at this moment was beyond words. At the same time, he felt an indescribable warmth from Xiao Liu's thoughtfulness. His words really came from his heart.

"Great! You lead the way, I’ll follow.”

Xiao Liu chuckled and patted Silver Snow’s mane, "Let's go.”

In the vast Gobi Desert, the wind was strong. Although there was no longer bitter cold ice and snow, the occasional bursts of yellow sand was equally horrid.

Bai Fanlu followed closely behind Silver Snow in mid-air so as not to be hit by the sand raised by the horse's hooves.

Looking down from his angle, Bai Fanl’s field of vision was splendidly unobstructed. As the sun slowly sank into the sandy horizon of the great desert sea, a steed was galloping along the magnificent expanse of sand while the young man on its back was upright and elegant.

Bai Fanlu flew and fell into a daze at this scene.

"Gege, you’ll be left behind.”

Suddenly, teasing laughter came from the cheerful youth.

Bai Fanlu was startled, only to realise that he was lagging behind. Xiao Liu had stopped, and both man and horse had turned back and were looking at him.

Recently, his expressions seemed to be out of his control, turning red at will. Bai Fanlu quickly recited a Heart Purification Mantra silently before catching up.

This time, he also deliberately flew higher to prevent the other party from seeing his embarrassed look. When he saw that the youth did not move, he spoke to his spiritual consciousness, "What are you doing in a daze?”

"I’m waiting for you.” The youth always answered with great confidence, unlike someone else.

"...Let's go!”

His sword glare cut through the sky, and Bai Fanlu flew in front of Silver Snow this time and was determined not to be distracted!

Xiao Liu looked up at Bai Fanlu who was on a sword above him. He let out a grin and got Silver Snow to gallop again. The duo moved swiftly and did not speak again. Very soon, they arrived at an oasis where the survivors rested.

There was also the little monkey, Zhizhi. As soon as it saw its master, it rushed to grab Xiao Liu's stomach, and even squeezed out a few tear bubbles from its eyes.

Seeing them safe and sound, Bai Fanlu held Xiao Liu in even higher regard. Although he didn't express it, Xiao Liu could tell from his unconcealed relief and delight.

This oasis was not small in size, had sufficient water sources, and a large sea-buckthorn forest. However, oases tend to be temporary and one could not remain here for long.

"It's getting dark, so let's rest here for the night. Tomorrow morning, we will lead them south and back to Er Cang Mountain range.”

"My sentiments exactly.” Bai Fanlu nodded.

He did not expect that Xiao Liu would harbour the same plans as he did. Glancing at the youth again, Bai Fanlu couldn't stop his hand and ruffled his hair affectionately, "You’ve really grown up.”

"That’s clearly telepathy.” Xiao Liu was dissatisfied with Bai Fanlu's behaviour that was seemingly treating him like a child.

"Who was it that swore he wanted to become more mature?” Bai Fanlu cornered him.

Xiao Liu immediately retorted, "I am already very mature!”

Just when the two were pretending to bicker , the kind and chatty older woman came over with the baby. She handed them two sea-buckthorn fruits, and thanked them profusely.

The little baby was sucking his thumb and seemed to have just woken up as he yawned. Then, he turned his head and saw Bai Fanlu, blinked, and extended his little hands to hug him.

Bai Fanlu hurriedly carried him over, holding him carefully with one hand, and gently brushing his little nose with the fingers of the other. The little baby suddenly grabbed his finger, put it in his mouth, and suckled.

This baby was such a glutton that he recognised who fed him!

Bai Fanlu broke into a chuckle.

At this point, Xiao Liu gave a disgruntled snort. Bai Fanlu turned his head and saw his disapproving and displeased expression.

"Gege has never hugged me like this.”

“…”

Good grief. Was he jealous of this baby? Why did I praise him for being sensible earlier?

Bai Fanlu turned back in embarrassment, for fear that the older lady would find something wrong with them. He didn't expect her to simply give a benevolent smile, and speak to Xiao Liu, "I can tell that your gege is a kind person who is patient even to babies. You must have been blissful with him by your side growing up.”

It seemed that she had heard how Xiao Liu addressed Bai Fanlu and had mistaken that they were biological brothers. Bai Fanlu didn't care to explain, but Xiao Liu deliberately made a face at this.

The baby blinked his big eyes ignorantly, then mumbled and continued to suck on Bai Fanlu’s finger, appearing like he was enjoying the world's greatest delicacy.

This scene could melt some people's hearts while soaking another’s in a vinegar jar.

The silent night came. Bai Fanlu finally got a little sleepy, but he did not manage to close his eyes for long before he heard a shuffle and felt someone’s touch. Who else would draw close and lean on him this late?

Bai Fanlu was leaning against a tree trunk and at this time, he was pressed back by a force. Fortunately, Bai Fanlu reacted quickly this time and blocked the person who had a criminal record and had the audacity to strike.

The hand was grabbed and pulled down, revealing a bitter melon face full of desire and dissatisfaction.

"Gege, let me kiss you.” Xiao Liu whispered, his tone was firm, and he had a pleading expression.

Bai Fanlu felt that way again. This youth looked like an extra large Samoyed. Most of the time, he grinned harmlessly, was both silly and adorable and even had pleasing features. However, he was still a large canine in nature and was born with sharp teeth and claws. Even when leashed, these creatures were dangerous, not to mention the freely roaming ones.

"No.” Bai Fanlu refused to be gnawed on until there was nothing left.

"Just once.” Xiao Liu was still negotiating for a concession, but his face had already come close.

Bai Fanlu felt that he should be angry, but he really couldn't control the corners of his mouth and faintly smiled. Realising this, he forced out an indifferent expression but under the hazy moonlight, it didn’t seem to communicate his reluctance.

In the end, Xiao Liu took the opportunity to peck him on the corner of his lips. Just once. After which, Bai Fanlu pushed him back without hesitation, almost causing him to tumble.

Xiao Liu glared at him, turned his back and settled to sleep on the spot.

In the end, that extremely aggrieved and resentful pair of eyes rendered Bai Fanlu speechless, as if he had become a heinous sinner through the ages.

After a while, the other party remained motionless and Bai Fanlu wondered if he really fell asleep.

Bai Fanlu leaned against the tree trunk, and closed his eyes to snooze.

Sure enough, the silence was short-lived and he heard the sound of someone getting up again, and sitting down beside him. Then, a big and heavy head was placed on his shoulder.

Bai Fanlu's neck was tickled by the hairs on his head, but since the youth would not budge no matter how he pushed, he simply gave up.

Bai Fanlu allowed the youth to rest on him and raised his head to glance at the moon in the sky. The night in the desert was exceptionally peaceful, the sky was full of stars, and the legendary constellations could be easily identified.

There was no such experience in the city, and after his transmigration, he had not enjoyed such a cosy and stress-free night. In fact, Bai Fanlu never had this kind of inner peace in his life like the one he was feeling tonight.

He randomly thought that such a feeling was wonderful.

With Xiao Liu by his side, his mere presence was the cause of this serenity.

He curled his lips slightly and closed his eyes.

Surprisingly, he no longer had insomnia and did not need the voice of his male god like before. In less than a minute, Bai Fanlu fell into a slumber.

After he fell asleep, the youth next to him slowly opened his eyes, raised his head carefully. After sitting upright, he moved closer to Bai Fanlu and gently laid him down so that he could rest on his lap. He also bent his knees slightly to prevent him from falling down in his sleep.

Then, the young man raised his hand, gently stroked Bai Fanlu's hair that was lying on his cheek. He brushed the corners of his slightly smiling lips, and a trace of pain surfaced in his eyes.

"Gege, I'm sorry..."