Mu Qingshan had gone from firm opposition that afternoon, to strong opposition later, to token protest by evening, and by after dinner, he didn’t mention it at all.
Thus, Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian shared a tacit understanding: Baoyin could be brought on board. They just didn’t know how much power the Cyan Wolf and White Deer could wield together.
“Return her weapon.” Xiang Xian instructed.
“Yes, Master.” Hulü Guang replied.
“Behave yourself,” Xiao Kun warned. “If everyone teams up to kick you out, even I can’t help.”
“Yes, Big Brother! Got it, Big Brother!” Baoyin immediately laughed.
Suddenly, a carriage stopped by the roadside. An attendant approached. “Miss Li invites Young Master Hulü.”
“See?” Xiang Xian laughed. “She’s been waiting right here.”
Hulü Guang hesitated, unsure what to do. Xiao Kun said, “If you want to go, go ahead.”
“Then I’ll chat with her and thank her for the gift.” Hulü Guang hadn’t thought much of it yet, only finding Li Shishi gentle and approachable, feeling a bit fond. He promptly boarded Li Shishi’s carriage.
Li Shishi waited. “Where to, Young Master Hulü? Shall I give you a ride?”
Hulü Guang said with slight surprise, “How did you know my surname?”
Li Shishi found Hulü Guang very amusing and didn’t answer, just laughed.
“Thank you,” Hulü Guang said earnestly. “I really like this jade pendant. My nickname is Bai Ju Er.”
Li Shishi gave an enchanting smile. “That night, seeing your agility, I couldn’t help thinking of ‘white colt flashing past the chink.’ I had Xi Meng carve this little white horse for me. I’m glad you like it.”
Hulü Guang said, “Exactly! My master gave me that nickname because I run fast. You and Chaosheng are the only two who get it.”
“Master?” Li Shishi was surprised.
“Yeah, I’m a slave.” Hulü Guang said. “His Majesty the King gave me to Chaosheng, and Chaosheng gave me to Master. See? There’s a tattoo on the back of my neck.”
Li Shishi’s eyes filled with curiosity. Hulü Guang shared some of his past, but Li Shishi was thinking of something else.
“That night, light shone from your hand,” Li Shishi said. “You pressed it to my forehead—was that your spell?”
“Mm,” Hulü Guang said. “It was the Heart Lamp. The Heart Lamp can dispel your unease and fear.”
Li Shishi said, “In that moment, it was like I suddenly saw many hopes. You must know my background? These years in the capital…”
“I don’t.” Hulü Guang asked instead, “What’s wrong?”
“Ah?” Li Shishi hadn’t expected such a response at all.
Hulü Guang said seriously, “Is something bothering you?”
Li Shishi actually laughed, delighted beyond measure. She shook her head and sighed softly.
“The night is long,” Li Shishi said. “Would Young Master Hulü accompany me to Yazhu for a small drink? I’ve composed a few new tunes lately, but lack an appreciative ear.”
“Not tonight,” Hulü Guang replied oblivious to the flirtation. “I still need to go back and make the beds for Master and Lord Xiao.”
These days, Hulü Guang had been following Wu Yingzong, learning to manage the Exorcism Division’s many internal affairs. As Xiang Xian’s slave, he couldn’t slack off—he had to learn properly and become a competent housekeeper.
“Make the beds…” Li Shishi said. “Very well, then…”
“We’ll meet again someday.” Hulü Guang laughed. He thought for a moment, then summoned the Heart Lamp Light in his hand once more and waved it teasingly toward Li Shishi, as if playing with her or bidding her farewell. Li Shishi reached to grasp his slender fingers but caught only air.
Next, Hulü Guang whistled a carefree tune, stepped out of the carriage, and walked away without looking back.
Back at the Exorcism Division, with the moon high in the sky, Xiang Xian sat down on the veranda in the garden, gazing at the courtyard scenery.
Xiao Kun returned to the hall for some tea to sober up, then soon came back out and sat beside Xiang Xian.
“The moon is beautiful tonight,” Xiao Kun said.
“Yeah.” Xiang Xian unfastened his outer robe, wearing only a single layer beneath to dispel the heat from the drinking. His temples flushed red as he turned his head to glance at Xiao Kun.
Xiao Kun also removed his outer robe, baring his upper body and revealing his shoulders, back, chest, and sturdy arms. Years of practicing knife swings and stances had given him beautifully shaped shoulders with clearly defined muscles.
On his chest was a faint scar.
“It hasn’t faded yet?” Xiang Xian stared at it for a while before reaching out to touch it.
Xiao Kun didn’t move, exposing his chest and abdomen as Xiang Xian caressed the scar. His breathing quickened.
“No,” Xiao Kun replied. “Scars from Demon Martial may heal, but fading them completely without a trace still takes time.”
Xiang Xian placed his hand on Xiao Kun’s chest. The two men locked eyes, their breaths carrying the crisp scent of bamboo wine.
Baoyin rushed over like a gust of wind. “Where am I sleeping tonight, Big Brother?”
Xiang Xian was still touching Xiao Kun’s scar. The two of them turned to look at Baoyin, who added, “You’re not going to make me sleep in the yard, are you?”
“Wait until Old Wu gets back to arrange it,” Xiang Xian said. “Don’t hover around us—go away.”
Baoyin saw what they were doing and grinned knowingly, her expression full of teasing implication: Ah, so they rushed back for a rendezvous. Strangely, though no words conveyed such complexity, everyone understood perfectly.
Baoyin left as swiftly as she had come.
Xiang Xian suddenly pinched him.
“Hey!” Xiao Kun exclaimed. “What was that for?”
Emboldened by the wine, Xiang Xian had made a bold move. Xiao Kun immediately retaliated with a pinch of his own. Xiang Xian tried to block it while curling his legs for cover. Their clothes disheveled, the two began wrestling. Xiao Kun pinned him to the veranda, gripped his chin hard, and distorted Xiang Xian’s handsome face as he demanded, “Explain yourself—what’s that supposed to mean?”
