In the clear night sky of the seclusion forest—a sacred refuge where the young members of the Fang Clan retreated in pursuit of enlightenment or to break through bottlenecks—a lone storm cloud drifted above the charged heart of the land. Two figures stood upon it, while another stood before it with a radiant aura of swords, their presences clashing like opposing forces of nature.
Fang Lee's gaze flickered as a strange sensation washed over him the moment he entered his dream setting.
"—thgir won tub .retal tahc ruo eunitnoc nac ew erus m'I."
His voice unwound, folding back into his throat as reality twisted. The air shimmered, colors unraveling into fragmented strands of green, red, and blue—time itself slipping into reverse.
His smirk softened, then faded entirely. The flicker of amusement in his eyes dulled as he observed her—the way Fang Xiu's flustered demeanor dissolved into composed stillness, as if the moment had never happened. The tension in the air thickened once more, untouched by what had just unraveled.
A reassuring nod retracted, motion shifting as though the world itself was retreating. The corners of his lips uncurled—no longer betraying the silent amusement he'd found in Meng's shy reaction.
Then, with a flicker, reality rewove itself, time beginning to flow naturally again.
"I-I'm fine. Just a little… overwhelmed, that's all," Meng murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Dressed in pristine white garments, she stood upon the storm cloud like a celestial maiden, the lingering embers of tribulation Qi flickering around her.
But Fang Lee—Oliver—barely spared her more than a glance this time. His mind was still processing the sensation of time slipping, the eerie sense that something had twisted beneath the surface of reality. Before he could dwell on it further, Fang Xiu broke the brief silence with a melodic chuckle.
"How cute~" she teased, her voice like silk. Her gaze flicked back to Fang Lee, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You certainly have a way of drawing in timid little rabbits, don't you?"
That playful jab was exactly what he needed to snap back into the moment. A slow, knowing smile tugged at his lips as he shifted his stance.
"And hungry wolves~" he mused.
"Oh~?" Fang Xiu's eyes gleamed with interest.
The storm cloud beneath her pulsed with latent Qi as she moved it closer, effortlessly engulfing the Qi sword Fang Lee had been using to hover. In a single, fluid motion, she closed the distance—her body pressing against his, her soft curves molding against his bare chest.
A sharp breath of heat passed between them as Fang Xiu leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear.
"That only makes me more hungry to taste just how comfortable you really are~" she purred.
One of her hands slid downward, tracing his lower abdomen with deliberate slowness, her touch featherlight yet impossibly teasing.
The air crackled—not with the remnants of tribulation, but with something equally electric.
Fang Lee met her gaze, his smirk deepening. "You should be careful," he murmured, his tone dripping with a lazy sort of amusement. "Once you take a bite, you might not be able to stop~"
Fang Xiu's fingers lingered just above the waistband of his garments, her nails trailing lightly over his skin. "Oh? Is that a warning or a promise?" she whispered, tilting her head just enough that their lips nearly brushed.
"Whichever excites you more~"
Her smile widened, her pupils narrowing slightly, a subtle flicker of something dangerous flashing through her emerald eyes. "Then I think I'll have to find out for myself~"
Meng, still standing slightly apart, swallowed hard, her face flushed. She wasn't naive—she knew exactly what kind of tension was crackling between them—but seeing it unfold so brazenly left her utterly breathless.
Fang Xiu, sensing the girl's gaze, glanced at her briefly before flashing an impish smirk. "Oh, don't look so scandalized, little Meng~" she drawled. "I'm just greeting my dear little cousin properly."
Fang Lee chuckled. "If this is a greeting, I wonder how you'd say goodbye."
Fang Xiu's eyes glinted mischievously. "Oh, you'd love to find out, wouldn't you?"
Fang Lee leaned in slightly, the warmth of his breath brushing against her lips. "Perhaps~"
The air between them simmered with an undeniable heat—one that neither seemed inclined to extinguish.
Fang Xiu's fingers lingered for just a moment longer, teasing at the edge of restraint before she pulled back, though her smirk remained. Her emerald eyes studied him with an almost predatory amusement, as if she were considering just how much further she wanted to push things. Then, with a soft hum, she suddenly straightened, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear as if nothing had happened.
"Ah~ That reminds me," she mused, tapping a finger against her lips. "I have a few things that might be useful for you back at my abode—some Foundation Solidifying Pills and a few rare herbs. You've just passed through a tribulation, after all. Even if you look perfectly fine, I know your body must be screaming in exhaustion."
Fang Lee raised a brow, his a slightly perversed expression appeared on his face as he realize this was her attempt at saving some dignity after all she was just offering him pills righ? He smirked and decided follow her lead and put on a act as well. "And you're just offering them out of the kindness of your heart?"
Fang Xiu's smirk deepened as she turned away, her long robe flowing like mist around her legs. "Oh, of course not~" she said airily. "I wouldn't be much of a Fang if I didn't expect something in return, now would I?"
He exhaled through his nose, amused. "I figured as much. So, what is it you want?"
She glanced at him over her shoulder, her gaze half-lidded. "Nothing too troublesome. Just let me indulge myself a little~"
Fang Lee folded his arms. "Indulge how?"
Fang Xiu let out a light laugh as she floated slightly ahead, the storm cloud shifting with her movements. "Oh, come now, don't look so suspicious. I did just say that I have medicine to help with your fatigue. Isn't it only fair that I get something in return?"
She tilted her head, watching him as if gauging his reaction, before adding, "Besides, wouldn't it be nice to just relax for a bit? No tribulations, no breakthroughs, no deadly duels—just you, me, and a bit of well-earned indulgence~"
Fang Lee let out a slow breath, his smirk curving lazily. "You're not giving me much of a choice, are you?"
Fang Xiu reached out, lightly brushing a finger down his arm before twirling away again. "Oh, I am~" she teased. "You could always refuse, but then you'd be turning down my very generous hospitality. And really, that would just be rude, wouldn't it?"
He sighed, shaking his head, but his amusement was evident. "Fine, fine. Lead the way." the swords floating around him and the one that was under his leg disappeared as he fully stepped on the storm cloud. But this didn't mean he was defend less as Lian Xue, his foundation establishment treasure flew to his side, her red jade body diming slightly as he willed her not to emit her full power.
Fang Xiu's smile widened in satisfaction. "Good boy~" she purred.
Meng, who had been quietly watching the exchange with an expression caught between exasperation and embarrassment, let out a small, resigned sigh. " This is why young master say female cultivatior are dangerous…"
Fang Xiu chuckled as she turned, the cloud beneath them shifting direction, carrying them toward her secluded abode. "Oh, Meng, you wound me~ It's not dangerous if he enjoys it, now is it?"
Fang Lee merely smirked, allowing himself to be swept along for the ride. Whatever she had planned, he had a feeling this was going to be interesting.
The storm cloud drifted through the night sky, carrying the four figures as they left behind the charged heart of the seclusion forest. The lingering traces of tribulation lightning still flickered in the distance, casting an eerie glow over the towering trees below. The forest stretched vast beneath them—ancient and untouched, filled with hidden glades, winding rivers, and secluded cultivation sites.
Fang Lee stood at the edge of the cloud, arms crossed, his expression unreadable as he let the cool wind wash over him. Fang Xiu, in contrast, seemed perfectly at ease, lazily leaning against his side as if she had no care in the world.
"You know," she mused, her gaze drifting downward to the dense treetops below, "I always did like this part of the forest. It's quiet. Secluded. Perfect for a bit of… indulgence~"
Meng, still visibly flustered, kept her distance at the edge of the cloud, gripping her white garments tightly. She stole glances at Fang Lee, clearly wondering how he could remain so composed under his current clothing situation and Fang Xiu's shameless teasing.
Fang Lee lightly chuckled. "Is this what you do when you're not training? Lure unsuspecting juniors to your abode with the promise of rare herbs~?"
Fang Xiu laughed, the sound soft and musical. "Mmm~ only the interesting ones~"
The cloud bank shifted as they passed through a thick veil of mist. When they emerged, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them—a secluded peak, hidden deep within the seclusion forest. Atop it stood Fang Xiu's abode.
Much like Fang Lee's own residence, it was built in harmony with the landscape. Elegant wooden structures with dark tiled roofs nestled against the mountainside, partially hidden by a cascading waterfall that flowed into a serene lake below. Ancient lanterns lined the stone pathways, casting a soft golden glow across the tranquil scene. Several smaller pavilions dotted the area, likely used for meditation or alchemy, their curved rooftops blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Fang Lee had to admit—it was impressive.
Fang Xiu turned to him with a knowing smile, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
He gave a small nod. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting something this refined."
She smirked. "I do have standards, you know."
The storm cloud slowly descended, bringing them toward the main courtyard. As their feet touched solid ground, the scent of blooming spirit flowers filled the air, mingling with the cool mist from the waterfall.
Fang Xiu stretched lazily, arching her back in a way that was definitely not necessary. "Well then, since you're my guest for the night, let's get you taken care of, shall we?"
Fang Lee show. "And by 'taken care of,' you mean…?"
Fang Xiu's smirk turned wicked as she stepped closer, fingers lightly trailing along the sleeve of his robe. "Oh, don't worry. I'll be gentle~"
Meng, still standing awkwardly behind them, let out a small, suffering sigh. "This is going to be a long night…"
Fang Lee, just smiled and followed her Inside, the pavilion was just as refined as the exterior. Intricate carvings decorated the wooden pillars, and the scent of rare incense lingered in the air. A soft glow emanated from spirit jade lanterns, casting warm shadows across the room.
Fang Xiu walked over to an ornate lacquered table and pulled out a small jade bottle, shaking it lightly so the pills inside clinked together. "These are foundation-solidifying pills, enhanced with Blood Lotus essence. You won't find anything better for stabilizing cultivation after a tribulation."
She placed them on the table and then retrieved a separate wooden box, opening it to reveal neatly arranged medicinal herbs. "And these will help with muscle fatigue, meridian strain… basically everything that happens when a certain someone pushes himself too hard."
Fang Lee raised a brow, a half-smirk playing on his lips. "Generous of you," he murmured, stepping closer. His fingers brushed against the jade bottle, but he made no move to pick it up just yet. Instead, his gaze lingered on Fang Xiu, who met his eyes with an amused glint.
Fang Xiu leaned against the table, her long sleeves pooling around her arms as she tilted her head. "Well, like I said, I expect something in return," she purred. "And I do so hate being kept waiting."
With effortless grace, she turned on her heel, her robes fluttering around her ankles as she sauntered toward an inner chamber. She cast a glance over her shoulder, emerald eyes gleaming. "Come along, dear cousin. The night is still young~"
Fang Lee chuckled, shaking his head before following.
Meng lingered at the doorway, torn between propriety and her duty to stay by Fang Lee's side. She clasped her hands together, trying to find the words to excuse herself when Fang Xiu suddenly turned to her.
"You can come too, you know," Fang Xiu mused, the corners of her lips curling. "I wouldn't mind indulging your body as well~"
Meng's breath caught in her throat, her cheeks instantly turning a deep shade of red. "I-I… I wouldn't— I mean—!" She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Fang Lee chuckled, shaking his head. "Not tonight," he said smoothly, stepping past Meng as he followed Fang Xiu inside. "I'd rather spend the night alone with you."
Fang Xiu arched a brow, clearly intrigued by his choice. "Oh~? How selfish," she teased.
Fang Lee smirked. "Call it focused indulgence."
Meng, still flustered beyond reason, quickly bowed her head. "I-I will stand guard outside, Young Master!" she blurted before practically fleeing from the pavilion.
Fang Xiu giggled as she slid open the door to her private chambers. "She's adorable," she mused, stepping inside and letting the silken drapes flutter around her.
Fang Lee followed her in, while Xue Lian walked to the side of the door, allowing the door to slide shut behind him. "She's innocent," he corrected, his voice lower now, laced with something deeper.
Fang Xiu smiled, stepping into the warm glow of lantern light. "And we are not," she murmured. Then, without another word, she reached up and began undoing the clasps of her outer robe, letting the silken fabric slip from her shoulders.
Fang Lee's smirk deepened as he stepped forward, reaching out to pull her into his arms. Whatever else was spoken that night was lost between breathless whispers and lingering heat.