In the Dou Qi Continent, One Talent Trait a Day — Chapter 44

Wasn't this practically inviting him to commit a crime?

"If you dare peek, I'll cut it off!"

Yun Yun made a chopping gesture, sending a chill through Xu Qi's lower body. He hurriedly shook his head.

A luxurious inn did have its advantages.

At the very least, the rooms came equipped with private bathing facilities, which was quite convenient.

Separated by a screen, Xu Qi listened to the gentle sound of running water within, his thoughts beginning to wander.

Though he had been threatened, how could he not feel excited knowing there was a woman bathing in the same room?

Listening to the water, Xu Qi felt as though it were flowing over his own body.

Before long, Yun Yun emerged after finishing her bath. A thin bath towel wrapped around her exquisite figure, yet it still revealed her pair of snow-white legs and delicate shoulders.

Her damp, beautiful hair fell casually over her fragrant shoulders, still carrying a trace of warmth. Combined with her rosy face from the bath, she looked even more breathtakingly beautiful.

Noticing Xu Qi's gaze fixed on her, Yun Yun could not help feeling a flicker of delight. Then she shot him a glare and said fiercely,

"No looking! Go take your bath too!"

"Oh."

Xu Qi reluctantly withdrew his gaze and obediently went in to bathe.

For men, bathing was simple.

It could be quick, or it could be slow.

Xu Qi's speed was neither fast nor slow.

Mainly because he had been trekking through the desert these past few days, with wind and sand constantly striking his face. It had truly been uncomfortable.

Being able to enjoy a comfortable bath felt indescribably pleasant. Xu Qi had originally planned to finish quickly and come out, but he could not resist enjoying it a little longer, relaxing his tense body properly.

Only after quite a while did he reluctantly finish bathing and come out.

Inside the room, Yun Yun was curled up on a chair, her delicate body tucked together like a kitten. She had actually fallen asleep, her breathing calm and even.

Xu Qi froze for a moment. Looking at Yun Yun's sleeping face, he felt a little distressed.

So she had been this exhausted already...

Although there had not been much conflict on the journey, Yun Yun, as the team's greatest trump card, had been under immense pressure.

Especially after entering the Snake People Tribe's territory. Knowing that Queen Medusa was among them—a powerful expert even Yun Shan had been unable to deal with—how could Yun Yun not remain on high alert?

One moment of carelessness could mean the difference between life and death.

So although she had not fought much, the constant strain on her nerves had caused her to quickly fall asleep after finally relaxing here.

Seeing her like this, all of Xu Qi's thoughts faded away.

"You can't sleep here. You'll only get more tired."

Xu Qi walked over, gently picked Yun Yun up, carried her to the bed, and laid her down so she could rest properly.

Just as he was about to leave, Yun Yun suddenly grabbed his hand.

"Don't go..."

She murmured softly in her sleep.

Those words struck straight at Xu Qi's heart.

"Alright, I won't go."

He let Yun Yun hold his hand and lay down beside her, letting her rest while he quietly admired the gentle face before him.

No matter which angle he looked from, she was simply beautiful.

Her slightly parted lips were as alluring as cherries.

Xu Qi's heart suddenly stirred. Gathering his courage, he leaned closer and lightly kissed those cool, soft lips.

Very lightly.

Then—

Yun Yun opened her eyes.

The moment he saw her open them, Xu Qi was so frightened that his heart nearly leaped out of his throat.

"Sister Yun Yun, weren't you asleep...?" Xu Qi asked, somewhat guilty.

Yun Yun said nothing. Her bright eyes merely looked at him, and he could not tell whether she was cold or angry.

"Then... get some rest. I'll go sleep on the floor."

Xu Qi only wanted to get away quickly. He hurriedly got up and was about to pull his hand free.

But Yun Yun refused to let go.

"Sister Yun Yun?"

Xu Qi turned back, somewhat surprised.

Only then did Yun Yun release his hand and sit up from the bed. Her face carried a trace of softness, her eyes lowered slightly, her expression tinged with sorrow.

"Sister Yun Yun, what's wrong..." Before Xu Qi could finish, her soft body slipped into his arms, her fragrance washing over him as she nestled against his chest.

"All this time, I never knew how I was supposed to face you..."

"Kill you, forgive you, or... fall in love with you."

The woman in his arms spoke in a low voice, recalling what had happened back then.

That had also been the beginning of everything between them.

"Back then, I truly had a strong urge to kill you, then end my own life."

"But after thinking about it, I felt it would be too unfair to die like that. I might as well just kill you."

Yun Yun's words sent a growing chill down Xu Qi's spine.

So she had thought of killing him so many times...

"Later, I thought about many things. After all, it wasn't entirely your fault. Making you bear all of it seemed too cruel."

"When I took you to meet my teacher, I actually worried that he would attack you... That was when I knew things had gone terribly wrong."

"Somehow, your shadow had already entered my heart..."

Xu Qi quietly listened as Yun Yun spoke her true feelings.

These matters between the two of them were things only they could understand.

"Your shadow is already in my heart. How are you going to take responsibility for me?"

The woman raised her head from his arms, her eyes brimming with tenderness.

If Xu Qi still did not understand at this point, he would truly be a fool.

He decisively yet gently kissed the woman's soft lips. They were sweet, carrying a faint sweetness like lychee.

Yun Yun was inexperienced, but she still tried her best to respond, their breaths intertwining.

Until Xu Qi's burning palm touched her skin, making her body tremble as she grabbed his hand.

Xu Qi stopped. He did not force her. Instead, he gently asked beside her ear,

"Yun'er, is it alright?"

Yun Yun's pretty face flushed crimson.

She remained silent for a long while, as though making one final struggle within her heart.

At last, she nodded and slowly released his hand...

That night was the first true union of their hearts, their feelings entwining as the atmosphere grew heated.