Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Beneath the night sky, a majestic blue eagle sliced through the air.

Xiao Bai stood on its back, hands clasped behind him, watching the misty mountains blur past below. A twinge of envy stirred in him—this girl had a mount, and a fine one at that.

Suddenly, as if recalling something, he rummaged in his sleeve and pulled out a golden object.

"What's that?" Xiao Yi Xian stared, dumbfounded, at the tiny golden dragon in Xiao Bai's hand.

What was this guy's identity before? That thing in his hand… it looks like a dragon from legend! In this world, tales of dragons and phoenixes were mere myths, depicted only in ancient texts or paintings. She'd never seen a real dragon-like creature until now.

"No idea," Xiao Bai said, tugging at the dragon. It didn't stir.

He'd noticed it in his sleeve the day after waking, but with his body in chaos, he hadn't paid it much mind. Now, seeing the eagle, he thought to check it.

"Want to play with it?" Noticing Xiao Yi Xian lean closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, he offered it to her.

"C-can I?" Xiao Yi Xian stammered, excitement making her voice tremble. It's so cute—I want to hold it and pet it!

Xiao Bai handed her the dragon. It seemed to be in a deep sleep, utterly still.

"Ow!" Xiao Yi Xian gasped as she took it. A numbing jolt shot through her hand, followed by sharp pain. She flung it back to Xiao Bai.

She'd seen him handle it without issue and assumed it was harmless. Now she realized this wasn't something a newly minted Dou Zhe like her could toy with.

Catching the dragon, Xiao Bai looked at her, puzzled.

Unbeknownst to him, the dragon had instinctively reacted to an unfamiliar presence. Had it not sensed Xiao Bai's aura, the shock would've been far worse than a mere spark.

Xiao Yi Xian met his confused gaze, and a surge of frustration welled up. "What a lousy thing—not fun at all!" she huffed, turning away. Under the moonlight, she discreetly checked her hands—both red and tender from the shock.

Staring at her palms, she froze, suddenly unsure why she'd snapped at him.

Is it… inferiority? A bitter taste rose in her throat as she faced a truth she'd avoided.

Xiao Bai could casually handle something that nearly injured her due to her weak strength. Coupled with her cursed constitution and the grim fate awaiting her, a wave of uncertainty washed over her.

"You okay?" Xiao Bai asked, baffled. She was practically glowing when she saw the dragon—why's she acting like it's a monster now?

Xiao Yi Xian steadied her emotions and turned back with a smile. "I'm fine. Sorry for snapping at you."

Xiao Bai shook his head. "I don't mind. You just seem… off."

She only smiled, saying nothing. I can't let him know I'm a poison girl. Not the old Xiao Bai, nor this amnesiac one.

Soon after, her mood lifted. Pointing below, she said brightly, "Xiao Bai, we're here!"

He followed her gaze. A sea of dense fog shimmered faintly under the moonlight, obscuring everything beneath.

The blue eagle descended, plunging into the thick mist.

As the fog parted, Xiao Bai's vision cleared, revealing a secluded valley ringed by mountains. Without a flying mount, no one could easily reach this place.

___

"Not bad, huh?" Xiao Yi Xian said after they landed. She patted the eagle, sending it off, and grinned proudly at Xiao Bai's appraising look.

"Impressive," Xiao Bai nodded. "Mountains on all sides, fog cloaking the sky, rich energy within, and plenty of rare herbs."

"Then this'll be our home from now on! I built a little hut over there—come on!" Xiao Yi Xian's smile widened at his approval.

"Alright."

___

The valley, cut off from the world, saw time slip by quietly. Five days had passed since Xiao Bai arrived.

"Xiao Bai, I'm off to gather herbs!"

Xiao Yi Xian called up to him, perched on a boulder. She carried a bamboo basket, a cloth scarf tied around her head, looking like a lovely village girl.

Xiao Bai opened his eyes, giving her a warm nod and a smile.

Her face lit up with a sweet grin, and she skipped off to gather herbs, brimming with energy.

Watching her go, Xiao Bai shook his head. She collects herbs every day—what's she even doing with them?

Closing his eyes, he resumed refining the Geng Metal Calamity Thunder within him.

Living in this valley with Xiao Yi Xian felt like a quiet, almost marital existence—he cultivated, she gathered herbs and cooked. Undisturbed, their days were peaceful.

Yet Xiao Yi Xian wrestled with inner turmoil. Though she gathered herbs daily, she hadn't compounded any poisons. For days, she'd resisted taking toxins, suppressing her urges.

After obtaining the Seven-Colored Poison Scripture and learning of her Woeful Poison Body, its grim description had shaken her kind heart. But the dangers in Qing Shan Town had pushed her to embrace it for protection, awakening the poison within.

Now, free of threats, she cherished this simple life and dreaded returning to being a loathed poison girl—especially fearing Xiao Bai's rejection if he learned the truth.

Since their parting in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, she'd thought they'd never meet again. She'd treasured those memories, laughing at his antics despite her irritation. He's a good person, but loves playing the villain.

His sudden reappearance days ago, amnesiac and vulnerable, had stunned and delighted her. Even without his memories, she was thrilled to see him again.

These quiet days were what she'd always dreamed of, especially knowing the Woeful Poison Body's end: a lonely, agonizing death. Here, free of Qing Shan Town's schemes, surrounded by herbs and flowers, with him by her side, she felt content.

Sometimes, selfishly, she wished Xiao Bai would never recover his memories, that they could stay in this valley forever.

But the Woeful Poison Body, once awakened, craved toxins like a demon's whisper. She didn't know how long her resolve could hold.