Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

The Next Day, Dawn

Xiao Bai opened his eyes, rising from bed. Last night, he hadn't cultivated, opting instead for a deep, restful sleep. Once he left, comforts like home wouldn't come easily, so he needed to be in top form.

After washing and dressing, he opened the door.

Outside stood a lone, delicate figure, waiting quietly. He didn't know how long she'd been there.

"Xiao Bai gege, you're up!" Xiao Xun'er's eyes brimmed with reluctance and affection, but she managed a soft smile, her voice gentle.

Her expression tugged at Xiao Bai's heart. Did this girl come so early because she feared I'd slip away without a goodbye? Sighing inwardly, he stepped forward, pulling her slender frame into a gentle embrace, his hand stroking her hair in silence.

In his arms, Xiao Xun'er clung to his familiar warmth, her arms tightening as if she could merge into him, following him wherever he went. Unlike when he was refining pills at the back mountain—where she could visit if she wished—this time, she couldn't see him even if she longed to.

The thought of their long separation pierced her heart.

"Shall we walk, send your Xiao Bai gege off?" Xiao Bai murmured after a moment, looking down at her.

Xiao Xun'er nodded against his chest, her voice muffled. "Mm."

They headed to the Xiao Clan's main gate, where a black-clad youth lounged lazily by a stone lion. Spotting them, he perked up, waving with a grin. "Brother Bai, you're finally here!"

Xiao Bai's mood soured slightly. Why's everyone here before me? Glancing at the sky, he saw it wasn't even fully light. Brushing off his irritation, he nodded with a smile. "Let's go." Taking Xiao Xun'er's hand, he led the way toward the city gate.

___

Wu Tan City Gate

The gate bustled with early activity—vendors entering to sell goods, travelers setting out. Xiao Bai, Xiao Xun'er, and Xiao Yan stood in a quiet spot nearby.

"Brother Bai, stay safe out there. I hope your trip goes smoothly. Don't miss my coming-of-age ceremony next year," Xiao Yan said jokingly, though his eyes held a trace of envy. I'd love to roam too, but my strength's too low—I'd just hold them back.

Xiao Bai studied the smiling youth, his emotions complex. This journey would change things. Some opportunities would still be Xiao Yan's, but others… wouldn't. Xiao Bai had a clear plan for his future. He wouldn't hesitate to claim what he needed, even if it was meant for Xiao Yan in the original story. He couldn't afford to wait for Xiao Yan to rise as a Dou Emperor—relying on others wasn't his way.

Having come to this world, he didn't seek fame or glory, but he'd fight for his place. This world wasn't safe. Who knew if a passing powerhouse might snuff him out on a whim? Strength was his only security in a realm where might ruled. This was a struggle for the path.

As for Soul Heavenly Emperor's "thousand-year scheme," Xiao Bai had a vague plan: prevent him from gathering the Tuoshe Ancient Jade, buying time. Beyond that, he'd figure it out later. Time was on his side—no need to rush.

"Brother Bai, why're you staring? Can't bear to leave your little brother?" Xiao Yan teased, grinning cheekily at Xiao Bai's prolonged gaze.

Xiao Bai smiled, clapping his shoulder. "Train hard. Yao Lao and I will be back before your ceremony. I hope you'll pass the clan's test by then."

"Brother Bai, who're you underestimating? I'll be a Dou Zhe by then, alright?" Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, bristling.

"Good! That's the spirit!" Xiao Bai nodded, chuckling warmly, then turned to Xiao Xun'er, who'd been silent since arriving.

Xiao Yan quietly stepped away, wary of being fed a mouthful of "dog food."

Xiao Xun'er approached, her eyes heavy with reluctance. She reached up, adjusting Xiao Bai's collar, her voice soft but firm. "Xiao Bai gege, be careful out there. Fight if you can win, run if you can't—don't be reckless. Your life is worth a thousand, ten thousand times more than theirs. Always remember, Xun'er's waiting for you at home."

Then, her grip on his collar tightened, her tone turning playfully fierce. "And don't you dare flirt with other girls out there, or… hmph!"

"Injustice!" Xiao Bai cried. "Xun'er, you know how proper I am in the clan. Have I ever chased after Xiao Yu or Xiao Qing?"

"Hmph! You don't chase, but every time you see Xiao Yu, your eyes practically glue to her legs. Don't think I haven't noticed—I just spared your pride and didn't call you out," Xiao Xun'er retorted, shooting him a teasing glare.

Xiao Bai rubbed his nose, embarrassed. I thought I was discreet, but this girl saw everything.

Seeing his flustered look, Xiao Xun'er dropped the topic. Her hand gently traced his sharp jawline, her eyes brimming with longing and attachment, her voice tender. "Xiao Bai gege, come back soon. Xun'er will miss you."

Unable to hold back, she threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.

The faint fragrance of her hair filled his senses, but her sadness soured the mood. Xiao Bai didn't like this heavy, parting atmosphere—it felt too much like a permanent goodbye. Thinking quickly, he leaned down and whispered something in her ear.

Xiao Xun'er's face flushed crimson. She pulled back, reaching to cover his mouth, her shy voice loud. "Don't say that!"

Her mind flashed to yesterday, when Xiao Bai emerged in his black robe, exuding that commanding aura. Her eyes shimmered, her legs weakening at the memory. That domineering Xiao Bai gege…

"Heh, alright, alright, I won't!" Xiao Bai laughed, nodding as her sadness faded.

With a playful huff, she glared at him, her composure returning.

Once she calmed, Xiao Bai waved Xiao Yan over.

Seeing their farewell done, Xiao Yan jogged back, removing his storage ring and handing it to Xiao Bai.

As Xiao Bai took it, the ring seemed to tremble—or was it his imagination?

Nodding to Xiao Yan, he said, "Take care, little Yan."

Then, turning to Xiao Xun'er, he said softly, "Take care."