Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

"Come on!"

Xiao Yi Xian trudged to Xiao Bai's side, shooting him a fierce glare. Her delicate face steeled with a martyr's resolve, as if thinking, Fine, it's just like being hugged by a pig.

Xiao Bai, amused by her expression, suppressed a chuckle. He wrapped an arm around her slender waist, a wave of fragrance hitting him. The soft sensation under his palm sent a spark through him, but he took a deep breath, quelling the urge.

Xiao Yi Xian, feeling his grip and hearing his inhale, mistook it for lechery. Her face flushed, and she spat, "Pervert!" with a scornful look.

Xiao Bai rolled his eyes, too lazy to explain.

"Hold tight!" Without warning, he leapt off the cliff.

"You think I'd hold you? Jerk, pull the rope! I don't want to die!" Xiao Yi Xian shrieked, eyes squeezed shut, clinging to him like an octopus as he jumped without the rope.

Xiao Bai's feet tapped the cliff's protrusions, crimson lightning flickering with each step. He moved like a dancing butterfly, each motion thrilling yet precise. The rope was just bait. Got the fish—why keep the lure?

In moments, he landed on the cave's small platform, glancing wryly at the trembling koala latched to his chest.

Xiao Yi Xian, no longer hearing the whistling wind, peeked out cautiously. Realizing she was alive and at the cave, she exhaled deeply. Then fury hit. This jerk lied! No rope needed! She wanted to snap at him but hesitated. He got down without a rope—what's his strength? Swallowing her anger, she stayed silent.

As Xiao Bai wondered how long she'd cling, a piercing scream cut through.

"Jerk, look out! Snake! Rock Snake!" Her voice was frantic.

Facing the cave, Xiao Bai had Xiao Yi Xian draped over him, her head on his shoulder. She'd spotted a massive snake head dangling from a branch above the cave, less than half a meter away, its stench hitting her nose.

After screaming, she buried her face under Xiao Bai's jaw, arms locked around his neck.

Xiao Bai wondered if this was the real Xiao Yi Xian. This is the future Heavenly Poison Girl, leader of the Poison Sect? Without turning, he knew the threat—a Rock Snake, likely claiming the cave as its lair.

Rock Snake: A first-tier earth-attribute beast living on rocky cliffs, with a flat, wing-like body for short glides. Its tough hide resisted ordinary blades.

The snake's cold eyes fixed on the intruders, lunging at Xiao Bai's head with its gaping maw.

Unmoving, Xiao Bai summoned a streak of crimson lightning, channeling it into the snake's mouth. A whiff of roasted meat followed as the snake went limp, hanging lifelessly from the branch.

Dealing with the beast, Xiao Bai looked at the girl in his arms, exasperated. "How long are you staying up there?" he asked coldly.

Xiao Yi Xian, face still buried, mumbled, "There's a snake! Be careful!" Unaware he'd acted, she thought it was still there, warning him.

"It's dead. Get down," Xiao Bai said, rolling his eyes.

She peeked up, skeptical, then tilted her head to glance behind him. The snake's head, slightly charred, dangled motionlessly. He really handled it. Even high-tier Dou Zhe struggled with first-tier beasts, yet he'd dispatched it effortlessly. This cold-faced jerk's strong.

"If you don't get off, I'll toss you over the cliff," Xiao Bai warned, voice icy.

"Fine, I'm down! Like I wanted to stay up there. Wonder who insisted on holding me?" Xiao Yi Xian muttered, sliding off with a pout.

As she dismounted, Xiao Bai adjusted his rumpled robe and strode into the cave.

"Hey, wait for me!" Xiao Yi Xian called, glancing at the dead snake. Fearing another might appear, she hurried after him.

In the dark, silent cave, light from the entrance faded quickly. Xiao Bai, unbothered, relied on his soul force, more reliable than eyes. But Xiao Yi Xian struggled, pausing at the light's edge, hesitant to enter the pitch-black depths. Seeing Xiao Bai press on, she wavered, dreading being left alone with another snake lurking.

Watching him march forward heartlessly, she bit her lip. This jerk drags me down here and abandons me? Hurt and scared, she crouched, planning to wait until he was farther, then call her eagle, Little Blue, to escape. The snake was dead—another was unlikely.

But as she huddled, a flicker of firelight glowed in the cave, illuminating a figure—Xiao Bai, holding a torch. "Come in," he said coolly.

Xiao Yi Xian's heart stirred, a mix of relief and gratitude washing away her grievances. Standing, she walked toward him, noticing the torch. "My torch!" she exclaimed. She'd dropped it fleeing the snake, and he'd found it.

Xiao Bai glanced at her. "My torch now."

She gritted her teeth. Still a infuriating jerk. And I was touched for a second. As he moved deeper, she scurried to keep up.

The cave grew darker and damper, a faint chill seeping in. The only sounds were their footsteps. Xiao Yi Xian hugged her arms, cold and uneasy. Glancing at Xiao Bai's steady pace, she quickened her steps, sticking close. He's a jerk, but he's my only safety now.

Noticing her unease, Xiao Bai said nothing. His Bing Fire Yang Lightning stirred, warming the icy passage.