Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

"The body's buried. No need to grieve. Let's go," Xiao Bai said softly, standing before Xiao Yi Xian, as if offering comfort.

Her briefly calmed heart flared with anger. Grieving for that? Today, she'd been angrier than in all her years combined. Can't this guy say one thing without infuriating me?

Powerless against him, she turned her back, crouching and ignoring him.

Xiao Bai's lips twitched at her sulky display. With a faint smile, he walked toward the stone chamber's gate.

Xiao Yi Xian's ears perked, her sidelong glance catching him leaving without a word. He's really abandoning me here? Bitterness and fear mingled. "Go, then! Jerk! I never want to see you again!" she muttered, her stubborn independence—forged since childhood—keeping her from following. I'll crawl out myself before trailing him.

As his footsteps faded, the vast chamber echoed only with her breathing. A chill crept in, and whether real or imagined, a cold breeze brushed her back. Hugging her arms tightly, she dared not look behind, fear gripping her.

"Jerk, jerk, jerk…" she mumbled, burying her face in her knees, sobbing softly.

"Jerk? Talking about me?" A low voice sounded behind her.

Her body stiffened, heart skipping. I nearly died of fright! Recognizing the familiar, infuriating voice, relief washed over her, followed by fury. Still crouching, she didn't turn, her voice trembling with hurt. "Why do you keep bullying me? I'm just a weak girl—I gave you everything! Why keep tormenting me?" Tears spilled over.

Xiao Bai fell silent, her pained cries echoing. Was I too harsh? Yes, he admitted, a bit. He'd anticipated this reaction but would make the same choice again.

He wouldn't let Xiao Yi Xian slip away. In his past life, reading the novel, he'd adored her. Now, given the chance, why let her go? He hadn't expected to meet her here—his plan was to leave Qingshan Town after the cave. Seeing her at the cliff's edge had been a thrilling surprise, prompting two plans:

Plan A: Feign weakness, explore the cave together, building familiarity for future encounters.

But her reckless move—pulling out poison powder despite not knowing his strength—forced Plan B. With little time left in the mountains before chasing the Heavenly Flame, he needed to leave a lasting impression fast. His blunt, forceful approach, though harsh, was deliberate. The process doesn't matter if the result's good.

Xiao Yi Xian, exhausted from crying, noticed the silence. Did he leave again? Lifting her head, she saw no one. Was that my fear talking? Standing, dizziness hit—black spots danced, legs buckled. She'd squatted too long after a scare. Please don't crack my head, she prayed, falling backward.

Instead of the ground, she landed against something warm. Puzzled, she reached out, feeling it as the dizziness faded.

"Heh, had enough groping?" Xiao Bai's cold laugh rang out.

Startled, she looked up, meeting the face that made her teeth itch. She was leaning into his arms, hands fumbling over him. Blushing, mortified, she wished for a hole to swallow her.

Ignoring her embarrassment, Xiao Bai said coolly, "Done crying? Let's go."

When she didn't move, he frowned, looking down to find her staring back. Sensing his confusion, she mumbled, head low, "My legs… they're weak. No strength."

Xiao Bai pieced it together. She'd explored the cave alone earlier, exhausting herself, then endured his antics. With her cultivation, it was a miracle she was still conscious. Pity stirred. Without a word, he scooped her up, carrying her toward the cave's exit.

"What—what are you doing?" she yelped, squirming, indignant.

"Keep wiggling, and I'll really leave you here," he threatened.

"Drop me, then! I don't need you!" she shot back, defiant.

"Forgot to mention—there's another Rock Snake in the cave, just cowed by my aura. Sure you want to stay?" Xiao Bai said casually, pacing through the dark.

"Jerk, all you do is scare me! As if I'd believe you!" She no longer trusted a word he said. Struggling was pointless—he'd held her before. Resigned, she stopped fighting.

"Heh," Xiao Bai chuckled, saying no more.

Xiao Yi Xian gazed into the pitch-black surroundings. How's he navigating so steadily? What's his cultivation? His even breathing and warm presence lulled her, a sense of safety blooming.

She wasn't naive. Reflecting on everything, she realized he'd only teased her, never meaning harm. His actions, despite his cold words, hid care. Staring into the darkness where his face should be, she murmured, "Didn't you leave? Why'd you come back?"

"Forgot to grab the gold and jewels. Seemed a waste to leave them," Xiao Bai replied, his tone stiff.

She fell silent, a faint smile curving her lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she rested her head on his shoulder.

What a stubborn-mouthed jerk.