Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Xiao Clan

Xiao Xun'er's heart thrummed with anticipation. Today, the first letter from Ling Ying arrived since he'd begun trailing Xiao Bai. When Xiao Bai left, she'd learned his journey would remain within the Jia Ma Empire and had tasked Ling Ying with monthly reports on his whereabouts.

The first few days after his departure left her hollow, her mood dim. She constantly wondered where her Xiao Bai gege was, what he was doing, what trials he faced. Though Ling Ying's presence guaranteed his safety, she couldn't quell her fears of unseen dangers.

Now, at last, she could hear of him. Hastening to her desk, she unfolded the letter with care, diving into its words eagerly. At first, her eyes gleamed with curiosity, but as she read of Xiao Bai reaching the final cliff in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, her gaze sharpened, a dangerous spark flaring. She pressed on.

When she reached the part where Xiao Bai, weaving in and out of a cave, repeatedly held and carried that girl, fury ignited. Her delicate features darkened, a cold laugh slipping out. "Heh, splendid, splendid!"

So, the pig I've guarded all these years is sniffing at someone else's cabbage? Is my cabbage not sweet enough? Not tender enough? Swallowing her rage, she read further. The scene of Xiao Bai gifting the girl a storage ring, followed by their farewell where the girl revealed her name, shattered her composure.

Her slender hand slammed the sandalwood desk, leaving a sharp palm print. Face flushed with anger, teeth clenched, she spat icily, "Xiao… Yi… Xian!"

She knew Xiao Bai well. With girls he didn't care for, he kept his distance, his words courteous but detached. Take Xiao Yu—Xun'er knew he admired her long legs but never minded or called him out. She understood he'd only look, never chase. Men need some freedom, or they grow resentful. So, she overlooked his small habits.

But Xiao Yi Xian was different. The letter revealed a shift—Xiao Bai's first distinct warmth toward another girl besides her. His cool words hid a unique care, igniting fierce wariness in Xun'er.

Taking deep breaths to steady herself, she propped her chin, her finger tapping the desk absently as she pondered her next move. Eliminate Xiao Yi Xian? The thought flickered but was quickly discarded. If Xiao Bai gege found out, how would he look at me? Though she yearned to strangle that heartless rogue, the thought of him gazing at her with distance cut deeper than a blade.

After wrestling with no clear solution, she rubbed her temples, sighing. If Xiao Bai truly cared for that girl, she didn't know what she'd do. Frustrated, she cursed the man she'd never spoken ill of: "That heartless cad, rotten maggot! I warned him not to flirt, and how long's he been gone? Already chasing skirts! Am I really to share him with three sisters?"

Recalling a tale he'd once shared, her heart ached, eyes reddening with grievance. Given her status, sharing a husband was unthinkable. Even winning Xiao Bai for herself was a steep path—her clan would fiercely resist. Now, with others in the picture, regardless of her feelings, how could she, the Ancient Clan's young miss, bear the shame if her clan learned of it?

After a wave of sorrow, Xun'er rallied, grinding her teeth. That skirt-chaser better explain himself when he's back, or I'll ignore him for three days! Leaving him? Never. He was hers, always would be. Surrendering her eleven-year-guarded "pig" to women who'd done nothing? Her pride forbade retreat without a fight. I won't lose to them.

"Heh, just wait! Without my approval, you'll never step foot in the Xiao Clan!" she vowed, resolve blazing. Those women, even if they caught Xiao Bai's eye, couldn't match her childhood bond, her childhood sweetheart advantage. What do they have to challenge me? What rank are they? Pfft!

After mentally crushing her faceless rivals, her confidence bolstered, Xun'er's mood lightened. Picking up the letter, she continued. Reading of Xiao Bai gaining wings and soaring like a child with a new toy, she stifled a laugh, though Xiao Yi Xian's shadow still stung. Childish skirt-chaser, she muttered, her lips curving faintly.

The wings eased her fears—he could fight or flee, safer now. But when she read of him defying a thunderstorm, facing heavenly thunder midair, her hand trembled, panic surging. "Get down, you fool! Showing off? That's heavenly thunder—Dou Zuns don't dare face it! You're just a Dou Shi. Cultivation's no excuse for recklessness!"

Heart racing, she skimmed to his severe injuries and coma, her breath catching, pain slicing through her. Skipping details, she sought the outcome, exhaling when he recovered in two days. "Serves you right for being stupid!" she grumbled, but her relief was tangible.

Anger flared at Ling Ying. That's how you protect him? Letting him act foolish? Golden light flashed in her eyes, rage simmering. Good thing he's fine, or neither you nor that soul would've been spared. Resentment surged toward Xiao Bai. Flirting addled his brain? Doesn't he know thunder's danger? Doesn't he know how much I worry? She'd trusted Ling Ying's protection and Xiao Bai's caution, thinking the Jia Ma Empire safe. Yet, in half a month, he'd nearly died.

If something happened to him, what would I do? She'd seen his journey as a coming-of-age trial, worrying but confident. Now, it was a nightmare. Teeth clenched, she hissed, "My dear Xiao Bai gege, you'd better explain yourself when you're back!"