The following morning, golden light filtered through the bamboo shutters, casting gentle patterns across the room.
Bai Yunxi stirred slowly, the world returning to her through warmth—the warmth of Su Kang's steady heartbeat beneath her ear, his arms wrapped around her waist protectively.
She stretched lazily, pressing closer to his chest, the subtle rise and fall of his breath grounding her in the present.
"Good morning," she murmured, voice still thick with sleep.
Su Kang's lips brushed her forehead. "Good morning, Xi'er."
She smiled softly, savoring the rare comfort.
"Do you want to travel more?" he softly asked, feeling her improved mood.
"Two more days," she whispered, a spark of excitement flickering in her emerald eyes. "Just two more."
Their journey continued, carrying them farther from the Rift Valley.
As they traveled, they spoke of the vast world beyond—the great sects, hidden cultivation techniques, and the endless opportunities that awaited those strong enough to seize them.
At night, Bai Yunxi cultivated with quiet focus, seated cross-legged, drawing in Qi with the gentle, steady rhythm of the Tranquil Stream Foundation Art.
She had practiced this art for years before her poisoning had halted her growth. Her Qi flowed like a gentle stream—unbroken, smooth, patient.
Every rotation was deliberate, polishing her meridians, slowly purifying her energy, and gradually nourishing her Dantian.
Su Kang observed her progress, marveling at how effortlessly she absorbed techniques.
The elixir had not only renewed her body, but also sharpened her perception. She could now comprehend cultivation methods at a rate even talented disciples of large sects would envy.
When she returned to him that night, carrying a scroll she'd finished studying, her eyes shimmered with quiet joy. "Husband," she said softly, "thank you for the wedding gift. The pill was truly amazing."
He smiled, reaching out to smooth her hair. "You deserve it."
He had anticipated the pill's benefits, but even he hadn't expected such drastic results.
There was only one drawback—her qi cultivation had regressed significantly.
Her body was like that of a young girl in her late teens, pristine and pure.
For Bai Yunxi, this was a blessing. But for him? If he had taken the pill, he would have lost years of cultivation.
His body would have regressed too much, he might have been reduced to a child.
He shivered at the thought.
That would've been tragic and embarrassing.
That night, like many others, they ended up in bed—him on his back, one arm under her head, the other resting around her shoulders. She lay curled into him, her fingers gently holding him.
A quiet warmth filled Bai Yunxi as she closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat.
"I think I'll get addicted to this feeling," she murmured softly.
Su Kang chuckled, pulling her closer. "Good. Then I won't have to compete with those young geniuses from the Central Plains for your affection."
She blinked, lifting her head. "What do you mean?"
"You're beautiful and incredibly talented," he mused. "One day, powerful cultivators will line up just to hold your hand." He sighed dramatically.
"Maybe you'll realize I'm not enough and leave me for someone greater."
She stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. "Do you really think I'd do that?"
He sighed, shaking his head in exaggerated despair. "Powerful female cultivators often take multiple lovers or husbands. My wife might become like them one day."
"Shameless!" she growled—and bit his arm.
Su Kang laughed, completely unaffected, stroking her hair as she gnawed at him in frustration.
"Sorry, sorry! Forgive me, Xi'er," he said, barely suppressing his amusement.
"You're impossible," she huffed, pulling away.
But before she could sulk properly, Su Kang wrapped an arm around her waist and leapt out the window.
"W-What are you doing?!" she shrieked as they landed beside a quiet pond under the silver moonlight.
He spread out a cloth on the ground, settling down and pulling her beside him. "You're not mad, are you?" he teased.
She pouted, folding her arms. "How could I not be? That joke wasn't funny."
He sighed, taking a more serious tone. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted to lighten the mood."
She gave him a sideways glance. Her cheeks puffed, arms still crossed—yet she inched closer.
"I thought you were a gentleman," she muttered. "Turns out I married a rogue."
Su Kang grinned. "Took you long enough to figure it out. I tricked you. Otherwise, how could someone like me ever deserve a wife like you?"
She pinched his side sharply, making him wince with a laugh.
Then, in a quieter voice, he murmured, "Sometimes… I'm really jealous of Li Xiao. He got to see these sides of you first."
Bai Yunxi stiffened.
Before he could say more, she pressed her hand gently over his mouth.
The warmth of her palm made him pause. Her eyes shimmered with a complicated mix of sadness, unwillingness, and something deeper that was hard to name.
"He was my husband," she said softly. "And he's also the father of my son. After spending some time with him, I realized… he was rash, yes, but he always thought about my well-being."
"I can't change my past, Su Kang. You already know that. So please… stop bringing him up like this." Her voice remained steady, each word slow but firm.
For a while, they said nothing. The pond rippled with the breeze, frogs croaked in the distance, and above them, the stars shimmered in quiet indifference.
Su Kang sighed inwardly.
I went too far. This is for my own goals, too... I can't let myself get too attached. If I do, I might suffer later.
The future was uncertain—he knew that all too well.
Li Fang might not confront me directly… but he could still act from the shadows. And worse…
His gaze lingered on Bai Yunxi's profile.
If she never wants children with me—and if Li Xiao were to return one day… would she still stay by my side?
He didn't want to waste his destiny just to confirm whether Li Xiao was alive or not.
Silently, he lowered her hand from his lips and said nothing more.
"He was—" She parted her lips, hesitating, but he gently cut her off.
"I won't mention him again," he said quietly. "I'm sorry. I didn't expect those words to come out either."
He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, offering her a small, apologetic smile.
She nodded, a silent understanding passing between them.
Without another word, he pulled her into his arms, resting his chin atop her head.
He whispered. "Get addicted to this feeling. Because if you don't… I'm afraid that one day, you might really leave. And I'll be helpless to stop it."
She didn't answer. But after a moment, she leaned into his warmth.
The next morning, they ended their travels, returning to the village by evening.
Su Kang had made up his mind—he would leave the village in two days, taking Bai Yunxi and Madam An with him.
Before their departure, he decided to host a banquet for the villagers who had taken care of them.
That night, as Bai Yunxi rested in his arms, he considered the future.
She was improving rapidly, but she lacked suitable cultivation techniques. The Qingyun Sect's techniques were adequate for now, but they weren't enough.
The Su family had no techniques tailored for her needs either.
He sighed. Right now, she was progressing well with the resources he provided, but he needed to find something better for her soon.
He asked Old Man He and Madam An to oversee the arrangements while he took Bai Yunxi to Rift Valley City to buy ingredients.
As they wandered through the bustling marketplace, the scent of spices and grilled meats filled the air. Stalls overflowed with exotic fruits, shimmering silks, and rare herbs.
Then, something caught Bai Yunxi's attention.
"Husband, look!" she exclaimed, holding up an old, faded scroll.
Su Kang glanced over it. It was a map. The parchment depicted a hidden valley, marked with a cryptic inscription.
"A map to a secret realm!" she whispered excitedly. "We must go there! Imagine the treasures we could find!"
Su Kang, watching her with amusement, couldn't help but smile.
"Treasure maps are rarely what they seem," he reminded her. "But… perhaps a little adventure wouldn't be amiss."
That evening, the village square was transformed.
Colorful lanterns lined the pathways, casting a warm glow over the gathering. The scent of roasted meats and fragrant rice filled the air, mingling with the cheerful chatter of villagers.
Su Kang and Bai Yunxi sat at the head of the table, greeting well-wishers and sharing stories of their journey.
As the night deepened, they distributed gifts among the villagers—small treasures, medicinal herbs, and spirit stones for cultivation.
The villagers, deeply touched, promised to care for Su Kang's residence in his absence.
"You'll always have a place here, Young Master," Old Man He said warmly.
Su Kang nodded, his heart lighter. "I will return," he promised. "Sometimes, even cultivators need a place to rest."
He planned to install a qi-gathering array in his courtyard for the villagers to cultivate, ensuring the younger generation could grow stronger.
As the banquet ended, laughter and warmth lingered in the air.
________________________________
:— One More Beautiful Memory
Su Kang and Bai Yunxi returned to their residence, their hearts lighter, carrying the warmth of the villagers' kindness.
This small village held special significance for Bai Yunxi.
It was here that she had reunited with her mother and married him.
Here, they had shared not just love, but their hopes and dreams too.
A quiet pang touched her heart. She knew they would be leaving this haven soon.
He caught her hand and led her to the room with the large window, its roof partially made of glass.
Moonlight spilled through the opening, casting an ethereal glow across the space.
She leaned into his embrace, her back against his chest. She could feel the warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heart as she gazed up at the vast canvas of stars.
"I will miss this place," she whispered, her voice soft with a touch of sadness.
"We can come back," he murmured near her ear. "Whenever cultivation feels boring, we can return to the mortal world to relax."
She nodded, comforted by the thought. As they spoke about the journey ahead and their visit to the Bai family, she noticed his hand resting gently on her waist.
His touch lingered, warm and full of unspoken intention. She didn't pull away. She waited for him.
His fingers moved slowly over the silk of her robe, tracing languid circles. Her skin was warm beneath the fabric, her breath growing shallow.
He leaned closer, his breath brushing her ear.
"Xi'er," he whispered, his voice thick with a quiet yearning. "Before we leave tomorrow, let's create one more unforgettable memory in this house."
She gave a soft nod, her voice no more than a breath. "Um."
That was all he needed.
His arms wrapped around her, holding her closer. His lips brushed the curve of her ear, sending a tremble through her body.
With reverence and restrained desire, his hands explored her form, memorizing every curve and line anew. It felt different now. Familiar, yet changed.
She blushed as his lips grazed her jaw. His kisses were slow and tender, lighting a fire within her.
She turned to him, pulling him into a kiss. It was deep and unhurried, filled with unspoken promises. A seal of everything they had endured, and all that awaited them.
Her arms wrapped around his neck as their kiss deepened. His fingers found the knots of her robe and loosened them.
The silk slid to the floor with a whisper, revealing a crimson belly band around her waist.
Her reconstructed body shimmered under the moonlight, flawless like carved jade. A faint glow kissed her skin, enhancing her already ethereal beauty.
He untied the belly band, letting it fall and expose her bare breasts. Fuller, rounder than before, her nipples hardened under his gaze.
He leaned down, brushing his lips along her collarbone before gently taking her breast into his mouth.
She gasped, her head falling back as he worshipped her with lips and tongue. Each flick, each suckle sent waves through her body.
She clung to his shoulders, breath trembling. Everything felt heightened—her skin more sensitive, her responses sharper.
Perhaps it was the transformation. Or perhaps it was simply him.
He nipped gently, and she gave a breathless moan.
"Ah..."
Su Kang kissed lower, trailing down her stomach until he paused above the final barrier.
His fingers slipped beneath the crimson undergarment and instantly pulled it away.
"You—" she started, but he silenced her with a kiss.
"I'm sorry, Xi'er. I can't hold back anymore."
She didn't resist. He lifted her in his arms, carrying her to the bed and laying her down with quiet care.
His robe dropped to the floor. Her eyes followed his form, her breath catching at the sight of him. He was strong, toned, his desire plain to see.
Their gazes met. The world around them disappeared.
She parted her legs slightly, silently inviting him in.
He entered her slowly. She bit her lip, a cry caught in her throat as he pushed in, inch by inch. The stretch was intense, raw, and intimate.
He paused, stunned by the sensation.
She was tight—tighter than he remembered. Her body gripped him as if it had never known another.
Had the pill restored her physical virginity?
She had known it would be like this. She had been waiting for this moment.
She looked up at him, her gaze tender and unwavering. With trembling fingers, she reached up and cupped his face.
"I've given you my virginity now," she whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. "So… no more teasing me with your strange little jokes."
Her body had been physically restored. But her primordial yin was not there. In the eyes of a true cultivator like him, she wasn't truly a virgin.
But in this moment, none of that mattered.
She gazed up at him, eyes shimmering. "I'm not going anywhere. Li Xiao was my husband…"
Su Kang's chest tightened. His hand cupped her cheek, thumb brushing away a tear.
"But you are my husband now," she said, her voice soft but steady.
"I'm sorry, Xi'er," he murmured.
"I know I acted childishly. But I want to be your only husband. Not your last, not just the current one… but the only one. When you think of the word 'husband,' I want you to think of me."
He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers.
"Li Xiao is just the biological father of Li Fang. Nothing more."
He pressed a kiss to her forehead, full of longing. "Do you understand what that means?"
She nodded slowly. Her voice was sure, conviction burning in her gaze.
"You are my only husband, and from this moment on… I am only your woman."
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper into her.
Then buried her face against his neck.
"Don't be jealous of someone who's already gone. I will spend the rest of my life in your arms."
Every inch of him filled her completely, and in that moment, his heart swelled with love and longing.
He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering as if sealing her vow with tenderness.
"Then let's create a lifetime of beautiful memories," he murmured, voice husky with desire.
"Starting now."
He began to move, slowly at first—his rhythm deliberate and steady, savoring her warmth. But as the fire between them built, his pace quickened.
She moved with him, her hips rising to meet his with a natural, sensual rhythm. There was no hesitation in her gaze, only trust and passion.
"Faster," she urged, her breath hot against his ear, fingers digging into his back.
He obliged. His thrusts grew more powerful, more intense, his control slipping as she tightened around him, her inner muscles pulling him in with greedy heat.
Paa... paa... paa...
The rhythmic slap of their bodies filled the room, mingling with her soft cries and his ragged breathing. It was a symphony of raw desire.
"Ahh… yes… ahhh!" she cried out, her voice trembling with both pleasure and desperation. Her back arched, chasing more of him, surrendering completely.
Their lips met again in a kiss that was wild and consuming, their tongues tangled as if to claim each other again and again.
He gripped her waist and adjusted his angle, his thrusts striking deeper, brushing against the most sensitive parts of her.
She moaned louder, lost in the overwhelming pleasure. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and her legs clung to him as if anchoring herself through the storm.
His hand reached down between them, fingers finding her bud. He rubbed gently, then firmly, coaxing another wave of ecstasy from her trembling body.
Her cries grew higher, more frantic. "Yes… husband—ahhh!"
For what felt like an eternity—minutes that blurred into one another—he moved within her with relentless rhythm, each thrust building toward the inevitable.
Her body tensed, a scream caught in her throat as the orgasm ripped through her. Her walls clamped down on him, milking him for everything he had.
He groaned, pressing deep into her, releasing inside her with a shudder.
His warmth flooded her womb. Her legs shook, and she collapsed onto the pillow, gasping for breath, her skin flushed and glowing.
He held her close, still buried deep within her, unwilling to pull away from the comforting heat of her body.
She looked like a goddess bathed in moonlight and candle glow—hair tousled, skin damp with sweat, and eyes shimmering with tenderness.
"Wife, you're so damn beautiful," he muttered, brushing her damp hair back.
Her heart fluttered at his words. She felt hot—not just between her legs, but in her chest. That warmth… it belonged to him now.
Her thoughts drifted back to their wedding night—the one interrupted union.
"Husband, let me make up for what we lost that night," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly but filled with conviction.