148: 4.13 Humble Abode

4.13 Humble Abode

Fortunately, Heimo found a little pond in a remote and secluded area behind the cave where it was hidden by thick and natural bushes. The water was clear and slightly sweet and only when he splashed his face with it a few times could he finally calm down enough to make a sound judgement.  1

Jingxue-Jun… wasn't he a bit too shameless and forward with his affection?

Well, not that Heimo was complaining as it would go well with his plan but…they had practically only met yesterday! Did love at first sight really exist? Heimo had no idea of love between spouses other than his foster parents'. But then, in his memories, they had always got along harmoniously. Yes, that's the right word. It's serene and tranquil, a love that was like an open sky, gentle yet calming at the same time.

But with Jingxue-Jun… it was different, Heimo knew it. There was nothing tranquil and calming about it. Every gaze he offered, every touch that lingered and every word he spoke, they shook his very foundation and threatened to take him apart. It was disconcerting, he felt as if he was going to drown if he lowered his guard down. It was a violent spark that glided across the tongue of flame and if he got too close, he might very well get hurt. But just like the flame, it was very bright and warm, it hooked and bewitched him, whispering seduction right into his ears. 

You won't get hurt. I got you.

Heimo vehemently shook his head and this time, plunged his entire head down into the pond and only emerged when his lungs screamed for air. He heaved, water clinging onto his lashes before it trickled down his jaw and drenched his chest. His hair was soaking wet and he was certain that he didn't look any better than a drenched rat.

Until the end, he didn't manage to tamper the heat down.

***

It wasn't until he could finally tear his attention away from how perfect the shape of Jingxue-Jun's eyebrows did he finally realize something different about his body that he should have noticed upon waking up. He felt fresher and lighter, in a way that he hadn't felt before since he dabbled in the practice of demonic cultivation. It was as if someone had cleaned him inside and out and turned him anew. 

Was it Jingxue-Jun? But… how could it be possible? 

Heimo shook the thought away. He would do a thorough check later after he was alone.

After they had washed up, the man insisted on bringing him to a physician even though Heimo had repeatedly told him that his fever had broken — that was one more thing he was confused about. His poison wasn't supposed to be so tame that he could flush it out of his system after a day. Of course he wouldn't die but it was definitely potent enough to boil him in a high fever for one whole week at the very least. The fact that he was healthy and practically glowing added to one more suspicious point he needed to crosscheck. It might be the phoenix's meat, his brain supplied. Yes, that was a very reasonable explanation but for some reason, Heimo suspected that another factor was playing a hand here.

The morning passed by as usual. Both of them didn't discuss the awkward morning between them and Heimo's gut feeling told him that Jingxue-Jun wouldn't divulge anything involuntarily, ever. Thus the only thing Heimo could do was to act as if it had never happened even though he was dying to know what had transpired between them that he ended up sleeping in Jingxue-Jun's embrace. Seriously, how could Jingxue-Jun keep his impassive and aloof look whereas Heimo was stewing in awkwardness and shame? He had no idea that Jingxue-Jun was so thick skinned!

Despite Heimo's curiosity, he forced himself to curb it. For now. He was supposed to be Lan'er, a cultivator of mediocre skill who was poisoned and injured by bad guys. He wasn't even supposed to know what kind of poison that plagued him. So when Jingxue-Jun expressed that they needed the physician to make sure that Heimo wouldn't suffer from any side effects, he had no choice but to agree.

Heimo had no new clothes after his old ones ended up being stained with blood thus he could only wear Jingxue-Jun's spare robes. The light blue fabric hung loosely on his shoulders and waist. He was once again reminded of how slender he was compared to Jingxue-Jun's surprisingly muscular body — yes, Heimo knew. And nope, he didn't see it in person (unfortunately). He groped Jingxue-Jun's chest when he was half asleep, remember? Now forget about that otherwise he wouldn't be able to focus on anything for the rest of the day!

He let out a gasp when he was swept off his feet, literally. "J—Jingxue-Jun…?! What—" His arms went around the man's shoulders for purchase as he stared up at him with wide eyes. Close, too close. The words of complaint died down in his throat as he could only offer a silly look at the perfect creature in front of his eyes.

Lu Yizhou's eyes were endearingly fond and Heimo found himself blushing yet again. "Hold on." He said. "You're still injured and we will be faster this way." Then he grabbed a cloak and covered Heimo's head with it. 

The village was boisterously loud and Heimo was thankful for the cloak as he was certain that he couldn't bear the amount of attention he was in when the villagers realized that the esteemed, pure and cold Jingxue-Jun was carrying somebody in his arms. In an instant, the villagers exploded into a small uproar. 

Oh God, look at them! Look at how gentle Jingxue-Jun's countenance was. He was so protective toward the person in his arms. There was no doubt that the relationship between them was more intimate than normal! Unfortunately, from their perspective, they could only catch sight of luscious jet black hair and a glimpse of fair and slender fingers. Heavens, they ought to be a heavenly beauty to be able to capture Jingxue-Jun's attention!

"Oh my, Jingxue-Jun! Is your companion okay?!"

"Is that your… *cough* cultivation partner?"

"Should we expect good news from Lingyan in a few days?"

"Many thanks to Jingxue-Jun for exterminating the purple tiger!"

"Jingxue-Jun…"

Heimo buried his head into the crook of the man's shoulders and snickered at how popular he was. Heimo didn't want to admit it but he was secretly enjoying the attention. Of course, this was Jingxue-Jun they were talking about. The aforementioned man didn't even bother to acknowledge the teasing and inquiring sentence. He only stopped at the elderly who offered him gratitude and nodded. "The purple tiger will not harm the village any longer."

"Thank you, thank you very much, Jingxue-Jun!"

"May I know where the physician is?"

Without any suspense, they were directed toward the best physician who took Heimo's wrist for a few minutes and proclaimed him as fit as a fiddle. Heimo gave Jingxue-Jun a smug smile that said, "I told you so!"

He received a helpless look in response. 

On their way out, Jingxue-Jun casted the glamour spell on them so that they could blend in nicely with the crowd. Heimo took advantage of the man's fat money pouch to buy himself a lot of steamed buns and tanghulu he had been craving for. Heimo was happily munching on his food when a flower seller girl abruptly bumped onto his back. In an instant, his entire body stiffened.

"M—My apologies!" She said in flustered before weaving through the crowd and disappearing from sight.

Jingxue-Jun arrived by his side in a split second and placed a palm on his back. Its warmth snapped Heimo out of his reverie. "Are you okay?" The man asked, his eyes tinged with concern.

Heimo forced himself to smile. "This humble one is fine, just a little bit…tired. Actually, Jingxue-Jun, this humble one's house isn't too far away. Do you mind being my guest for the day?"

He nodded readily. "Lead the way."

Heimo's excitement dimmed for the rest of the journey and he could feel Jingxue-Jun's occasional glances at him. He prepared for the question that might come except it never did. Then he recalled Jingxue-Jun saying that Heimo could tell him anything if he so wished and his heart did a weird somersault again in his chest. His stomach fluttered in a way that told him that it definitely wasn't from overeating. Was it natural for Jingxue-Jun to be so sweet toward someone he had just met yesterday? Heimo wondered. Seriously, how could anyone compare him to stone jade when the man was clearly being so warm and benign?

He perked up as the bamboo hut came into sight and eagerly welcomed Jingxue-Jun in. "Welcome to my humble abode. Forgive me if it's not up to your usual standard, Jingxue-Jun."

"It's a nice house," the man said as he looked around. Heimo had to suppress his smile as he went to the kitchen to boil some tea and came out a few minutes later with a tray on hands. 

"Please help yourself…" He paused and batted his lashes. "...Yi-gege."

As he expected, Jingxue-Jun's pupils trembled for a split second before it swiftly replaced with eerily maintained composure. With a hum, he lifted the cup to his lips and paused. 

Heimo leaned forward and smiled sweetly. "Is there something wrong, Yi-gege?"

"No," Jingxue-Jun gave him an unreadable look and for a split second, Heimo thought that he had been busted and his heart almost jumped out of his throat. But then, the man added. "Nothing was wrong." And downed the tea in one large gulp. 

Heimo almost let out a huge sigh of relief. There was no way that Jingxue-Jun would realize that he had put something inside, right? Afterall, it was one of his proudest concoctions. Traceless, colorless and tasteless. 

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