The depths of the cave grew increasingly intricate, and the further they ventured, the more oppressive the air became.
Fang Songhe, who had gone ahead, was nowhere to be seen—whether he had caught up to Song Tingxue remained unknown.
Chu'he's entire body resisted stepping into this dark, eerie place, but Ninth, gripping just one of her hands, effortlessly dragged her forward.
Unlike her expression, which looked as if she were mourning a parent, Ninth was brimming with energy, his beautiful ruby-like eyes scanning their surroundings. The shadowy, forest-like scenery seemed to fascinate him.
Like a child on an outing, he radiated an irrepressible excitement.
Chu'he was on the verge of tears, her steps heavy as she was pulled along.
Ninth glanced back at her, tilting his head slightly, likely puzzled by her indescribable expression.
"What are you afraid of? I'm here."
That’s exactly why I’m afraid—because you’re here, acting unpredictably!
Chu'he said, "These plants look terrifying!"
"Terrifying?" Ninth blinked in confusion before plucking a purple flower and holding it out to her. "These are just Soul-Snare Blooms. They have a mind-dazing effect, but they’re nothing to fear."
Chu'he paused. "You know what these flowers are called?"
"Of course." His eyes curved into crescents as he smiled. "They’re everywhere in the Misty Forests of the Southern Frontier."
Chu'he gasped. "These flowers are from the Southern Frontier?"
"Yep."
"Why didn’t you say so earlier?"
"You never asked."
Chu'he choked back her words.
Ninth twirled the flower between his fingers, its vivid hue accentuating his slender, pale hands. "Soul-Snare Blooms thrive in the Southern Frontier. Though they feed on flesh and blood, they also preserve life, keeping the body from decay."
A faint floral fragrance wafted over, and Chu'he suddenly felt dizzy.
"You said… these flowers can bewitch the mind?"
"Indeed. Those with weak wills easily succumb to their desires."
The boy before her leaned down, his stunning face alight with a brilliant smile, his eyes sparkling with pure, untainted radiance.
He’s so beautiful.
Her thoughts dissolved, leaving only instinct. As if bewitched, she reached out, cupping his lovely face, then drew closer, gazing at him with rapt fascination, unblinking.
Ninth lowered his lashes, meeting her stare with curiosity.
"Ninth, you’re so beautiful."
"I like you so much."
"Can I kiss you?"
Hearing her blunt words, the boy’s eyes gleamed. "No."
Her face crumpled as if struck by devastation. Tears welled, her voice trembling with grievance. "Why?"
This version of her—far more amusing than her usual sharp-tongued self—delighted him.
Mischief flared, and he pinched her soft cheek, making her eyes glisten even more like rain-drenched spring. His lips curled into a wicked grin.
"Say my name," he demanded.
Chu'he: "Ninth."
He shook his head. "My real name. I told you before—Chi Yan. That’s my name."
But she seemed too upset to comply, lips pressed tight, tears falling silently.
Her defiance wouldn’t do.
"Ah’he."
"My sweet Ah’he."
"Say my name."
"Do that, and I’ll let you kiss me."
Bending low, his crimson eyes, bright with starlight, locked onto hers. Their noses brushed, the lively chime of ornaments on his body accompanying the playful sway of his white hair.
Chu'he whispered, "Chi Yan."
He grinned, cradling her face, and pressed his lips to hers—warm and yielding.
The naive boy from distant lands thought this was enough. But then, her tongue slid wetly over his lips, tracing their seam. He froze.
Her fingers tangled with his.
"Why won’t you open your mouth?" she complained.
Dazed, he murmured an "Oh," his cold chest now aflame with frantic heartbeats. Anticipation coiled in him as he obeyed, parting his lips.
Her tongue ventured in—a tentative flick, like a shooting star grazing his heart. He tasted the sweetness of her lip rouge.
Clumsy, fumbling, their breaths tangled, growing ragged.
Unconsciously, his arms tightened around her slender waist. Only when pollen dusted the floral pins in her hair did he realize how close they were—close enough for their pounding hearts to collide.
The floral scent was overwhelming.
Chu'he suddenly went limp, collapsing against him.
Ninth touched his tingling lips, his thoughts scattered. He didn’t know what trick she’d used, but it had left him defenseless.
This unfamiliar heat, this loss of control—his body burned, and it was unbearable.
"Hey, Chu'he."
He pinched her cheek, forcing her dazed, unfocused eyes to meet his.
"What was that just now? Why haven’t you kissed me like that before?"
Her gaze was clouded, her mind adrift. Already weak-willed, the pollen’s influence had erased all sense of time.
Though her lip rouge was now smeared across his mouth, her lips remained lush and red, even lovelier than before.
His throat bobbed. Taking advantage of her mute stupor, he brushed his thumb over her lips and murmured,
"I’ll let you kiss me again. Come here."
A deafening BANG echoed through the cave, jolting her back to awareness.
Chu'he blinked, finding herself still walking through the tunnel, her hand still clasped in Ninth’s. Confusion fogged her mind.
"Ninth—" The moment she spoke, pain shot through her lips and tongue. Frowning, she touched her mouth. "What happened to me?"
Ninth feigned concern. "What’s wrong?"
"My mouth is hurt!"
He tilted his head, all innocence. "Is it?"
She could feel the raw skin inside her mouth, though she’d been fine earlier. How had this happened?
Her sharp eyes narrowed. "Was it you?"
Ninth’s expression was guileless. "What could I have done?"
Chu'he reached out, swiping her thumb over the red stain at the corner of his lips. Her stare turned stern.
Ninth averted his face, idly playing with a little green snake that had coiled around his arm to watch the spectacle.
"Ninth—"
Another BANG, louder and closer this time.
He perked up. "Someone’s fighting ahead. This’ll be fun."
And with that, Ninth darted off.
Chu'he chased after him, shouting, "You rotten Ninth, don’t you dare run!"
