Chapter 120: Jealousy

Huo Tianqing moved swiftly through the forest, his sharp eyes watching intently from behind the dense foliage.

Bai Shengyun and Xie Yingying sat close together on a large stone, whispering sweet nothings, their intimacy stirring a surge of jealousy within Huo Tianqing’s cold, piercing gaze.

The two appeared utterly at ease, laughing and chatting as if they were celestial lovers, a sight that made Huo Tianqing long to tear that scoundrel to pieces.

Without warning, Huo Tianqing produced a potato from somewhere, and with a crisp snap, he crushed it into powder.

Xie Yingying, nibbling gently on an apple, suddenly pricked up her ears at the sound of footsteps crunching over broken twigs nearby. Her senses heightened.

Could there be someone else here?

Her ears, keen as ever, caught the subtle sounds.

“Bai Shengyun, do you notice anything strange around us?” she asked softly.

Bai Shengyun lazily reclined on the stone, crossing one leg over the other. He gave a slight nod.

“Yeah, there’s definitely someone here. Someone’s been sneaking a peek at us the whole time,” he said with a mocking tone.

Huo Tianqing emerged from the trees, his icy and ruthless gaze locking onto Bai Shengyun.

“What are you two doing here, a man and a woman alone?” he demanded, pulling Xie Yingying behind him protectively.

Xie Yingying was momentarily bewildered by the sudden pull. Though Huo Tianqing’s expression was unreadable, she knew from the story that he was fond of her—albeit in a disturbingly obsessive way.

She reached out, gently shaking his wrist. “Ah, Master, what are you doing? Why so angry?”

But Huo Tianqing’s imposing aura failed to intimidate Bai Shengyun, who lounged on the stone like the most dashing hero of a grand tale, a light breeze stirring his hair and a drifting willow catkin adding to his effortless charm.

A handsome and beguiling youth, utterly captivating.

Bai Shengyun narrowed his eyes and sneered disdainfully.

“Why else, if not jealousy? It’s obvious,” he taunted.

Each word was a dagger to Huo Tianqing’s heart. Without warning, he grabbed Bai Shengyun, lifting him up. His eyes blazing with murderous intent, he pressed a dagger hard against Bai Shengyun’s chest.

Yet Bai Shengyun was fearless, meeting Huo Tianqing’s gaze unflinchingly, as if daring him.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong? Or are you just embarrassed and angry?” Bai Shengyun’s smile deepened, his already striking features becoming even more alluring.

Xie Yingying sighed helplessly, reaching out to gently pull Huo Tianqing back.

“Alright, Master, please don’t be angry. We were only chatting and having fun,” she pleaded softly.

Huo Tianqing stared into Bai Shengyun’s eyes for a long moment. “Just having fun, huh?”

Good heavens, the look in his eyes was terrifying.

Though Xie Yingying knew from the story that he liked her, his affection was disturbingly twisted. How could she make him stop liking her?

Nodding earnestly like a little chick pecking at grain, she said, “Yes, yes, we were only playing. Nothing else at all!”

Huo Tianqing had just witnessed their intimate conversation, so close and natural they might have been immortal lovers. To say there was nothing between them was absurd.

He finally released Bai Shengyun, who nearly fell to the ground, tugging at his azure robes in frustration.

“You’re just jealous because you’re not as good-looking as others, but your heart is full of malice,” Bai Shengyun taunted. Though not gifted in many ways, his sharp tongue was his weapon.

Xie Yingying quickly patted Huo Tianqing’s chest, urging him to calm down.

“Alright, alright, don’t overthink it, Master. There’s truly nothing between us,” she said helplessly, spreading her hands.

Huo Tianqing studied her for a while longer. Noticing her collar was slightly open, he immediately pulled her garment closed.

“How can you dress like this?” he scolded.

Xie Yingying replied, “It’s just the wind. I didn’t notice, Master.”

She was only showing a bit of her collarbone—nothing more. In modern times, even bare arms and legs wouldn’t cause a fuss.

Bai Shengyun, fearless as ever, mocked from the side, “Some people are just jealous. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, but some just can’t admit it.”

Huo Tianqing turned again, his face fierce as if ready to devour, eyes cold to the extreme. He grabbed Bai Shengyun once more and slammed him against a tree.

“What did you say? Say it again!”

“Say it again? Fine…” Bai Shengyun smirked.

Was this guy truly fearless? Xie Yingying gently tugged on Huo Tianqing’s sleeve.

“Master, don’t take it so seriously! That’s just how he is. Maybe he likes me. But there’s really nothing between us. If you don’t believe me, you can dig out my heart!” she joked.

Huo Tianqing actually glanced at her chest.

Startled, Xie Yingying covered herself quickly, thinking that such a possessive, troubled man might actually do something so terrifying. The thought sent chills down her spine.

How frightening!

Huo Tianqing gave a faint smile.

“Xie Yingying, as your Master, I order you to stay away from this man. You should listen to me. Don’t associate with such a reckless fellow, or you might pick up some bad habits.”

Bai Shengyun was a proud man who never admitted his feelings. Now, using his position as Master, he insisted they keep their distance.

Xie Yingying nodded earnestly.

“This is Master’s teaching, Master’s teaching!” she affirmed.

Bai Shengyun was infuriated. He pushed Huo Tianqing aside, their eyes locking like flint and steel. Xie Yingying stood between them, sensing the tension like a tangible force.

“I want her, so what? I like her! Unlike you, who hides everything!” Bai Shengyun snapped.

“You’ve got some nerve. Fine, if you’re so bold, let’s fight,” Huo Tianqing challenged.

Xie Yingying sighed deeply, uncertain whom to persuade. Neither side would listen. She stepped between them, pushing them apart.

“Enough, enough. Stop fighting, please. This is the mortal world—if you fight here, the innocent will suffer. Master, you’re my Master. You understand this, right?”

Huo Tianqing rarely cared about mortals. He did as he pleased without pity. But now, hearing Xie Yingying’s words, he relented, though he still harbored disdain for humanity.

The two finally separated, and Xie Yingying exhaled in relief.

To lighten the mood, she smiled brightly.

“Alright, since we’re all here, let’s not be upset. Let’s just treat this as a trip, and have fun.”

She spoke the word “trip” without realizing it was a modern term; she didn’t know if the others understood it.

This was the rule between the two realms, and they dared not disobey.

So the three of them began fishing, gathering wild fruits and medicinal herbs, then went down the mountain to admire flowers and play word riddles, even buying some bright red lanterns.

Time slipped by, second by second, until nightfall, when the three finally descended the mountain together.