Early Morning

The scene in the water mirror didn’t last long. It blurred after a moment, trembling like ripples scattered by the wind, and gradually faded away.

The mirror calmed, reflecting Xia Lun’s face, along with the petite figure of Aina nestled in his arms. Xia Lun’s chin rested on top of Aina’s head, their heads stacked one above the other.

“Looks like it’s over,” Aina said, brushing her hand across the mirror, and it dissolved into faint shards of ice that vanished into the air.

Xia Lun had a rough idea of Mian’s predicament now.

Every night, he was peering into Aise’s memories… That hardly seemed like a virtuous act. If Xia Lun told the others outright, Aise would likely find out, and there was no guarantee he wouldn’t lash out in fury.

Still, there really wasn’t any need to tell Xia Lun and the others about this.

“Xia Lun, what are you planning to do next?” Aina tilted her head up, her soft hair brushing against Xia Lun’s jaw. He absently stroked her silky hair, lost in thought.

Aina reached up and touched his cheek. “If you keep dragging this out… it’s not going to work. We’ve already been staying here for quite a while. Even if Liyana hasn’t said anything openly, she’s itching to set off.”

Xia Lun opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words. He naturally couldn’t let go of Mian’s situation, but taking a ticking time bomb like this on a journey was far too unpredictable.

“Honestly… Xia Lun, I can’t think of any way to make that guy Aise willingly leave Mian’s body. He’s a complete lunatic, and lunatics have no weaknesses.” Aina sighed, turned around, and looked intently into Xia Lun’s eyes. “I suggest you give up on him sooner rather than later. If you keep stalling, it won’t end well.”

Aina felt the arms holding her tighten slightly.

“Give him a little more time,” Xia Lun said, his voice tinged with bitterness.

He knew it too.

Even Aina had no solution for this situation except to temporarily imprison Mian… What could he possibly do?

“Give him a little more time, Aina… There’s still hope.” Xia Lun took a deep breath, but despite his words, his eyes were dim and uncertain.

Helplessness was the most desperate feeling, like staring at an unsolvable math problem… Even if you gazed at it all day, the answer wouldn’t surface on its own.

Aina gently held Xia Lun’s hand, comforting him. “You’re right, Xia Lun… We still have time. Let’s both be a bit more patient.”

“Sorry, I’ve been too stubborn.”

“No need to apologize. After all, you’re the hero… and also my beloved husband. I’ve known your nature all along.” Aina rubbed her head against Xia Lun’s chest. “If I were unhappy about it, I wouldn’t have chosen to be with you in the first place.”

“Aina, you’re wonderful…”

“Mm, I know.” Aina lifted her delicate little chin with a hint of pride. “I really am wonderful, so you’d better listen to me from now on to repay my kindness.”

The Lord Demon King’s kindness truly was a debt that could never be repaid…

“What did you say?” But Aina’s remark still made Xia Lun chuckle faintly, his brows finally relaxing.

“I said you need to listen to me obediently, Xia Lun…” Aina snorted softly, then raised a leg high, nearly kicking it in Xia Lun’s face. “I’m ordering you now: give my ankle a good massage. I know you like that…”

Xia Lun pretended to be annoyed and flipped over without ceremony, pinning Aina beneath him.

“I didn’t ask you to crush my hair, Xia Lun.” Though both her wrists were firmly gripped and her hair was a bit messy, Aina still arched her long, graceful neck, striking a defiant pose as if she refused to yield—except a hint of allure lingered in her eyes.

The sight of Aina like this made Xia Lun swallow hard.

“Let go of me, now!” Aina commanded with a feigned sternness, her voice sharp but cute.

To her surprise, Xia Lun actually got off her and released her pale wrists.

Aina was stunned for a moment, thinking he had misunderstood, but seeing the irritating grin on his face, she puffed her cheeks in annoyance and pulled him back into her arms, holding him even tighter.

Her cheek pressed against his chest, and this time she was more honest: “Rascal, I didn’t mean for you to actually let go…”

…

That night, Mian finally had a good sleep for a change.

The dream didn’t last long; perhaps because it was all monotonous repetition of killing, Aise quickly grew bored and left the dream early.

When the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting dappled spots of light on Mian’s face, he slowly opened his eyes, feeling a rare sense of refreshment.

As usual, he went to the courtyard, where Xia Lun was already practicing with his sword.

The sun was warm without being harsh, and the air carried the fresh scent of grass and dew.

Xia Lun was bare-chested. With each swing, the muscles on his back rippled like waves, and the biceps and deltoids on his arms contracted and relaxed rhythmically, as if every fiber contained immense strength. Mian marveled at the sight.

Unlike Musen’s explosive visual impact, Xia Lun’s physique had a smoother aesthetic. Every line was just right, balancing strength with a pleasing appearance.

Mian looked down at himself, puzzled. Normally, his build seemed similar to Xia Lun’s, but once clothes were off, the difference was like night and day… He couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.

After watching carefully for a moment, Mian suddenly realized: the muscles on Xia Lun’s body expanded and contracted far more dramatically when he moved—like a sponge soaked with water, unleashing immense power when activated and softening into graceful lines when relaxed.

Mian wasn’t discouraged. After all, the man before him was the legendary hero; comparing himself to that was like heaven and earth.

“Morning, Mian.”

Xia Lun’s call snapped him out of his daze.

Xia Lun sheathed his sword and turned to look at Mian, a warm smile on his face. The sun shone from behind him, outlining his figure in a golden halo.

“Morning! Mr. Xia Lun…” Mian wanted to reply loudly, but then remembering something, he immediately lowered his voice.

Xia Lun laughed and asked, “Want to spar?”

Mian froze, instinctively glancing around to make sure he was the only one there—that Xia Lun wasn’t talking to someone else.

“Spar?” Mian pointed at his own cheek in disbelief. “Mr. Xia Lun… with me?”