Chapter 66: Soaring Together?

Within the city of Flame, chaos reigned like a bubbling cauldron, but forty miles away, the small village where Hu Mo and his companions resided remained serene and peaceful.

After his breakthrough, Hu Mo felt an immense sense of ease. The tranquil atmosphere of the village soothed him, a comfort he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Zhu Xinyue, upon waking, had changed drastically. Where once she’d been willful and headstrong, now she was astonishingly gentle, virtuous, and considerate. Especially toward Hu Mo, her tender manner was so unusual it unsettled him. Such a dramatic transformation left him utterly defeated.

Cang Ling, too, was much altered. No longer did she wear an icy expression; instead, she greeted everyone with a warm smile, especially the villagers. In recent days, she had used her abilities to heal many of their illnesses and prepare medicines to prolong their lives. The villagers began to call her a living goddess and even set up a shrine in her honor.

Hu Mo was deeply moved. He had many questions for Cang Ling, but reconsidered; he didn’t want to disturb this living goddess in her benevolence. Besides, if Cang Ling wished to speak, she would do so on her own. Asking abruptly might only earn him a curt rebuff, something he’d experienced more than once.

In gratitude, the villagers prepared sumptuous meals every day. The simple country dishes had a unique flavor, even impressing Zhu Xinyue, who was used to delicacies. She devoured them like an eager kitten.

“Hu Mo, have some chicken.” It was the twentieth time Zhu Xinyue had served him food during the meal, piling most of the dishes onto his plate. Though Hu Mo wanted to refuse, her enthusiasm left him no choice but to watch as his bowl overflowed with a mountain of food—a scene both amusing and impressive.

The village women laughed heartily; Hu Mo and Zhu Xinyue seemed every bit a young couple in love—he, handsome and refined; she, beautiful and graceful. Their playful antics at the table brought extra joy to the gathering.

Three days passed, and no one came searching for them. It was as if the village had vanished from the region entirely.

During those days, the villagers stayed within the village for treatment. This was a place known for its elderly, sick, and infirm. The men had either gone to war or left to work as laborers for the wealthy, and those who remained had been ill for years. Even with Cang Ling’s considerable powers, it took time to gather the necessary herbs and heal everyone.

To Zhu Xinyue, these days flew by too quickly. Hu Mo, having just broken through, was still unable to use his strength, so he spent his time with her, enjoying carefree days in the village.

After three days, Cang Ling finally cured all the villagers’ ailments. At sunrise, the three of them left the village and began their return to Flame City.

Upon leaving, Hu Mo sensed a change in the surroundings. Glancing back, he saw the village vanish before his eyes—until he noticed Cang Ling making a subtle gesture. His confusion vanished as he watched her point toward the village, chanting softly. In a moment, it reappeared before them.

Zhu Xinyue’s eyes widened in disbelief. She hurriedly asked, “Sister Cang, how did you do that? Hiding the entire village—amazing!”

Her awe for Cang Ling grew severalfold, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Cang Ling smiled faintly, a smile that could topple kingdoms—words could not capture her enchanting beauty. “Oh, it’s just a little trick. Things haven’t been peaceful lately—people running everywhere. If I hadn’t set a hidden illusion barrier, how would you two have had so much time to whisper sweet nothings to each other?”

She grinned mischievously, her tone with Zhu Xinyue far more casual than before.

Zhu Xinyue blushed, protesting shyly, “Sister Cang, don’t tease me. You’re brother Hu’s wife, how could I compete with you?”

Her voice was tinged with sadness. Though Hu Mo had explained his relationship with Cang Ling, Zhu Xinyue couldn’t shake the knot in her heart. Even if they weren’t married, they were certainly more than friends. The thought brought a pang of sorrow, and her expression dimmed.

Cang Ling laughed. “Ha! Xinyue, you’re such a kidder. How could I fall for this fool? I mean—this silly boy. We’re not suited; the gap is too wide. But you’re different—beautiful, shapely, young and lovely, with a fine figure and... well, you know the rest.”

“Ahem, do you think I’m invisible?” Hu Mo finally couldn’t take it. Even setting aside Cang Ling’s unconventional choice of words, her bold, unrestrained description of him right to his face was more than he could handle.

Cang Ling covered her mouth, laughing merrily; Zhu Xinyue turned red as a tomato, a far cry from her usual spirited self.

“We should hurry back. My father and the others must be worried,” Zhu Xinyue murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Cang Ling burst out laughing, seized both of them by the hand, and a gentle yet vast power radiated from her. In the blink of an eye, their bodies vanished without a trace.

Hu Mo and Zhu Xinyue felt themselves swept into a dark tunnel. In a flash, they stood once more in Hu Mo’s room in Flame City—Cang Ling’s spatial leap had landed them with perfect accuracy.

“How was that? My spatial jump is right on target,” Cang Ling said cheerfully, tossing her hair with pride.

Hu Mo rather liked this new Cang Ling—free-spirited, natural, without that former chill.

But now he was at a loss. The teleportation had brought them home, yes, but what was he to do with the lively princess, their unexpected guest?

Zhu Xinyue, on the other hand, was delighted—touching, sitting, and even sprawling out on Hu Mo’s bed, stretching as if she meant to nap, treating his room as if it were her own.

“What’s wrong? Problem?” Cang Ling saw Hu Mo’s expression and guessed his thoughts, deliberately prompting him.

“Ah? No, no, of course not. It’s just…”

“If there’s no problem, what’s this ‘just’? I figured you two hadn’t been sleeping well, so I brought you straight to the bedroom. Why not rest a bit—perhaps make the most of the opportunity and complete what needs to be done? Weren’t you two all lovey-dovey these past days?” Cang Ling’s enigmatic smile made Zhu Xinyue hide her face beneath the covers, though she made no move to leave the bed.

Such was the custom in the southern lands: a girl who met her beloved needed not observe excessive propriety. Though Hu Mo had long hoped for this day, to take a woman so simply felt careless—above all, unfair to Zhu Xinyue.

“Sister Cang, please don’t joke like that. I’ve got a thick skin, but the princess is still untouched—you should be more considerate!” Hu Mo replied with a grin, cursing her inwardly. But Cang Ling merely looked unfazed, which made Hu Mo uneasy.

“Sigh, you’re just putting on a show, you scoundrel. Don’t you see Xinyue’s already in your bed? The girl’s taken the initiative, but you’re still dithering—what, do you want me to join you too?” The moment Cang Ling said this, Hu Mo felt his blood surge, his nose almost bleeding from the rush.

Truly, her words were devastating. For a heartbeat, the room fell utterly silent.

Drip. Drip.

A few drops of blood trickled from Hu Mo’s nose, spattering the floor with tiny blossoms of red.

“Haha! A nosebleed? You don’t even have the makings of a proper rake—how did you ever earn your reputation?” Cang Ling laughed uproariously. Hu Mo had never seen her so uninhibited.

Wiping his nose, Hu Mo grumbled, “Just overheated, nothing to fuss about. I’m not interested in you, so why don’t you go cool off somewhere else?”

Even as he uttered these words, his heart ached. The thought of sharing two women at once was a powerful temptation.

Zhu Xinyue, mortified, leapt from the bed and ran to Cang Ling, clutching her sleeve, “Sister Cang, please send me back. My father must be worried…”

She was truly adorable now, her bashful, bright-eyed look inviting one to pinch her cheek.

Hu Mo sighed and took up her thread, “He’s right—the emperor must be in a frenzy. If you don’t return soon, Flame City will be in an uproar. Princess, just stick to what we agreed—don’t let anything slip, alright?”

“I know, it’s our secret! I’ll come play again when I can. I’m going now, Sister Cang…”

“Fine, fine. If you’re all so bashful, next time be ready. Come, little one, hold on tight—we’re off!” Cang Ling replied merrily. Just as she finished, the bedroom door suddenly burst open with a mighty kick, and Hu Yihu’s red face appeared, shining like a lantern at New Year.

“Well, well—where have you come from, and where are you off to now?”