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The voice echoed through the woods, causing the man to panic. The darkness was thick and suffocating, enveloping him in its inky embrace. His face was drenched in sweat, his body trembled as he hurried to escape the surrounding horror. Pushing past the bushes, he felt splinters and thorns scratching at him, causing a sharp pain in his hands as they began to bleed from the cuts. His throat was dry, he could barely even scream, desperate for help.
Out of exhaustion, the man's body gave up as it collapsed on the ground. His body felt weak, as it started to drain out of him. His hands could barely move just before losing consciousness.To his surprise, before he could pass out, he saw a light that shined through his eyes.
“Please, save me good Lord, I've been trapped by the aisle of chenyue wale, please you're our only hope!” said the man, giving him a glimmer of hope. Desperately crying out for help, he pleaded for salvation from the terror that had trapped him.
Just as the man thought he could be saved, a neck stretched out with navy lines, causing him to panic. The creature was half shaped, with its tongue hanging out and its jaws wide open. Its eyes were wide, with small red circles around the pupils, Staring at the man's soul with a death glare, as his joyful relief turned into another nightmare.
As the creature was about to devour the soul of an innocent man, a green spark illuminated its path, striking down the creator with a spear and sweeping the dreadful creature away in one swift movement.
The man was filled with terror as he realized that the masked figure was the conqueror of demons, the most dangerous yaksha to ever exist known to mankind. The man's body trembled as he hurriedly got up before planning to escape.
“T-Thank you for saving me C-Conqueror of demons.” The man stuttered as his body shuddered, expeditiously looking for a way to survive. His legs were weak as he turned around, his feeble body attempting to escape before the yaksha could remove its mask, revealing its charm of a young man.
“Pathetic mortals," sighed the Adeptus in irritation, arms crossed as he watched the man flee in fear of being killed on sight once more.
What did this wounded man hope to achieve? Was he trying to escape from an Adeptus or just a frightening creature that had almost stolen his soul? Gasping for breath, the man's legs buckled, and he collapsed with a painful thud. His muscles were strained, leaving him immobilized.
“Come on, Huanglong, you know you're better than this. Man up!" The man kept telling himself as his body started to shudder in fear. Huanglong was his name indeed. "You're supposed to be a man, a gentleman that women are fascinated by beauty, only in you!" Huanglong stared at his reflection in the water, dreaming of a fulfilled future.
Huanglong's thoughts were merely a fleeting illusion of himself being with two women. What a sweet little dream this man must have had. He smirked as he sipped his tea, while the two women leaned closer to him.
His glamorous dreams have now turned back into darkness, illuminating him once again as he gazed upon another scandalous monster. Huanglong's body started to ripple, resembling a metachurl, but their strength was even more powerful to contend with. As the Metachurl approached, Huanglong thought to himself.
My dreams are doomed. Will I be able to survive this madness? Archons, what have I gotten myself into….?
Was it truly the end of Huanglong's life? Had his dreams and aspirations been shattered? He longed to live longer, feeling himself deteriorating, resigned to the idea that no one would come to his rescue. Would an Adeptus intervene once more to save him? His body was too weak to resist or move, the metachurl had his axe poised to strike, ready to brutally damage Huanglong's body; he found himself trapped, on the brink of facing execution.
The crow’s flapping wings were heard as they swiftly flew away, the sword clashed heavily against a metachurl. Huanglong's eyes widened as he realized the figure standing in front of him was a woman in a white dress that appealed to his desires. To his surprise, she was a female traveler, known to be an honorary knight from before. She tightly gripped her sword, facing a deadly Metachurl without hesitation. Her hands burned with fatigue, yet she refused to back down, trusting her instincts.
The vicious Metachurl had lost its grip on its axe as the traveler poised to swiftly strike her blade down onto its upper chest. The Metachurl then thudded heavily to the ground, starting to vanish into ashes, leaving no trace behind. The traveler knelt down, contemplating this place, Chenyue Wale. She stood up and gazed at Huanglong, whose body began to decay in the absence of light, rotting him as his breath became a mere shred of throbs.
The traveler approached Huanglong to closely examine his injuries. A sense of foreboding enveloped her as she rested her fingers on her chin, contemplating the forest and the perilous creatures that inhabited it. She had encountered such beings throughout her journeys.
“Is the wound still causing numbness?" inquired the traveler in a soft tone.
Huanglong continued to experience significant pain; however, he was able to respond with a tentative "yes..." amidst his labored breaths. He found it difficult to comprehend that a woman such as the traveler had intervened to save him from his relentless suffering. Conversely, he could have sustained severe injuries that might have resulted in substantial blood loss or, in the worst-case scenario, death. He was on the brink of succumbing to his anguish, yet ultimately, he was fortunate enough to be rescued.
Before she could inquire further, the traveler promptly retrieved the first aid kit as she commenced her arduous mission. Upon opening the kit, she extracted some cotton and gently applied it to the wound on his leg, causing the man to wince in pain.
Huanglong exhaled sharply and began to breathe heavily. “It will be over shortly, sir," the traveler assured him in a composed manner, taking responsibility for the safety of this man. Huanglong's gaze was solely fixed on the traveler, feeling irresistibly drawn to her; she was the only woman who captivated his desires. In fact, he longed for the company of many women. He envisioned a life filled with the beauty of cherry blossom leaves, surrounded by women who embodied the essence of glamour. This was the singular aspiration that occupied his thoughts: to coexist with women and to satisfy his carnal desires.
The traveler completed the process of securing the bandage around his leg, ensuring that it was tightly fastened to maintain its position and effectively manage the wound without compromising its grip, as she rose from the ground. "Sir, I need you to return to Liyue safely. It is imperative that you protect yourself from those monsters to ensure your safe return.” She raised her sword as a precautionary measure before Huanglong could respond.
“I am unable to engage in combat... I am merely an ordinary man” as the traveler halted in their path. “madam..." His voice was feeble, and he found it difficult to rise from the ground; however, the traveler intervened, assisting him to his feet. Should he feel gratitude or merely astonishment that only one woman throughout his life had come to his aid?
“I would like to assure you that I will exert every effort to safeguard the citizens, including yourself.” she assured him. Nevertheless, he found himself contemplating his subsequent course of action. Huanglong needed to maintain his current position, but not for much longer before he—
Huanglong inhaled deeply to organize his thoughts, remaining stationary as he endeavored to articulate a coherent explanation. "So, you are the traveler, correct?" he inquired with a hint of nervousness, striving to maintain his composure.
“Yes, I am” said the traveler, as she advanced, undeterred by the potential dangers that lay ahead. She felt sufficiently confident to confront any challenges that might arise.
“ Wait!” Huanglong exclaimed as he hurried towards the traveler. Before the traveler could proceed, she turned around upon noticing his injured state.
“Sir I just need you to return safely-”, she began, but was interrupted before she could continue as Huanglong responded.
“I need you to accompany me home safely, and I can provide you with directions.” he exclaimed, breathless.“Traveler, you are my only hope. I need you to protect me.” a tone reflecting a sense of fear and insecurity as he lacked the confidence to confront them.
The female traveler experienced a sense of concern for the man in question. Was it truly prudent for her to ensure his safe passage alone? Given her assumption that this man was distinct from those she had previously encountered, she noted that many citizens expressed gratitude for the issues she had resolved. However, as the situation unfolded, the traveler began to harbor a degree of suspicion towards him, though she made a conscious effort not to dwell on these thoughts.
“Very well then” stated the traveler, maintaining her composure. “I will remain steady for any monsters along the way while ensuring your safety as we return.” She sustained a smile, embodying courage and resilience in the face of the dangers that pervade this forest.
My plan worked
Huanglong reflected on the success of his plan, feeling a sense of delight at how easily he had ensnared a woman like the traveler, who appeared to be both vulnerable and formidable, akin to a shining armor in disguise. As Huanglong advanced alongside the traveler, his feet remained immobile. However, the traveler had other plans to help him move forward. Instead, Huanglong attempted to approach her hands before she had the opportunity to respond.
“Uh, sir, it would be preferable if you refrain from touching my hand in that manner.” The traveler remarked, a trace of discomfort in her tone.
“I truly apologize madam but, I could not find an alternative on my side given that my legs aren't able to move within its current state.” Huanglong articulated as he continued to express his thoughts.” I believed that holding your hand was the only viable option, as it would provide me with a greater sense of comfort if it were with you.”
The traveler harbored some suspicions regarding this man, yet she chose not to dwell on them. Instead, she provided him with a sturdy wooden stick, which would assist him in moving forward despite his severe leg injury. “I completely understand that you are struggling, particularly with limited movements.” As she gave out herself a moment of self-reflection. “But that, however, does not grant you permission to touch me without my consent.” she asserted in a composed manner.
“Alright alright! I apologize, madam.”
The traveler contemplated the peculiar situation: how could this man, whom she had just rescued, refer to her as a madam, therefore many civilians have always referred to her as a traveler; however, she chose not to dwell on this anomaly as she concentrated on her primary objective of ensuring Huanglong's safety.
“Alright.” she sighed. “Apology accepted. Now, you must negotiate with me regarding the direction to your home, so that I may ensure your safety without the monsters noticing your presence.” She was prepared to confront any dangers that might arise as she advanced the route to his home; however, what would her next course of action be?
The dark and solemn forest of Chenyue had fallen silent in its presence, devoid of any indications of fearsome monsters or lurking dangers. This absence of threat could be considered one of the most peculiar occurrences. However, a sudden green spark illuminated the surroundings, prompting curiosity about its origin. To the surprise of many, it was once again the conqueror of demons, the very entity from whom he had initially rescued the wounded man. The Adeptus exhibited a concerned demeanor as he crossed his arms, contemplating the unfolding situation.
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The forest maintained a tranquil presence as time went by, however, at midnight, the moonlight failed to penetrate the darkness, leaving the surroundings devoid of illumination. Nevertheless, curiosity ultimately fostered a sense of perseverance among the present. With that being, the female traveler had ventured into the depths of the forest, an experience that was, to say the least, peculiar.
Huanglong had been assisting her in the area while holding a sturdy wooden stick provided by the traveler. Upon reaching the chenyue wale’s final destination, the traveler observed no signs of shelter or suitable camping locations. This prompted a sense of unease: had she arrived at the wrong location, or was it possible that the deeper she ventured, the greater the potential dangers that could encircle her?
“Sir, there are no signs of your shelter, it is concealed by trees. Are you sure that this is the correct destination?”said the traveler, this place appeared to be merely an empty expanse of the forest, which was notably tranquil and serene, devoid of any visitors, but absence of any deadly monsters nearby.
Huanglong discarded the wooden stick beneath the trees as he approached the traveler. “This is my destination, my dear lady.” he remarked with a smirk. The traveler turned to observe that Huanglong was walking unaided, without the support of his wooden stick. This raised her question, how was this even possible?
“Hold on for a moment… did you not previously clarify that your legs were immobile?” The traveler’s eyes widened as she experienced a wave of astonishment and disbelief regarding the potential implications of the situation. Although she was confused, her suspicions concerning this man had seemed warranted from the outset. “Furthermore, those injuries… were you not already nearing death when I arrived at your rescue?”
Huanglong moved slightly closer to the traveler, leaning in toward her face, which caused her to feel a degree of discomfort as her eyes narrowed in anger. “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Huanglong. As you can see, my wounds have healed remarkably.” hands reaching toward a strand of her blonde hair while he maintained a smirk. “Thanks to your lovely hands, which have granted my legs newfound strength.” Huanglong then grasped her chin without her consent, continuing, “Because of your undeniable charm, and I sincerely desire for you to be by my side, basking in the light of my beauty.”
The traveler felt increasingly confined by Huanglong's overwhelming desire. She found herself unable to escape his madness and delusions, and the discomfort she experienced left her feeling powerless. Although she contemplated calling for help, she however, resolved not to allow her vulnerability to undermine her strength. As she reached for her blade, Huanglong swiftly closed the distance between them with his other hand, preventing her from drawing it. “My dear traveler, it is futile for you to escape from me.”
Huanglong was suddenly confronted with a terrifying sight as he stepped back from the traveler. The figure behind her appeared utterly menacing, causing his body to tremble as he instinctively recoiled in an attempt to escape the nightmares that haunted him once more.
“Please, do not pursue me again.” Huanglong expressed his fear, stepping back once more and raising his arms defensively to shield himself from the alarming sight. “I promise you that I will not approach this forest, please allow me to leave once more!” He then turned and fled with all his strength in an attempt to escape once more. The traveler experienced a sense of perplexity regarding the abruptness of Huanglong, was he genuinely fearful of her?
“What just occurred with him?” inquired the traveler, confused as she attempted to proceed towards her next destination. However, she was abruptly halted when someone grasped her waist. “Who is—” she began, but her words were silenced as a hand was placed over her lips to stifle her voice. Yet, this presence felt unexpectedly sweet, rather than threatening, it exuded a warmth that was both comforting and intriguing. Who could it be? The familiarity of this presence was rather striking.
The seemingly ethereal presence leaned closer to her ear and whispered ,“Do not make any noise, it is just me,Lumine.” relief enveloped her, however, she quickly began to question the familiarity of the voice as soon as the hand was removed from her lips. Who could it be? as she turned around, her eyes widened in astonishment upon recognizing the figure before her, the conqueror of demons, who stood in close proximity, radiating warmth.
“Xiao? What are you doing here? Lumine inquired, expressing her surprise at his presence.
“I was responsible for monitoring this forest, and I observed mortals lurking in this perilous domain.” Xiao remarked with a sigh, crossing his arms. He felt a sense of relief that she was, at the very least, safe from the man who would dare to endanger her.
“Are you referring to that man? Huanglong?
“That man's name?” his arms crossed.
“He mentioned that name in front of me just before he attempted to get so close to me” Said lumine as she felt this relief in the company of Xiao at that moment.
Xiao perceived that he might not be able to rescue her in time before Huanglong inflicted harm upon her. However, with that man no longer in his line of sight, he leaned closer and gently traced her cheeks. His hands were firm, and she felt her cheeks flush. Although she could not yet reveal her reactions, the presence of Xiao felt both pleasant and protective.
"Why did you not call my name as I have always requested? Did you not?” Xiao inquired, his tone softening. This sentiment resembled the delicate cherry blossoms in front of Lumine, however, at that moment, his voice conveyed a sense of concern, yet it remained gentle.
At that moment, she found herself at a loss for words. Although she contemplated calling out his name, she ultimately refrained, letting out a sigh as she expressed, “I did not want to burden you.” She then closed her eyes and averted her gaze from Xiao, narrowing her focus inward.
Xiao exhales softly as he delicately raises her chin, compelling her to meet his gaze. “You're not.” His voice was low yet imbued with gentleness.
Lumine experienced an atypical sensation in her chest, nevertheless, it provided her with a sense of relief to be concerned about Xiao, considering the numerous responsibilities he had to fulfill in his capacity as an adeptus. She could not help but perceive a warmth radiating from him. “You genuinely mean it, Xiao?”
“My perception, why would I refrain from doing so? He sighed, his fingers tenderly caressing her cheeks, imparting warmth that caused Lumine's cheeks to flush. Xiao felt an overwhelming urge to lean closer to her, yet he questioned whether it would be appropriate to do so. Would his actions not impose upon her the burden of his karmic debt?
The moment was fraught with tension, as it appeared that a nightmare was about to unfold. Xiao's eyes widened in alarm when he observed a deadly creature lurking directly behind Lumine, who remained oblivious to the imminent danger..
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Xiao inhaled sharply upon awakening, as sunlight streamed into the room, illuminating the realization that his prior experiences had merely constituted a manifestation of a nightmare. As he surveyed his surroundings, he discovered that he was in bed, enveloped by a blanket that covered him completely. Was it not yet the moment of relief? As he turned, he felt a sense of relief upon seeing Lumine asleep beside him. They were in close proximity, however, he contemplated whether it was prudent for him to be so near to her.
Xiao subsequently drew her in closely; in fact, it was excessively close. He embraced her with his arms while she rested her head against his chest, fully supported by him. His hold was both protective and tender, as he was reluctant to release her, akin to a desire to escape from haunting nightmares. Although he attempted to keep his eyes closed, he did not feel particularly fatigued, a sentiment he often expressed.
Yaksha’s do not sleep
The sunrise illuminated Lumine's surroundings as she opened her eyes, becoming aware of the reason behind the sweet and soothing scent emanating from Xiao. However, she pondered why he was holding her so tightly.
Lumine inquired, her hands gently cupping his cheeks. To her astonishment, he was warm, was this truly the case? She could perceive the rhythm of his heartbeat resonating within his chest, yet she found herself questioning the nature of this sensation.
It is likely that he experienced another distressing nightmare…
As Lumine reflected internally, she found herself still drowsy. Although she desired to rise, the proximity with Xiao beside her, accompanied by a pleasant and sweet scent, rendered her body too weak to move. She let out a soft yawn before succumbing to sleep once more.