Qiang Yan left the dragon king's palace and rushed to the edge of the capital, preparing to return to the Nine Heavens. Halfway out of the city, he couldn't help but notice two figures standing in an alley. He wanted to hurry past at first. This was the dragon realm, after all, why should he care what happened? This was nothing he should get involved in. Then, he noticed the silvery-white hair and a mask on one of the men's face though. He slowed down and took another look. Sure enough, that was Senior Xin Lan. What was he doing here?
Qiang Yan shook his head. No, this wasn't strange at all. Senior Xin Lan was a dragon, after all. Even though it was said that he liked to stay by himself, that didn't mean that he couldn't be in the dragon realm. Actually, it was to be expected that he would be here every now and then. Qiang Yan finally turned away and continued on his way, not caring any further what was happening below.
As for the two people in that alley … Their conversation wasn't that harmonious.
Xin Lan furrowed his brows. "What do you mean going on another trial and wanting me to accompany you? Why would I do that?"
Xiang Yu looked at the fake dragon in front of him with displeasure. "What do you mean? Don't you want me to do something for you? Then you should also give me something in return. This is what I want. So what is the problem with it?"
"My problem is that this isn't what we agreed on. Didn't you say you would be helping? And I said I would stop loving you in return." Never mind that he had no feelings for this guy. Since this fallen god was willing to believe he did, why shouldn't he take advantage of that? He certainly didn't want to accompany him on some stupid trial. Why should he do that?
Xiang Yu wasn't willing to step back though. "You say you will stop loving me so you'll do? How will I know that you keep your word? Furthermore, if you really love me, then you shouldn't have anything against accompanying me on my trial. This is important to me. You should feel honored that you are allowed to be with me for at least that time."
Xin Lan felt like coughing up blood. What did this guy mean he should feel honored? As if he wanted to spend his time with a fallen god! Unfortunately, this guy seemed to be serious. Xin Lan turned to the side and rubbed the uncovered side of his face. What to do now? Promise him? But he really didn't want to waste any time. Then again, if his Master's soul could finally be healed … That was worth it, wasn't it? He sighed and turned back to Xiang Yu. "Alright, if it's so important to you, then considering my feelings, I'll do as you say and accompany you. But …"
Xiang Yu who had just wanted to heave a sigh of relief tensed. This guy wanted to raise terms with him? But wasn't he the one who made the rules right now? He wouldn't agree to this! "No!"
Xin Lan furrowed his brows. "Can you at least listen to what I want to say? Don't refute me just to refute me."
Xiang Yu didn't answer but looked away. He didn't seem as if we wanted to hear another word.
Xin Lan also faced the other direction. "I'll do as you say but I expect you to heal him before we go on the trial."
Xiang Yu shook his head. "Never! You say now that you're going to accompany me but you won't. You'll just back out of it after he's healed."
Xin Lan's brows twitched. He couldn't deny that he had thought of that but … This person was a fallen god. Would he really dare to do something like this? Promising him not to love him in return for his help was nothing. He could just leave the demon realm after his Master was healed and would never have to see this guy again. That should count as 'not loving him', shouldn't it? But accompanying him on a trial was different. If he promised to do it, then he would need to do it. Otherwise, this guy might just turn crazy and make his Master suffer for it. He wouldn't risk that.
Xin Lan leaned against the wall behind him. "I do understand that you're doubtful. But you also know that this person is very important to me. I wouldn't dare play with his life. It's just that you've also seen how he's doing. He's already very weak. His soul might not be suffering anymore but he isn't recuperating fast enough either. He needs your help. So … since you're only willing to provide that if I do the trial with you, then I will do so. You can trust me with this."
Xiang Yu narrowed his eyes. What this fake dragon said sounded quite good but … could he really trust him?
Xin Lan raised a brow at him. "What? You need me to swear an oath?"
Xiang Yu pondered and finally nodded. "I want you to swear that you'll accompany me on my trial in exchange for my help with healing that person. If you don't comply …" He pondered and finally decided that there was only one person this fake dragon needed to be afraid of. "If you don't comply, you'll be struck down by Tian."
Xin Lan's brows twitched but he nodded. "Alright, I swear that in exchange for you to heal Jinde, I will accompany you on your trial. Should I fail to uphold my end of the bargain, then I will be struck down by Tian, the sovereign of all realms."