Ye Rou soon discovered their audacious escapade to the city. Rage bubbled within him as he screamed in frustration, fists clenched at his sides. He knew Luan Xie too well to underestimate him; the young man was clever and resourceful. If Luan Xie managed to uncover the portal back to their world, Ye Rou would face dire consequences—perhaps even a death sentence.
He paced back and forth, heart racing as he contemplated the implications of Luan Xie's actions. He had orchestrated this entire plan, using manipulation and deceit to bring Luan Xie to a place where he would be vulnerable, stripped of his royal authority. But now, with the possibility of Luan Xie finding a way back to his own world, all his efforts could unravel in an instant.
The memories of those he had sacrificed to gain this power surged back to him—a chilling reminder of the blood on his hands. Each life taken had been a step toward his goal, but now it felt like a noose tightening around his neck. He could not let Luan Xie escape; failure was not an option.
"Get everyone together!" he barked at his men, urgency lacing his voice. "We're going after them. I won't let him slip away again!"
As his men scrambled to obey, Ye Rou's mind raced with plans of how to intercept Luan Xie and He Shun before they could reach the city. He felt the weight of desperation pressing down on him, knowing that this time, the stakes were higher than ever. If Luan Xie discovered the truth and returned to his own world, Ye Rou would lose everything—and he was determined to ensure that would never happen.
With fierce determination igniting his heart, Ye Rou gathered his men, a motley crew of loyal followers. He could see the fear flickering in their eyes as they murmured amongst themselves, uncertain of what lay ahead. But Ye Rou needed them to focus, to channel their doubts into action.
"Listen up!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade. "Luan Xie and He Shun have stolen a car and are making their way to the city. We must catch them before they uncover whatever they're after!"
One of his men, a burly figure with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "What if they already found it?"
Ye Rou narrowed his eyes, pushing back the flicker of doubt that threatened to surface. "Then we make sure they don't find anything else. We'll spread out and search every inch of the city if we have to. No one rests until we find them!"
He took a step closer to his men, his gaze fierce and unwavering. "But if he truly has found what he's looking for, you might as well say your goodbyes to your families."
The gravity of his words hung in the air, igniting a fire in their hearts. They knew the stakes; they knew what was at risk. Ye Rou's expression hardened, determination coursing through him. They were not just hunting for Luan Xie and He Shun—they were fighting for their lives.
With his heart heavy with anger and betrayal, Ye Rou felt a deep resolve settle within him. Zhong Qing's departure had shattered something in him, and now, more than ever, he was driven by the need to avenge the man who had once been his everything. He could still hear Zhong Qing's whispered confessions, the way his eyes had glistened with a mixture of love and despair as he chose Luan Xie over him.
"Luan Xie thinks he can escape this," Ye Rou muttered, his fists clenching at his sides. "He thinks he can take Zhong Qing away from me. But I won't let that happen."
As he rallied his men, Ye Rou's thoughts turned to the myriad ways he could make Luan Xie pay. They would suffer for what they had done, for tearing Zhong Qing from him and shattering the dreams he had held onto for so long. Each moment they lingered in the city was a moment closer to discovery, and he would not allow them to slip through his fingers.
"Every step they take brings them closer to their end," he declared, the fire in his voice igniting a spark of loyalty in his men. "We will track them down and make them understand the consequences of their actions. For Zhong Qing, we will not rest until we have our revenge."
The men nodded, their determination mirroring his. They knew that this was more than just a hunt; it was a battle for their leader's heart and for their own lives. Ye Rou would make sure that Luan Xie and He Shun paid for their betrayal, and in doing so, he would honor the memory of the man who had once been his closest ally and lover.
He Shun pressed his foot down harder on the accelerator, the engine roaring in response as they sped down the empty road. The landscape blurred by in a dizzying rush, the trees and buildings morphing into streaks of color. Luan Xie clutched the dashboard, knuckles white, his heart racing as adrenaline coursed through his veins.
"Are you trying to kill us?" Luan Xie shouted over the wind whipping through the open windows, his voice laced with both fear and exhilaration.
"Just hold on!" He Shun replied, a determined glint in his eyes. "We have to get to the city and find the sword—whatever you wanted to know—before Ye Rou catches up with us! Besides, I still haven't asked you to date me!"
With each turn, Luan Xie felt the weight of their situation pressing down on him. They were fugitives now, racing against time and a man who would stop at nothing to reclaim what he believed was his. But despite the danger, Luan Xie couldn't shake the rush of freedom that came with this wild escape.
He risked a glance at He Shun, whose face was set in a fierce expression of concentration. The sunlight glinted off his hair, giving him an almost ethereal glow. In that moment, Luan Xie felt a swell of warmth in his chest, the fear of their predicament momentarily overshadowed by the fierce connection between them.
"Just focus on the road!" Luan Xie urged, trying to redirect his thoughts. "We can talk about the feelings later!"
He Shun chuckled, the tension in the car easing just a bit. "Right! Just keep your eyes open for any signs!"
As they drove deeper into the unknown, the urgency of their mission mingled with the undeniable chemistry crackling between them. Luan Xie felt a flicker of hope amidst the chaos—they were in this together, and no matter what lay ahead, he would protect He Shun with everything he had.
The city loomed closer, a silhouette on the horizon, and with it, the weight of their choices pressed down harder. But for now, the thrill of the chase fueled them, and Luan Xie couldn't help but wonder what awaited them in this new chapter of their lives.
As they neared the city limits, the skyline grew more defined, towering buildings shimmering under the afternoon sun. Luan Xie leaned forward, scanning for any signs that might lead them to the sword. "We should start looking for clues as soon as we park," he suggested, excitement lacing his words.
He Shun nodded, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Right! Just a few more minutes, and we'll be there."
Suddenly, Luan Xie felt the urge to reach out, to touch He Shun's hand. "Hey," he said softly, glancing at him, "thank you for doing this. I know it's dangerous."
He Shun's gaze flickered to Luan Xie's, warmth spreading across his features. "I'd do anything for you, Luan Xie. Besides, this is an adventure—one I don't want to miss."
The sincerity in He Shun's voice sent a flutter through Luan Xie's chest. Their eyes locked for a heartbeat longer, an unspoken promise hanging in the air. In that moment, amidst the chaos, Luan Xie felt something shift between them, an understanding that their bond had deepened.
As they finally entered the city, the bustling streets filled with life, Luan Xie couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. They were in this together, facing whatever challenges lay ahead. Whatever happened, he knew he wouldn't face it alone.
Luan Xie looked at the streets as He Shun drove toward his house—the place where Luan Xie had first arrived. A sudden weight settled in his chest, prompting him to voice a question that had lingered in the back of his mind.
"If I'm gone one day, what will you do?"
He Shun kept his eyes fixed on the road, his grip firm on the steering wheel. Without missing a beat, he replied, "I'll kill everyone in my way to get you back."
Luan Xie's breath hitched at the ferocity in He Shun's voice. This wasn't the same He Shun he had first met—timid and unsure of himself. This He Shun had transformed, finding his voice and strength amidst the chaos that surrounded them. It ignited something deep within Luan Xie, warming his heart and filling him with a sense of hope.
"That's quite the promise," Luan Xie said, a mix of admiration and concern in his tone. "But I don't want you to go down that path."
He Shun turned his gaze briefly to Luan Xie, his expression resolute. "I mean it. I'd do whatever it takes to bring you back, no matter the cost. You deserve that kind of fight."
Luan Xie felt a swell of emotion at He Shun's words, realizing just how much he had come to rely on this man who had stood by him through it all. "I never wanted to put you in danger," he admitted softly.
"I chose this danger the moment I decided to be with you," He Shun replied, his voice steady. "I won't regret it. You've changed me, Luan Xie. I won't let anyone take you away from me."
As the city loomed closer, Luan Xie felt a renewed sense of purpose. He couldn't allow himself to succumb to fear. They were in this together, and no matter what challenges awaited them, he knew He Shun would fight alongside him.
"Then let's make sure we don't let it come to that," Luan Xie said, a determined smile breaking through his worry. "Let's find a way to keep us both safe."
"Together," He Shun affirmed, his eyes gleaming with resolve as they sped into the unknown, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Luan Xie just smiled, but the warmth in his expression didn't reach his eyes. "Together" wasn't an option anymore; it felt like a distant dream that had slipped through his fingers. The reality of their situation pressed heavily on him, a constant reminder that they were on borrowed time.
He glanced out the window, watching the city skyline grow closer. Each towering building felt like a reminder of the choices he had to make. The truth weighed on him like a stone in his stomach: he had to find a way back to his world, and that meant leaving He Shun behind.
He turned back to He Shun, who was focused on the road, determination etched on his face. It pained Luan Xie to think about what would happen when the truth finally came out. He wanted nothing more than to keep He Shun by his side, to hold on to the moments they shared, but fate had other plans.
The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Luan Xie wanted to tell He Shun everything—the truth about his world, about the portal, and the certainty that he couldn't stay. But how could he crush the spirit that had blossomed in He Shun? How could he snuff out the fire that had ignited between them?
He Shun caught the fleeting shadow on Luan Xie's face. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice. "You seem distant."
"Just thinking," Luan Xie replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a mask. "About how far we've come."
He Shun nodded, but Luan Xie could see the uncertainty in his eyes. He didn't want to break He Shun's heart, yet he knew that the truth was a blade waiting to fall.
"Whatever happens, I want you to promise me something," Luan Xie said, his voice steady but soft.
"Anything," He Shun replied, his gaze unwavering.
"If I'm not there one day... I want you to live. Find your own path, even if it means leaving me behind," he said, his heart aching with each word.
He Shun's expression darkened. "Don't say that. We're going to find a way through this together."
But Luan Xie shook his head, the weight of his decision heavy in the air. "You deserve more than this chaos. Promise me you'll be okay, even if I'm not around."
The city was now in sight, and Luan Xie steeled himself for what lay ahead. He had to keep He Shun safe, even if it meant breaking both their hearts. The moment of truth was coming, and with it, the realization that their love, however fierce, could not alter the path fate had laid before them.
"I won't be," He Shun said, his voice firm as he glanced at Luan Xie. The intensity of his gaze pierced through the fragile veneer of hope Luan Xie had tried to maintain.
"What do you mean?" Luan Xie asked, his heart sinking at the determination in He Shun's eyes.
"I won't be okay without you," He Shun declared, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. "You don't get to decide what's best for me. I know what I want, and it's you."
Luan Xie felt a mix of warmth and anguish. He admired He Shun's resolve, but it also terrified him. "You don't understand the risks. Ye Rou won't stop until he gets what he wants, and I'm part of that. If I'm gone…" He trailed off, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
He Shun shook his head, frustration etching lines across his brow. "You think I care about the risks? I've been scared my entire life, letting others make decisions for me. But not anymore. I won't let you go without a fight."
The sincerity in He Shun's eyes made Luan Xie's heart ache. He was a force of nature now, someone who had finally found his voice. But it only deepened Luan Xie's conflict. The thought of dragging He Shun into the danger that loomed ahead felt like a betrayal.
"I want to protect you," Luan Xie replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't do that if you're with me."
"Then we'll protect each other," He Shun said, his determination unwavering. "I'm not backing down. You mean too much to me, and I won't let you face this alone. We'll find a way to make it through, I promise."
Luan Xie's heart swelled with conflicting emotions. The love he felt for He Shun was undeniable, but the darkness of their situation loomed like a shadow. "He won't hesitate to hurt you, He Shun. I can't lose you."
"Then let's fight together," He Shun insisted. "I refuse to let fear dictate my life any longer. You're not just a part of my journey; you're my reason to keep going."
With those words, Luan Xie felt the weight of his heart pressing against his chest. He was afraid—afraid of losing He Shun, of the fate that awaited them, and of the unknown path that lay ahead. But as he looked at the fierce determination in He Shun's eyes, he felt a flicker of hope ignite within him.
"Alright," Luan Xie said, his voice steadier now. "Together, then."
They shared a fleeting smile, one that held the promise of something more than just survival. As they sped toward the city, Luan Xie realized that in the chaos of their lives, they had forged an unbreakable bond—one that would guide them through the dark days ahead.
They reached He Shun's house after what felt like an eternity, the familiar structure rising before them like a beacon of safety amidst the chaos. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the driveway as they parked the car.
He Shun turned off the engine, and silence enveloped them for a moment. The weight of their shared resolve hung heavily in the air, mingling with the tension of the journey that lay ahead.
"Are you ready?" He Shun asked, glancing at Luan Xie, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and uncertainty.
Luan Xie took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
They stepped out of the car, the evening breeze rustling the leaves overhead. The scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers enveloped them, a stark contrast to the turmoil that churned in their hearts.
He Shun led the way to the front door, his steps firm. "We need to gather supplies and figure out our next move," he said, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
Luan Xie followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the cozy interior that felt both comforting and foreign. It was a place filled with memories of a simpler life, one he had momentarily escaped.
"Do you have any weapons or anything we can use?" Luan Xie asked, his mind already racing with strategies.
"Yeah, I have a few things stashed away," He Shun replied, heading toward a small closet. He pulled it open, revealing a collection of items: a baseball bat, a small knife, and some rope. "Not much, but it should do for now."
Luan Xie nodded, appreciating He Shun's resourcefulness. As they gathered the supplies, Luan Xie caught himself stealing glances at He Shun. The way the evening light illuminated his features made his heart skip a beat, reminding him of the bond they were forming amidst the chaos.
"Hey," He Shun said suddenly, breaking Luan Xie's train of thought. "If we make it through this, I want to take you out on a proper date."
Luan Xie's breath caught in his throat, a mix of surprise and warmth flooding through him. "A date?" he echoed, a smile creeping onto his face despite the seriousness of their situation.
"Yeah, something nice, somewhere we can just be ourselves," He Shun replied, a hint of shyness creeping into his tone. "I want to show you what you mean to me when this is all over."
Luan Xie felt his heart swell at the thought, the notion of a future with He Shun feeling both exhilarating and daunting. "I'd like that," he said softly, his eyes meeting He Shun's with an intensity that made the world around them fade away for a moment.
The weight of their situation pressed down again, but in that brief exchange, hope flickered to life. They were in this together, and that made all the difference.
"Okay, let's finish gathering what we need," Luan Xie said, pushing aside the momentary distraction. "We need a plan."
He Shun nodded, and they continued to prepare, their minds focused on the task ahead, but the spark of connection between them remained, igniting a sense of determination that would carry them through the challenges to come.
As Luan Xie stepped into He Shun's bedroom, he took a moment to absorb the space around him. The walls were adorned with posters of bands and art that reflected He Shun's personality—vibrant, eclectic, and full of life. A small desk was cluttered with sketchbooks and paintbrushes, evidence of He Shun's creativity spilling into every corner of his life.
But beneath the colorful exterior, Luan Xie felt the weight of their dire situation pressing down on him. He leaned against the doorframe, the reality of their circumstances washing over him. If he was to send Ye Rou back to his own world without causing danger to He Shun, it had to be done here. This was where Luan Xie first appeared, and there was something undeniably significant about that moment.
He knew that in order to find the portal, he would need to tap into the magic that had brought him here in the first place. The thought made his heart race—what if this was the last time he would ever be in this room? The last time he would share this space with He Shun? The idea was almost unbearable.
He glanced back at He Shun, who was still busy rummaging through the supplies they had gathered. Luan Xie felt a pang of longing; the thought of losing this connection, the warmth of He Shun's presence, felt like a cold blade slicing through his heart.
"Hey," he called out, trying to break the silence. "Do you remember the day we met? How strange it was?"
He Shun paused, looking up with a smile that lit up his face. "Yeah, you were so lost, and I had no idea what to do!"
"Right? I just appeared out of nowhere," Luan Xie chuckled softly, but the laughter felt bittersweet. "And now, here we are—running from Ye Rou and trying to figure out how to get back to where I belong."
He Shun stepped closer, his expression shifting to one of concern. "You're not thinking about leaving me, are you?"
"No," Luan Xie said quickly, shaking his head. "I just… I need to find a way to do this safely. I want to make sure you're protected, and that Ye Rou can't hurt anyone else."
He Shun reached out, taking Luan Xie's hand in his. "Whatever you need to do, I'll be right here. I won't let you go through this alone."
Luan Xie felt the warmth of He Shun's grip seep into his skin, anchoring him amidst the swirling doubts in his mind. He squeezed He Shun's hand, grateful for the strength he provided. "Thank you," he whispered, feeling the bond between them deepen.
But as the reality of their situation loomed over them, Luan Xie knew he had to find the portal. With He Shun by his side, he felt a flicker of hope igniting within him. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, and perhaps, just perhaps, he could protect the one person who had come to mean so much to him.