As Bai Ye supported Lian, they stepped through the shimmering portal and emerged in a new location. Lian's eyes adjusted slowly, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. They appeared to be in a simple, yet elegant house on the outskirts of Baylao City. The building was adorned with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere.
Lian turned to Bai Ye, his eyes filled with questions. "Where are we?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Who lives here?"
Bai Ye's gaze met Lian's, his expression serious. "This is the person I came to meet," he explained. "They will help you recover from your encounter with the Deadly Ghosts."
Lian's eyes widened as he recalled the terrifying experience. "Deadly Ghosts?" he repeated, his voice laced with fear.
Bai Ye nodded solemnly. "Yes, that's what they're called. Vengeful spirits that take on human form, crafted from shadows and darkness."
Lian shuddered at the thought. "What made them attack me?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Am I somehow... appealing and delicious to them?"
Bai Ye's expression remained serious. "No, Lian, you're not 'delicious' to them," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "The Song of the Undead is what drew them to you. It's a melody that sounds pleasing to human ears, but to the Deadly Ghosts, it's a call to awaken and seek revenge."
Lian's eyes narrowed, trying to understand. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"The song is like a promise to the vengeful spirits," Bai Ye explained. "It assures them that their worries will be alleviated, that they'll find peace. But it's a false promise, and when they hear the song, they're driven to take revenge on any sleeping human they can find."
Lian's face paled as he realized how close he had come to death. "And I was sleeping," he whispered.
Bai Ye's expression turned grave. "You were vulnerable, Lian. But I'm here now."
Lian's eyes met Bai Ye's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then Lian looked away, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "You called me weak," he said, trying to sound offended.
A rare smile flickered across Bai Ye's face, and he let out a low, husky chuckle. "Is there ever a time when you're not weak, Lian?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of teasing.
Lian's hand shot out, and he slapped Bai Ye's arm, his eyes flashing with mock indignation. Bai Ye rolled his eyes good-naturedly and continued walking, his long strides eating up the distance.
A young man emerged from the house, dressed in simple yet elegant clothing. The blue fabric was adorned with intricate purple and white patterns, giving off a soft, soothing aura. Lian's gaze flicked to the stranger, his eyes narrowing slightly as the man rushed towards Bai Ye.
With a joyful cry, the stranger flung his arms around Bai Ye, hugging him tightly. Lian's stomach twisted into knots, a strange, unsettling sensation that he couldn't quite explain. He felt a pang of... something, and his eyes narrowed as he watched the enthusiastic reunion.
Bai Ye, still holding Lian's waist, seemed entirely at ease with the stranger's affectionate display. Lian, however, was not. He wriggled free from Bai Ye's grasp, his face set in a scowl.
"What's wrong, Lian?" Bai Ye asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he watched Lian limp away.
Lian muttered under his breath, his mind racing with inexplicable resentment. How does Bai Ye let someone hold him that close? Don't they know that two men aren't supposed to be so... familiar?
As Lian sat down on a nearby rock, he couldn't help but steal glances at the stranger, who was still chatting animatedly with Bai Ye. Lian's eyes rolled heavenward, his internal monologue a jumbled mix of confusion and disgruntlement.
Bai Ye approached him, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "Oh, Lian, why did you go sit there?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.
Lian's gaze snapped up, his eyes flashing with a mix of embarrassment and defensiveness. "I just... needed some space," he muttered, his face scorching with a slow-burning flush.
Bai Ye's teasing tone sent Lian's face burning. "How much space do you need, Lian? Shouldn't you be happy to be near me?" He crouched down, his breath whispering against Lian's ear. "We've shared a bed before, after all."
Lian's eyes widened, and he punched Bai Ye's arm, his face scorching. "Shut up!"
Bai Ye chuckled, the sound low and husky. The stranger, looked on in surprise, but said nothing.
Bai Ye offered Lian his hand. "Come on, let me introduce you to my friend."
Lian crossed his arms, his tone petulant. "No."
Bai Ye's eyes sparkled with amusement. He bent, grasping Lian's waist, and lifted him to his feet. "Fine, let's do this the hard way."
As they approached the stranger, Bai Ye said, "Mochen, this is Lian. Lian, this is Mochen, my friend from the Shen Sect."
Lian's greeting was a curt nod. Mochen, however, beamed with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Lian. I am Shen Mochen."
Lian grumbled, "I'm Wen... Tianlian. A freelance cultivator... tied to Bai Ye."
The emphasis on "tied to Bai Ye" was not lost on Mochen, who raised an eyebrow. "Tied to Bai Ye?" he repeated.
Lian's response was to dig his fingers into Bai Ye's robe, his tone whiny. "I need to sit down. My leg hurts."
Bai Ye nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Okay, okay. Let's get you seated."
As Bai Ye led Lian away, Mochen watched them with a thoughtful expression. The dynamics between Bai Ye and Lian were... intriguing, to say the least.
Bai Ye led Lian into the house, his movements gentle as he helped Lian sit on a soft chair. He knelt down, carefully removing Lian's shoes to reveal the injured leg, bleeding and bruised. Mochen watched, his eyes wide with surprise, as Bai Ye tended to Lian's wounds with a care that was almost... maternal.
Mochen's mind reeled as he tried to process the scene before him. Bai Ye, the infamous Demon Prince, was catering to Lian's every need like a devoted servant.
It was a side of Bai Ye that Mochen had never seen before, and he couldn't help but wonder what had brought about this change.
Bai Ye's voice broke into Mochen's thoughts. "Have you prepared the antidote? I don't want the scratches from the Deadly Ghosts to get infected."
Mochen recovered quickly, nodding as he hurried off to gather the necessary herbs. He boiled them in a small pot, the aroma of the antidote filling the air as he prepared two separate doses: one to rub on the wounds, and another to drink, to nullify the poison in Lian's body.
As Mochen returned with the antidote, Lian's face scrunched up in distaste. "I'm not drinking that!" he exclaimed, pushing the cup away. "It smells awful!"
Mochen chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Come on, Lian, it's not that bad. It's just a little bitter."
Lian's face set in a stubborn expression. "I don't care. I'm not drinking it."