Chapter 19: Morning’s Warm Embrace

The crisp morning air, gently warmed by the unseen sun, carried a hint of summer heat.

Warm sunlight filtered through the cracks of an ancient wooden window, illuminating the small room that housed three people. The room, already snug, seemed even more so with the added warmth.

As Xiao Changgu entered the room, he immediately noticed a familiar yet intense fragrance—a scent uniquely his sister’s. Having lived with her, he was well-acquainted with this aroma. Yet, this time, something felt different. The scent of citrus was unusually strong, a sensation that left him slightly startled. Although pleasant, it sparked an odd feeling within him.

Xiao Xixi, noticing her brother’s curious sniffing, blushed faintly. She suspected the intense fragrance was a result of her recent experience with her master, Su Mei. In the novel ‘The Battle of the Heavens,’ it was mentioned that Xiao Xixi, in moments of excitement, would emit a captivating scent due to her ‘Sensitive Spirit Root.’

Thinking about this, Xiao Xixi glared at her master with wide eyes. Su Mei, sensing the gaze, looked over and found the young girl pouting. Amused by Xiao Xixi’s adorable and sulky expression, Su Mei found it both endearing and humorous. The girl’s misguided suspicion was almost as entertaining as her cute appearance.

Su Mei, however, decided not to tease her further, as the presence of Xiao Changgu in the room made it unnecessary. Instead, she playfully ruffled Xiao Xixi’s soft white hair, savoring the gentle touch. The girl, though timidly resisting, couldn’t fully deflect the affection.

Xiao Changgu, initially focused on the scent, now shifted his attention to his sister’s new attire—a delicate floral dress that perfectly showcased her feminine allure. Though he had admired her previous outfit, the new dress was undeniably more charming. Grateful to his master for the thoughtful gesture, he glanced at the blue gemstone around Xiao Xixi’s neck, noting its enhanced luminescence and beauty. This only deepened his respect for Su Mei’s dedication.

Little did Xiao Xixi know, her brother’s thoughts filled her with a mix of frustration and confusion. The dress, a symbol of her past life as a boy, was something she had rejected. Moreover, the gemstone’s transformation was a direct result of her recent ordeal, not Su Mei’s efforts. However, Xiao Xixi was too engrossed in defending herself from Su Mei’s playful touch to ponder her brother’s thoughts.

After a moment of playful interaction, Su Mei withdrew her hand and, with a gentle smile, asked, ‘Xixi, would you like to live with your master?’

Startled by the question, Xiao Xixi hesitated. Why would someone who had just teased her invite her to live together? A faint whisper in a language only they understood reached her ears: ‘Xixi~ (Please agree!)’

Recognizing her brother’s urgency, Xiao Xixi hesitated. She admired Su Mei’s gentle and warm presence, finding comfort in her embrace. Yet, the recent incidents made her suspicious of her master’s intentions. Her sixth sense, heightened by her new form, warned her against agreeing. Although she had once dismissed such feelings, her instincts now seemed more reliable.

Xiao Changgu, seeing his sister’s confusion, was puzzled. In the realm of cultivation, a close relationship with one’s master often led to greater resources and respect. Seeing Su Mei’s genuine offer, he couldn’t understand why Xiao Xixi was reluctant. However, realizing her dependency on him, he subtly encouraged her to accept.

Misinterpreting his gesture, Xiao Xixi decided to decline. Just as she was about to voice her refusal, a loud noise interrupted them. It was Xiao Changgu, who had realized his mistake in communication. He quickly changed into a new pair of shoes, filling the room with a different, more comforting aroma.

Understanding her brother’s true intent, Xiao Xixi finally agreed. However, she playfully questioned, ‘Can you please put your shoes back on first? And by the way, Bai Luozhu, you’ve been wronged…’

****

The scene shifted, and the room was filled with a new sense of harmony and understanding, as the siblings and their master navigated the complexities of their unique bond.