Chapter Sixty-Six: Lovers Become Partners for Life

Since there was no way to escape from the formation, it seemed they could only remain in the Hall of Vast Heaven, spending their days cultivating in hopes that, perhaps, with improved cultivation, they might one day break through the formation.

However, this hope was hardly realistic. Even if both Yang Xiao and Ling Yunmei reached the Qi Condensation stage, and combined their strength with that of Master Lingfeng, the three of them together would still find it difficult to open the formation.

Though one could not say that there was no hope of breaking the formation in the future, such hope was indeed faint. Under these circumstances, it was inevitable to feel disheartened and discouraged.

“Senior Sister, how much hope do you think we have of leaving this place?” Yang Xiao asked.

“What’s wrong? That’s not like you to say such things. By rights, you should be the one with more ideas than I. Have you lost confidence as well?” Ling Yunmei asked, puzzled.

“You’ve misunderstood, Senior Sister. I am not despairing,” Yang Xiao replied. “Rather, under these circumstances, it’s simply impossible for us to leave in a short time. Unless we remain here for several years, until we reach advanced proficiency in the Qi Condensation stage, only then might we have a chance. But clearly this isn’t something that can be achieved quickly. At best, it’ll be years; at worst, perhaps decades. The cultivation conditions here are far too poor, and even with the best aptitude, it would be of little use. So it seems we’ll be staying here for quite a while.”

“Indeed, it’s as you say. But advancing one’s realm is no easy matter. I’ve been at the ninth level of Spiritual Perception for quite some time, and breaking through to the Qi Condensation stage is no simple feat. If it were so easy to progress, the Myriad Mountains wouldn’t have so few cultivators at the Qi Condensation stage. It seems we truly are destined to linger here for a long while,” Ling Yunmei agreed with a nod.

“Senior Sister, it’s for this reason that there’s something I’d like to say to you.” Yang Xiao gazed at Ling Yunmei.

“What is it? Just say it.” Ling Yunmei felt a little strange; what had made Yang Xiao become so hesitant?

At that, Yang Xiao went down on one knee before her, saying, “Senior Sister Ling, I have always held affection for you, but I’ve never found the right moment to confess. Originally, I’d intended to tell you once we returned to the Giant Spirit Sect. But now that we are trapped here, perhaps for years or even decades, I can only confess my feelings now. I hope you will accept me.”

Ling Yunmei was caught off guard by his sudden gesture, but a certain joy arose within her heart, for she, too, harbored deep affection for Yang Xiao. “Get up. What are you doing? This is so improper,” she said, her cheeks tinged with red.

“Does that mean you accept me? If you don’t, I won’t get up,” Yang Xiao replied, his tone full of emotion.

Ling Yunmei could only nod her assent.

Seeing her nod, Yang Xiao knew she had agreed. He stepped forward, pulling her into his arms, and gazed into her eyes with deep affection before bringing his lips to hers.

At first, Ling Yunmei tried to evade him, shy and hesitant, but when Yang Xiao tenderly yet insistently kissed her, she finally stopped resisting and began to respond.

Her passion only served to further intoxicate Yang Xiao, and desire surged within him with wild, almost beastly intensity. Feverishly, he began to shed her clothes one by one, revealing her flawless form.

Ling Yunmei, too, was swept up in passion, caught between coy resistance and eager anticipation, her mind awash with longing and bashful delight.

Before long, the two of them lay together, entangled in passionate embrace, their kisses and caresses growing ever more heated until Yang Xiao entered Ling Yunmei, setting a rhythm that sent waves crashing through his mind.

Ling Yunmei wrapped her legs around him, gently moving in time with his motions.

After an indeterminate span of tender entanglement, the tempest finally calmed, and the two drifted into peaceful slumber, still locked in a loving embrace.

When Yang Xiao awoke, Ling Yunmei was nestled in his arms, her shyness only making her beauty more radiant.

As he gazed upon her, his desire welled up once more.

Ling Yunmei, seeing his state, quickly turned away, her cheeks flushing an even deeper red.

“I can’t help it, Senior Sister. You’re just too beautiful. Whenever I see you, I can’t help myself. But since you’ve roused it, you’ll have to help me with this,” Yang Xiao said, and with that, he pounced upon her again.

Unable to resist his persistence, Ling Yunmei finally said, “Very well, this time I’ll take the lead.” With those words, she straddled Yang Xiao, slowly guiding him into her. Though she had already been initiated, the renewed union still made her brows knit together for a moment.

And so, the two once again lost themselves in another round of ecstasy...

After nearly half a day of passion, they finally dressed. Now, each needed to find a place to cultivate in earnest, for without diligent practice, their hopes of escape would be even slimmer.

But before they could leave, a sudden rustling sound came from a corner of the room. As the sound drew nearer, a small mound of earth rose abruptly from the floor, and a monkey-like head popped out.

As the little head swiveled about, Yang Xiao recognized it immediately. It was a Sand Beast—the very same one he had encountered in the desert before.

On that previous occasion, Yang Xiao had saved this Sand Beast by chance while cultivating in the sands. Apparently, this creature possessed considerable intelligence; aware that Yang Xiao was imprisoned here by a barrier, it had come to help him escape.

The Sand Beast, upon seeing Yang Xiao, was clearly delighted. It emerged fully from its tunnel and made a series of playful gestures toward Yang Xiao, pointing with its claw toward the earthen passage, as if to say that this was the way out.

“What’s the story with this Sand Beast? It almost seems like it knows you,” Ling Yunmei asked in surprise.

“Of course. This Sand Beast is my friend. It’s come to rescue us. Heaven hasn’t abandoned us after all,” Yang Xiao exclaimed joyfully. “Come, let’s go share this good news with Master. I’m sure he’ll be delighted as well.”