I want to convey it to you even if I travel through time and space

Xiya’s killing intent vanished, replaced by concern.

Qi Qiao instinctively loosened her grip.

Bai Ci’s consciousness slowly surfaced.

The first thing he felt was the cool metallic touch against the back of his head—and a faint, lingering fragrance in his nose.

“Awake?”

A clear, cold voice came from above.

Still dazed, Bai Ci blinked open his eyes—only to see Qi Qiao’s delicate jawline, her silver armor glinting under moonlight, and her gaze filled with complex emotions.

Worst of all—he was still being cradled in a princess carry.

And not far away, Xiya stood with arms crossed, watching them coldly.

Uh…

This is bad.

Bai Ci had no idea what happened—but explaining this to Xiya wouldn’t be easy in just a few words.

“Well, Sleeping Beauty finally woke up,” Qi Qiao said with a light smile.
“Now make a choice.”
“Go back with your little girlfriend…”
“Or come with me to the Holy Heaven Army barracks and explain yourself properly?”

What kind of ridiculous options are these…

Gritting his teeth, Bai Ci struggled out of Qi Qiao’s arms, stumbling to his feet.

Only then did he take in the tense standoff around him.

Shiyu Church and Holy Heaven Army members stood on opposite sides. Luo Yu was gone. Xiya stared at him intently.

Lilith stood farther back, wearing an amused smirk.

Qi Qiao looked at his back and asked:
“Decided yet?”
“Don’t forget—you owe me an explanation.”

Bai Ci recalled his promise—to explain everything after dealing with the monsters.

At that, Xiya’s fingers tightened. She didn’t speak,
but the storm in her eyes said everything—possession, anxiety, fear.

Bai Ci took a deep breath and slowly walked toward Xiya.

“Commander.”

He turned to Qi Qiao, voice still weak.
“Tonight… I have to go back with Xiya.”

The air froze for a heartbeat.

Qi Qiao’s expression didn’t change—but no one noticed how her fingers twitched slightly.

“Heh.”

She suddenly laughed, didn’t ask why, just turned sharply—
her silver cape cutting a sharp arc through the air.

“Just remember—I won’t wait forever for that explanation.”

Before Bai Ci could respond, Xiya spoke calmly beside him:
“You don’t need to wait.”
“From now on, I’ll bear his burdens… and his sins… alongside him.”

Qi Qiao’s back stiffened for a split second.

But she didn’t turn. Just raised a hand, signaling the Holy Heaven Army.

The next moment,
soldiers formed ranks, clanking like a tide as they followed Qi Qiao’s retreating figure out of the square.

Their synchronized footsteps echoed sharply in the empty space.

Only when their silhouettes vanished into the streets
did Xiya finally turn to Bai Ci—

to find him staring thoughtfully in the direction they’d left.

“What? Can’t let go?” Xiya raised an eyebrow, slightly annoyed.

Bai Ci snapped back, shaking his head with a wry smile:
“I was just thinking… today’s been quite a ride.”

Xiya fell silent for a moment—then suddenly cupped his face, forcing him to meet her eyes.

“Look at me.”

Her pink irises held something almost obsessive.
“When you’re not there… I feel so uneasy.”

Bai Ci froze. Her icy fingertips trembled.
In that instant, he truly understood what his choice meant to her.

“I’m sorry.”

He whispered, gently enclosing her cold hands in his own.

The night wind stirred Xiya’s lavender hair.

For the first time in her life, Xiya smiled—a real, genuine smile.

Then she leaned forward, pressing her forehead against his chest.
“Let’s go home.”

“Yeah.”

Under the watchful eyes of the remaining crowd,
Bai Ci took Xiya’s hand and slowly walked toward Lilith’s inn.

Moonlight stretched their shadows long behind them.

“You know…”
Xiya leaned close as they walked, voice soft.
“I had a dream last night.”

“What kind of dream?”

“A place I’ve never been before…”

She continued, dreamlike:
“There were strange things… four wheels attached to sheets of metal, moving endlessly.”

Bai Ci froze mid-step.

Four wheels, metal sheets…

That’s a car.

“And then?”

Xiya shook her head.
“It’s blurry… but I remember a place called ‘school’…”
“I was sitting there… but no one knew me.
They waved at me. I tried to speak—but couldn’t make a sound.”
“And then… I met you.”
“I couldn’t see your face…
but your scent… it made me feel so safe.”

Bai Ci’s heart clenched.

School… cars… someone like him…

These weren’t from this world. They were Earth.

Why?

How could Xiya dream of Earth?

If it were just a dream—
she had no memories of Earth’s elements. How could she dream of them?

Impossible.

Unless… Xiya really was connected to her…

“At that moment, I tried so hard to wave at you,” Xiya’s voice trembled.
“And then… you jumped out the window…”
“I looked down… only your body was there.”

Who would’ve thought—Xiya, a Demon Lord, could wear such a fragile expression.

“I was in so much pain.”

Bai Ci wanted to ask more about the dream—but seeing her like this, he chose comfort instead.

“Xiya…” He reached for her shoulder—but she moved first.

“Xiya…?”

“Don’t move.”

Though her tone was commanding, her voice was soft—almost pleading.

Then she tiptoed up—
her moist eyes locked onto his, clumsy lips pressing against his in a kiss.

?!

What’s happening?!

Did I just get… kissed?

“This is… your punishment… hah.”
“For daring to get so close to that woman…”
“And leaving me alone for so long…”

She mumbled, voice sweet as honey.

Soon, both their breaths grew ragged.
Xiya’s lashes trembled violently.

Punishment?
Then don’t blame me for not holding back…

Bai Ci gripped the back of her head, pulling her closer—
and in her startled gaze, claimed her tempting lips again.

This time, no hesitation. No restraint. A deliberate invasion.

Bai Ci clearly heard the soft whimper in Xiya’s throat.
Her hands, once pressed against his chest, now slid up to his shoulders.

“Mmm…”

She gasped, then kissed back fiercely.

When the kiss threatened to spiral out of control, Xiya pulled away—
face flushed with rare shyness:
“Punishment… ends here…”

She turned her face aside.

But Bai Ci wasn’t satisfied. He leaned in again.

“Pervert!”

That night, Bai Ci had a wonderful dream.

The next day, Bai Ci didn’t wake until the sun hung high.

So tired…

Blinding sunlight poured through the curtains. When Bai Ci rolled over, every muscle screamed in protest—
his entire body felt shattered.

“Ssshh…” He slowly sat up.

The other side of the bed was empty—only a lingering scent and strands of purple hair proving last night wasn’t a fantasy.

Looking around, he found himself alone.

“Xiya?”

He called softly—no answer.

Then, an untimely knock came at the door.

“Is that you, Xiya?”

Bai Ci muttered, dragging his sore body to open it.