Unexpected Encounters and Unsettling Flights

“What’s the deal with that woman? Is she part of the underworld? How do you know her?” Bai Chen couldn’t help but question as they walked along the road.

“······” Bai Qiao’s brows furrowed deeply. ‘Yes, that was indeed Yingluo. But why was she with someone from the underworld? The man’s attire looked incredibly luxurious, suggesting he was likely a formidable figure within their ranks. And from the looks of it, their relationship seemed quite close. Yingluo actually allowed someone other than herself to be so near her? I remember in my own world, because of Yingluo’s striking beauty and how she captivated the affections of boys, she naturally had many admirers. But the end results… well, a broken arm was considered getting off lightly, wasn’t it?’

‘Could Yingluo have befriended a leader of the underworld? If so, this complicates things significantly.’

“Alright,” Bai Chen conceded, observing Bai Qiao’s dark expression. He shook his head, choosing to remain silent.

“What are you doing?!” Her sleeve was abruptly seized, causing Bai Qiao to momentarily freeze. She was yanked to the side, the sudden force throwing her off balance, and she instinctively stumbled. Just then, Bai Chen swiftly wrapped an arm around her waist, ignoring her momentary struggle, and leaped onto a small, nearby cliff.

Enveloped almost entirely by Bai Chen’s aura—an aura identical to her own—Bai Qiao felt no aversion. Instead, a strange sense of familiarity washed over her. Yet, he was undeniably a man, and he was undeniably *her*. Ultimately, the peculiar sensation persisted.

Her hands fluttered in a panicked attempt to push Bai Chen away, only to find herself held even more firmly. Her face flushed a deeper crimson. No, it wasn’t just a blush; even her earlobes turned a vivid scarlet, almost as if they were about to bleed.

In her indignation, she could only lift her head, a curse forming on her lips. But then, as Bai Chen looked at Bai Qiao in that moment, he truly, deeply wished she would get even angrier. He admired her flushed cheeks, her earlobes so red they seemed to drip blood, and those… alluring lips. Bai Chen couldn’t help but lean down slightly, the tip of his lips brushing against Bai Qiao’s. The fervent heat from her panic made him unable to resist a small lick.

Thrown into disarray and momentarily losing her composure, Bai Qiao felt an unbearable heat spread across her face and body, particularly her cheeks. Amidst her panic, a sudden, cool dampness on her lips jolted her back to awareness, yet left her utterly unsure of what to do.

“You—” Before she could voice her angry words, the scenery around them abruptly shifted. The entire environment blurred, the rocky cliff face transforming into a vast, empty sky. Her feet suddenly left solid ground, her body suspended in mid-air, leaving Bai Qiao’s mind reeling once more.

Her modern sensibilities made it difficult for Bai Qiao to accept that humans could fly directly through the sky. She had been incredibly excited the last time she rode a flying beast. Now, in this situation, she wasn’t just excited; she was utterly shocked. After all, since arriving here, Bai Qiao had never seen anyone fly.

“What? Is it that unusual?” Bai Chen remarked, discerning her confusion. ‘Her stunned expression was truly adorable, especially compared to that cold, aloof demeanor so much like his own.’

“Yes, it’s just… I’ve never seen anyone fly before.”

“Oh, I see. Flying consumes a lot of spiritual energy, you know. If there are flying beasts to ride, why would anyone choose to fly themselves?”

‘He had a point,’ she mused. ‘It was no different in my own world. Cars and planes exist precisely so people don’t have to walk.’ “Then why are you flying now?”

No sooner had the question left her lips than Bai Qiao realized her mistake. Bai Chen’s reply was utterly… nonsensical.

‘He was saying he wanted to hold her more, claiming it was a new experience. It was pure absurdity! No matter what, she would never, ever be with someone like him.’

“Hmph! Who wants to hug you, you pervert! You’re nothing like me! This isn’t me!” With that, Bai Qiao tried to push Bai Chen away.

Suddenly, their bodies swayed, a violent jolt rocking them. Bai Qiao glanced down at the deep abyss below, swallowed hard, then spun around and clung desperately to Bai Chen’s neck. Her face flushed with embarrassment, yet she forced out a semblance of toughness, “You… you better hold steady!”

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