Adoptive Father: C05-3

Chapter 5.3: Mother

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Flυstered, Han Xiling closed his eyes and returned to lying still, making no further moves towards him.}
When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.

Flυstered, Han Xiling closed his eyes and returned to lying still, making no further moves towards him.

_{The next day.}The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

The next day.

_{Han Xiling couldn’t help but chuckle at this sight. He had dedicated a lot of effort to perfecting this game meant to drain his opponents' will over the past three years, so he knew just what buttons to push to elicit such a reaction.}Han Xiling could practically feel his heart lurching. Palms coated with sweat joined the mix to display the extremity of his nervous state.

Han Xiling couldn’t help but chuckle at this sight. He had dedicated a lot of effort to perfecting this game meant to drain his opponents' will over the past three years, so he knew just what buttons to push to elicit such a reaction.

_{With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.}The next day.

With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

_{With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.}The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.

With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.

_{Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.}
“There’s a match set tomorrow for you, Xiling. It’ll be held at the Xuanyuan Sect, and your opponent will be the best swordsman at Youmiao Academy. Don’t be careless.”

Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

For a while, Han Xiling blankly stared at the beams on the ceiling. Without the gentle touches of that heated revelry—without the lingering aftertaste of that passion—Han Xiling felt as timid as a child—one who had done something wrong.

_{The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.}What met him was the sight of Xuanyuan Wuji gripping Han Jiangxue’s hand so tіghtly that those slender fingers of his had turned pale and blue.

The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.

_{Han Xiling had won.}
Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.

Han Xiling had won.

_{Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.}Time seemed to trickle by, but Han Xiling couldn’t fall asleep at all, because under that thіck quilt was Han Jiangxue’s hand holding his in an act of comfort that had the opposite effect of causing him nothing but restlessness.

Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.

_{Those three years of Han Xiling’s were meant to sharpen his blade to apply this one move.}Like this, they continued for who knows how long, until Han Jiangxue finally muttered, “This never happened. Let’s pretend nothing happened, alright?”

Those three years of Han Xiling’s were meant to sharpen his blade to apply this one move.

_{Those three years of Han Xiling’s were meant to sharpen his blade to apply this one move.}
“Thank you! I will try my best!”

Those three years of Han Xiling’s were meant to sharpen his blade to apply this one move.

_{“Would you like me to give you a massage?”}Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

“Would you like me to give you a massage?”

_{Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.}
Every autumn, the most outstanding standing pupils of Youmiao Academy had the chance to challenge the best students of Qingmiao. It was a quick method for the students born into poverty to achieve some success in their careers.

Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.

_{After feeling that man roll over on his side before wrapping his arms and legs around his chеst and waist like the body pillow he had usually used him as, Han Xiling then felt that man’s body press close to his, the man’s face pressed close to the crook of his neck, was now softly caressed by his nose.}The only sound uttered throughout was a faint cry from Diandian’s lips, and it was then that Han Xiling’s blade, for the first time, was drawn from its sheath.

After feeling that man roll over on his side before wrapping his arms and legs around his chеst and waist like the body pillow he had usually used him as, Han Xiling then felt that man’s body press close to his, the man’s face pressed close to the crook of his neck, was now softly caressed by his nose.

_{The match began. Mo Yixiao launched his fierce assault. His swordwork crashed upon Han Xiling like a tempest, making him struggle to counter that surge of attacks. But as the match went on, he was able to craft a proper method to handle him.}Han Xiling had won.

The match began. Mo Yixiao launched his fierce assault. His swordwork crashed upon Han Xiling like a tempest, making him struggle to counter that surge of attacks. But as the match went on, he was able to craft a proper method to handle him.

_{Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.}
I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.

_{When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.}“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.

When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.

_{“Do what for a moment?” Han Xiling asked, still not understanding.}
With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.

“Do what for a moment?” Han Xiling asked, still not understanding.

_{Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.}With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

_{With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.}But despite the sore spot of that lingering shadow growing again, Han Xiling still never asked who that person overlaid on him might be.

With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.

_{Like this, they continued for who knows how long, until Han Jiangxue finally muttered, “This never happened. Let’s pretend nothing happened, alright?”}
Seeing the sleepless one beside him, Han Jiangxue pressed his finger between Han Xiling's knitted brows, gently caressing away his creases.

Like this, they continued for who knows how long, until Han Jiangxue finally muttered, “This never happened. Let’s pretend nothing happened, alright?”

_{“But nothing has happened,” Han Xiling said somewhat surprised.}Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.

“But nothing has happened,” Han Xiling said somewhat surprised.

_{Flυstered, Han Xiling closed his eyes and returned to lying still, making no further moves towards him.}More time passed once more, and Han Jiangxue again buried his face in Han Xiling’s neck. Slowly, Han Xiling moved his face close. Softly, pairs of lips pressed against cheeks; lightly pecked brows; brushed against noses—touching all they could while avoiding meeting the other’s lips.

Flυstered, Han Xiling closed his eyes and returned to lying still, making no further moves towards him.

_{Chapter 5.3: Mother}
“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”

Chapter 5.3: Mother

_{He was that man’s adopted son.}Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

He was that man’s adopted son.

_{{But we just…}}The next day.

But we just…

_{His answer was swift, too.}
Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

His answer was swift, too.

_{He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.}Who is this person?

He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.

_{Chapter 5.3: Mother}After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?

Chapter 5.3: Mother

_{Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.}
“So what was it like for your first time competing?”

Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

_{“Don’t. My pillow shouldn’t kiss me like this.”}I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

“Don’t. My pillow shouldn’t kiss me like this.”

_☆☆☆
Han Jiangxue smiled, seeming as if he had fallen into a trance. “I was nervous too—extremely nervous. So much so that I also had a difficult time getting some sleep. If I wasn’t sitting up while racked with nerves, I was pacing all over. It was so bad that Xiao Zhu (Little Pig) had to come to give me a massage just so I could get some rest. But that made them have to stay up the entire night.”

☆☆☆

_{“So what was it like for your first time competing?”}The youth facing Han Xiling was half a head shorter, but he also had a good physique.

“So what was it like for your first time competing?”

_{Chapter 5.3: Mother}Is he feeling restless like I am, too?

Chapter 5.3: Mother

_{After feeling that man roll over on his side before wrapping his arms and legs around his chеst and waist like the body pillow he had usually used him as, Han Xiling then felt that man’s body press close to his, the man’s face pressed close to the crook of his neck, was now softly caressed by his nose.}After feeling that man roll over on his side before wrapping his arms and legs around his chеst and waist like the body pillow he had usually used him as, Han Xiling then felt that man’s body press close to his, the man’s face pressed close to the crook of his neck, was now softly caressed by his nose.

_{In truth, Han Xiling already knew Han Jiangxue was the type to easily become a ball of nerves. He watched him suffer from insomnia before every competition throughout all the years they’d been together, and he would not be able to sleep, too.}With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.

In truth, Han Xiling already knew Han Jiangxue was the type to easily become a ball of nerves. He watched him suffer from insomnia before every competition throughout all the years they’d been together, and he would not be able to sleep, too.

_{“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”}
Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?

“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”

_{Xuanyuan Sect.}The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

Xuanyuan Sect.

_{It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.}In an instant, Mo Yixiao’s countless blades were gone. His final attack, reduced to nothing.

It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

_{But just as Han Xiling thought Mo Yixiao had reached the end of his rope, that youth bellowed out a command. The sword in his grasp then grew ten times its lеngth, spurring a wave of silence to wash over the stadium. Now, before Han Xiling, countless blades formed of qi encapsulated him from all directions, their intentions deadly.}
Han Xiling held onto those words.

But just as Han Xiling thought Mo Yixiao had reached the end of his rope, that youth bellowed out a command. The sword in his grasp then grew ten times its lеngth, spurring a wave of silence to wash over the stadium. Now, before Han Xiling, countless blades formed of qi encapsulated him from all directions, their intentions deadly.

_{Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.}But despite the sore spot of that lingering shadow growing again, Han Xiling still never asked who that person overlaid on him might be.

Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

_{Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.}☆☆☆

Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

_{Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.}
Who is this person?

Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.

_{Han Jiangxue smiled, seeming as if he had fallen into a trance. “I was nervous too—extremely nervous. So much so that I also had a difficult time getting some sleep. If I wasn’t sitting up while racked with nerves, I was pacing all over. It was so bad that Xiao Zhu (Little Pig) had to come to give me a massage just so I could get some rest. But that made them have to stay up the entire night.”}It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

Han Jiangxue smiled, seeming as if he had fallen into a trance. “I was nervous too—extremely nervous. So much so that I also had a difficult time getting some sleep. If I wasn’t sitting up while racked with nerves, I was pacing all over. It was so bad that Xiao Zhu (Little Pig) had to come to give me a massage just so I could get some rest. But that made them have to stay up the entire night.”

_{Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.}N/A

Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

_{In truth, Han Xiling already knew Han Jiangxue was the type to easily become a ball of nerves. He watched him suffer from insomnia before every competition throughout all the years they’d been together, and he would not be able to sleep, too.}But, of all things, Han Jiangxue moved closer to him, leaning on his shoulder.

_{“So what was it like for your first time competing?”}
But despite the sore spot of that lingering shadow growing again, Han Xiling still never asked who that person overlaid on him might be.

“So what was it like for your first time competing?”

_{Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.}The youth facing Han Xiling was half a head shorter, but he also had a good physique.

Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

_{But despite the sore spot of that lingering shadow growing again, Han Xiling still never asked who that person overlaid on him might be.}
In truth, Han Xiling already knew Han Jiangxue was the type to easily become a ball of nerves. He watched him suffer from insomnia before every competition throughout all the years they’d been together, and he would not be able to sleep, too.

But despite the sore spot of that lingering shadow growing again, Han Xiling still never asked who that person overlaid on him might be.

_{The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.}Han Xiling stared at the man pressed against him in surprise. It was the last thing he expected that man to do after being so careful not to touch his lips just a moment ago. But as he gazed at that man’s closed eyes and face drunk on dеsire, Han Xiling simply closed his eyes and seized the tongue that man inserted into his mouth.

The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.

_{With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.}With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.

_{That man was his adoptive father.}“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.

That man was his adoptive father.

_{“So what was it like for your first time competing?”}But we just…

“So what was it like for your first time competing?”

_{With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.}
For a while, the room was again silent, except for the sounds of their soft breaths. Slivers of silver shone through the latticed window, crafting a pattern within the shadows on the floor of the room.

With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.

_{Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.}Han Xiling smiled back at his friend, hugging him in return before his eyes also found Lord Xuanyuan standing not that far away. Seeing the admiration in that man’s gaze, Han Xiling was able to breathe a sigh of relief. His gaze then naturally looked to the man beside Lord Xuanyuan in hopes of also gaining his acknowledgement, but…

Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.

_{Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.}“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.

Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

_{He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.}When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.

He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.

_☆☆☆Chapter 5.3: Mother

☆☆☆

_{He was that man’s adopted son.}
“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.

He was that man’s adopted son.

_{Han Xiling smiled back at his friend, hugging him in return before his eyes also found Lord Xuanyuan standing not that far away. Seeing the admiration in that man’s gaze, Han Xiling was able to breathe a sigh of relief. His gaze then naturally looked to the man beside Lord Xuanyuan in hopes of also gaining his acknowledgement, but…}For a while, the room was again silent, except for the sounds of their soft breaths. Slivers of silver shone through the latticed window, crafting a pattern within the shadows on the floor of the room.

Han Xiling smiled back at his friend, hugging him in return before his eyes also found Lord Xuanyuan standing not that far away. Seeing the admiration in that man’s gaze, Han Xiling was able to breathe a sigh of relief. His gaze then naturally looked to the man beside Lord Xuanyuan in hopes of also gaining his acknowledgement, but…

In no time at all, the arena erupted in thunderous cheers. Diandian ran to the stage, hopped on the platform, and hugged the victorious youth while shouting his name happily. “Xiling, I knew it! I knew you would win!”

_{Han Xiling turned to look at him right then, his heart skipping a beat as he saw that deepened gaze staring into him. Without thinking, he quickly whipped his head away, his mind filled with thoughts of what he should do—with fear he may not be able to restrain himself any longer.}Like this, they continued for who knows how long, until Han Jiangxue finally muttered, “This never happened. Let’s pretend nothing happened, alright?”

Han Xiling turned to look at him right then, his heart skipping a beat as he saw that deepened gaze staring into him. Without thinking, he quickly whipped his head away, his mind filled with thoughts of what he should do—with fear he may not be able to restrain himself any longer.

_{It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.}
Han Xiling turned to look at him right then, his heart skipping a beat as he saw that deepened gaze staring into him. Without thinking, he quickly whipped his head away, his mind filled with thoughts of what he should do—with fear he may not be able to restrain himself any longer.

It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

_{Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.}With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.

Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.

_{{Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?}}Han Xiling turned to look at him right then, his heart skipping a beat as he saw that deepened gaze staring into him. Without thinking, he quickly whipped his head away, his mind filled with thoughts of what he should do—with fear he may not be able to restrain himself any longer.

Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?

_{“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.}Is he feeling restless like I am, too?

“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.

_{He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.}Han Xiling held onto those words.

He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.

_{I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?}
Tomorrow was the day of his first official fight, and he knew it was better for him to compose himself and not have his mind a mess at such a critical moment!

I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

_{Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.}Han Xiling held onto those words.

Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.

_{Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?}Time seemed to trickle by, but Han Xiling couldn’t fall asleep at all, because under that thіck quilt was Han Jiangxue’s hand holding his in an act of comfort that had the opposite effect of causing him nothing but restlessness.

Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?

_{“So what was it like for your first time competing?”}Who is this person?

“So what was it like for your first time competing?”

_{Tomorrow was the day of his first official fight, and he knew it was better for him to compose himself and not have his mind a mess at such a critical moment!}
But, of all things, Han Jiangxue moved closer to him, leaning on his shoulder.

Tomorrow was the day of his first official fight, and he knew it was better for him to compose himself and not have his mind a mess at such a critical moment!

_{Han Xiling had won.}Xuanyuan Sect.

Han Xiling had won.

_{When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.}
“Would you like me to give you a massage?”

When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.

_{Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.}But just as Han Xiling thought Mo Yixiao had reached the end of his rope, that youth bellowed out a command. The sword in his grasp then grew ten times its lеngth, spurring a wave of silence to wash over the stadium. Now, before Han Xiling, countless blades formed of qi encapsulated him from all directions, their intentions deadly.

Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.

_{Han Xiling couldn’t help but chuckle at this sight. He had dedicated a lot of effort to perfecting this game meant to drain his opponents' will over the past three years, so he knew just what buttons to push to elicit such a reaction.}With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.

_{With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.}But just as Han Xiling thought Mo Yixiao had reached the end of his rope, that youth bellowed out a command. The sword in his grasp then grew ten times its lеngth, spurring a wave of silence to wash over the stadium. Now, before Han Xiling, countless blades formed of qi encapsulated him from all directions, their intentions deadly.

With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

_{Han Xiling turned to look at him right then, his heart skipping a beat as he saw that deepened gaze staring into him. Without thinking, he quickly whipped his head away, his mind filled with thoughts of what he should do—with fear he may not be able to restrain himself any longer.}
Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

_{{Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?}}Han Xiling had won.

Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?

_☆☆☆
His answer was swift, too.

☆☆☆

_{Han Xiling held onto those words.}N/A

Han Xiling held onto those words.

_{But despite the sore spot of that lingering shadow growing again, Han Xiling still never asked who that person overlaid on him might be.}After feeling that man roll over on his side before wrapping his arms and legs around his chеst and waist like the body pillow he had usually used him as, Han Xiling then felt that man’s body press close to his, the man’s face pressed close to the crook of his neck, was now softly caressed by his nose.

But despite the sore spot of that lingering shadow growing again, Han Xiling still never asked who that person overlaid on him might be.

☆☆☆

_{The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.}
Time seemed to trickle by, but Han Xiling couldn’t fall asleep at all, because under that thіck quilt was Han Jiangxue’s hand holding his in an act of comfort that had the opposite effect of causing him nothing but restlessness.

The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

_{After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?}Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.

After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?

_{Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”}“So what was it like for your first time competing?”

Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

_{Is he feeling restless like I am, too?}
He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.

Is he feeling restless like I am, too?

_{Han Xiling stared at the man pressed against him in surprise. It was the last thing he expected that man to do after being so careful not to touch his lips just a moment ago. But as he gazed at that man’s closed eyes and face drunk on dеsire, Han Xiling simply closed his eyes and seized the tongue that man inserted into his mouth.}Han Xiling could practically feel his heart lurching. Palms coated with sweat joined the mix to display the extremity of his nervous state.

Han Xiling stared at the man pressed against him in surprise. It was the last thing he expected that man to do after being so careful not to touch his lips just a moment ago. But as he gazed at that man’s closed eyes and face drunk on dеsire, Han Xiling simply closed his eyes and seized the tongue that man inserted into his mouth.

_{“Do what for a moment?” Han Xiling asked, still not understanding.}He was that man’s adopted son.

“Do what for a moment?” Han Xiling asked, still not understanding.

_N/A
After feeling that man roll over on his side before wrapping his arms and legs around his chеst and waist like the body pillow he had usually used him as, Han Xiling then felt that man’s body press close to his, the man’s face pressed close to the crook of his neck, was now softly caressed by his nose.

N/A

_{Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?}“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”

Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?

_{Chapter 5.3: Mother}Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

Chapter 5.3: Mother

_{Time seemed to trickle by, but Han Xiling couldn’t fall asleep at all, because under that thіck quilt was Han Jiangxue’s hand holding his in an act of comfort that had the opposite effect of causing him nothing but restlessness.}
Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.

Time seemed to trickle by, but Han Xiling couldn’t fall asleep at all, because under that thіck quilt was Han Jiangxue’s hand holding his in an act of comfort that had the opposite effect of causing him nothing but restlessness.

_{Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.}☆☆☆

Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

_{Seeing the sleepless one beside him, Han Jiangxue pressed his finger between Han Xiling's knitted brows, gently caressing away his creases.}
Is he feeling restless like I am, too?

Seeing the sleepless one beside him, Han Jiangxue pressed his finger between Han Xiling's knitted brows, gently caressing away his creases.

_{It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.}The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

_{In response, Han Jiangxue outrightly wrapped Han Xiling into his arms and pressed his lips against his.}Chapter 5.3: Mother

In response, Han Jiangxue outrightly wrapped Han Xiling into his arms and pressed his lips against his.

_{{But we just…}}Is he feeling restless like I am, too?

But we just…

_{Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”}
It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

_N/ABut just as Han Xiling thought Mo Yixiao had reached the end of his rope, that youth bellowed out a command. The sword in his grasp then grew ten times its lеngth, spurring a wave of silence to wash over the stadium. Now, before Han Xiling, countless blades formed of qi encapsulated him from all directions, their intentions deadly.

N/A

_{{Is he feeling restless like I am, too?}}Han Xiling turned to look at him right then, his heart skipping a beat as he saw that deepened gaze staring into him. Without thinking, he quickly whipped his head away, his mind filled with thoughts of what he should do—with fear he may not be able to restrain himself any longer.

Is he feeling restless like I am, too?

_{“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.}
“Don’t. My pillow shouldn’t kiss me like this.”

“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.

_{Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.}Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

_{In response, Han Jiangxue outrightly wrapped Han Xiling into his arms and pressed his lips against his.}
Flυstered, Han Xiling closed his eyes and returned to lying still, making no further moves towards him.

In response, Han Jiangxue outrightly wrapped Han Xiling into his arms and pressed his lips against his.

_{Every autumn, the most outstanding standing pupils of Youmiao Academy had the chance to challenge the best students of Qingmiao. It was a quick method for the students born into poverty to achieve some success in their careers.}Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

Every autumn, the most outstanding standing pupils of Youmiao Academy had the chance to challenge the best students of Qingmiao. It was a quick method for the students born into poverty to achieve some success in their careers.

_{Han Xiling couldn’t help but chuckle at this sight. He had dedicated a lot of effort to perfecting this game meant to drain his opponents' will over the past three years, so he knew just what buttons to push to elicit such a reaction.}
More time passed once more, and Han Jiangxue again buried his face in Han Xiling’s neck. Slowly, Han Xiling moved his face close. Softly, pairs of lips pressed against cheeks; lightly pecked brows; brushed against noses—touching all they could while avoiding meeting the other’s lips.

_{He was that man’s adopted son.}“Thank you! I will try my best!”

He was that man’s adopted son.

_{For a while, Han Xiling blankly stared at the beams on the ceiling. Without the gentle touches of that heated revelry—without the lingering aftertaste of that passion—Han Xiling felt as timid as a child—one who had done something wrong.}With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.

_{Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?}
Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?

_{Gathered around them on the stage were Xuanyuan Wuji and many nobles. Next to Lord Xuanyuan was that adoptive father of his, and leaning on that man's other side was Xuanyuan Diandian.}More time passed once more, and Han Jiangxue again buried his face in Han Xiling’s neck. Slowly, Han Xiling moved his face close. Softly, pairs of lips pressed against cheeks; lightly pecked brows; brushed against noses—touching all they could while avoiding meeting the other’s lips.

Gathered around them on the stage were Xuanyuan Wuji and many nobles. Next to Lord Xuanyuan was that adoptive father of his, and leaning on that man's other side was Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?}
Like this, they continued for who knows how long, until Han Jiangxue finally muttered, “This never happened. Let’s pretend nothing happened, alright?”

Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?

_{{Who is this person?}}Han Xiling could practically feel his heart lurching. Palms coated with sweat joined the mix to display the extremity of his nervous state.

Who is this person?

Gathered around them on the stage were Xuanyuan Wuji and many nobles. Next to Lord Xuanyuan was that adoptive father of his, and leaning on that man's other side was Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.}Han Xiling had won.

When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.

_{Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”}Who is this person?

Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

_{After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?}The match began. Mo Yixiao launched his fierce assault. His swordwork crashed upon Han Xiling like a tempest, making him struggle to counter that surge of attacks. But as the match went on, he was able to craft a proper method to handle him.

After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?

_{In an instant, Mo Yixiao’s countless blades were gone. His final attack, reduced to nothing.}
“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.

In an instant, Mo Yixiao’s countless blades were gone. His final attack, reduced to nothing.

_{Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.}Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.

Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.

_{Chapter 5.3: Mother}His answer was swift, too.

Chapter 5.3: Mother

_{With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.}For a while, Han Xiling blankly stared at the beams on the ceiling. Without the gentle touches of that heated revelry—without the lingering aftertaste of that passion—Han Xiling felt as timid as a child—one who had done something wrong.

With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

_{“There’s a match set tomorrow for you, Xiling. It’ll be held at the Xuanyuan Sect, and your opponent will be the best swordsman at Youmiao Academy. Don’t be careless.”}
In response, Han Jiangxue outrightly wrapped Han Xiling into his arms and pressed his lips against his.

“There’s a match set tomorrow for you, Xiling. It’ll be held at the Xuanyuan Sect, and your opponent will be the best swordsman at Youmiao Academy. Don’t be careless.”

_{Xuanyuan Sect.}Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?

Xuanyuan Sect.

_{In an instant, Mo Yixiao’s countless blades were gone. His final attack, reduced to nothing.}For a while, Han Xiling blankly stared at the beams on the ceiling. Without the gentle touches of that heated revelry—without the lingering aftertaste of that passion—Han Xiling felt as timid as a child—one who had done something wrong.

In an instant, Mo Yixiao’s countless blades were gone. His final attack, reduced to nothing.

_{“There’s a match set tomorrow for you, Xiling. It’ll be held at the Xuanyuan Sect, and your opponent will be the best swordsman at Youmiao Academy. Don’t be careless.”}Who is this person?

“There’s a match set tomorrow for you, Xiling. It’ll be held at the Xuanyuan Sect, and your opponent will be the best swordsman at Youmiao Academy. Don’t be careless.”

_{More time passed once more, and Han Jiangxue again buried his face in Han Xiling’s neck. Slowly, Han Xiling moved his face close. Softly, pairs of lips pressed against cheeks; lightly pecked brows; brushed against noses—touching all they could while avoiding meeting the other’s lips.}
Han Xiling stared at the man pressed against him in surprise. It was the last thing he expected that man to do after being so careful not to touch his lips just a moment ago. But as he gazed at that man’s closed eyes and face drunk on dеsire, Han Xiling simply closed his eyes and seized the tongue that man inserted into his mouth.

More time passed once more, and Han Jiangxue again buried his face in Han Xiling’s neck. Slowly, Han Xiling moved his face close. Softly, pairs of lips pressed against cheeks; lightly pecked brows; brushed against noses—touching all they could while avoiding meeting the other’s lips.

_{Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.}He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.

Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

_{Chapter 5.3: Mother}After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?

Chapter 5.3: Mother

_{That man was his adoptive father.}Chapter 5.3: Mother

That man was his adoptive father.

_{“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.}
Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.

_{With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.}Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.

With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

_{Xuanyuan Sect.}
For a while, Han Xiling blankly stared at the beams on the ceiling. Without the gentle touches of that heated revelry—without the lingering aftertaste of that passion—Han Xiling felt as timid as a child—one who had done something wrong.

Xuanyuan Sect.

_{{Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?}}Chapter 5.3: Mother

Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?

_{With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.}
That man was his adoptive father.

With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

_{Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.}In truth, Han Xiling already knew Han Jiangxue was the type to easily become a ball of nerves. He watched him suffer from insomnia before every competition throughout all the years they’d been together, and he would not be able to sleep, too.

Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

_{“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.}The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.

_{Chapter 5.3: Mother}Who is this person?

Chapter 5.3: Mother

_{The youth facing Han Xiling was half a head shorter, but he also had a good physique.}
He was that man’s adopted son.

The youth facing Han Xiling was half a head shorter, but he also had a good physique.

It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

_{“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”}Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”

_{“Thank you! I will try my best!”}
But we just…

“Thank you! I will try my best!”

_{Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.}N/A

Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

_{“So what was it like for your first time competing?”}Han Xiling could practically feel his heart lurching. Palms coated with sweat joined the mix to display the extremity of his nervous state.

“So what was it like for your first time competing?”

_{Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.}☆☆☆

Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.

_{But, of all things, Han Jiangxue moved closer to him, leaning on his shoulder.}
After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?

But, of all things, Han Jiangxue moved closer to him, leaning on his shoulder.

_{“But nothing has happened,” Han Xiling said somewhat surprised.}His answer was swift, too.

“But nothing has happened,” Han Xiling said somewhat surprised.

_{Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.}Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.

Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

_{After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?}☆☆☆

After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?

_{With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.}
Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.

_{{Is he feeling restless like I am, too?}}The youth facing Han Xiling was half a head shorter, but he also had a good physique.

Is he feeling restless like I am, too?

_{Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.}Han Jiangxue smiled, seeming as if he had fallen into a trance. “I was nervous too—extremely nervous. So much so that I also had a difficult time getting some sleep. If I wasn’t sitting up while racked with nerves, I was pacing all over. It was so bad that Xiao Zhu (Little Pig) had to come to give me a massage just so I could get some rest. But that made them have to stay up the entire night.”

Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.

_{Every autumn, the most outstanding standing pupils of Youmiao Academy had the chance to challenge the best students of Qingmiao. It was a quick method for the students born into poverty to achieve some success in their careers.}It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

_{He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.}
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.

He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.

_{“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.}The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.

☆☆☆

_{“Don’t. My pillow shouldn’t kiss me like this.”}
The next day.

“Don’t. My pillow shouldn’t kiss me like this.”

_{Han Xiling held onto those words.}Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

Han Xiling held onto those words.

_{After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?}Those three years of Han Xiling’s were meant to sharpen his blade to apply this one move.

After coming to his senses, was he embarrassed? Was it guilt? Was it regret? Was it helplessness?

_{The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.}
Xuanyuan Sect.

The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.

_{The next day.}He was that man’s adopted son.

The next day.

_{Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”}Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.

Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

_{Time seemed to trickle by, but Han Xiling couldn’t fall asleep at all, because under that thіck quilt was Han Jiangxue’s hand holding his in an act of comfort that had the opposite effect of causing him nothing but restlessness.}Every autumn, the most outstanding standing pupils of Youmiao Academy had the chance to challenge the best students of Qingmiao. It was a quick method for the students born into poverty to achieve some success in their careers.

_{Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.}Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

_{“Would you like me to give you a massage?”}
The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

“Would you like me to give you a massage?”

_{{But we just…}}Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

But we just…

_{What met him was the sight of Xuanyuan Wuji gripping Han Jiangxue’s hand so tіghtly that those slender fingers of his had turned pale and blue.}
[T/n: His name means (one) smile.]

What met him was the sight of Xuanyuan Wuji gripping Han Jiangxue’s hand so tіghtly that those slender fingers of his had turned pale and blue.

_{“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.}Who is this person?

“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.

_{{I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?}}Who is this person?

I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

_{Those three years of Han Xiling’s were meant to sharpen his blade to apply this one move.}“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”

Those three years of Han Xiling’s were meant to sharpen his blade to apply this one move.

_{But, of all things, Han Jiangxue moved closer to him, leaning on his shoulder.}I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

But, of all things, Han Jiangxue moved closer to him, leaning on his shoulder.

_{In truth, Han Xiling already knew Han Jiangxue was the type to easily become a ball of nerves. He watched him suffer from insomnia before every competition throughout all the years they’d been together, and he would not be able to sleep, too.}
Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.

_{{I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?}}With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.

I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

_{Han Xiling could practically feel his heart lurching. Palms coated with sweat joined the mix to display the extremity of his nervous state.}
The youth facing Han Xiling was half a head shorter, but he also had a good physique.

Han Xiling could practically feel his heart lurching. Palms coated with sweat joined the mix to display the extremity of his nervous state.

_{With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.}“So what was it like for your first time competing?”

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiling’s body couldn’t help tossing and turning as the rest of the night slipped by.

_{With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.}Han Xiling could practically feel his heart lurching. Palms coated with sweat joined the mix to display the extremity of his nervous state.

With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

_{The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.}With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.

The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

_{For a while, the room was again silent, except for the sounds of their soft breaths. Slivers of silver shone through the latticed window, crafting a pattern within the shadows on the floor of the room.}
Gathered around them on the stage were Xuanyuan Wuji and many nobles. Next to Lord Xuanyuan was that adoptive father of his, and leaning on that man's other side was Xuanyuan Diandian.

For a while, the room was again silent, except for the sounds of their soft breaths. Slivers of silver shone through the latticed window, crafting a pattern within the shadows on the floor of the room.

_{The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.}Gathered around them on the stage were Xuanyuan Wuji and many nobles. Next to Lord Xuanyuan was that adoptive father of his, and leaning on that man's other side was Xuanyuan Diandian.

The competitor sent by Youmiao Academy was a boy Han Xiling didn’t know, but they were the same age, and his name was Mo Yixiao.

_{Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.}“Don’t. My pillow shouldn’t kiss me like this.”

Han Jiangxue was frozen by the act momentarily before lifting his shocked gaze to meet Han Xiling’s.

_{{I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?}}Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

_{Han Jiangxue smiled, seeming as if he had fallen into a trance. “I was nervous too—extremely nervous. So much so that I also had a difficult time getting some sleep. If I wasn’t sitting up while racked with nerves, I was pacing all over. It was so bad that Xiao Zhu (Little Pig) had to come to give me a massage just so I could get some rest. But that made them have to stay up the entire night.”}
Han Xiling could practically feel his heart lurching. Palms coated with sweat joined the mix to display the extremity of his nervous state.

_{“Would you like me to give you a massage?”}I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

“Would you like me to give you a massage?”

_{In response, Han Jiangxue outrightly wrapped Han Xiling into his arms and pressed his lips against his.}Barely parting to gasp, the two sought out the other’s lips until they lay on that bed unmoving.

In response, Han Jiangxue outrightly wrapped Han Xiling into his arms and pressed his lips against his.

_{But we just…}
The match began. Mo Yixiao launched his fierce assault. His swordwork crashed upon Han Xiling like a tempest, making him struggle to counter that surge of attacks. But as the match went on, he was able to craft a proper method to handle him.

But we just…

_{Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.}Han Jiangxue smiled, seeming as if he had fallen into a trance. “I was nervous too—extremely nervous. So much so that I also had a difficult time getting some sleep. If I wasn’t sitting up while racked with nerves, I was pacing all over. It was so bad that Xiao Zhu (Little Pig) had to come to give me a massage just so I could get some rest. But that made them have to stay up the entire night.”

Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

_{“Would you like me to give you a massage?”}For a while, the room was again silent, except for the sounds of their soft breaths. Slivers of silver shone through the latticed window, crafting a pattern within the shadows on the floor of the room.

“Would you like me to give you a massage?”

_{Flυstered, Han Xiling closed his eyes and returned to lying still, making no further moves towards him.}“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”

Flυstered, Han Xiling closed his eyes and returned to lying still, making no further moves towards him.

_{“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.}That man was his adoptive father.

“I mean, let’s… just for a moment, and afterwards we can pretend nothing happened and we’ll be able to get some proper sleep.

_{The next day.}
The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.

The next day.

_{With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.}“There’s no reason to be so nervous. You’ll do just fine.”

With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

_{“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.}Han Xiling couldn’t help but chuckle at this sight. He had dedicated a lot of effort to perfecting this game meant to drain his opponents' will over the past three years, so he knew just what buttons to push to elicit such a reaction.

“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.

_{The only sound uttered throughout was a faint cry from Diandian’s lips, and it was then that Han Xiling’s blade, for the first time, was drawn from its sheath.}
Han Xiling couldn’t help but chuckle at this sight. He had dedicated a lot of effort to perfecting this game meant to drain his opponents' will over the past three years, so he knew just what buttons to push to elicit such a reaction.

The only sound uttered throughout was a faint cry from Diandian’s lips, and it was then that Han Xiling’s blade, for the first time, was drawn from its sheath.

Gathered around them on the stage were Xuanyuan Wuji and many nobles. Next to Lord Xuanyuan was that adoptive father of his, and leaning on that man's other side was Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{“But nothing has happened,” Han Xiling said somewhat surprised.}
But just as Han Xiling thought Mo Yixiao had reached the end of his rope, that youth bellowed out a command. The sword in his grasp then grew ten times its lеngth, spurring a wave of silence to wash over the stadium. Now, before Han Xiling, countless blades formed of qi encapsulated him from all directions, their intentions deadly.

“But nothing has happened,” Han Xiling said somewhat surprised.

_{[T/n: His name means (one) smile.]}[T/n: His name means (one) smile.]

[T/n: His name means (one) smile.]

_{Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”}It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

_{Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?}Xiao Zhu (Little Pig)?

Could he really simply pretend that nothing just happened at all?

_{Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.}
The only sound uttered throughout was a faint cry from Diandian’s lips, and it was then that Han Xiling’s blade, for the first time, was drawn from its sheath.

Both were very much awake; neither could truly fall asleep.

_{Tomorrow was the day of his first official fight, and he knew it was better for him to compose himself and not have his mind a mess at such a critical moment!}Tomorrow was the day of his first official fight, and he knew it was better for him to compose himself and not have his mind a mess at such a critical moment!

Tomorrow was the day of his first official fight, and he knew it was better for him to compose himself and not have his mind a mess at such a critical moment!

_{Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”}It was then Han Xiling realised more than ever that patience, or restraint, was as good as useless. With a turn of his head, his lips placed a soft kiss on Han Jiangxue’s cheek.

Han Xiling’s entire body stiffened in an instant upon hearing his question. “No need.”

_{That man was his adoptive father.}
In an instant, Mo Yixiao’s countless blades were gone. His final attack, reduced to nothing.

That man was his adoptive father.

_{That man was his adoptive father.}When the air grew crisp, announcing the start of the autumn season, Han Xiling, alone, was called aside by the headmaster.

That man was his adoptive father.

_{Han Xiling had won.}Time seemed to trickle by, but Han Xiling couldn’t fall asleep at all, because under that thіck quilt was Han Jiangxue’s hand holding his in an act of comfort that had the opposite effect of causing him nothing but restlessness.

Han Xiling had won.

_{In no time at all, the arena erupted in thunderous cheers. Diandian ran to the stage, hopped on the platform, and hugged the victorious youth while shouting his name happily. “Xiling, I knew it! I knew you would win!”}Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.

_{The next day.}“Little pig, you know, I just realised just how amazing you are today—how handsome, too,” Han Jiangxue broke the silence.

The next day.

_N/A
Those three years of Han Xiling’s were meant to sharpen his blade to apply this one move.

N/A

_{Han Xiling turned to look at him right then, his heart skipping a beat as he saw that deepened gaze staring into him. Without thinking, he quickly whipped his head away, his mind filled with thoughts of what he should do—with fear he may not be able to restrain himself any longer.}With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.

_{The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.}Hearing his words, Han Xiling let out a silent breath before staring into those clear eyes peering down at him, shining like stars in the dark of the night.

The youth who unleashed a torrent of attacks gradually began showing signs of nervousness. His fair skin grew flushed and dotted with trickles of sweat.

_{“Would you like me to give you a massage?”}Who is this person?

“Would you like me to give you a massage?”

_{Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.}
In no time at all, the arena erupted in thunderous cheers. Diandian ran to the stage, hopped on the platform, and hugged the victorious youth while shouting his name happily. “Xiling, I knew it! I knew you would win!”

Han Xiling’s heart leapt for joy at the news, albeit with a tinge of nervousness.

_{{I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?}}He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.

I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

_{With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.}Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.

With such thoughts swirling around his mind, Han Xiling spent his time on the bed tossing and turning.

_{For a while, Han Xiling blankly stared at the beams on the ceiling. Without the gentle touches of that heated revelry—without the lingering aftertaste of that passion—Han Xiling felt as timid as a child—one who had done something wrong.}Han Xiling smiled back at his friend, hugging him in return before his eyes also found Lord Xuanyuan standing not that far away. Seeing the admiration in that man’s gaze, Han Xiling was able to breathe a sigh of relief. His gaze then naturally looked to the man beside Lord Xuanyuan in hopes of also gaining his acknowledgement, but…

_{Han Xiling stared at the man pressed against him in surprise. It was the last thing he expected that man to do after being so careful not to touch his lips just a moment ago. But as he gazed at that man’s closed eyes and face drunk on dеsire, Han Xiling simply closed his eyes and seized the tongue that man inserted into his mouth.}
Han Xiling smiled back at his friend, hugging him in return before his eyes also found Lord Xuanyuan standing not that far away. Seeing the admiration in that man’s gaze, Han Xiling was able to breathe a sigh of relief. His gaze then naturally looked to the man beside Lord Xuanyuan in hopes of also gaining his acknowledgement, but…

_{The youth facing Han Xiling was half a head shorter, but he also had a good physique.}In no time at all, the arena erupted in thunderous cheers. Diandian ran to the stage, hopped on the platform, and hugged the victorious youth while shouting his name happily. “Xiling, I knew it! I knew you would win!”

The youth facing Han Xiling was half a head shorter, but he also had a good physique.

_{Who is this person?}
What met him was the sight of Xuanyuan Wuji gripping Han Jiangxue’s hand so tіghtly that those slender fingers of his had turned pale and blue.

Who is this person?

_{Seeing the sleepless one beside him, Han Jiangxue pressed his finger between Han Xiling's knitted brows, gently caressing away his creases.}In an instant, Mo Yixiao’s countless blades were gone. His final attack, reduced to nothing.

Seeing the sleepless one beside him, Han Jiangxue pressed his finger between Han Xiling's knitted brows, gently caressing away his creases.

_{More time passed once more, and Han Jiangxue again buried his face in Han Xiling’s neck. Slowly, Han Xiling moved his face close. Softly, pairs of lips pressed against cheeks; lightly pecked brows; brushed against noses—touching all they could while avoiding meeting the other’s lips.}Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.

_{He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.}I wonder who it’ll be this year? Will it be someone I know? Is it someone new…?

He knew the man meant well and had no other intentions but to calm his anxious heart, but it only left Han Xiling struggling.

_{Han Xiling smiled back at his friend, hugging him in return before his eyes also found Lord Xuanyuan standing not that far away. Seeing the admiration in that man’s gaze, Han Xiling was able to breathe a sigh of relief. His gaze then naturally looked to the man beside Lord Xuanyuan in hopes of also gaining his acknowledgement, but…}
With this, all the joy from Han Xiling’s first victory was gone in an instant. There was not a trace left to be seen.

_{Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.}Being so close made every heave of that man’s chеst noticeable—every breath escaping him left its trace. That man’s breaths were clearly rapid.

Smooth skin, narrow yet clear eyes, and thin lips that seem to always be curled in a soft smile. A firm resolve mixed with immaturity.

_☆☆☆For a while, the room was again silent, except for the sounds of their soft breaths. Slivers of silver shone through the latticed window, crafting a pattern within the shadows on the floor of the room.

☆☆☆

_{In no time at all, the arena erupted in thunderous cheers. Diandian ran to the stage, hopped on the platform, and hugged the victorious youth while shouting his name happily. “Xiling, I knew it! I knew you would win!”}But just as Han Xiling thought Mo Yixiao had reached the end of his rope, that youth bellowed out a command. The sword in his grasp then grew ten times its lеngth, spurring a wave of silence to wash over the stadium. Now, before Han Xiling, countless blades formed of qi encapsulated him from all directions, their intentions deadly.

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

Updated on a Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C05-3

Chapter 5.3: Mother

Author's Note:

Notes:

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