521: Baguio's Kiss (Part 2)

The first ray of morning light pierced through the gaps in the Bamboo Forest leaves, gently falling upon Bi Yao's face.

Her eyelashes fluttered a few times, and she slowly opened her eyes, finding herself still nestled in Su Han's embrace.

His arm was still wrapped around her, warm and firm.

Bi Yao slightly raised her head and saw Su Han still asleep.

His breathing was steady, and his face was serene.

Compared to his paleness last night, there was now a touch more color.

Bi Yao did not get up immediately; instead, she quietly gazed at his sleeping face, a sweet warmth welling up in her heart.

She gently adjusted her posture to get closer to him.

Su Han seemed to sense something in his dream; his arm tightened slightly, holding her more securely.

Bi Yao's lips curved upward unconsciously.

She reached out a fingertip and very lightly traced his brow bone, afraid of disturbing his good dream.

But Su Han still woke up.

The moment he opened his eyes, his gaze was still a bit hazy, but it quickly focused on Bi Yao's face, revealing a gentle smile.

“Morning,” he said, his voice husky from just waking up, yet it was exceptionally captivating.

Bi Yao softly replied, “Morning.”

Her cheeks felt warm, and she wanted to get up, but Su Han gently pulled her back into his arms.

“Stay a bit longer,” he whispered, his tone carrying a hint of coaxing.

Bi Yao's heart softened, and she obediently leaned back against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat and feeling their body temperatures merge.

The morning breeze swept in from the cave entrance, bringing the fresh scent of bamboo leaves.

Su Han's fingers gently combed through her long hair, his movements natural and intimate.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked softly.

Bi Yao nodded, “Very well.”

This was the most peaceful night she had slept in years, because he was by her side.

Su Han chuckled, “Me too.”

He lowered his head and placed a light kiss on her hair.

Bi Yao felt her earlobes flush, but her heart was full of joy.

They quietly embraced for a moment until the sunlight gradually brightened.

Su Han finally released his arm but took her hand.

“Let's go wash up by the stream,” he suggested.

Bi Yao smiled and agreed.

They walked out of the cave together.

The Bamboo Forest was exceptionally beautiful in the morning light, with dewdrops sparkling on the leaf tips like scattered pearls.

They arrived at the stream, where the water was clear to the bottom.

Su Han squatted down, first cupping water in his hands and carefully washing his face.

Then he turned to Bi Yao.

“Let me help you,” he said softly.

Bi Yao was slightly stunned, then nodded.

Su Han wet a cloth strip with stream water and gently wiped her cheeks.

His movements were extremely gentle, as if he were treating a precious treasure.

Bi Yao closed her eyes, feeling this meticulous care, and ripples spread in her heart.

After washing, Su Han did not immediately withdraw his hand; instead, he gently caressed her cheek, his gaze deep.

“You are truly beautiful,” he whispered.

Bi Yao's face instantly turned red.

She lowered her head to hide her shyness.

Su Han chuckled, lifted her chin, and pressed a kiss on her forehead.

“Especially when you're shy,” he teased.

Bi Yao playfully glared at him, but couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.

They drank some stream water together, which was sweet and refreshing.

Su Han suddenly remembered something and took out the remaining blood marrow demon orchid from his embrace.

“Let's take some more to consolidate our Cultivation Technique,” he said.

He carefully broke off two petals, handing one to Bi Yao and putting one into his own mouth.

Bi Yao took it, their fingertips brushing inadvertently.

They exchanged a smile and swallowed the petals simultaneously.

A warm current quickly spread throughout their bodies, making them feel refreshed.

Su Han held Bi Yao's hand.

“Let's cultivate together,” he suggested.

They sat cross-legged by the stream, hands touching, and jointly circulated their Cultivation Technique.

Energy cycled between them, strengthening their cultivation and deepening their bond.

Half an hour later, they slowly ceased their cultivation, feeling full of energy.

Su Han stood up first, then extended his hand to pull Bi Yao up.

He didn't let go of her hand; instead, in that position, he drew her into his embrace.

“How do you feel?” he asked, his gaze full of concern.

Bi Yao nodded, “Very good, never this good.”

She spoke truthfully.

Su Han smiled contentedly.

He lowered his head, gently resting his forehead against hers.

“Me too.”

Their breaths mingled again, and the atmosphere grew intimate.

Su Han slowly drew closer.

This kiss was firmer than last night's, yet equally full of tenderness.

Bi Yao responded to him, her hands gently encircling his waist.

In the morning light, their figures seemed to merge into one.

After a long while, the kiss ended.

Bi Yao leaned on Su Han's shoulder, slightly out of breath, her face flushed like peach blossoms.

Su Han gently stroked her back, his eyes full of love.

“Are you hungry?” he whispered.

Only then did Bi Yao remember that she hadn't eaten since last night.

At his mention, she indeed felt hungry.

She nodded honestly.

Su Han smiled, “I'll go find something to eat.

You start a fire and wait for me,” he said.

But Bi Yao tugged on his sleeve.

“Let's go together.”

She didn't want to be separated from him, not even for a moment.

Su Han understood her thoughts, his heart warmed, and he nodded in agreement.

They walked hand in hand into the Bamboo Forest, searching for edible wild fruits and mushrooms.

Su Han recognized many edible plants and carefully explained them to Bi Yao.

Bi Yao listened attentively, asking questions occasionally.

The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.

Soon, they collected enough food and returned to the stream.

Bi Yao skillfully started a bonfire, while Su Han washed the ingredients.

They worked together seamlessly, as if they had long been accustomed to it.

Breakfast was simple but warm.

They shared wild fruits and roasted mushrooms.

Su Han gave the plumpest fruits to Bi Yao, eating only the smaller ones himself.

Bi Yao noticed this and was touched.

She also gave him some of her share.

“Let's eat together,” she insisted.

Su Han no longer refused, accepting her kindness.

After the meal, they washed the utensils together.

Su Han embraced Bi Yao from behind, his chin resting lightly on her shoulder.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Bi Yao turned her head, “Why are you thanking me?”

She was puzzled.

Su Han smiled, “Thank you for appearing in my life.”

His words were sincere, and Bi Yao's heart stirred.

She turned and hugged him back.

“I should thank you too,” she whispered.

They embraced for a moment until the sun was high in the sky.

Su Han suggested practicing swordplay to get familiar with their improved cultivation.

Bi Yao gladly agreed.

They came to an open space, each drawing their long sword.

First, they practiced individually, then sparred.

Su Han's swordplay was fierce and sharp, while Bi Yao's was agile and graceful, complementing each other's strengths.

During practice, Su Han often guided Bi Yao on how to exert force, and Bi Yao also helped him refine his footwork.

They learned from each other and progressed together.

During breaks, Su Han naturally and intimately wiped the fine sweat from Bi Yao's forehead.

Bi Yao also took out her waterskin, offering it to him first.

Their unspoken understanding deepened.

The midday sun was a bit scorching.

They returned to rest in the shade by the stream.

Bi Yao sat leaning against a green bamboo, while Su Han rested his head on her lap for a nap.

Bi Yao gently fanned him, dispelling the heat.

Looking down at his peaceful sleeping face, her heart was filled with serene happiness.

She softly hummed a folk tune from her hometown, her voice gentle and pleasant.

Su Han listened in a half-dream, half-awake state, a smile on his lips.

At this moment, time seemed to stand still, as if it could last forever.

When Su Han woke up, he found Bi Yao also asleep, her head slightly tilted back, leaning against the bamboo, her face tranquil.

He didn't get up; instead, he quietly gazed at her, his eyes full of tenderness.

He quietly took the outer garment from beside him and covered her to shield her from the sun.

This movement woke Bi Yao.

She opened her eyes, meeting Su Han's affectionate gaze.

“Why didn't you wake me?” she asked softly.

Su Han smiled and shook his head, “I wanted you to sleep longer.”

He sat up, still close to her.

“Are you well-rested?” he asked.

Bi Yao nodded, “Mm.”

She suddenly remembered something and took out an embroidered handkerchief from her sleeve, carefully wiping the corner of Su Han's mouth.

“There's a bit of fruit stain,” she explained, her movements gentle.

Su Han let her do as she pleased, his gaze never leaving her face.

“Bi Yao,” he suddenly called her name.

“Hm?” she responded.

Su Han held her hand.

“When this experience ends, come home with me to meet Master,” he said seriously.

Bi Yao was stunned, then understood the significance of this promise.

Her face instantly flushed, but her eyes sparkled with joy.

“Okay,” she softly agreed.

Su Han joyfully embraced her.

They held each other amidst the bamboo shadows and the sound of the stream, their hearts full of anticipation for the future.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled light on them, as if blessing this beautiful moment.

After a long while, they composed themselves, ready to continue their journey. (End of Chapter)