235: rely

As she spoke, she suddenly looked up at him. The moonlight fell into her eyes, shimmering with a bright light.

“Master, can we be like this tomorrow too? This Servant Girl still wants to follow you to Cultivate, follow you to... Dual Cultivation.”

Situ Jun's heart warmed again at her blunt words. Seeing the expectation in her eyes, he gently pinched her earlobe with his fingertips.

“You really can't leave my side for even a moment?”

“I just can't.”

Hua Hanxiang nodded without hesitation, her cheek rubbing against his chest, her voice as soft as a spoiled child's.

“With Master here, this Servant Girl's Cultivation is faster, and my heart feels at peace. Besides... the feeling of being with Master is better than anything.”

Situ Jun looked at her dependent appearance, and the smile in his eyes deepened.

He raised his hand to clasp her waist, pulling her closer into his arms, his voice low and husky.

“Alright, I'll accompany you again tomorrow. But you must sleep well today, otherwise you won't have the energy to Cultivate tomorrow.”

“Mhm!”

Hua Hanxiang nodded immediately and obediently closed her eyes, but she didn't let go of his waist; instead, she tightened her grip slightly.

“Then Master isn't allowed to sneak away either; you must stay with this Servant Girl until dawn.”

“I won't leave.”

Situ Jun replied softly, resting his chin on the crown of her head. Feeling the warm breath of the person in his arms, the stray thoughts in his heart gradually dissipated.

He closed his eyes. The faint scent of orchids lingering on her body and the Dragons Saliva Incense on his own intertwined, feeling exceptionally harmonious.

After an unknown amount of time, Hua Hanxiang's breathing completely stabilized, and even her fingertips relaxed a bit, though she still clung tightly to his abdomen.

Situ Jun, however, did not fall asleep. He kept his eyes open, staring at the shadows on the canopy of the bed. The System's notification sound suddenly echoed in his mind—Hua Hanxiang had become his Dao Companion and had been recorded into the hundred flowers diagram.

Previously, he had only treated these as tasks to increase his Cultivation, but now, holding this warm and soft person in his arms, he suddenly felt that perhaps there was something different beyond the mission.

He raised his hand and gently stroked the top of Hua Hanxiang's head, his fingertips carrying a hint of imperceptible tenderness.

“Sleep, we still have to travel tomorrow.”

Outside the window, the moonlight gradually faded, and the distant chirping of insects weakened. Only the intertwined breathing of the two remained in the tent, accompanied by their steady heartbeats, quietly merging into the long night.

As dawn approached, Hua Hanxiang suddenly moved slightly. She opened her eyes groggily and, seeing Situ Jun still in her arms, immediately curled her lips into a smile, buried herself further into the crook of his neck, and continued to sleep soundly—with Master by her side, even her dreams were warm.

When the daylight was bright, a light knocking sound came from outside the inn, accompanied by a Guard's cautious tone.

“My Lord, the morning meal is ready.”

Hua Hanxiang was startled awake by the sound. Her eyelashes fluttered, and before she had even fully opened her eyes, she first shrunk into Situ Jun's arms, her voice carrying the laziness of someone who had just woken up.

“Master...”

Situ Jun had long been awake. He was lightly twirling a strand of her black hair between his fingertips. Hearing her, he lowered his head and printed a light kiss on her forehead.

“Awake? Let's get up and eat first.”

“Mhm.”

Hua Hanxiang propped herself up with her arms. Her disheveled hair hung over her shoulders, and her eyes still held a drowsy mist, yet it could not hide her peerless beauty.

Situ Jun helped her tidy her lapel. His fingertips brushed past the tie at her waist, his tone carrying a hint of affection.

“Since we already have the reality of husband and wife, call me Husband from now on.”

Hearing this, Hua Hanxiang's face was full of excitement mixed with a touch of shyness, and she nodded.

While washing up, the flush on her cheeks in the bronze mirror had long since faded, leaving only a faint watery light in her eyes. When she looked at Situ Jun, her gaze was full of dependence.

After washing and dressing properly, the two sat side by side at the table.

On the table were three plates of exquisite side dishes and a bowl of warm Lotus Seed Soup still emitting light steam. It was specially prepared by the Guard according to Situ Jun's instructions, saying it was most suitable for nourishing Qi and blood.

Hua Hanxiang picked up the Jade Chopsticks, but first picked up a piece of fish and held it to Situ Jun's lips, a pleasing smile in her eyes.

“Husband, eat first. This fish looks very fresh.”

Situ Jun opened his mouth to take it, his fingertips simultaneously covering the back of her hand resting on the edge of the table—her hand was still slightly cool, but it curled slightly when it touched his warmth.

“Eat some yourself, don't just worry about me.” His tone was gentle as he scooped a spoonful of Lotus Seed Soup for her. “Drink slowly, it's just been warmed.”

Hua Hanxiang obeyed, taking small sips of the soup. The lotus seeds were soft and glutinous, and the sweetness was just right.

She looked up at Situ Jun and saw him dining unhurriedly. The lines of his profile looked exceptionally soft in the morning light. Her heart suddenly felt warm, and she couldn't help but ask softly:

“Husband, where in Southern Border are we going today?”

“To Qingshui Town first.”

Situ Jun put down his chopsticks and picked up a handkerchief to wipe the corner of his mouth.

“That is the necessary path to Daoist Ming Ya's Immortal Cave. We should arrive just before dark.”

“Qingshui Town?”

Hua Hanxiang's eyes lit up. She put down her soup spoon and leaned in closer.

“I heard that is the most beautiful place in the entire Southern Border, with clear waters, green mountains, and rare flowers and herbs. It's very charming.”

“Mhm.”

Situ Jun nodded, his fingertip lightly scratching the tip of her nose.

“However, the Secret Realm is about to open, so I can't accompany you to stay long. When things have settled down in the future, I'll stay with you for a few days.”

“I know! Thank you, Husband!”

Hua Hanxiang nodded immediately, reaching out to hug his arm, her cheek rubbing against it lightly.

“Following Husband, everywhere is beautiful scenery.”

After the meal, the Guard had already prepared the carriage.

The carriage interior was spacious, covered with thick fox fur cushions, and an incense burner sat in the corner, with sandalwood smoke curling up.

As soon as Hua Hanxiang sat down, she was pulled into Situ Jun's arms. His fingertips rested on her wrist as gentle spiritual power slowly flowed in, carefully investigating the state of her Meridians.

After all, her Physique was different from his own 'cheat' upgrades; it was better to be cautious.

A moment later, Situ Jun withdrew his hand and helped her pull her cloak tighter.

“The spiritual power is flowing smoothly, there's nothing unusual. There's nothing to do on the road, so close your eyes and adjust your breathing for a while to conserve your energy.”

Hua Hanxiang leaned obediently against his shoulder and closed her eyes, but she didn't actually adjust her breathing—the Dragons Saliva Incense on him lingered around her nose, and his steady heartbeat was in her ear. She was reluctant to waste such a peaceful feeling and just wanted to lean there a little longer.

She murmured softly:

“Husband, do you think we can always be like this in the future? Cultivating together, traveling together, and never being apart again?”

Situ Jun looked down at her. Seeing her eyelashes trembling slightly and her tone as soft as if she were acting spoiled, his heart softened, and he raised his hand to gently stroke her hair.

“We will.”

The carriage slowly started moving, the wheels rolling over the bluestone road with a slight sound.

Leaning in Situ Jun's arms, Hua Hanxiang gradually grew sleepy, and her breathing became steady.

Situ Jun looked down at her sleeping form, his fingertips lightly brushing her cheek, as the System's prompt echoed in his mind again:

【Ding! Congratulations to the Host. Dao Companion Hua Hanxiang's favorability has increased to 90. Rewarding the Host with 1,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.】

Situ Jun smiled slightly, pulled her closer into his arms, and wrapped the cloak tighter around her to prevent her from catching a cold.