271: Warmth in Southern Xinjiang

As the night deepened, the chirping of insects outside the tent gradually grew sparse.

Hua Hanxiang remembered the Spiritual Porridge she had asked the kitchen to brew earlier, so she stood up and said:

"Husband, Sister Ya, I'll go bring over the Spiritual Porridge. You've been talking for so long, you must be hungry."

Without waiting for their response, she walked out with light steps.

Before long, she returned carrying a white jade tray. On the tray were three exquisite white jade bowls filled with amber-colored porridge, with a few translucent Jade Marrow Lotuses floating inside. The dense steam from the pot carried the fragrance of Spiritual Rice, slowly spreading and mixing with a faint medicinal scent that refreshed the mind.

She first handed a bowl of Spiritual Porridge to Situ Jun, then carefully ladled half a bowl for Widow Ya—knowing that Widow Ya had just neutralized the yin poison and shouldn't eat too much at once, she intentionally served a smaller portion.

Hua Hanxiang said with a smile:

"Sister Ya, this Spiritual Porridge contains Clear Spirit Grass and Jade Marrow Lotus. They are both gentle spiritual materials that can replenish spiritual power without causing internal heat. You've just exhausted your Origin Qi, so drink more to nourish your body."

Widow Ya took the bowl. As her fingertips touched the warm porcelain, a wave of warmth spread from her fingers to the depths of her heart, causing her long-tense heart to soften a bit.

She took small sips. The Spiritual Porridge melted in her mouth, carrying the sweetness of the Spiritual Rice and the faint fragrance of the Clear Spirit Grass. A gentle spiritual power slid down her throat into her Dantian, circulating slowly and soothing the Meridians that had just undergone a surge of spiritual power. Most of her remaining fatigue dissipated.

Situ Jun watched them while slowly drinking his own porridge. The only sound in the tent was the clinking of spoons against the bowls—quiet but not awkward. Instead, it felt exceptionally peaceful, like a family sitting together for a meal, full of the warmth of domestic life.

Hua Hanxiang finished first. Setting down her bowl, she leaned closer to Widow Ya and asked curiously:

"Sister Ya, how does the porridge taste? I specifically asked the cook to make it light and didn't add too many seasonings, fearing that strong flavors might affect the efficacy of the Spiritual Plants or not suit your palate."

Widow Ya looked up at her. The shyness in her eyes had faded, replaced by a soft smile. She nodded gently:

"It's delicious. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Sister Hanxiang."

This was the first time she had proactively called Hua Hanxiang "Sister," without the slightest reluctance.

The three bowls of Spiritual Porridge were soon finished. As Hua Hanxiang cleared the dishes, Situ Jun dimmed the Glazed Lamps in the tent.

The warm yellow glow became even softer, enveloping the curtains and adding a lazy, nighttime atmosphere.

"It's getting late. After such a long day, you both should rest."

Situ Jun said, his gaze sweeping over both of them before finally landing on Widow Ya. His tone was gentle:

"Ya'er, you've just recovered today. It's not suitable for you to travel back to the Poison Scorpion Cult's camp. Rest here for tonight; it won't be too late to head back tomorrow morning."

Widow Ya was still a bit uneasy, her hands unconsciously gripping the corner of her clothes, a faint blush returning to her cheeks.

Although she had already shared intimacy with Situ Jun, sharing a tent with him and Hua Hanxiang like this still made her feel awkward.

Hua Hanxiang didn't mind at all. She took her hand and led her toward the bed with a gentle but firm enthusiasm:

"Sister Ya, let's squeeze in together. This bed is big enough! My husband and I often sleep together, and having one more person is just right—it'll be warmer!"

With that, she crawled into the inner side first. After lying down, she patted the middle spot with a bright smile.

Situ Jun lay down on the outer side. Hua Hanxiang naturally leaned over, resting her head in the crook of his arm like an obedient kitten.

Widow Ya hesitated for a moment. Seeing their natural posture and remembering her current status, she finally lifted the silk quilt and lay down in the middle.

Her body was still a bit stiff, her back held straight as she tried to maintain a slight distance from them, afraid of being intrusive.

But as soon as she settled, Hua Hanxiang reached out to hook her arm and rested her head lightly on her shoulder, whispering:

"Sister Ya, it's warmer this way. Don't be so nervous; we're all family now."

The warmth of Hanxiang's palm, carrying a young woman's natural heat, seeped through the thin fabric, causing Widow Ya's tense body to gradually relax.

She quietly turned her head to see that Hua Hanxiang had already closed her eyes with a faint smile on her lips. Situ Jun was also looking at her, his gaze gentle and without any hint of offense, instead carrying a sense of reassurance.

Gradually, Widow Ya's tense body relaxed. She sighed softly, rested her head on the soft pillow, and closed her eyes.

The night wind blew gently outside the tent. Inside, there was only the sound of the three of them breathing steadily—quiet and warm.

Hua Hanxiang slept deeply, occasionally rubbing against Situ Jun's arm. Widow Ya kept her eyes closed, but she could clearly feel the presence of the two beside her. The last bit of distance in her heart completely dissolved, replaced by a sense of peace and security she had never felt before.

Situ Jun felt the softness in his arms and the warmth from his side. His fingertips lightly brushed over the top of Hua Hanxiang's head, his movements as gentle as if he were afraid of disturbing her.

He then quietly touched Widow Ya's hand resting by her side. Her fingertips were slightly cool, but they trembled gently when he touched them.

As if sensing something, Hua Hanxiang snuggled closer into his embrace, her small face pressing nearer.

Widow Ya also quietly leaned toward him, her arm lightly touching his. Feeling his warmth, the corners of her mouth curled into a faint smile.

The glow of the Glazed Lamps in the tent grew softer and warmer, making the figures on the silk bed appear hazy and affectionate, with even the air filled with a faint sense of tenderness.

After some time, Hua Hanxiang slowly opened her eyes, which were still slightly hazy from sleep.

Her fingertips lightly brushed over Situ Jun's warm arm as she snuggled into his embrace like a spoiled child. Her breath was filled with the crisp scent of his spiritual power, mixed with a hint of the sweet warmth that follows intimacy.

"Husband, you're not asleep yet? Sister Ya has just recovered, so you must be gentle."

She looked up at Situ Jun, her eyes moist and her voice as sweet as honey. Her words carried a playful hint, and after speaking, she stole a glance at Widow Ya beside her.

Upon hearing this, Widow Ya's cheeks instantly flushed crimson. The tingling and heat from their recent Dual Cultivation seemed to linger in her limbs, making her heart beat a little faster.

She instinctively leaned toward Situ Jun's other side, but he reached out and gently wrapped an arm around her waist. The warmth of his palm seeped through her clothes into her skin, causing a slight tremor to run through her body.

Situ Jun's fingertips brushed over the delicate skin of her waist. Feeling her slight trembling, he whispered in her ear:

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

His breath was warm, brushing against the sensitive tip of Widow Ya's ear, making her close her eyes in a slight shiver, her ears turning completely red.

Seeing this, Hua Hanxiang took the initiative to hold Widow Ya's hand. The warmth from her fingertips allowed Widow Ya's tense body to gradually relax.

She looked up at Situ Jun with eyes full of smiles, and quietly moved closer so his arms could hold both of them at once.

Situ Jun leaned down to kiss Hua Hanxiang's lips. As the sweet sensation registered, she responded submissively while gently pulling Widow Ya's hand, drawing her closer.

Widow Ya's breathing gradually quickened. She felt Situ Jun's other hand rest on her back, and gentle spiritual power slowly seeped into her body, soothing any remaining discomfort.

She opened her eyes and met Situ Jun's deep gaze, which was filled with tenderness and appreciation. This caused her to completely drop her last bit of defense, and she voluntarily tilted her head up to meet his kiss.

Unlike the intensity of their Dual Cultivation earlier, this kiss carried a touch of delicate affection, like a gentle spring rain softly soaking into the heart.

Hua Hanxiang went limp in Situ Jun's arms, occasionally letting out a soft hum, her fingertips lightly hooking onto his clothes, her eyes hazy.

Widow Ya, with the shyness and initiative of a mature woman, lightly wrapped her fingers around Situ Jun's neck, responding to his tenderness as the emotions in her eyes grew more intense.