A Touch Of Irony

After Fang Lei was consequently dragged away by Wen Po, Xu Jiyu's smile slowly fades. To be honest, he's a bit envious of Fang Lei and Wen Po. Seeing how close they are, it reminds him of himself and the King, once upon a time.

It really has been too long since he's seen the King.

...In fact, he might even be missing those stupid jokes that he used to make.

An indescribable loneliness begins to seep into his heart, and his yearning to meet the one that he loves increases by a tenfold.

As if sensing Xu Jiyu's shift in mood, the crow lightly pecks at his head and caws. Xu Jiyu sighs, and reaches a hand up to pat at the crow's head.

"Thank you, if you're trying to console me. I just miss the King is all." He says, and the crow caws again, as if it could really understand what Xu Jiyu was saying.

Or perhaps it really did understand? It appears to be an intelligent little crow from what Xu Jiyu's seen. It might really be someone's spirit beast at this point.

"Who are you talking to?" A voice sounds from behind him, startling Xu Jiyu. He swivels on the heels of his feet to turn and face the newcomer.

Upon realizing who had just called out to him, he immediately greets, "...Senior brother Liu Jian." Xu Jiyu cups his hands and does a small bow. Although they had briefly traveled together, it was before he knew that Liu Jian was not the 'Liu Jian' he had come to know. So that's why he'll treat Liu Jian respectfully as a proper elder brother.

The handsome older male nods in acknowledgment and says, "I heard from the Sect Leader that we'll be journeying together once again starting tomorrow. Since it's nearly evening, you should go to your room and rest up. Finding an ancient magical relic is not an easy task, and it'll be a long adventure ahead of us."

Xu Jiyu could only stare at Liu Jian the entire time, his heart feeling itchy. This person's appearance really affects him to this extent, especially with how lonely he's been feeling lately. He knows that Liu Jian isn't the person he loves, but when he has the face and body of the person he holds affections for, it's difficult to really control himself from throwing himself into the taller male's arms and cry his heart out.

"...Xu Jiyu?" Liu Jian inquires, snapping the youth out of his trance.

The male in question blinks and quickly replies, "Ah, um, yes! I'll be sure to rest now. My apologies, I was just…"

"You miss the King of Spirits that much?" Liu Jian questions, a small, knowing smile upon his lips.

Xu Jiyu's mouth gapes open in surprise. "H-How did you—?"

"Your gaze just now was much too passionate to go unnoticed. When you stare at me with those heated eyes, it's hard to ignore." Liu Jian says, amus.e.m.e.nt flickering within his platinum hues.

Almost immediately, Xu Jiyu's face flushes scarlet. He quickly brings his wrist up to his burning cheeks in a fleeting attempt to hide his embarrassment. "Many apologies to senior brother, I meant no disrespect! It's just, the King is really special to me. I'll never forget all of the moments we've spent together while traveling. And since he was using your body, whenever I see you, I…"

He trails off, unable to finish his sentence. It's obvious what he wants to say, but Liu Jian doesn't prompt him to answer. Instead, he hums, a thoughtful expression upon his countenance.

"Hmm. I see. Well, since you look so dejected, then why don't you sleep in my room tonight? Will that ease your yearning?" It is a very innocent offer, of course. Perhaps since his body and face is so familiar to Xu Jiyu, then just being close to him will help the youth.

Xu Jiyu glances up in surprise. "You, you would let me?"

To be honest, the offer is quite tempting. Of course he's been lonely, he truly misses the King of Spirits' presence. But is it really okay to sleep in the same room with someone else? It honestly feels like he'd be betraying the King somehow.

...But, still, when Liu Jian asks with that familiar voice, face, and smile… how can he really say no? It will be alright as long as he refuses any other advances. They'll just be sleeping together, there's really no harm.

A small nod. "En. It's not a problem, if it's to help a companion out. Since we'll be traveling together anyway, it might be a good idea to get well-acquainted now, since we'll be spending countless nights together from now on."

Although Xu Jiyu knows that Liu Jian isn't insinuating anything with his last sentence, but it still makes his face burn even more. Liu Jian is unexpectedly innocent…?!

"Then, I'll… take your offer. Thank you very much, senior brother." Xu Jiyu reluctantly agrees, his heart pounding in excitement. Although it may not be the King himself, it's still someone he's slightly familiar with, especially this person's appearance.

The person's appearance really is his weakness now… ah, why did the King have to possess someone he'd still be acquainted with afterward? It's really difficult not to feel his heart swell at the mere sight of Liu Jian!

Liu Jian smiles, and it nearly blinds Xu Jiyu's eyes. It's really too beautiful, ah! How can someone be so good-looking? "You may call me Liu Jian like before, there's no need to act courteously. From now on, we are equals, and friends."

"...Alright then, Liu Jian!" Xu Jiyu replies after shielding his eyes from the smile. If he can be good friends with Liu Jian, it would be really nice. Before, he was hesitant because of their status and power as well as age, but since Liu Jian has crossed the line himself, then he will gladly follow his lead.

The crow squawks with agitation, but doesn't attempt to dismember the handsome man by pecking him to pieces. It seems that it holds a grudge of some sort against Liu Jian now…?

"Very good. Come, I will take you to my room."

And so, the two begin walking towards Liu Jian's bedroom, with the crow stubbornly still nestled on top of Xu Jiyu's head.

It appears that the crow will not be leaving them alone anytime soon.

---

Meanwhile, in the Spirit Realm, the King of Spirits is clearly in a sour mood. None of his subjects know why their King is so irritable, but they did know that approaching the King while he was like this was definitely not a good idea.

"I can't believe this…" The King mutters under his breath, his fists clenching. "Perhaps I was too merciful. I should've destroyed that man's body… but then who would've protected Xu Jiyu? Tsk..."

He clicks his tongue and abruptly stands up from his throne, startling the attendant next to him.

"Y-Your Highness, are you going out?" The attendant asks nervously, breaking out in sweat.

"En. I'll be back, so take care of the palace. I have something to do." The King answers curtly, before whisking his royal cape behind him as he exits the throne room.