Xuan Yan arrived at the cave in a blur, the cold night wind trailing behind him as he carried Zhu Zhuqing tightly against his chest.
He lowered himself to one knee, gently taking out the white mattress he had used earlier and laying it down with surprising care.
Then, with extreme caution, he placed her on it, but even shifting slightly made her back jolt with pain.
He looked her injuries with a heavy expression, golden eyes darkened by worry "Your abdomen and back are injured… and you've lost quite a bit of blood,"
"If I want to treat it properly, then I'll have to…"
Zhu Zhuqing bit down on her lips, already understanding what he meant.
Her upper garments were in the way, and they would have to be removed for any effective treatment.
Means, she has to be naked for him to treat her.
She knew he was kind, gentle, dependable, but exposing herself like that… could she truly trust him?
Meanwhile, Xuan Yan's mind churned with guilt 'Shit, I should have been more careful… I should never have brought her out… should I teleport her somewhere safer? A hospital in Spirit City.'
Everything that happened felt like his fault, and the thought of hurting her further sliced into him like a blade.
Zhu Zhuqing inhaled deeply, gathering resolve despite her trembling body.
Her dark eyes fixed on him with an intensity he didn't expect as she asked, "Will you be responsible?"
Xuan Yan blinked, momentarily stunned 'Responsible... wait, does she mean?'
"If you want me to… then yes. I can take responsibility."
She snorted softly, looking away "I don't believe it," she muttered as a faint blush dusted her cheeks.
Eh? Her suspicion made him frown gently as he asked, "Why?"
Zhu Zhuqing took a shallow breath, "I don't believe in someone who doesn't even dare show his face. First... show me your face, you idiot."
Xuan Yan sighed quietly, accepting her condition without argument.
He reached up, sliding his fingers beneath the cloth of his hoodie, and slowly began to lift it off.
As the shadows peeled away from his features, she felt her heart pound wildly.
When his face was finally revealed, Zhu Zhuqing forgot how to breathe.
Her eyes widened, her pupils trembling as she stared at him in pure disbelief.
Silver-white hair glowing softly, streaked with faint gold… long lashes… a perfect nose… warm golden eyes… and lips that looked sculpted by the heavens.
He was, simply put, breathtaking.
Seeing her dumbfounded stare, Xuan Yan smiled softly "Am I handsome enough for you?"
Her heart throbbed quickly in her chest, 'No wonder he's narcissistic…'
Xuan Yan tilted her chin upward with a single finger, drawing her face close to his "So?" he whispered, their breaths brushing together.
The warmth in his gaze made her heartbeat flutter uncontrollably.
Her composure shattered and she quickly looked away, "Q-Quickly treat my injuries…"
Xuan Yan smiled, faintly proud of how flustered she was, and moved to help her undress.
His fingers began to slide her upper cloth away.
Trying to distract herself, she asked quietly, "What would you have done if I didn't allow you to treat me?"
Xuan Yan paused, looked directly at her, and answered without hesitation "I would still treat your injuries."
She was stunned to hear this "What if I resisted?"
"You can't resist."
"Then… you would force me?"
"Of course," he replied calmly. "Your injury is serious and must be treated now. How could I let you die while I'm here?"
He brushed his hand against her cheek, "Remember this, since I took responsibility for you. From now on… your life is not only yours, but also mine."
Her body trembled at his words, and she was helpless in a way she had never felt before.
Timidly, she nodded her head.
And with a soft *click*, her upper cloth slipped from her shoulders and fell to the mattress, leaving only her undergarment between her skin and his hands.
Heat rushed through Zhu Zhuqing's face as she instinctively crossed her arms over her chest.
Xuan Yan looked away for a moment, clearing his throat as embarrassment flickered across his own features.
He moved closer and wrapped an arm around her waist in a supportive half-hug, guiding her carefully so she wouldn't strain her injured back.
When his fingers reached for the clasp of her undergarment, she hesitated and her body trembled.
Then, almost as if her body moved before her mind caught up, she leaned forward, pulling the black robe from his shoulder, and brought her lips close.
She gave him a sudden, sharp bite on the shoulder, her teeth sinking just enough to make a point.
Xuan Yan yelped, staggering back with a hand to the fresh bite mark. "Ow-! What was that for, Zhuqing?"
A faint outline of her teeth pressed into his skin.
She knew she couldn't have hurt him unless he allowed it, and it warmed her cheeks even more.
"Hmph. You better take responsibility," she said, turning her face away with a soft, indignant pout.
His hand slid gently along her jaw, tilting her chin up "As I promised, I will take responsibility. I swear on my martial spirit."
HUH? Her breath hitched in shock.
Martial Spirit vow-This is the most vicious oath in the Douluo Continent. After all, Martial Spirit is the foundation of everyone's practice in the Douluo Continent.
The weight of it hit her harder and she could hear her own heartbeat in her ears as she nodded "Hmm..."
Only then did she allow her hands to drop from her chest, trusting him completely as he unfastened the final piece of cloth.
Her undergarment slipped away, revealing her bare body to the dim cave light.
Xuan Yan's gaze trembled, looking at her supple breasts and the pair of red nipples atop them like a cherry on top of the cake.
Zhu Zhuqing instinctively crossed her arms over her breasts again to cover her nipples as she whispered, "I-Idiot…" and peeked at him through flushed lashes.
"I guess I really am lucky," he murmured with a small smile.
Her face flared even redder, and she lowered her head as her dark hair tumbled around her shoulders.
She didn't scold him this time and let him look at her body.
He rose to his feet and moved behind her as he took a strip of clean white cloth and a flask of water from his storage ring.
A controlled flame ignited in his palm, warming the water quickly without spilling a single drop.
The firelight washed over her bare back, revealing the red lines of her injury.
He dipped the cloth into the steaming water and wrung it out. Then he pressed it gently to her skin.
She flinched with a small gasp. "Ouch…"
He frowned slightly 'Should I just use 'Life flame' to heal her?'
At this time, she suddenly spoke "There is something I need to tell you..."
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