Su Kang stilled, his body poised above hers, his desire a throbbing pulse between them.
He looked into her eyes, seeing the lingering traces of passion—but also a weariness that tugged at his heart.
"Of course, if my Xi'er wants to rest, then we will rest," he said softly, his voice filled with tenderness.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, their bodies slowly calming as the heat of their passion ebbed.
Bai Yunxi's gaze never left his, a soft smile gracing her lips. She reached out, her hand finding his, their fingers intertwining in quiet affection.
"Thank you, Husband," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
She brushed her lips against his in a light, tantalizing kiss. "I promise," she murmured against his mouth, her voice filled with sincerity, "I will make it up to you. Soon."
He watched her, his gaze tracing the delicate curve of her cheek, the soft rise and fall of her chest. For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw a faint, emerald glow flicker in the depths of her eyes.
It seems some of the medicinal properties of the pill have yet to be digested by her body, he thought.
"Then I will hold you to that," he said, his voice warm but firm.
Bai Yunxi nodded, her eyes drifting to her thighs, where their mixed love juices glistened.
She felt the warmth of his essence spilling down her skin—a physical reminder of the bond they had just deepened.
"Husband, I want to bathe now."
"Good, let's go," Su Kang replied, effortlessly picking her up and carrying her into the adjacent bathroom.
The room was dimly lit, with candles flickering around the edges of a large bathtub, casting a warm and intimate glow across the marbled walls. The scent of lavender and sandalwood lingered in the air.
Su Kang gently placed her into the tub, the water rippling around her body. She sighed, letting the heat melt into her skin, chasing away the fatigue and tension.
"This looks nice," she murmured, genuinely touched by the atmosphere. It wasn't just romantic—it felt like a safe haven crafted just for them.
He joined her, sliding in behind her, arms wrapping around her waist in a quiet embrace.
Bai Yunxi leaned back into him, her head resting on his shoulder, heart finally at ease. For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist.
Su Kang picked up a soft cloth and began to wash her, each stroke tender, almost reverent.
His touch was gentle yet intimate, carrying the silent promise of love and protection. He knew she had entrusted him with more than just her body—she had given him her heart, her future, her fragile hope.
As he massaged her shoulders, kneading away the knots of stress, he asked softly, "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking about my son," she admitted, her voice faint.
"It's our son now. Don't worry—Li Fang is fine. He's still on his way to his destination," Su Kang said with a quiet chuckle, trying to lift the weight from her heart.
"You... Don't say that..." she began, but her words melted into a sigh. His words were true, and she couldn't deny it—not after tonight.
She shook her head gently and said, "I'll talk to Li Fang about our relationship. I don't want him to find out before I tell him myself. He's sensitive when it comes to me or his father."
Her tone held both protectiveness and conflict. She wasn't ashamed of her relationship with Su Kang, only afraid of how her son might react.
He nodded slowly. He understood. Li Fang's heart was soft when it came to his mother, and a sudden revelation might hurt him—perhaps more than either of them expected.
If Li Fang learned the truth now, Su Kang would gain roughly 5,500 to 6,000 destiny points—around twenty percent of his current total. But Fate had advised patience. A greater harvest would come with longer time.
Still, another thought gnawed at him.
What if Bai Yunxi one day bears my child? How would I conceal that? And for how long?
"Don't worry, I'll make sure our son doesn't find out. Not until you're ready," he promised.
"He's not your son," she replied playfully, pouting just a little. "Stop trying to claim my genius child."
"Dear, it's best to accept the truth," he said with a smirk, fingers teasing her nipples beneath the water.
She trembled, a soft moan slipping from her lips.
"At least between us, there shouldn't be such distance. Even if we see things from different perspectives… haven't I already supported him for years? Fulfilling a father's responsibilities. Don't you agree?"
"Umm… alright," she whimpered, eyes fluttering closed.
"I've given you all of me—everything. I hope you won't disappoint me… or break my trust, Su Kang," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Xi'er, thank you for accepting me. I'll make sure you never suffer again. And I'm glad you're my first love… and now, my wife," he murmured, kissing her neck and the curve of her ear.
"And thank you—for everything," she replied, her tone full of quiet gratitude.
"I did it for myself too, Yun'er," he said, chuckling softly. "In the end, I got a beautiful wife like you. No need to thank a selfish man."
"Don't say those things," she scolded, puffing out her cheeks. "I know your heart—you're kind. Don't pretend to be something you're not."
He laughed, warmth blooming in his chest. "Alright, alright. Let's stop for now." He let his hands drift away, letting her relax.
He helped her from the tub and guided her back to the bedroom. The moon and stars offered the only light, casting the room in a soft, silvery glow.
Bai Yunxi paused, looking up at the night sky, tracing the constellations as if drawing strength from their ancient patterns.
Su Kang pulled back the covers and helped her into bed, sliding in beside her.
They lay in silence, watching the shadows dance across the ceiling, the sway of tree branches painting slow-moving patterns.
Soon, Bai Yunxi's breathing slowed. She was asleep.
Su Kang turned his thoughts inward. Fate, how much did I gain?
"3,000 destiny points," Fate's voice echoed in his mind.
Two thousand from her confession, and another thousand from their marriage and intimacy.
He had lost 1,000 points in divination, spent 2,000 on Bai Yunxi's pill, and given a portion to Fate as agreed.
Fate, what about the thing you were preparing for me? Su Kang asked.
"It's done, but this isn't the right place. I'll give it to you when we return to the Su family," Fate replied.
Su Kang frowned slightly. Fate usually didn't comment on stored items, but this time, something felt different. What is it? I can sense you know.
"I do. I'll tell you later," Fate answered cryptically.
"How much will it cost me?"
"2,000 destiny points, including my help to absorb it properly," Fate replied.
"Good. Then let's divide the remaining 1,000 points. Add 250 back to my own destiny, restore it to 8,000. You can take the rest."
"Good," Fate said.
Their partnership was simple yet deadly—stealing destiny from the world, reshaping fate itself. Su Kang traded items with Fate, but even low-grade pills by its standard were valuable treasures to him.
As he sank deeper into thought, his spiritual sense caught something disturbing.
The Qi around Bai Yunxi was changing. Her cultivation was dropping. Her hair—turning white. Wrinkles crept across her skin, though she remained asleep.
Su Kang's heart clenched in fear. "Fate… was it the pill?"
"I think so."
"Why? Why would this happen?" he demanded, voice sharp with worry.
Fate observed her destiny.
"It's still strong. Her fate isn't weakening. This change is temporary. Just wait and watch for now."
Su Kang stared at her sleeping form, every heartbeat echoing louder in his chest. He clutched her limp hand, feeling helpless.
Please... Do not let anything happen to her.