13 Fading to Darkness

"I can't believe after exploring the entire village today, we didn't do anything but buy food and go sightseeing…" Xu Jiyu complains to Liu Jian, taking a big bite out of another steamed bun. After he swallows, he continues, "We didn't find anything unusual, though. It's just like the old man said! The village is completely normal, and so are the villagers! I guess we'll just have to wait until late-night arrives to see the supernatural stuff… huh?"

Xu Jiyu slowly trails off, eyes widening in surprise.

Liu Jian had taken out his handkerchief and used it to wipe at the corner of Xu Jiyu's mouth rather affectionately. Expressionless, he says, "You had a little something stuck there…"

Xu Jiyu's face burns red, and he turns away, quickly stuffing his face with the steamed bun until there was nothing left. The youth furiously rubs at his lips with his sleeves afterward, before hiding his growing blush with them.

"...T-Thanks, Liu Jian! But you could've just told me, I could've done it myself!" He exclaims, voice muffled by the cloth hiding the bottom half of his face.

"...En. I'll tell you next time." Liu Jian answers calmly, folding his handkerchief and pocketing it.

Xu Jiyu almost wants to yell at him, 'Don't follow every word I say, ah!'

...This didn't mean he wanted it to continue happening in the future, of course. There's no way he, an independent and grown man, would need to be taken care of. Nope. Never in his life.

He clears his throat, straightening himself up. "Anyways! As I was saying earlier, we'll have to wait until midnight arrives. When the moon and stars decorate the sky late at night, they'll most likely come out by then."

Spirits are most active at night when everyone's asleep, after all.

Liu Jian nods, "En."

He pauses for a moment, before adding, "...But I always see the moon and stars, even during the day."

Xu Jiyu looks at him as if he'd grown another head. "What? But that's not even possible..."

"I see them right now," Liu Jian says, locking gazes with his partner.

Xu Jiyu: "....."

Liu Jian: "....."

A crow caws in the—

"Liu Jian." Xu Jiyu says, his blush reaching the tips of his ears.

"Mm?" Answers Liu Jian impassively.

"...Men aren't supposed to say those kinds of things to other men, you know!" The youth utters, his heart deeply shaken by the handsome man's sincere words.

Liu Jian tilts his head to the side. "...Why not?"

"Because—" Xu Jiyu starts, but he realizes he doesn't even know the answer himself. A man and a woman have been the tradition for thousands of years. Every cultivator would want to one day have a dao companion and create a family with a beautiful woman. Together, they'd live their days filled with eternal happiness and blessings while the little ones ran around the cozy home… Every day would surely be filled with warmth.

Because it was the tradition, cut-sleeves were looked down upon. A man and a man couldn't possibly be in a relationship. And if one were to love one of the same gender? If word spreads, everyone would be disgusted by merely breathing the same air as that person.

So naturally, Xu Jiyu followed the bandwagon and believed that, too. He believed he was a straight man who would never turn bent. Women are beautiful, graceful, elegant…

But…

...When next to Liu Jian, they pale in comparison.

"Because two men can't…" Xu Jiyu murmurs lamely, unable to continue any further. How can he teach Liu Jian something he isn't sure of himself? He wouldn't be a good teacher at all if that was the case. Instead, he waves a dismissive hand in the air, shaking his head, "Nevermind, just forget it. I'll explain some other time."

When he finds a definite answer, he'll definitely tell Liu Jian.

Liu Jian observes the steady, serious expression upon the youth's face. He still doesn't understand why two men can't be genuinely nice to each other, as he was only speaking what was on his mind. But instead of commenting on it, he obediently nods and leaves the subject alone.

As they converse, they eventually reach the inn. Upon entering, the owner greets them with a friendly smile.

The middle-aged woman says, "Welcome back! How was our little village? We pride ourselves in the beautiful blooming flowers!"

"Yeah, it's a very gorgeous sight. We had a lot of fun sightseeing. Right, Liu Jian?" Xu Jiyu pipes up.

A nod from Liu Jian, "En."

The woman laughs at their good dynamic, "Haha, well, you two rest well. If you need dinner, please feel free to ask our cooks in the kitchen. They'll whip something right up for you before bed!"

"Of course, thank you so much, miss!" The youth amiably replies, giving her a small bow before bounding up the stairs with Liu Jian following close behind him.

The pair enters their rented room, and Xu Jiyu immediately flings himself onto his bed. "Ahhh, sleeping on a comfy bed feels like a luxury after spending a few nights outside!"

"...It's better than outside, that's for sure." Liu Jian says, properly sitting down on the bed opposite of Xu Jiyu's.

"Definitely. And since my ankle just recently healed, I can actually walk properly. It feels great, ah~!" The younger of the two kicks off his shoes, burying his face into the pillow.

"...Mm." Liu Jian hums, watching his partner with softened platinum hues.

Unaware of the handsome man's expression, he continues as his voice is muffled by the pillow, "And you know what, I'm going to take a nap! We've walked all day today, I'm completely exhausted. Liu Jian, can you wake me up for dinner?"

"En, I'll be sure to wake you. Sleep, Xu Jiyu." Liu Jian says.

"Thank you." The youth yawns, before turning onto his side. He closes his eyes and drifts off within moments.

"...Sleep well." Liu Jian whispers, before he stands up and quietly moves a chair next to sleeping figure's bedside.

Often times, whenever Xu Jiyu sleeps, Liu Jian couldn't help but stare at him for a while before going to bed. Xu Jiyu is a very interesting human. He can't help but want to be closer to him—he wants to see every single expression the youth could make.

What kind of expression would Xu Jiyu make if he cried? Or if he got extremely angry? These kinds of thoughts were swirling within the depths of his mind.

When did he start feeling this way towards this young man? In the beginning, he was only supposed to play with him for a bit before killing him off, but now… he couldn't bear the thought of losing Xu Jiyu. If he could whisk this precious gem away and keep him all to himself, he would do it.

Chasing after this pathetically weak human, what kind of King was he?

Liu Jian watches the youth's even breathing, and slowly reaches out to caress Xu Jiyu's cheek. Xu Jiyu's warmth, Xu Jiyu's touch, Xu Jiyu's attention… he selfishly wants them all.

Whenever he touches this man, he feels a tingling sensation, a strange shock that reverberates throughout his entire body. What is this feeling? It's something he doesn't quite understand yet. Liu Jian only knows that he wants to continue touching this youth, and keep him within arm's reach at all times.

As long as Xu Jiyu is by his side, he won't ever be bored. That's what he believes.

Yes, that's right…

Liu Jian is the King of Spirits.

A King of Spirits who is currently so undeniably infatuated with a human.

Yet, he didn't know this himself… and could only foolishly yearn for the young man's company.

"Good night, Xu Jiyu…" Liu Jian murmurs, standing up. He blows out the candles, and the room fades to complete darkness.