19. Mortal body.

He saw him... He was beautiful, the most exquisitely enchanting person he had encountered in his entire existence. Mere words were feeble attempts to capture his essence.

His eyes, the tantalizingly extraordinary orbs, were a captivating spectacle never witnessed before. They ignited a fire within him, stealing the very breath from his lungs. His aura defied description, a sizzling embodiment of flawlessness.

He appeared like a deity descended from the heavens.

Lu Shui Hua couldn't tear his gaze away... Those scorching golden eyes, reminiscent of a mythical dragon, ensnared his attention first. He stood with a volcanic grace erupting from his every pore.

Breathe, Shui Hua, breathe.

His heart galloped at an electrifying pace, threatening to render him unconscious due to the intoxicating dizziness that consumed him. The presence of the man perched above the stairs unleashed a torrent of sensations within him, rendering him incapable of action. He stood motionless, oblivious to the fact that he couldn't stop fixating on him, even as he descended step by step, drawing closer.

In the blink of an eye, he materialized before him, his eyes exploring every inch of his face. Before he could even flutter his lashes, he lowered his nose to his neck, inhaling deeply, savoring his scent with eyes shut tight, as if verifying his irresistible allure.

"Hmm... Lu Shui Hua..." He called out, his voice a seductive rasp that resonated in his mind, further paralyzing him. "It really is you...".

Shui Hua found himself utterly captivated, unable to look away from the most breathtaking person he had ever encountered. "You desirable curse," he whispered again, his voice husky and filled with desire, sending delicious shivers down his spine. He battled his inner demons, desperately suppressing a moan that threatened to escape his throat.

What in the world is this overwhelming sensation?

Why does a man like him make him feel this way?

Attempting to break free from the stranger's gaze, Shui Hua tried to move away, but before he could, the stranger anticipated his intentions and gracefully stepped back, catching Shui Hua off guard.

"Ah... I..."

"How would you like to die?" His voice resonated through the room once again, abruptly silencing Lu Shui Hua's words.

What?

"Huh?" Shui Hua managed, his breath hanging in the air. But as soon as the words slipped from his lips, the stunning man started advancing towards him with daringly lit eyes, a hint of bloodlust within them. It was as if his primal instincts had awakened, ready to devour anyone in his path.

His intimidating movement forced Lu Shui Hua to retreat, terror seizing him in the presence of this figure. Just moments ago, an inexplicable feeling had stirred within him when they were near, but now, all he felt was sheer fear.

"Do you want a quick or slow death?" he asked once more, his deep voice reverberating in Shui Hua's head, cornering him further.

"I should have done this long ago..." His flowing white hair danced in response to the wind that swirled around him as he approached Lu Shui Hua, intending to execute his plan. Yet, suddenly, everything froze.

"No, no, please..." were Shui Hua's final words as he hid his face behind his arms, bracing himself for the worst.

"Die," he mouthed, leaving Lu Shui Hua trembling in fear, expecting his unfortunate demise at the hands of the handsome stranger he had just met. But nothing happened.

Huh?

The shock was boldly etched in his eyes. Why was he still alive? He had commanded Lu Shui Hua to die, so why was he not dead?

"You..."

It was then that Huo Nüshén emerged from the sacred chambers.

"Master," he called, locking eyes with the fiery gold gaze. "Your mortal body is alive," he spoke with excitement, a rarity since Lu Shui Hua had encountered him. Meanwhile, a bewildered Shui Hua could only observe from the corner, his confusion mounting.

What just happened?

"It appears so."

The beautiful stranger spoke casually to Huo Nüshén, confusion still evident on his face. Without hesitation, he returned his gaze to Lu Shui Hua, diverting Huo Nüshén's attention to him as well.

"How did you manage that?"

With wide eyes, Lu Shui Hua stood perplexed, shifting his gaze between Huo Nüshén and the striking stranger.

"I-I didn't... I-I don't understand what you're saying..." He held his breath as the captivating man approached once again, cutting him off. But before he could say more, Huo Nüshén's flames surged, triggering his defensive instinct.

In an instant, the eyes of the fiery bird darted around, unleashing a piercing shriek of warning as his inner beast emerged.

"We have company".