Chapter 419: Chapter 419 : An Unexpected Encounter

Dejected, Qiao Wei rejected Shang Daoming’s invitation to spend one last night at Tian’an Jade Palace. He instead opted to head to a nearby town and stay in an inn to clear his mind.

"I feel bad for Huang Taichen," Qiao Wei said once the door closed behind them and granted them some privacy. "The only reason why he kept causing a problem with Tian’an Shang Sect was to attract their attention."

"He is a small kid who doesn’t know better," Zhang Fengxi agreed. "Baby, sit down."

Qiao Wei silently took a seat at the table, frustration etched on his face. Zhang Fengxi moved behind him and started to massage his lover’s sore muscles.

"Ah..."

A soft sigh escaped Qiao Wei’s lips as Zhang Fengxi’s trained fingers drained away the accumulating tension in his body.

"What, do you think, is going to happen to Huang Taichen?" Qiao Wei asked.

"He will keep trying to attract their attention, and then one day, when he gets tired, he will give up," Zhang Fengxi quipped.

A crease formed between Qiao Wei’s brows.

"Or maybe Sect Leader Shang might change his mind and let him into the sect? After all, his mother used to be a disciple of the sect..."

"Unlikely," Zhang Fengxi said in response. "You heard him. He is an obstinate old man, the leader of the largest cultivation sect, to boot. He will never change."

Qiao Wei put a hand over Zhang Fengxi’s and sighed.

"Then what can we do to help?"

"Baby, listen to me."

Zhang Fengxi knelt gracefully, his hands reaching out to cup Qiao Wei’s in his own.

"You do not belong to the Human Realm. Why do you have to care so much?"

Qiao Wei bit into his lower lip in distress.

"... I... Because I..."

"It’s because you are such a gentle soul who wants the best for everyone. It is one of many of your remarkable traits."

Qiao Wei turned slightly pink when he heard Zhang Fengxi’s compliments.

"I am not such a noble soul," he murmured. "I am just trying to help."

With a low chuckle, Zhang Fengxi intertwined his fingers with Qiao Wei’s. The latter’s hand, cool and smooth, fit perfectly within his, and a smile bloomed on Qiao Wei’s face as he squeezed Zhang Fengxi’s fingers around his.

"Sweetheart, all you need to do here is live well, and then return to your family’s side and live happily with me, Mingrui, and Junjie."

"But Fengxi..."

"No buts, my Baby."

Zhang Fengxi surged to his knees and cradled Qiao Wei’s face in both hands. With a swift movement, he locked their lips together in a searing kiss.

The kiss, fierce and tender in equal measure, sent a tremor through Qiao Wei’s heart, momentarily blurring the conflicting thoughts in his mind.

After what felt like an eternity, Zhang Fengxi ended the kiss with a playful tug on Qiao Wei’s lower lip.

"It is a pity for Huang Taichen. Let’s hope that he stops wasting his time and starts living his life, hm?"

"... Alright," Qiao Wei said reluctantly.

"My baby is the best," Zhang Fengxi traced the curve of Qiao Wei’s jawline with feather-light kisses. Qiao Wei closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of utter submission.

But when Zhang Fengxi tugged at Qiao Wei’s lapels to expose more flesh to taint with his scorching love, his eyes flew open and he quickly pulled his lapels back together.

"Fengxi, I am sorry," he said with a reluctant voice. "I can’t do it today. I don’t feel like it."

In response, Zhang Fengxi bumped their forehead playfully against Qiao Wei’s, then leaned in for a quick peck on the lips.

"Don’t worry about it, Baby," he whispered against his lips. "I am not going to force you if you are not in the mood."

Qiao Wei cupped Zhang Fengxi’s face and kissed him on the lips.

"Thank you, Fengxi. I appreciate it."

As the golden rays of the setting sun dipped below the willow-draped canals, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets, Before their stomachs started rumbling, Zhang Fengxi decided to take Qiao Wei out for a culinary adventure.

The moment they stepped out of their cozy inn, they were enveloped in a symphony of intoxicating aromas wafting from the various stalls lining up on both sides of the street.

The evening air, thick with the steam of sizzling woks and the fragrant smoke of charcoal grills, was a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory.

Candied hawthorns, their crimson jackets dusted with sugar, glistened under the paper lanterns, while next to it, the pungent char of grilled scallions danced with the delicate fragrance of jasmine tea.

Crispy, piping hot scallion pancakes, with layers as thin as cicada wings, flaunted their golden edges, while bubbling pots of simmering dumplings, with their plump bellies promising juicy pork and vegetable fillings, beckoned hungry bellies with wisps of white, fragrant mist.

A few stalls away, a line snaked in front of a charcoal grill, lured by the aroma of sizzling lamb. Towering skewers piled high with juicy cubes awaited their fate, glistening with the promise of sweet-and-sour tang, smoky-sweet chili heat, or rich savory depth.

Wherever Zhang Fengxi and Qiao Wei looked, culinary temptation bloomed.

The feast stretched before them, a tantalizing labyrinth of flavors, and the delicious agony of choice hung heavy in the air.

On the other hand, Zhang Fengxi was happy to see Qiao Wei’s eyes sparkle with delight at the prospect of dinner, the dilemma stemming from today’s Discussion Conference momentarily forgotten.

"What do you want to eat first, Baby?" Zhang Fengxi asked with a wide, toothy grin.

"I liked the milk pastries," Qiao Wei responded with a shy smile. "Can I have more of those?"

"Gladly, let’s go in that direction then. I bought it from a very nice elder lady. She told me that only she sells milk pastries in this town. Something about her family’s secret recipe..."

They barely walked another three steps when suddenly a young man with long black hair that ran freely down his back threw himself on his knees in front of Qiao Wei and Zhang Fengxi.

"Master Qiao Wei!" He cried out. "I am Huang Taichen, we briefly met on several occasions! Please, will you please accept me as your disciple???"

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay