Feng Miaojun’s face burned like fire; she didn’t need a mirror to know her cheeks must be as red as tomatoes. Her finger trembled as she pointed at Yun Ya: “How can you treat state affairs so frivolously?!”

Did Xiao Yan know his State Preceptor was a madman? Did he know?

“What constitutes state affairs, and what constitutes frivolity? An’an, in my heart, his life isn’t worth even a single strand of your hair.” Yun Ya spoke with deep affection, reaching out to brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was intimate, yet she stood frozen in shock, momentarily forgetting to react.

Was he confessing to her, saying he liked her? Feng Miaojun opened and closed her mouth, wanting to ask but lacking the courage to voice the question.

She deeply feared the answer.

“What exactly do you want?” She stepped back, instinctively wanting to flee.

But this time, she could no longer escape.

Yun Ya didn’t reach out to stop her, merely repeating: “One kiss in exchange for Zhao Yun’s life—is it worth it?”

Worth it? How could such a matter be measured in terms of worth?

Feng Miaojun could barely find her voice: “You truly intend to kill him?”

“You don’t believe me?” He smiled slightly. “Shall I kill him for you to see?”

Zhao Yun’s life or death was none of her concern! Feng Miaojun roared inwardly, but she couldn’t voice those words. The man before her was outrageously daring—capable of anything. She believed that if she shook her head, Yun Ya would strike in the next second.

And she wasn’t confident she could stop him. In the dream, she was just a novice, barely able to summon a bit of energy. How could she match Yun Ya’s mastery, his ability to kill without a trace?

“I believe you,” she said, her small hands clenched tightly, imagining them around Yun Ya’s neck.

No, she wanted to use her other hand to strangle Zhao Yun at the same time. That man appeared dignified on the surface, but secretly plotted against her, and yet she had to rack her brains to protect him, sacrificing herself in the process.

How utterly frustrating!

The girl had nearly glared her phoenix eyes into almond shapes. Yun Ya suppressed a smile and reminded her: “This is merely a dream realm. What’s so serious about a kiss? In reality, neither of us has touched a hair on the other—the epitome of gentlemanly conduct.”

Feng Miaojun blinked, as if awakening from a trance.

What he said seemed correct. Many people had dreams of an intimate nature, content indescribable. She was merely sharing a kiss in a dream—what was the big deal? Besides, kissing such a handsome man—it wasn’t as if she was getting the short end of the bargain, was it?

Ahem, gender equality and all.

As the old saying goes, dreams leave no trace. Come morning, upon waking, she could pretend nothing happened, deny everything.

“Fine!” She gritted her teeth. “A kiss is just a kiss, what’s the big deal?”

Yun Ya looked at her with a feigned grievance, sighing softly: “If An’an truly doesn’t wish to, then forget it. I won’t force you.”

If she refused, Zhao Yun would certainly die, wouldn’t he? Feng Miaojun silently counted from one to ten in her heart, steadying her breath before responding: “I’m not reluctant.”

But the murderous intent in her eyes warned him that this little kitten was on the verge of going berserk. If he dared to take advantage and then play coy, she’d instantly transform into a fierce tigress.

Yun Ya knew when to stop, crooking his finger: “Come, let’s get this over with. Otherwise, if Zhao Yun emerges, I can’t guarantee I won’t have murderous thoughts.” She stepped forward; her height only reached his neck, making her appear even more petite. Yun Ya’s eyes brimmed with mirth as he deliberately bent down, making it easier for her to give him a light kiss.

Feng Miaojun forcibly suppressed her pounding heart and slowly raised her face toward his.

She had seen this face countless times, yet still couldn’t find any flaws. The closer she got, the more she noticed his bow-shaped lips, their luster tempting.

She licked her lips, her mouth dry, when suddenly she stopped: “Do you promise not to trouble him within New Xia’s borders?”

This girl had switched concepts, changing from “not killing Zhao Yun” to “not troubling Zhao Yun.” Yun Ya heard the distinction clearly but didn’t quibble, merely responding with a soft “Yes.”

Feng Miaojun moved closer, their faces less than four fingers apart, when she added: “You—close your eyes.”

She was timid; being stared at so intently by those peach blossom eyes, she couldn’t bring herself to kiss him!

Yun Ya saw her face like the morning glow, a radiance not even the night could conceal, and was reluctant to look away. But her voice trembled slightly, carrying a pleading quality that softened his typically unyielding heart.

He complied, closing his eyes, neither speaking nor moving, his exquisite features like a craftsman’s masterpiece.

Feng Miaojun finally summoned her courage and placed a kiss on his lips.

This kiss wasn’t a mere fleeting touch, nor was it as perfunctory as he had imagined. Yun Ya could sense her hesitation and unease, yet she still kissed him with determination and gentleness.

It seemed she valued their agreement; if she was going to kiss, she would do it properly, and with integrity. Yun Ya’s heart felt as if brushed by soft feathers, his earlier teasing chapter transformed into a tickling sensation, a tenderness.

She began to withdraw, intending to end the kiss. Yun Ya refused to let her go, unhesitatingly following her, capturing her lips, prying open her delicate teeth, once more exploring the territory he had only just discovered yesterday.

Her kiss was light and soft; he was fierce and possessive, like a predator pursuing its prey, leaving her no escape.

Feng Miaojun instinctively struggled, but when his hand cupped the nape of her neck, preventing her retreat, she relented, allowing him to kiss her—she had known this man would never be satisfied with a mere brush of lips.

But the way Yun Ya kissed her was too sensual, like a traveler in the desert, parched for days, finally finding a water source and drinking deeply.

In her dazed state, she vaguely felt Yun Ya press her against the wall. Sensing trouble, she tried to push him away, only to find him pressing his entire body against hers, powerful and overwhelming, holding her tightly.

Taking liberties! Feng Miaojun was furious, her Star Sky Awl pressed against his waist, its pressure penetrating through his body. The message was clear: release her or she’d pierce his waist.

Only then did Yun Ya reluctantly let her go.

Feng Miaojun saw his flushed face, eyes burning with desire, and imagined she looked no better. She wanted to berate him, but her tongue was numb, unable to form words for quite some time.

Yun Ya placed a finger to her lips, silently mouthing:

“Shh—”

Then came the faint sounds—unmistakably from within the bamboo garden, separated from them by just one wall!

Feng Miaojun immediately held her breath.

She recognized the voices as the two men from the study approached. Being cultivators, their footsteps were virtually silent; only the faint rustling of sand beneath their feet was audible.

She had been too engrossed and wasn’t clear on what Zhao Yun and his confidant had discussed. Shamefully. However, Zhao Yun stopped at the half-moon gate and said solemnly: “That stone core from the Northern Lands has been secured, and the information on Ying Shui City is also organized, and placed on the desk. Take both to my royal father.”

“Yes.”

He sighed: “It’s the fifth survey of Ying Shui City, yet still no clues about the Demon Realm. Could Father be searching in the wrong direction?”