𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆

Xie Lian's quiet life in Puqi Shrine was often punctuated by visits to the nearby villages, where his helping hands were always welcomed. However, being outside the safety of the shrine often came with its own dangers..especially when Xie Lian's kind heartedness led him to intervene in matters he couldn't ignore.

Luckily, wherever Xie Lian went, Hua Cheng was never far behind.

To Hua Cheng, protecting Xie Lian wasn't just a duty..it was an instinct born from centuries of devotion. No harm would come to the one he loved not while the Ghost King stood by his side.

The day had started peacefully enough. The market buzzed with lively chatter, vendors calling out their wares as villagers haggled over prices. Xie Lian had insisted on walking through the bustling streets to buy a few supplies for the shrine and Hua Cheng, as always, had followed him like a shadow.

"San Lang, look at these peaches!" Xie Lian said, holding up a ripe fruit to show Hua Cheng. "Don't they look delicious?"

Hua Cheng smiled indulgently, his crimson eye softening as he looked at Xie Lian. "If Gege likes them then they must be the best in the market."

Xie Lian chuckled, placing a few peaches into his basket. "You're too biased, San Lang. But thank you."

They continued walking, the peaceful atmosphere lulling Xie Lian into a state of relaxation. Hua Cheng, however, remained alert, his gaze subtly scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble. His instincts soon proved correct.

A commotion broke out a few stalls down, and Xie Lian's attention was immediately drawn to the source. Two burly men were harassing a young vendor, their voices loud and aggressive.

"San Lang, wait here" Xie Lian said, already stepping toward the scene.

Hua Cheng frowned, reaching out to stop him. "Gege, let me handle it."

"It's alright" Xie Lian said gently but firmly. "They're just arguing. I'll see if I can help."

Hua Cheng didn't look convinced but he reluctantly let Xie Lian go. However, he followed closely, his expression darkening as the men's shouting grew louder.

"Excuse me.." Xie Lian said, his voice calm but commanding as he approached. "What seems to be the problem here?"

The two men turned to look at him, their expressions quickly shifting from surprise to disdain. "Stay out of this." One of them glared. "It's none of your business."

Xie Lian smiled politely. "If you're causing a disturbance in the market, it becomes everyone's business. Perhaps we can resolve this peacefully?"

The vendor, a young boy no older than fifteen, looked at Xie Lian with wide, frightened eyes. "They're trying to take my goods without paying!"

Xie Lian's gaze hardened slightly. "That doesn't seem fair. I'm sure these gentlemen wouldn't want to be accused of stealing, would they?"

The larger of the two men stepped forward, towering over Xie Lian. "You've got a lot of nerve, sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

Before Xie Lian could respond, a low, dangerous voice cut through the air.

"Take one more step and it'll be the last thing you do."

The men froze as Hua Cheng stepped into view, his crimson eye gleaming with menace. The air around him seemed to grow colder, and an oppressive aura settled over the market.

"Who the hell are you?" one of the men blustered, though his bravado was clearly wavering.

Hua Cheng's smile was sharp and predatory. "The one who'll make you regret your existence if you touch him."

Xie Lian sighed softly, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "San Lang, there's no need to frighten them."

Hua Cheng's gaze didn't waver from the men. "They frightened you first, Gege. That's enough of a reason for me."

The two men exchanged nervous glances, clearly realizing they were outmatched. "We don't want trouble.." one of them muttered. "Let's just go."

"That would be wise." Hua Cheng said coldly, his presence alone enough to make them retreat.

As the men fled, the market slowly returned to normal, though many villagers kept casting curious glances at Hua Cheng.

"San Lang" Xie Lian said, turning to him with a mix of gratitude and exasperation. "You didn't have to be so intimidating."

"They deserved it." Hua Cheng said bluntly, his sharp demeanor softening the moment he looked at Xie Lian. "Are you alright, Gege?"

"I'm fine.." Xie Lian assured him, his smile warm. "Thank you for stepping in."

Hua Cheng stepped closer, his hand brushing against Xie Lian's shoulder. "You're too kind, Gege. You shouldn't have to deal with people like that."

"It's alright" Xie Lian said softly. "I've dealt with worse, haven't I?"

"That doesn't mean you should have to" Hua Cheng replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "You're the one person I can't bear to see in harm's way."

Xie Lian's heart ached at the sincerity in Hua Cheng's words. He reached up to gently touch Hua Cheng's face, his thumb brushing against his cheek. "San Lang, I'm not so fragile. But knowing you're here to protect me... it means everything."

Hua Cheng's gaze softened, his hand moving to cover Xie Lian's. "I'll always be here, Gege"

Their surroundings seemed to fade away as they stood there, the noise of the market replaced by the quiet hum of their connection. Hua Cheng leaned in slightly, his forehead resting against Xie Lian's.

"Gege" Hua Cheng murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You look really attractive before..when faced with those two annoying creatures."

Xie Lian's breath hitched, his cheeks flushing. "San Lang..."

Hua Cheng closed the remaining distance between them, his lips capturing Xie Lian's in a kiss that was tender yet filled with unspoken promises. Xie Lian melted into the kiss, his hand tightening on Hua Cheng's sleeve as the world around them seemed to disappear.

When they finally pulled apart, Xie Lian's eyes were bright, his smile soft. "If you think so, don't trying to interrupt. I'll handle it"

Hua Cheng chuckled, his own smile playful yet adoring. "Hm.. depends on my mood.."

Xie Lian laughed, the sound light and full of joy. "Let's finish our shopping before you scare off the rest of the villagers."

"As you wish, your highness~" Hua Cheng said, his hand resting protectively on Xie Lian's back as they walked through the market together.