Chapter 730: I’ve grown so addicted to fooling you that I can’t stop (1/2)

The only way to control the power of the Lustbite Seal was to endure it! Bear its assault full on! Once the power was released, Long Feiye would go through a brief period of weakness where he lost all of his internal energy–and even his normal strength–leaving him a husk. That was why he’d concentrated all the force of the Lustbite Seal’s power to his whip. By confining it to a weapon, it had a chance to attack, and he had the chance to accept it.

The golden whip in his hands had long been stained red with blood. It twitched in Long Feiye’s grasp, eager to have a go. It was like a bloodsucking demon, a life-snatching monster, the master of a trial. Abruptly, it flew into the air. Long Feiye released it without hesitation and turned his head away, eyes shut.

Wh-tch!

It was a whistle of wind that shook the earth.

Wh-tch!

It was a terrifying wave of sound like cranes crying to the skies.

Wh-tch!

It was a soul-shattering shriek as powerful as a thunderbolt.

Whip after whip, lash after lash, the whip thrashed up and down, sending blood against skin in its wake. Countless lashes later, it lost all strength and fell back to the ground. Long Feiye stood with his back covered in a mix of mangled flesh and blood, new wounds atop the old. His skin had been ripped clear open, and his figure tottered on its feet. But he still stood straight and didn’t fall down. His eyebrows hadn’t even furrowed in pain. This was a habit he’d cultivated since his childhood days, to never make a sound in the face of pain or suffering.

The weak candlelight illuminated his sweat-soaked form. Compared to his usual icy image, his perspiring form had an unmistakable appeal. With hooded eyes, he gave off a distant, aloof air. Anyone who saw him now would only feel respect, not sympathy. This man had a strong body, but his heart was even stronger. He would never been beaten down, even if the beating came from himself. Without a word, he stood and waited as the Lustbite Seal’s power thrashed and seethed within his body. The second part of his battle relied not on brute force, but his heart! He had to stand firm and control himself before the energy seeped completely into his dantian. Collapsing and giving up now were both inexcusable. He had to use his mind to control this force.

One hour later, his internal energy returned. Once again, it had improved markedly from before. He quietly collected his whip, then the bandages and blood-clotting medicine his master had left him. Then he went to treat his wounds as if the sudden shower of blood had never happened. Since most of his wounds were on his back, he could only sprinkle the medicinal powder on the gauze and apply it to his body. It was simple and coarse, but it still stopped the bleeding.

Today’s trial had passed once again. With his Lustbite Seal unlocked, its energy would come out in bursts once a day. Its strength and force would increase daily. This was only the first ten days or so. As time went on, more and more of the seal’s power would come out to run rampant.

After treating his injuries, Long Feiye went to sit by the wall bordering the stone door. He had too many wounds on his back to lean against it, so he simply rested his head against the stone. It had only been a dozen or so days, but his face was markedly thinner, its edges and angles more distinct. It made him look frigid and cold. He remained still with his eyes shut, almost as if he was sleeping, or perhaps thinking of something.

In the empty room and its blood stained floors, his silent figure made for a solitary sight.

What was loneliness?

Loneliness was Han Yunxi sitting with her back against the wall on the other side.

Loneliness was suffering through a life and death trial while the person he loved was ignorant of it all.

Loneliness was him unconsciously moving his back to press tightly against the wall even as the mass of blood and flesh made the pain unbearable, even as his lips quirked up in a soundless smile.

Because he knew, she must be leaning against it on the other side, too.

Loneliness was also seeing the set of clean black robes hung on the opposite wall from his position on the floor, untouched by a speck of blood. He had taken it off on purpose so that he could wear them when he went out with her none the wiser to his wounds.

Han Yunxi, your lordship has grown so addicted to fooling you that I can’t stop.

Han Yunxi slowly opened her eyes, coming out from her most recent bout of cultivation. She had been leaning against the wall before, but now she relaxed and rested against it completely, her body pressed tight against its surface. Looking up, her gaze seemed rather distant.

Long Feiye, are you well?

Long Feiye, what are you doing right now?

Long Feiye, I miss you…are you missing me right now too?