Xiao Wu's black hair was already intoxicating to Tang San, let alone when combined with that innate, subtle fragrance. Lying beside her now, Tang San felt a slight warmth spreading through his entire body. Although he kept telling himself to fall asleep quickly, the more he thought about it, the more awake he became, without the slightest hint of drowsiness.
Ning Rongrong was on Xiao Wu's other side, pressed close. She leaned in and whispered in Xiao Wu's ear with a laugh, "Xiao Wu, why do I feel like you're so nervous? There's nothing to be nervous about lying next to your own brother, is there? Want me to swap places with you?"
Xiao Wu, exasperated, gave Ning Rongrong's thigh a pinch. "Annoying. No swap."
Ning Rongrong giggled. "I knew you wouldn't want to. Now hurry, move away a bit—you're squishing me so I can't even turn over." As she spoke, Ning Rongrong deliberately turned her back.
Xiao Wu let out a soft gasp as her body inevitably brushed against Tang San.
Even through the blanket, Tang San was startled. Hearing Ning Rongrong stifled laughter on the other side, he didn't dare move a muscle. The feeling was rather... uncomfortable.
The scene of combing Xiao Wu's hair the previous night kept replaying in his mind. Although Tang San wasn't consciously aware of it, after last night, his feelings for Xiao Wu had actually begun to shift slightly away from that pure, sibling-like affection.
Compared to Tang San, the "discomfort" the Great Master was experiencing at that moment was far more intense.
After entering the tent, the Great Master had slipped into his bedding with all possible speed. He was even more cautious than Tang San, lying on his side with his back facing Liu Erlong's direction. This not only took up less space on his bedding but also helped steady his heart a little.
Listening to the steady breathing of Flandre, Zhao Wuji, and Liu Erlong, the Great Master's suspended heart gradually settled, and his body began to relax.
In certain settings, memories from deep within the mind are often stirred. Now, despite the silence in the tent, the Great Master couldn't stop himself from recalling that scene from decades ago.
That day was supposed to be his wedding day with Liu Erlong. If not for all the complications that arose, perhaps that very night, Liu Erlong would have become his. But now, everything had changed. Although the woman he loved most lay beside him, he didn't dare move, let alone draw closer; he even had to avoid her.
The bitterness in his heart was something only he knew, that indescribable pain he had endured for so many years. Heavens, why must you punish me so? Why must the woman I love most be my own cousin? Why? Why?
The Great Master's heart convulsed, his entire body spasming involuntarily. His fists, hidden beneath the blanket, clenched so tightly that his fingernails dug into his skin without him noticing.
To meet Liu Erlong again, what tremendous willpower had it taken for him to suppress the fire in his heart? If not for having Tang San, his disciple, as an emotional anchor, the Great Master would likely have fled again long ago. He didn't dare spend too much time with Liu Erlong; hearts were made of flesh, and everyone had moments of impulse. The Great Master truly feared that one day he might lose control and do something bestial. Of course, that was his own self-assessment.
Just as the Great Master's thoughts were in turmoil, suddenly, he felt a cool sensation on his clenched fist. It was already enveloped by a cool, smooth hand. The Great Master's entire body went rigid in an instant.
Liu Erlong's soft voice sounded in his ear, "Xiao Gang, being with me... is it really so painful for you?"
The Great Master didn't dare move, let alone speak. He froze there, trying to pull his hand free from Erlong's grasp, but she held on tightly, refusing to let him escape. In terms of strength, Liu Erlong was far beyond him; with a gap of dozens of levels in Soul Power, escaping wasn't so easy.
Just as the Great Master didn't know what to do, his worst fear materialized. The blanket cooled as a supple, nude body slipped beneath it. The hand holding his was released, but immediately after, Liu Erlong's arms wrapped around his waist and tightened.
Though the Great Master was dressed, he was shocked to realize that Liu Erlong, pressing against him from behind, was completely unclothed.
Finally, he made his decision. If death came, let it come. Even if he were to die tomorrow, this would be worth it.