Floating Dream 13: I Don't Need You to be Good to Anyone, Right Now I Want...

Jiang Xuehe guessed that Liu Qingmi had likely drugged Ti Ying, causing her to be in such a delirious state. Based on his broad knowledge, he suspected the drug was related to the desires between men and women.

Jiang Xuehe grew angry—his previous judgment had been wrong. He had thought that the Liu Qingmi in the illusion might not be the same as the real Liu Qingmi. Before, Ti Ying had criticized Liu Qingmi several times, but he hadn't dared to make a rash judgment based on his own feelings, fearing he would misunderstand her. But now, he was truly furious. Given what she had done to Ti Ying, he would absolutely not let her go... regardless of whether she was a human, a demon, or a spirit.

The only stroke of luck was that the person Ti Ying found was him. If Ti Ying had wandered into Liu Qingmi's trap or ended up with another man, the mere thought made Jiang Xuehe's heart as cold as ice and filled him with terrifying rage.

His thoughts swirled, and Ti Ying's unstructured closeness and friction made his heart beat like a war drum, his face heating up. Even though he knew this was a dream and feared being watched by the Dream Demon Pearl, he still felt a sense of mental unease.

The current beneath the water was swift. Ti Ying's cheeks were flushed, her eyes tightly shut, and her limbs were like vines, tightly wrapping around her Senior Brother to soothe the distress in her heart. She seemed to have swallowed water, but her thirst and longing only grew. Murmurs escaped her lips as she tugged at Jiang Xuehe, not knowing what to do.

Jiang Xuehe held her with one arm while swimming toward the surface. With his other hand, he occasionally leaned down to kiss her, trying to calm her emotions. She was like a willful child who couldn't be satisfied; this intimacy was like drinking poison to quench a thirst—it couldn't satisfy her, and she wanted more.

Her fingers secretly slipped into the opening of his robes, searching blindly... Jiang Xuehe's body stiffened. He set his face, suppressing his emotions. He struggled to grab his Junior Sister's wrist, moving her hand away.

Not now. Wait a bit longer. He still wasn't sure what was wrong with her. He was truly struggling.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the water, aimed directly at the two below, illuminating their ice-cold faces. In an instant, Jiang Xuehe pulled Ti Ying into his chest. The lightning hit the water, triggering thousands of cracks of light, making their robes flutter beneath the surface. As the bolt was about to strike them, Jiang Xuehe raised a hand, drawing a sealing talisman in the air to neutralize the danger.

He looked up through the water and saw thunder rolling across the horizon; more dangers were lurking. ...They were likely all staring at him and Ti Ying. Right, he had broken the Dream Demon Pearl's illusion method; how could it let them go so easily?

Normally, those who entered the dream would have no memories or magic. Jiang Xuehe had relied on his experience of entering dreams multiple times, repeatedly deceiving his own soul, and secretly betting against the Dream Demon Pearl... This time, Jiang Xuehe, holding Ti Ying, had neither lost his cultivation nor his memories. Naturally, this infuriated the Dream Demon Pearl, which came to deal with them.

Jiang Xuehe pondered: why was the Dream Demon Pearl pursuing him so relentlessly? What was so important about him? If he truly was an Immortal's reincarnation, did the pearl want to kill him and use an Immortal's flesh and soul for some kind of cultivation? That didn't seem right; the Dream Demon tribe cultivated the Heavenly Dao directly. Why would they need an Immortal's remains?

Unless... Jiang Xuehe caught a flash of inspiration. Just as he was about to think deeper, his Adam's apple was suddenly bitten by the little girl in his arms, who refused to let go. He immediately held his breath, a numbing sensation rushing through him.

Jiang Xuehe didn't dare stay here any longer. He held Ti Ying, even as her lips continued to lick the skin of his neck. While casting spells to deal with the heavenly thunder, he used mental transmission to coax her into letting go:

"Xiao Ying, don't bite. It hurts."

Whether he was in pain or not seemed to have no effect on her. She didn't listen to his words, only clinging and lingering. The stimulation on his neck continued to increase, and his lashes couldn't help but tremble. Jiang Xuehe's hand, stroking Ti Ying's back, shook slightly. He didn't dare relax. As each bolt of lightning illuminated the area, he gritted his teeth:

"Let go of me. In a moment... I'll give you something better."

He made vague promises, constantly enticing her. Perhaps his voice was buzzing in her head too much, annoying her, because she opened her hazy eyes. Perhaps his promise had moved her, and she was truly curious about what was "better." Relying on this greed, she conquered her current lack of resolve.

Ti Ying huddled into his chest. Jiang Xuehe held her tightly. Suddenly, Ti Ying's soft, sobbing voice echoed in his mind: "Senior Brother."

He was stunned. Ti Ying used her blurred consciousness to control herself, transmitting: "Am I a burden to you?"

Jiang Xuehe looked down. He saw her, a small bundle huddled in his arms, likely trembling because the drug was hard to control. Every time she trembled, his heart trembled with her. The girl buried her face in his chest, her pale profile and black hair scattered over his arm, looking incredibly fragile. Amidst the black and white, he saw her weakness and pain from her flushed cheeks.

His heart tightened. He wondered if her spiritual root was hurting again. She was young and hadn't suffered much while cultivating with her former Master, but as soon as she left Tian Mountain, she began to suffer. She always put on an arrogant front, making people forget her pitiful side. He had pampered and coaxed little Ti Ying, yet Liu Qingmi had treated her this way... His killing intent was absolute; he would never let Liu Qingmi go.

A hint of bitterness rose in his heart—he had never felt such an emotion. Jiang Xuehe held her and said, "You are not a burden. Don't be afraid; Senior Brother is here."

***

They splashed out of the water.

A fisherman by the shore looked up in surprise at the sky. Today was the auspicious day for the City Lord's daughter's wedding. Not long ago, the sky had been clear for ten thousand miles, but suddenly thunder and lightning began to strike the water, looking very ominous.

People whispered among themselves, then suddenly saw the vast water part, revealing a great mirror-like passage between the water and the land. As a bolt of lightning struck the parting water, a youth raised a hand and swept it across the air, tearing the lightning apart.

Everyone stared blankly as a youth, soaked to the bone, carrying a small girl who was also drenched, emerged from the water passage. The people were dazed. "This..." Was this a cultivator who could call the wind and rain?

Someone was about to hospitably inquire, but saw the youth draw something in mid-air again. Immediately, the two vanished before everyone's eyes, as if they had never been there. Once they were gone, the lightning in the sky vanished, and the weather returned to being clear and cloudless for ten thousand miles.

People looked at each other. Someone asked, "Should we report this to the City Lord?" Another hesitated, "It's the City Lord's daughter's wedding day. We shouldn't report such a small matter, right?"

***

Jiang Xuehe took Ti Ying and hid in a farmhouse. This was the village with the tombstones. Once he entered this desolate place, the lightning chasing him weakened. Jiang Xuehe didn't relax; he took his Junior Sister into the farmhouse first and set up a restriction to resist the enemy that was closing in.

Inside the room, Jiang Xuehe used a Dust-Cleansing Incantation to clean the place. At the same time, the girl in his arms had become extremely restless. Jiang Xuehe observed her state while paying attention to the situation outside. He saw her enduring until she was covered in sweat, and fearing she couldn't hold back, she began to bite her lip. Jiang Xuehe hurriedly placed a finger on her teeth, preventing her from biting.

Ti Ying looked up groggily. She had noticed the villain chasing them, and to avoid burdening her Senior Brother, she had tried to be good. Now, feeling as if ten thousand ants were gnawing on her, she only bit her lip to stay awake. Why wasn't she allowed?

Resentment rose in her heart. She looked up to see who dared to oppose her will. Her water-stained lashes trembled as she vaguely saw a figure leaning down. Her lips were captured.

She was stunned. A soft, warm breath crossed over. It wasn't just a brief touch; he gave her more. He was generous, and the stimulation made Ti Ying's back break into goosebumps. She opened her mouth, breathing heavily. She was very uncomfortable... but as he pursued her, not leaving her, she felt much better.

Ti Ying let out a moan, kicking at him. Her already weak consciousness snapped at his initiative, and she eagerly leaned in to meet him—not enough. Far from enough. She wanted more.

Jiang Xuehe held Ti Ying without stopping. Amidst the swaying, he placed her on the bamboo bed and followed her down. He leaned over her against the gray-white wall, which was shedding dust, and lowered his eyes, giving her what she wanted with gentleness and passion.

Her breath was hurried. It made his own breath chaotic. He took the opportunity to grab her wrist, checking her spiritual veins to see exactly what was wrong. Jiang Xuehe discovered Ti Ying had been hit with a drug similar to an aphrodisiac; it was powerful and was devouring her spiritual energy. No wonder she was so restless.

He held her spiritual veins, transferring spiritual energy to her, soothing the pain of her spiritual root and comforting the cracks within it. He couldn't fix those cracks, but his Junior Sister needed a lot of spiritual energy, and he could provide it. He could also soothe her physical discomfort. He held her intimately, letting her demand what she wanted. He lowered his eyes, his features showing a hint of enchanting beauty under the stimulation.

Ti Ying was pinned by him. Amidst the continuous giving, her agitation was somewhat reduced, but a deeper longing rose. Her consciousness cleared slightly, and she saw her Senior Brother's face. Suddenly seeing such a beautiful and enchanting version of him, Ti Ying's heart raced, and her breath hitched.

Sensing her pause, Jiang Xuehe raised his eyes slightly. The youth's gaze was like a silver fish flicking its tail, bright and brilliant. Ti Ying thought blankly: *What a... what a disastrously handsome Senior Brother.* Why was he so good at kissing her and seducing her?

Jiang Xuehe thought she was a bit better and was about to ask, but saw Ti Ying lunge up and bite his lips again. Her delicate face showed a desperate determination, making her look somewhat cold and fierce. Jiang Xuehe was pushed down and pinned to the bed by her. She leaned down and acted willfully.

Jiang Xuehe accepted this powerful drug's effects, knowing she was uncomfortable, so he didn't refuse, giving her whatever she wanted. She lacked any structure, leaving marks everywhere like a kitten marking its territory. Jiang Xuehe endured it silently.

However, this was still not enough. Jiang Xuehe discovered Ti Ying was secretly playing tricks again, her fingers teasing his waist, and he immediately stopped. He held her tight, his voice raspy. "Xiao Ying?"

Ti Ying let out a sob. Her face was flushed and pale, her makeup smudged, and her long hair was scattered—she looked like a disheveled little calico cat. She stepped on him and took what she wanted, but the longing in her heart still wasn't satisfied.

She grew frustrated and angry. She grabbed Jiang Xuehe's collar, being both bossy and clingy. "Senior Brother, Senior Brother! Not enough, truly not enough! Give me more!"

Jiang Xuehe's face turned from green to white. He said gently, "...Actually, it's enough." Ti Ying was just a young girl; from his understanding, she only needed to endure a bit, and with his comfort, she should be fine. She had never tasted desire. Since she hadn't touched it, she shouldn't be completely controlled by it.

But how could Ti Ying accept being aggrieved? Her earlier endurance was only because of the lightning. Now, the lightning was trapped outside by her Senior Brother's restriction, and he was taking the time to help her with the drug. Though her consciousness was muddled by the heat, she naturally knew it was safe now. She could demand.

Ti Ying leaned in Jiang Xuehe's arms, hurriedly kissing his eyes, mouth, chin, and neck. She was incredibly spoiled. "Senior Brother, I'm uncomfortable. Senior Brother, please love me."

Jiang Xuehe looked down. Ti Ying's calf was resting on his waist, and she wanted to play tricks again. Jiang Xuehe said in a low voice, "Follow me in reciting the Heart-Cleansing Mantra..."

Ti Ying: "I don't want to!" She faked a cry. "I'm going to die; I'm so uncomfortable. Why won't you help me?"

Jiang Xuehe: "Just endure a bit. I promise you won't die; you'll be fine."

Ti Ying: "No, no, no! I'm very uncomfortable right now; I want it now. You can't leave; you have to love me, Senior Brother, Senior Brother... Jiang Xuehe, Brother Xiao He, Brother Xiao He..."

His gaze wavered. He seemed to waver, and Ti Ying immediately caught his hesitation, sitting in his lap, constantly rubbing against him, softly and sweetly looking up and calling him, "Brother Xiao He, please love Xiao Ying, okay?"

He lowered his eyes. He still had some logic. This was a dream. It was someone else's territory. Both of them were here as strands of Divine Sense. She was drugged and wasn't truly willing. He was her Senior Brother... Though he always struggled between being a Senior Brother and a lover, and never wanted to be just a Senior Brother, he had the duty to teach her. He couldn't let the Master feel that he had seduced his Junior Sister when she wasn't clear-headed, using dirty tricks because he wanted her.

Jiang Xuehe closed his eyes and said softly, "It's fine." He leaned down to comfort her.

Ti Ying liked his indulgence; it was so comfortable, and gradually, she tasted the "sweetness" mentioned in the storybooks. But she didn't just want him on the surface. Though she didn't know exactly what she wanted, it definitely wasn't just this.

Ti Ying's face darkened. She pushed Jiang Xuehe away, having a sudden idea. "Why don't you call Brother Ye Sha out?"

Jiang Xuehe's eyes snapped open, his gaze slightly still. The little girl, trapped halfway up the mountain, was full of innocence and strange ideas. "If you don't want to play with me, find someone who does." She looked up with naive malice, provoking him. "Brother Ye Sha definitely won't refuse me."

Jiang Xuehe gave a light laugh. He said, "Do you think refusing is an easy thing?"

His upper body leaned forward. He was refined and quiet, and with his robes loosened, he looked even more enchanting. His habit of speaking with lowered eyes was both disdainful and cold, yet gentle and slow. He tilted Ti Ying's chin, being both gentle and indifferent: "One day you will know that I am the one who treats you best."

Ti Ying didn't know enough. She raised an eyebrow and spread her arms. "Then come! I don't need you to be good to anyone. I want what I want right now, and you definitely know what it is. If you give it to me, I'll like you. If you don't, I'll hate you!"

A flash of anger appeared on his face. But the anger was very faint. Jiang Xuehe said in a low voice, "Xiao Ying, you are truly too willful."

Ti Ying glared at him. He leaned in, his breath like a green breeze, drifting and swimming, like a sigh: "I like your willfulness."

***

Jiang Xuehe's feelings for Ti Ying—when they began and where they settled—were hard to explain. He was a person with a very strong desire for control. He wanted to enter Tian Mountain, so he gave his heart to the disciples there. He knew Lin Qingyang pampered Ti Ying, so he put the most effort into her. He felt lonely and solitary; he wanted someone to love him, someone who belonged only to him. After discovering Ti Ying relied on him and finding her adorable, he considered her that companion.

She always followed him. Sometimes she lied to him, sometimes she sweetly held him and called him "Senior Brother," and when she was unhappy, she didn't care about their bond at all and lost her temper with him. She was simple and direct, with a wicked and spirited temperament. She was vibrant enough. She was the only one in this boring world who, after knowing his secret, still followed him without reservation.

He wanted her whole heart. He wanted her. So he schemed for her affection, scheming until he lost himself in it, until he no longer knew what he truly wanted. Jiang Xuehe finally realized—everything was under control, except for love and affection. Once he fell for someone, all his schemes would muddledly give way, following her, doing as she pleased. ...He was still struggling. He still often wanted to use methods to get her full love first. But it seemed he had grown used to following her and couldn't bear her impatience when he occasionally went against her will. Love and affection—perhaps their synonym was "greed."

***

Jiang Xuehe was tormented by Ti Ying's anger and fussing. He was also a youth, and his calm was just a mask for others. After she teased him halfway, a surge of excitement rose within him. He was half-willing. He constantly heard Ti Ying's murmurs and kept comforting her. This back-and-forth led to the critical moment, but as he moved forward slightly, Ti Ying let out a sharp cry and immediately grabbed his wrist. She shed tears, looking confused and afraid. "Senior Brother!"

Jiang Xuehe was stunned. He saw the moisture in her eyes and suddenly snapped out of his daze, realizing his own absurdity—this was a dream, they were just Divine Senses. What was he doing? Even if he indulged her, this was too much.

Ti Ying wailed, "It hurts, Senior Brother."

Jiang Xuehe's eyes flickered. Relying on his strong endurance, he restrained himself and pulled the trembling Ti Ying into his arms. He leaned down to kiss her forehead and hair, using these intermittent touches to calm his own agitation. And Ti Ying, being kissed and held by him, acted spoiled for a bit. She couldn't stop the itch in her heart and secretly wriggled in his arms, making a fuss like a happy kitten.

Jiang Xuehe looked down. She looked pitiful, holding his hand. Jiang Xuehe paused. He said hoarsely, "The Heart-Cleansing Mantra..."

Ti Ying said angrily, "I don't want to! I want you!"

Jiang Xuehe's heart skipped a beat. He was being watched by her bright, expectant eyes. She was huddled in his arms like this; he wasn't truly a saint who could remain unmoved. He said forcedly, "Didn't you say it hurt and you didn't want it?"

Ti Ying countered, "Then won't you make it not hurt?"

Jiang Xuehe: "..." He was tormented by her until his mind was in chaos, and he was left speechless by her bold words. Ti Ying didn't empathize with him at all. Seeing him silent, she thought her arrogant attitude had provoked him. Fearing he wouldn't give in, she softly leaned in to hug him, coaxing him in a small voice, "Senior Brother, don't be angry. Please be a bit better to Xiao Ying, okay?"

Jiang Xuehe was sorrowful. He was swayed by her, his heart held in her hand, sinking and floating. After a long while, Jiang Xuehe finally gave in. He held up one finger. Ti Ying was confused. Jiang Xuehe turned his face away, his eyes flickering. He held her waist, laying her down again. Before she could speak nonsense, he lightly kissed her face and said gently, "Don't cry; I'll help you."

Ti Ying was confused. "Help me how?"

Jiang Xuehe: "...Shut up."

Ti Ying was full of confusion, but her consciousness soon became disordered as he lowered his eyes and his slender fingers moved downward. He turned his face away, not even looking at her.

***

Ti Ying truly became well-behaved. The drug's effects conquered her shyness, and she gave every reaction honestly. Jiang Xuehe's body stiffened. He only turned his face, using his right hand to give her whatever she wanted. And she was never satisfied. At first, she only sobbed, but later she actually clung to his arm, making demands: "Senior Brother, Senior Brother, you're too stingy..."

Jiang Xuehe's face darkened. He was helpless. Ti Ying blinked, acting boldly and even mysteriously. "I want a bit more, a bit sweeter. Do you know what that is?"

Jiang Xuehe didn't react, so she began to act spoiled again. Jiang Xuehe murmured, "...Hmm."

***

After much fussing, Ti Ying finally grew quiet. When she cleared her head, she saw Jiang Xuehe sitting cross-legged on the other side of the bamboo bed, far away from her. The youth's clothes were loose and messy, his hair was disheveled, and several unsightly red marks could be seen on his skin, making one's heart race. Yet he sat upright and still, in a state of total silence.

Ti Ying's face instantly turned bright red. She remembered what she had pestered him to do... and he had cooperated the whole time, never letting her go. She felt she had lost face.

Ti Ying tried to coax him in a small voice, "Senior Brother?" She lay on the bed, crawling toward him.

Jiang Xuehe immediately looked at her. "Don't come over."

Ti Ying was stunned. She was suspicious and alarmed, wondering if she had gone too far and made him unhappy. Jiang Xuehe closed his eyes, his voice raspy and calm. "...Did I just help you with something?"

Ti Ying nodded.

Jiang Xuehe: "Then how about you help me with something too?"

Ti Ying felt he was being very polite and hurriedly expressed her resolve. "Of course! Even if you didn't help me, I would help you. I really like you now." She gave him a smile.

Jiang Xuehe turned his face away, not daring to look too much. He tried his best to be calm. "Then help me bring Ye Sha back here."

Ti Ying was startled. She said stupidly, "Huh?"

Jiang Xuehe said, "If I've guessed correctly, Ye Sha is trapped somewhere in this dream. I cannot bring him... You lead him to find me... No matter what, you must trick him into coming."