West District. Twin Towers.

"Gan!" The cups of wine clinked together before the duo raised it up, throwing their heads back and cleaning the cup.

The wine sizzled down his throat like a slow, comforting fire…

Yet, the intoxicating feeling was soon snuffed out by his body’s natural resistance.

“Delightful!” Qian Bage’s hearty voice echoed in the room as he gently lowered his cup onto the table.

He picked up the wine jug, generously refilling Bubai’s wine cup with a flourish, "I didn't have the chance to properly treat brother last time. So let Bage make it up this time!"

Bubai watched the white liquor flow out, but he didn't stop him.

It’ll take a whole lot more if this guy even wants to think about getting him drunk, and this is if he doesn’t bother using true Qi to purge his system.

"Hahaha! One time is acquaintances, two times is friends, and the third time is good brothers!" Qian Bage raised his filled cup toward Bubai, "Good brother, gan!"

Bubai reciprocated the gesture before downing his drink in one gulp.

"Good! Good, Brother Bai is indeed my good brother!" Qian Bage exclaimed, setting his cup down with a satisfied thud. "Hahaha, can't wait for my brothers to come back. They'll be happy to know I've found a new brother."

Bubai's interest piqued at the mention of Qian Bage's brothers. "They are coming back soon?"

Qian Bage shrugged nonchalantly. "There's no news yet, but the clan did receive some details before setting off. The secret realm is estimated to have ended days ago-”

The delightful expression on Qian Bage’s face dimmed slightly, “Well, the estimated time is sometimes off. So, there could be a delay in the return journey. No need to worry too much."

Bubai nodded. This guy’s words were reassuring. Alas… who can say if he was truly offering reassurance, or if he was merely attempting to convince himself?

The duo fell silent, the only sound being the soft rustle of the servants below, prompting Bubai's gaze to drift outside the private room.

A round stage below was immediately visible from the loft on the second floor. Crisscrossing their way around the stage were white jade stairs, leading to the upper floors of the tower…

This was the twin tower catering to the Foundation Establishment realm and above, known as the Twin Dragon Garden.

The tower operated like a hotel, catering to the needs of disciples with their array of private rooms – typically rented out to the guests to let them indulge in tea time with companions.

Of course, food service can also be requested. The tower was very accommodating in this aspect.

Well, it was for good reason. Profit. Big profits. Reason? The food here was outrageously expensive.

Here, even a jug of wine had a cost equivalent to a month of rations, let alone other dishes!

And it certainly wasn’t due to any herbs or rare, spiritual ingredients stuffed into meal.

It’s just that this is one of the few places in the sect where a disciple could actually get hot meals and fine wine instead of the normal dried rations or pills. Simply monopoly at its finest.

Worse of all, the sect only accept spirit stones or spirit rice as payment here.

Obviously, paying for mortal food with cultivator resources is nothing short of a rip-off. So, most come here to enjoy another type of “meal”.

Of course, most of the rooms now sat empty, a stark contrast to the bustling activity during peak times.

He and Qian Bage were among the few customers remaining customers, and they were probably the only ones enjoying a legit meal.

Knock. Knock. It was the signal of the arrival of the awaited meal. Qian Bage, his flat expression shifting to welcoming, hollered, "Bring it in!"

The waiter, dressed in the distinctive attire of a eunuch, entered with a tray of food.

With a grin, Qian Bage turned to Bubai, “Brother Bai, get ready for a feast. These delicacies here are a far cry from the usual rations we eat in the sect. Even in our clans, we might not indulge like this every day.”

After the waiter arranged the food on the table, he presented a respectful bow, “Two young masters, please enjoy.”

Qian Bage waved him away. The eunuch bowed and retreated from the room, softly closing the door behind him.

"A good meal can solve a thousand worries.” Qian Bage motioned towards the dishes, "Brother Bai, please."

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Bubai returned the gesture with equal politeness, "Brother Ba, after you."

Chopsticks met dishes and they sampled the feast.

After a taste, Bubai nodded in satisfaction. Having not had a good meal in a long time, the new flavors certainly satisfied his taste buds.

Still, the taste… only made him miss his modern life more.

So, he wasn’t particularly hungry for more, especially since he was aware of his own needs – or rather, lack thereof.

Hence, starting from the second bite, he discreetly sent the food tinged with his saliva into his storage space, saving it for the three at home.

With a goal in mind, the pace of Bubai’s chopsticks quickened, sampling all the dishes as if he were a starving ghost.

“Haha…” Observing the swift disappearance of dishes, Qian Bage magnanimously offered, "If brother enjoys it, feel free to order more. No need to hold back."

“Oh?” Bubai glanced over, flashing a mischievous grin, “Are you sure?”

Though a flicker of something crossed his face, Qian Bage’s smile was still beaming, "As long as brother is happy."

Well, of course he was happy. He wasn’t the one footing the bill anyways.

“Then I won’t be polite. Xiao Er!”

The waiter waiting outside opened the door, bowing politely. "Young master has orders?"

“I’d like another roasted duck, three bowls of rice, a plate of crystal sprouts…"

…

With their smiles still intact, the duo stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Raising his sack, Bubai offered a salute to Qian Bage, “Thank you Brother Ba for the lavish treat. I hope it wasn’t too much for your deep pockets!”

“Haha! Of course not!” Qian Bage waved off the suggestion, giving him a pat on the shoulder, "Oh, there's a saying that friends can't become true brothers without squabbling over a meal. Treating a good brother to a meal is something Bage is willing to do anytime!"

A subtle smirk played on the Bubai's lips as he politely bowed, "Then I eagerly await your next treat, Brother Ba."

The smile on Qian Bage’s face froze, his eyebrow twitching involuntarily. He felt a sudden urge to slap himself for his slip-up.

Tower. Bedchamber.

Standing beside the bed, Bubai meticulously adjusted the ties of the cape mantle.

Taking a step back, he admired the iceberg beauty donning his new gift, gracing her with a warm elegance. "Beautiful.”

Xiao Lan remained expressionless, bowing her head slightly, her fingers tracing the fabric of the new cloak. Seeing her subtle response, Bubai inquired, "Do you not like it?"

Raising her eyes to meet his, her soft whisper drifted into his ears, “Like.”

A smile spread across Bubai's face. He reached out to clasp her cool hand tenderly. "Well, let's go enjoy the sunset?"

The warm invitation prompted the beauty's fingers to tighten around his, "En. Listen to you."

Hand in hand, they made their way out of the room.

Descending the stairs, the duo already picked up on the cheerful chirping voices of twins rolling out from the lounge below.

When they entered the lounge, the twins, who were busy trying on their new padded jackets, looked over, their gaze immediately drawn to the mantle on Xiao Lan.

Wei Er's eyes widened in awe as she exclaimed, "Wa- so beautiful! Master, can Wei Er get one too?"

Wei Yi quickly gave her sister a light rap on the head, prompting Wei Er to clutch her forehead, playfully sticking out her tongue, “Ow.”

Ignoring her playful sister, Wei Yi bowed respectfully. "Master, please forgive my sister's lack of manners."

With an easy smile, Bubai reassured them, "It’s fine. I understand, but there's no need to be jealous. Xiao Lan is a cultivator like me so we can wear less, but I took your mortal well-being into consideration, so I got the warmer option.”

The twins bowed slightly, “Thank you master for your consideration.”

Bubai's smile widened as he approached Wei Yi, picking up a scarf hanging from the chair and wrapping it around her neck protectively.

"Stay warm," he stroked her head affectionately, "Don't want my cute maids to get sick now, do we?"

Wei Er eagerly chimed in, "Me too, me too!"

Under Wei Yi's exasperated gaze, Bubai chuckled and obliged, wrapping a scarf around Wei Er as well.

“Hehe, thank you, master!”

Giving Wei Er’s head a pat, Bubai informed the twins, “We'll be going out for a bit. Behave, you two.”

Bubai’s eyes then darted toward the table full of unwashed dishes, the aroma of the lavish meal still faintly lingering in the air. "And remember to wash the dishes."

“Yes master.”

Bubai turned to the silent Xiao Lan by his side, intertwining their fingers as they departed.

East District.

The late noon sun cast shadows on the quiet streets as the couple walked hand in hand in silence.

As the chilly breeze caressed beauty’s skin, she shuffled a couple of steps closer to the man, prompting him to glance at her, "Cold?"

Xiao Lan shook her head slightly.

Bubai’s steps came to a halt. Holding her hands, he raised them to his mouth, rubbing them together as he blew warm air on them.

Xiao Lan remained silent, her icy expression subtly melting when she gazed at him.

"There.” Bubai glanced up at the iceberg beauty, “Better?"

When their eyes met, Xiao Lan quickly averted her eyes.

Bubai chuckled softly. "Sorry, I should have considered it and got you a padded jacket as well.”

Xiao Lan shook her head subtly. "No need.”

Bubai affectionately touched her nose, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Don’t refuse. It might get colder soon.”

Xiao Lan was about to refuse again, but her lips barely parted when they pressed together once more, her gaze shifting upwards.

Bubai followed her gaze and saw traces of white fluttering down, brushing against the invisible barrier. "Snow..."

Bubai looked back at his companion, shrugging. "See? It is getting colder.” Just sooner than he expected.

Xiao Lan pursed her lips, lost in thought as she watched the snow fall. Bubai sensed the change in the mood, and he gently stroked her face. "What are you thinking about?"

Staring at the snow, Xiao Lan reminesced in a hushed voice. "Every year, when the first snow comes, I would sit on my swing and watch the sunset alone."

Bubai expression softened, embracing Xiao Lan with his arms and pulling her close. "You won’t be alone anymore. From now on, you have me."

Xiao Lan lowered her head. Their eyes met, and soon... their lips met as well.

It was a gentle, tender exchange, like fluttering snowflakes.

When they parted, their eyes searched each other’s soul, and Bubai couldn’t help but whisper, "I’ll take you home one day."

Xiao Lan leaned in, resting her head against him, listening to his thrumming pulse and murmured softly, "En."

Embracing his beauty, Bubai’s lips curved into a smile, his eyes reflecting a deep abyss called love.

However, the cherished peace was short-lived. Bubai abruptly caught sight of tiny silhouettes in the corner of his vision.

His gaze sharpened and focused on the approaching figures breaking through the barrier of falling snow. Recognizing them, his face gradually sunk.

Bubai gently eased away from Xiao Lan, taking her hand firmly. "Go back," he said urgently.

Confusion flickered in Xiao Lan’s eyes when she noticed his serious demeanor. "What’s wrong?"

Striding forward while keeping a tight grip on her hand, Bubai replied, "I’m afraid I can’t bring you out as often anymore."

Understanding dawned on her, and Xiao Lan turned to look back, her eyes reflecting the looming spirit ships growing larger and larger in her vision.

The storm… has returned.