Chapter 528: Long Time No See
Bai Xue stared at him, wide-eyed. Abruptly, he laughed. "You're alive?"
"Eh... no, but I'm here," Hui said, scratching the back of his head.
Bai Xue curled his hand into a fist. He smiled, baring his teeth, his eyes narrowed almost shut, a dangerous light in them. "Haha, I'm so glad!"
Hui backed away, putting his hands up. "Er... Elder Brother doesn't look glad..."
A fist flew toward his head. Hui instantly flopped. Ahhh, this is it. I'm going to get beaten back to death!
Midair, the fist changed into an open hand. Bai Xue caught him and hugged him, letting out a deep sigh. "Dammit. Ten years! You scared me. I really thought... it was ten years!"
Coming back to life, Hui hugged him back. His stomach twisted. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't know--I couldn't. I thought... I thought it might really be... so I didn't want to give anyone false hope. I'm so sorry."
Bai Xue took a deep breath, then released him, standing back. He looked at Hui for a moment, a nameless expression in his eyes, then laughed. It only sounded forced for a moment. "Ahh, after your death, I was so lonely... I couldn't help but add to the harem. I had no other option, so sad was I, but to find and recruit more beauties. Only that could drown my sorrows over dear Xiao Hui's death."
Grinning, Hui looked him in the eye. "What sorrows? You were going to do that no matter what." I understand. Bai Xue would rather laugh, than cry.
Bai Xue chuckled. "Well... Who can say, who can say. I'm glad to see you again, though I cant say Im surprised.
Eh? Hui said.
You faked your death, right? Wanted to skip out on child-rearing, hmm? Bai Xue asked, hooking an eyebrow.
Hui shook his head and waved his hand. Elder Brother, no, no! Im dead. Im actually dead!
You dont look very dead, Bai Xue said skeptically, looking him up and down.
Hui licked his lips. How do I explain this? Er, no, I know I dont look very dead, but, er, IIm currently supposed to be a reaper in the Underworld. I snuck back to the mortal realm because our children child is in danger!
Bai Xingxue, or Bai Xingxue and Li Weiqi? Bai Xue asked.
Both, Hui said.
And youre dead? he asked, crossing his arms.
Hui took Bai Xues hand and put it to his chest. My heart isnt beating. If if youre very careful, Elder Brother, you can examine my qi. I only have death qi right now. And if Elder Sister reaper realizes Ive snuck out again, Im going to be pulled back down to the Underworld.
Mmm thats reasonable. Ill send someone to secretly watch them, but you do have a point. I wont prevent you from motivating those children. They can be a bit unruly. Bai Xue put his hand on his chin and shook his head, staring out into the forest. He sighed. Both Li Xiang and I have so much on our plates. We cant spend all our time raising a single child. And without someone to advocate for them, Bai Xingue cant thrive in my harem. Putting them here in Starbound Sect is our compromise, but Ill admit that it isnt an ideal solution.
Your harem? How many children do you have? Hui asked. Its been ten years. That could be a lot of children! Ten, at least!
Hmm twenty or so? Bai Xue estimated.
Twenty? Hui asked, startled.
Bai Xue looked at Hui from the corner of his eyes. He grinned. I only bore one of them, though.
Oh oh! Hui blushed. Eh. So all the rest are all wives, not husbands. But then, then, that means
Well, I never wanted to bear many children. Once I bore one, I discovered how truly unpleasant the process was, and that was enough for me. But Im quite willing to allow others to bear my children, Bai Xue mused.
Mmm, Hui said. Does that mean were over?
We can still have fun, though. Deciding not to bear children doesnt mean my female side has to stay unsatisfied forever, Bai Xue purred, drawing Hui toward him. Halfway there, his body shifted, becoming soft and curved instead, black hair turning to white. She smiled at Hui. Xiao Hui, its been ten years have you missed me?
Yyes, Hui stuttered. He swallowed, mouth suddenly dry. I dont have much time. I shouldnt, but but I
A whistle pierced through the sky. Two others responded in the same tone.
Bai Xue looked up abruptly, then sighed. My attendants have found me. Damn it.
Eh? Hui asked, still lost somewhere in the more simple parts of his mind.
She stepped away. Xiao Hui, you only have death qi, right? Lately, death cultivators have been a plague on the Bai Clan. If my attendants see you, theyll assume youre a death cultivator and attack on sight.
So far, no ones attacked me, Hui said. I did think it was a bit strange, but if death cultivators are indeed plaguing the land, shouldnt I face much more danger?
Starbound Sect isnt the Bai Clan. And... even standing beside you, you don't give off the aura of a death cultivator, Bai Xue said.
"Ah," Hui said. Right. I do instinctively repress my qi almost constantly, since I don't want to be challenged by bloodthirsty rivals... that, and I know as well as anyone how hated death cultivators are!
She glanced up, then looked back at Hui. Xiao Hui, Ill be back. I have commitments to attend to. Look after our child well. If we encounter one another again, I wont let my attendants get in our way!
With that, Bai Xue leaped into the sky.
Hui gazed after her. I already miss her. Bai Xue, Im so sorry I had to leave you so soon. Ill be back. Ill be back, I promise! I wont let death get in my way ever again!