Chapter 79: The Most Painful Thing in the World

He Tian and Cao Xiaomin, laden with bags and parcels, made their way through airport security with great difficulty. Only after much effort did they finally settle into their seats on the plane.

Cao Xiaomin’s parents had been exceptionally warm and welcoming, as was her younger brother’s wife, who, upon learning that Cao Xiaobin had given up gambling and now possessed fifty million as seed money for a new venture, became equally enthusiastic. In a short time, they had prepared a mountain of local specialties for He Tian and Cao Xiaomin. Although, from He Tian’s perspective, these so-called specialties could probably be found in Tianhai as well, that was no reason to refuse. After all, these gifts were tokens of their affection—priceless gestures that simply must be accepted.

Moreover, Cao Xiaobin kept addressing He Tian as “brother-in-law,” so He Tian was, to his great honor, treated as the prospective son-in-law of the Cao family. Cao Xiaomin offered no explanation, perhaps because she knew it would be futile, or perhaps she simply didn’t want to clarify. As for He Tian, he was even less inclined to explain.

The plane soared into the sky, breaking through the clouds, bound for Tianhai.

From two in the morning until now, two in the afternoon—the entire trip to Qingdao had been brief. Yet both He Tian and Cao Xiaomin felt they had gained so much.

They exchanged a glance. Naturally, He Tian extended his arm, and just as naturally, Cao Xiaomin nestled into his embrace. Though neither spoke the words aloud, there was no doubt that their relationship had become that of lovers.

This subtle, ambiguous, and quietly blossoming affection felt entirely new to He Tian. Even the feelings he had for Cao Xiaomin were distinct from those he held for Wang Xinyou. Wang Xinyou’s lively and bold nature, along with He Tian’s sense of duty to protect her, made him feel more like he was caring for a younger sister. Of course, this was merely a feeling; He Tian was well aware of his true emotions. Still, those feelings were fundamentally different from what he felt now.

He Tian could not help but muse that people often say every woman has her own unique allure. It seemed this was true not only in the physical sense, but also emotionally—every connection brought its own flavor. Now, having tasted two such relationships—or three, if Ouyang Bingbing was to be counted—he found that each was distinct, though none had yet been fully realized.

He Tian had to admit that his mindset was gradually changing under the influence of these affections. He now found himself wanting to experience even more, with a touch of longing, anticipation, curiosity, and perhaps even impatience.

He wasn’t sure if this made him fickle, but he was determined never to betray his true feelings.

So now, breathing in the delicate fragrance of Cao Xiaomin’s hair, He Tian felt a little intoxicated by her alluring scent.

“I know you don’t like it when I thank you, but please, let me have this right,” Cao Xiaomin murmured softly, nestled in his arms.

To Cao Xiaomin, He Tian was a man shrouded in mystery. Even as she pondered carefully, she realized she barely knew him at all. Yet none of that mattered. Unbeknownst to her, her heart had already been firmly and irrevocably bound to him.

And with her character, once bound, it would never be undone.

“Very well, I grant you this right…” He Tian laughed. “But how exactly do you intend to thank me?”

No sooner had he finished speaking than he felt a warm softness press against his lips, and then something serpentine and nimble slipped into his mouth.

He Tian was taken aback by Cao Xiaomin’s boldness. Even though they were flying first class, the cabin was far from empty—yet she was so daring.

Well, if Cao Xiaomin wasn’t afraid, why should he be? As his mouth was invaded, He Tian immediately launched a passionate counterattack.

Both were novices in this realm—there could be no doubt. And yet, as people say, everyone is guided by instinct in these matters. Besides, they were both clever, and cleverness breeds quick learning.

Within moments, they were moving with ease, alternating attack and defense, their strategies evolving rapidly. Sometimes they advanced, sometimes they retreated, sometimes they did both at once.

When the “battle” ended, He Tian looked at Cao Xiaomin’s flushed, radiant face and felt something deep and primal within him ignite, something he had never noticed before. His truest emotions shone through his eyes, and in that gaze, Cao Xiaomin melted completely.

Sometimes, it is all too easy for a man to conquer a woman—but only if he possesses sufficient strength as his foundation.

“Sister Cao, from now on, you’re my woman,” He Tian whispered, biting gently at her earlobe, his warm breath cascading over her.

Cao Xiaomin trembled all over. This intimate sensation, this sweet and blissful happiness, left her utterly intoxicated.

“You are my man,” she replied softly, driven by her heart’s desire, no longer hiding anything—nor could she, nor did she need to. To be true was best.

Her cheeks grew even redder, for nestled in his arms, she could feel something pressing insistently against her.

She might have been inexperienced, but she was not ignorant. In that moment, she wished she could give herself to He Tian without reservation.

A fleeting hint of awkwardness flashed across He Tian’s face. Such a reaction was only natural, given the beauty in his arms. He was embarrassed not by his body’s response, but by something he had previously overlooked.

The Nine Dragons Unity Art, as he recalled, advised that before reaching the fourth dragon stage, it was best to remain pure—not to lose one’s vital essence. Not that it was strictly forbidden, but it was best avoided. Otherwise, his cultivation would slow, and obstacles would arise.

He Tian was someone who pursued excellence in this regard; it was, after all, the very foundation of his current achievements.

So, regretfully, He Tian set himself a boundary: until he reached the fourth dragon stage, he could not lose his vital energy.

He Tian was in agony. Only now did he realize that making things clear with Cao Xiaomin might not have been the wisest choice. From now on, he would constantly be tempted by her, and this would be a most painful ordeal.

The plane landed in Tianhai.

He Tian escorted Cao Xiaomin back to her apartment.

“Don’t go!” Cao Xiaomin wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes shining with deep and sincere emotion.

He Tian’s heart ached even more. Was there anything more torturous than having a beautiful woman in your arms and being unable to make her yours? To He Tian, this felt like the greatest suffering in the world—perhaps even unparalleled.

“Xiaomin…” He Tian’s tone and words were both natural and earnest. “I don’t want anything to taint our feelings. I want the purest you. So I’m giving you time to think. I don’t want you to regret this later.”

“I won’t regret it! I’ve thought it through!” At that moment, she forgot everything else, caring only about becoming his woman.

No one would ever guess that, deep down, Cao Xiaomin was a little conservative. That made her initiative now all the more astonishing—for her, it was utter madness.

“I know. I understand. But not like this, not now.” He Tian cupped her face in his hands and spoke softly, “I want the calmest you. Do you know? When your feelings erupt from true calm, you can melt anyone—even me. That’s who I want. Promise me you’ll take your time to think, will you? And don’t even think of running away. You’re mine, forever.”

Romantic words—do they require study? For a man, they come naturally, a matter of instinct. Perhaps some are more gifted than others, but none are incapable.

But who could understand He Tian’s suffering? He longed to hold Cao Xiaomin and indulge in the most primal, exquisite union, but he could not.

He needed to grow stronger. Until he reached the fourth dragon stage, he dared not take her.

“I love you,” Cao Xiaomin said, moved by his words, unaware of his true torment. To her, his restraint was proof of deeper love.

It’s said that women in love lose their sense without realizing it—and it was true. Even someone as intelligent as Cao Xiaomin was swept up in He Tian’s sweet talk.

She insisted on cooking a meal for him herself, and He Tian could not refuse.

Yet he was tormented throughout, constantly resisting her allure—a harsh and cruel ordeal for him.

Only when night fell did He Tian finally manage to leave.

He quickly ducked into a corner and resumed his true appearance, exhaling in relief.

“The scent of a woman,” He Tian muttered, licking his lips as if her taste still lingered there, making him long for more.

“I must break through to the fourth dragon stage—as fast as I can,” he whispered to himself.

Ever diligent in his pursuit of strength, He Tian had now found an even more powerful motivation.