Black Magic Rose Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Undercurrents and Warm Springs

Time flowed through this spatial fragment at a strange, slow rhythm. There was no sunrise or sunset, only the periodic dimming and brightening of the energy curtain, marking the passage of days. Wen Jingheng’s body recovered quickly under Shu Yijin’s almost rigorous “care” and the nourishment of the Energy Crystals. The debilitating weakness gradually faded, replaced by a long-lost sense of power, and the feeling of absolute control over the Chaotic Energy as it became increasingly integrated with his body.

Their small “home” was also continuously improved by Shu Yijin. The energy barrier became more stable, the internal space was cleverly expanded, and it was even decorated with soft, glowing mycelium and collected colored crystals, adding a touch of domestic warmth. Beside the pool of Water of Vitality, the fungal strains Shu Yijin had cultivated had formed a small, lush “garden.” Besides producing milky-white fruits, it also grew some edible tender leaves and tubers, diversifying their food sources.

However, in stark contrast to the gradual stabilization of the external environment was the increasingly subtle and undercurrent-filled atmosphere between the two men.

Sleeping in the same bed had become the norm. The initial stiffness and awkwardness were gradually replaced by an unspoken understanding. Wen Jingheng no longer resisted waking up in the morning to find himself curled up in Shu Yijin’s arms, and he even began to get used to the weight and warmth of the other man’s arm. Shu Yijin, too, seemed to increasingly take it for granted that Wen Jingheng was within his “territory.” His sleeping posture became more casual; sometimes, one leg would be draped carelessly over Wen Jingheng, and an arm would cross his chest—an embrace filled with possessiveness.

This intimate contact was no longer limited to sleep. During the day, when Shu Yijin guided Wen Jingheng in energy manipulation, he would naturally draw close, his fingers touching Wen Jingheng’s wrist, brow, or chest, using his own energy to guide the flow. His touch was still slightly cool, but it no longer carried the initial tentativeness and calculation; instead, it held a degree of focus and an indescribable patience. When Wen Jingheng occasionally experienced the stinging backlash from an energy control error, Shu Yijin would immediately grasp his wrist, a gentle force surging in to soothe the turbulence. The action was so fast it seemed instinctive.

“Stupid,” Shu Yijin would usually accompany the action with a cold assessment, but there was little genuine blame in those crimson eyes. Instead, there was a kind of helpless indulgence, similar to “my child has caused trouble again.”

Wen Jingheng would respond with silence, though his ears would flush slightly. He found himself beginning to crave these brief touches and the other man’s seemingly disdainful yet genuinely caring gestures. It gave him the illusion of being needed and cared for, even though he knew clearly that Shu Yijin’s essence remained that of the unfathomable Evil God.

This growing sense of dependence made Wen Jingheng uneasy. He tried to distract himself with more intense training, pouring his energy into mastering his power. His progress was significant; he could already skillfully condense energy for attack and defense, and had even begun attempting more refined manipulations, such as simulating faint flames or frost.

That day, Wen Jingheng was practicing on a relatively open patch of fungal mat outside their dwelling. He held his breath and focused, his palm facing up. A cluster of leaping black-gold flames slowly materialized. Though unstable, it radiated scorching energy. He concentrated fully, trying to make the flame more solid.

Shu Yijin watched, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, his crimson eyes unreadable. When Wen Jingheng’s distraction caused the flame to suddenly shoot up, nearly burning himself, Shu Yijin moved instantly, appearing beside him and raising a hand to precisely extinguish the unstable energy.

“Control, not brute force,” Shu Yijin’s voice sounded in his ear, carrying a hint of displeasure. “Your mind is not calm.”

Wen Jingheng gasped, sweat dripping from his temples. He knew Shu Yijin was right; his mind was indeed somewhat chaotic, always struggling to concentrate.

“Look at me,” Shu Yijin commanded.

Wen Jingheng raised his head, meeting the close-set crimson eyes. Shu Yijin’s finger gently tapped his chest, and a cool sensation seeped in, strangely calming the turmoil within him.

“Power stems from your will, your emotions,” Shu Yijin’s voice was low, carrying a magnetic quality that was deeply seductive. “Anger, fear, even… desire, can all be fuel. But ultimately, you need absolute calm to harness them. Like this—”

A sphere of intensely condensed, ink-black energy suddenly gathered in Shu Yijin’s palm. Inside it, a galaxy seemed to spin, radiating a chilling stillness and an aura of destruction. The energy was immense, yet it submitted so docilely to his fingertips.

“Do you feel it? Extreme destruction can also manifest as extreme tranquility.” Shu Yijin’s gaze locked onto Wen Jingheng. “Your problem is that you are still resisting the ‘darkness’ within you. Acknowledge it, accept it, and only then can you truly control it.”

His words were like a key, unlocking a box that had been tightly sealed in Wen Jingheng’s heart. Resisting the inner darkness? Did he mean the inappropriate dependence and stirring he felt toward Shu Yijin? Did he mean his subconscious acquiescence, or even indulgence, in this twisted relationship?

Wen Jingheng’s expression became complicated. Shu Yijin seemed to see through his thoughts, a half-smile curving his lips. His fingertip lightly traced a circle on Wen Jingheng’s chest, sending a shiver through him.

“Tonight, I’ll take you somewhere,” Shu Yijin suddenly changed the subject, withdrawing his hand. “It might help you.”

As night fell, Shu Yijin led Wen Jingheng away from their dwelling, heading toward the direction where the energy curtain’s light was dimmest. After about fifteen minutes, they reached a low-lying hollow. The air was thick with moisture and… the smell of sulfur.

In the center of the hollow was a natural hot spring. The water was not milky white, but a deep, inky blue. Thick white mist rose from the surface, and bubbles occasionally emerged from the spring’s source, making soft gurgling sounds. Even more peculiar, the rocks surrounding the spring were encrusted with tiny crystals that emitted a soft blue light, illuminating the entire spring like a dream.

“This is…” Wen Jingheng was surprised. He hadn’t expected such a feature in this desolate place.

“A convergence point of telluric energy, mixed with some interesting things,” Shu Yijin walked to the edge and tested the water temperature. “The heat is just right, and the energy inside is very active. It’s good for the body and energy circulation.” As he spoke, he began to untie the sash of his robe.

Wen Jingheng froze, watching Shu Yijin elegantly shed his outer robe, revealing the smooth-lined, almost translucent white body underneath. The moonlight (the faint glow of the energy curtain) spilled over him, coating him in a clear radiance, breathtakingly beautiful, and… full of silent invitation.

“Why are you standing there?” Shu Yijin tilted his head, his crimson eyes appearing hazy and seductive in the swirling mist. “Do you need help?”

Wen Jingheng’s throat bobbed, and he felt his cheeks flush. He silently began to unbutton his own clothes. Although they had shared a bed for many days, being naked together like this was a first. When he removed his shirt, revealing his muscular upper body, he could feel Shu Yijin’s gaze linger on him for a moment—a look of appraisal mixed with undisguised appreciation.

The two men stepped into the hot spring. The water temperature was slightly high, making their skin turn faintly red, but after quickly adjusting, it brought a deep, bone-soothing comfort. The energy in the spring water was indeed active, like countless tiny needles gently stimulating acupoints and meridians, bringing a sensation that was simultaneously sore, numb, swollen, and incredibly relaxing.

They maintained a slight distance, leaning against the smooth rock wall. Shu Yijin closed his eyes, tilting his head back against the bank. His long, ink-black hair floated on the water’s surface like scattered seaweed. Droplets of water slid down the elegant curve of his neck, disappearing into the shadow beneath his collarbone. He was completely relaxed, possessing a languid, satisfied beauty.

Wen Jingheng’s gaze involuntarily fell upon him. The mist blurred the details but added a layer of hazy temptation. He could see Shu Yijin’s chest gently rising and falling with his breath, and the path of water droplets rolling down his pale skin… A feeling of dryness in his throat surged up. He forced himself to look away, focusing on absorbing the spring water’s nourishing energy.

However, the silence and close proximity amplified all his senses. He could hear the other man’s shallow breathing, smell the unique scent of sulfur mixed with Shu Yijin’s cold fragrance, and feel the ripples caused by the other man’s subtle movements wash over him, gently lapping against his own body… This indirect contact was more unsettling than direct touch.

“How does it feel?” Shu Yijin suddenly spoke, his eyes still closed, his voice lazy and husky from the water’s immersion.

“…Very good.” Wen Jingheng’s voice was dry.

“The energy here will help you integrate the power within you better,” Shu Yijin slowly opened his eyes, his crimson gaze meeting Wen Jingheng’s through the mist. “Relax, don’t resist.”

With that, Shu Yijin moved closer to Wen Jingheng. The distance instantly closed. Wen Jingheng could almost count the water droplets clinging to his eyelashes. Shu Yijin reached out, placing his palm on the location of the Xinshu acupoint on Wen Jingheng’s upper back. A force purer and gentler than the spring water slowly flowed in, guiding the Chaotic Energy within him to circulate more smoothly.

This guidance was different from previous times. Shu Yijin’s power seemed to carry a strange resonance, not only smoothing out his energy but also… comforting his soul. An indescribable sense of peace and pleasure spread from the point of contact, causing Wen Jingheng to let out a very soft sigh of contentment.

Shu Yijin seemed to chuckle softly. He raised his other hand, his fingertips gently pressing and slowly rubbing Wen Jingheng’s temple. His movements were tender, almost like a caress. His fingertips carried the warmth of the spring water and his own cool temperature; the two sensations intertwined, sending waves of tingling shivers through Wen Jingheng.

Wen Jingheng’s body completely relaxed, almost collapsing into the water, supported only by Shu Yijin’s arm. He closed his eyes, letting the other man have his way. His consciousness blurred, leaving only the primal sensations of his body. Shu Yijin’s touch was no longer limited to acupoints; it began to slide slowly down his spine, fingertips tracing each vertebra, bringing a sensation of ticklishness that was almost provocative.

When those hands slid down to his waist, and even lower, Wen Jingheng suddenly tensed, his breathing quickening abruptly. A strong, primal urge awakened within him.

Shu Yijin’s movements stopped. Wen Jingheng could feel him leaning closer, his warm breath brushing against his ear.

“Do you feel it?” Shu Yijin’s voice was a whisper, carrying a seductive, magical quality. “This is ‘desire’… one of the purest forms of energy. To deny it is to weaken yourself.”

His lips were almost touching Wen Jingheng’s earlobe. Wen Jingheng’s heart pounded wildly, his blood surging. All his rationality screamed for him to push away, yet his body was pinned, unable to move, and even… shamefully, reacted.

Just when Wen Jingheng thought something was about to happen, Shu Yijin suddenly pulled back. The guiding energy vanished abruptly.

“Today’s ‘lesson’ ends here.” Shu Yijin’s voice returned to its usual coolness, as if the person who had just been so utterly seductive was not him. He turned and stepped onto the bank, picking up his robe and draping it over himself. His wet, long hair clung to his back, outlining elegant contours. “Let’s go back.”

Wen Jingheng remained submerged in the water, hot all over, his heart hammering. A profound sense of loss and emptiness washed over him. Watching Shu Yijin’s retreating back, he realized clearly for the first time that he had completely succumbed in this relationship dominated by the other man.

He had not only grown accustomed to Shu Yijin’s presence and relied on his care, but he had even begun to crave his touch, his closeness, everything about him.

From body to soul, he had been branded with Shu Yijin’s mark.

And this, it seemed, was exactly what Shu Yijin wanted.

Wen Jingheng slowly sank into the water, letting the slightly scalding spring water cover his head, attempting to cool the undercurrent that threatened to consume him entirely.