It was a quiet party of five who entered the town of Linan two days later. Wu Chen and Chu Haoyu parted ways with Wei Ghan and his family soon after arrival. Each of them was relieved in their own way.

Wu Chen asked Wei Ghan for directions to a decent inn. Grateful for his benefactor's rescue, Wei Ghan happily supplied him with information on the inn as well as other businesses he might need in town, and soon the two cultivators were on their way. Wu Chen looked forward to a hot bath and a decent meal, while Chu Haoyu looked forward to something a little more enticing.

As they entered the inn, all eyes were drawn to the two with varying degrees of interest. Taking a page from Lu Yong, Wu Chen sent out a pulse of strong aura to warn people that he was not to be trifled with. Most returned reluctantly to their drinks, but there were still several pairs of eyes watching the movements of the beauty as he negotiated with the innkeeper.

'I'll take two of your best rooms. Please send up a hot bath first, followed by a full course of your house dishes.' Wu Chen asked the burly innkeeper.

Before an agreement could be made, Chu Haoyu argued, 'Two rooms? Is that really necessary? Have we not traveled together for weeks? One room with a large bed should suffice, don't you think?' He grinned rakishly at his ward.

'Two rooms.' Wu Chen reiterated firmly to the innkeeper, ignoring the suggestive smile on Chu Haoyu's handsome face.

The innkeeper looked between the two men and decided he would make a better profit off two rooms than he would selling just one. Handing the keys over, he took the two silver taels and washed his hands of the whole business. Whatever was going on between these handsome cultivators was none of his concern.

'Before you go, can you tell us where we can purchase horses?' Wu Chen inquired with a dazzling smile.

The innkeeper blinked, his face reddening as he stammered, 'Uh...There's a purchasing stable on the edge of town. It's just two streets past the blacksmith.'

'You have my thanks.' Wu Chen gave a fist in hands bow and headed for the stairs, Chu Haoyu following in his wake.

As they ascended the stairs, whispers and sly glances began circulating amongst the patrons of the inn's common room.

'Two more of those cultivators.' Grumbled an old man watching as they climbed the stairs.

'Only these seem a little better quality.' Leered one of the men, his eyes following Wu Chen closely.

'The opening of that secret realm seems to be attracting quite a few to the town.' Stated another man from a different table.

'It's only open for a week. Maybe we could set up an ambush near the opening. That smaller one is a real beauty. Could bring us a decent bit of coin if we can catch him for the Slave Master.' Whispered another man, his beady eyes raking over Wu Chen and Chu Haoyu both.

'Aw, shut it.' Growled another into his cup, 'Those don't seem to be your average cultivators. You'll probably be dead before you get a glimpse of the skin under those robes.'

As nefarious plans continued back and forth in the common room, Wu Chen and Chu Haoyu shook their heads. As cultivators, they had heard every word as clearly as if they were standing next to the speakers. It was clear to them both that they would have to be on high alert in this town.

Wu Chen sighed to himself. He had really been looking forward to a relaxing couple of days before they continued the quest. Unfortunately, that did not appear to be possible anymore.

Chu Haoyu grabbed Wu Chen's arms from behind and leaned in close to his ear. His breath tickled along Wu Chen's neck, causing him to shiver involuntarily, 'Are you certain you don't want to share a room? As your Guardian, I'm supposed to protect you. I can do that so much better if I remain close to your side.'

Wu Chen jerked his arms out of Chu Haoyu's hands and cast him a withering look, 'I am perfectly capable of defending myself against rogues...that includes you.' He said, opening the door to his room and quickly shutting it in his Guardian's handsome face.

Chu Haoyu chuckled and entered the room right next to Wu Chen's. He would just have to see about that, thought Chu Haoyu as he laid out clean robes on his bed in preparation for his bath.

As Wu Chen prepared for his own bath, he thought about what the men had said below. A secret realm was opening nearby, and it would only be open for a week? With such a perfect opportunity, it would be hard to ignore, and it wouldn't cut into their travel time too much either. He would have to find out more about it when they restocked their supplies in the morning.

After his bath, he dressed himself in clean robes and perched on his bed to comb his hair. His thoughts drifted between the secret realm and the list of supplies they would need to find. Just then, he heard a loud scuffle going on in the hallway outside his room.

Cautiously, he approached the door, careful not to set off his protection array, 'Chu Haoyu?' He called out, his curiosity getting the better of him.

A muffled grunt was followed by a pleasant, 'Almost finished here.' An angry growl was heard, and then a thud and a crash.

Wu Chen crossed his arms and leaned his back against the wall. He listened intently as Chu Haoyu dispatched whatever idiots had tried to enter his room, a smile flitting over his face. It only took a few moments, and then all was silent.

'I think your Guardian has earned a cup of tea, don't you?' Asked Chu Haoyu from the other side of the door.

Wu Chen rolled his eyes and lowered the array to allow passage through it, then he opened the door. His cold eyes took in the sight of four burly men now unconscious and sporting various nasty looking wounds. He felt no sympathy at all for their plight. Glancing up, Wu Chen noticed Chu Haoyu leaning casually against the railing, his calm exterior showing no signs that he had been in a tough fight at all.

'Why don't you have the innkeeper take care of this mess while I start the water.' Wu Chen sighed. He was grateful for Chu Haoyu's protection but still wary of allowing the man into his room.

With a nod, his Guardian quickly ran down the stairs and informed the embarrassed innkeeper of the attempted attack and requested the men be removed. Having gotten the man's assurance and heartfelt apology, Chu Haoyu waved him off. Then, eyes sparkling, he rushed back upstairs to join Wu Chen for his reward.

As he entered the candlelit room, he stopped in the doorway and watched as Wu Chen set the tea table up. Light reflected off his pale skin peeking above his inner robe and refracted like glittering jewels from his long damp hair hanging loose after his bath. Chu Haoyu swallowed, his eyes growing dark as he finally entered the room, closed the door behind him, and sat at the table.

'Did you find out who they were?' Wu Chen asked as he poured the tea for them.

His eyes never leaving his host, Chu Haoyu rested his chin on his fist and smiled. His devastating charm caused a slight blush to bloom on Wu Chen's cheeks, 'Just a few frogs aiming for swan meat.' He said, lifting his cup to his lips.

Glaring at the comment, Wu Chen decided to change the subject, 'Well, thank you for your protection, Guardian. Have you given any thought to that secret realm? It would be foolish to pass up such an opportunity.'

Chu Haoyu sipped his tea and nodded, 'I agree. We should look into it.' He set his cup down, a trace of worry was evident in his voice as he said, 'I'm a little concerned about the confidence those men seemed to have when it comes to trapping you. It sounded as though it wouldn't be their first time capturing a cultivator outside of that realm.'

Wu Chen waved it off. He was confident in the combined combat experience he and Chu Haoyu had, 'It should be fine if we're prepared beforehand.' He said indifferently.

Cocky, thought Chu Haoyu with a grin. Well, he would be there with him when they exited the realm. That should be enough to keep the greedy bastards away from Wu Chen, he thought to himself.

'If you've finished your tea, I have a meal coming.' Wu Chen stated bluntly. He had all but given up on politeness with Chu Haoyu. It was simply wasted on the man.

He stood up and headed toward the door to open an access through the protection array, when suddenly an arm snaked around his waist. In a heartbeat, he found himself trapped against a broad chest as Chu Haoyu's mouth crushed his own.

The kiss was not gentle. Instead, it was meant to conquer, his possessive nature demanding Wu Chen submit. He used one hand to hold the back of Wu Chen's head while his other hand kept him tight against his body. No matter how Wu Chen struggled and protested, he could not escape from the dark man's grip. Desperate and angry, Wu Chen bit down hard on the invading tongue.

The taste of blood lingered as Chu Haoyu ignored the bite. After indulging himself thoroughly, he set Wu Chen's lips free and began nipping at the ears he had longed to taste.

Panting after the violent kiss, Wu Chen suddenly twisted his body. Using the momentum, he attempted to throw Chu Haoyu off of him. Chu Haoyu was a seasoned fighter, however. He held his ground and spun Wu Chen around, locking his arms to his sides. Using his other hand, he pulled aside Wu Chen's long hair and began kissing and sucking the graceful neck now presented to him.

Thoroughly enraged, Wu Chen struggled and spat out, 'Get off me, Chu Haoyu! Stop it!'

'Mmmm...' Chu Haoyu rumbled against his neck, 'You taste so good, Ah Chen.'

He licked and kissed his nape, breathing in his unique scent as Wu Chen tried to free his arms, 'Don't be angry. I can't help myself.' He whispered against his skin.

In his fury, Wu Chen gathered his qi and sent out an aura blast filled with killing intent aimed at Chu Haoyu. The blast shattered the tea set, knocked over the sword rack, and shook the walls of the room with significant force.

Surprised at the sudden attack, Chu Haoyu chuckled and let Wu Chen go. The taste and scent of his prey filled him. It had most definitely been worth the risk of alienating him. His lust-filled gaze followed as Wu Chen leapt away from him in obvious rage.

Finding himself freed from those iron arms, he wasted no time in putting space between them. Quickly, Wu Chen lowered the array and ripped the door open.

'Get out!' He snarled, his eyes blazing with humiliation and anger.

Chu Haoyu headed for the door, his own eyes locked on the furious face of his ward, 'One day you will belong to me.' He promised, just before the door slammed behind him and the array was once again in full force.

Chuckling to himself, Chu Haoyu casually turned toward the stairs and waved at the shocked servants bearing their meals. His thoughts lingering over the recent struggle, he sighed happily and entered his own room, absentmindedly holding the door open as the nervous servants shuffled inside with his dishes.

He cared little for Wu Chen's anger. It had been worth it, he thought to himself with a devilish grin. Now, Wu Chen would have no choice but to think about him and his kisses the whole night.

Whether he wanted to or not.