They still had a few hours of night to travel, so they resumed their speed. Wei Ying was still not completely satisfied with their course but he refrained from saying anything.

He didn't want to upset Lan Zhan any further, and if he could not actually make any improvements right now, then his comments could be taken as as complaints and he did not wish to give the wrong idea to anyone.

Plus, since they had been travelling for a few hours already, and especially regarding the Flowers of Venus conducting their own measures, and them being exhausted because of this, added to the fact that everyone was already tired.

Their supplies were running low too, out of snacks that would ordinarily lift their spirits and boost their energy levels such as peanuts and dates, food stuffs that would last longer as dry sustenance.

They needed to find an inhabited city or town as soon as possible.

For the moment, another concern was looming on the horizon, literally. Wei Ying and Lan Zhan had both noticed the gradual lightening of the sky as dawn approached and so far, they had not come across any place where they could hide Dunshi.

They were all aware of this impending problem; anxiety was increasing upon all their faces, and nothing but faith in the Universe was giving them the strength to continue, that up until now, shelter had been found one way or another for all of them, and it would continue to do so.

They were approaching a sort of hill, and the first glimmers of the coming sunrise shone brilliantly, just as they made it over the highest part.

And then, to their great relief, they saw the ruins of an abandoned temple. The roof was still intact, and perhaps if they ventured further in, it would provide some measure of protection from daylight.

They left off their plodding pace and made a run for it, open panic settling on their faces, coupled with relief that they would be alright in just a few steps more.

It was so dark in the deepest recesses of the structure, that they were able to roughly clear a space large enough for all of them to rest. Lan Zhan let Bichen light its bluish glow so they could see enough not to inadvertently disturb a predator hiding here, and all were glad that no more drama lay between them and restful sleep.

Lan Zhan pulled Wei Ying as close as he could, so Wei Ying didn't have to lie on the cold, hard stone of the temple floor. Wei Ying curled into his body, only needing the soft and spicy sandalwood scent to relax completely. He was out like a light, and Lan Zhan followed soon after.

Hongse and Hongbaoshi sat and watched over all who slept, especially their Master Dashi who was prone to suddenly get up and either start dancing, clapping optional, or make a run for it, and neither pursuits were desirable in the early hours of the morning.

The walk from the dessert had perhaps tired him out and he was fast asleep.

Dunshi lay on his back, covered with a blanket that Xiao Zei had pilfered from the Temple of Wisdom when they had stayed in rooms under the stables.

Hongse watched all the people under her care sleep, hoping that the next few hours would pass by without incident.

Luckily, around eight hours passed by and then Wei Ying stirred. Lan Zhan was already awake, watching over him. He stretched, groaning.

"Did Wei Ying sleep well?" He asked softly.

"I did!" Wei Ying stretched again, uncomfortable with the hard surface. "What about you?"

"Mn. Also, have an idea, if Wei Ying is willing to try?"

That was all he had to say for Wei Ying's silver eyes to light up enthusiastically. Lan Zhan loved that about him. Wei Ying was always ready...

"For you..." Wei Ying gave him a wicked grin.

Lan Zhan wasn't sure if he had spoken out loud or not, but his expression was enough to have him standing up immediately.

"We'll be back before nightfall." He said to Hongse, hauling Wei Ying outside.

"My...you were so hot back there!" Wei Ying whispered as soon as they were standing outside.

He would have stripped off his robes then and there but Lan Zhan stopped him.

"Better idea. We can fly. See what is around, as Wei Ying wished." He explained. But he huffed out a laugh at Wei Ying's devastated face.

"Wait...you're flying with me?" He asked as his brain caught up.

"Mn. Bichen."

"Or...I could carry you..." Wei Ying beamed. "I think that's a much better idea." His wings shot open and he scooped Lan Zhan up, laughing at his surprised look, before his arms came around Wei Ying's neck, holding on.

"I see why you like doing this..." Wei Ying's face was full of adoration. "My love..."

They hovered in the air while kissing, something they both missed being able to do whenever they like. Aside from perfunctory and chaste kisses...tasting each other was off the agenda until they reached back home.

But now, with hours stretching before them, the intoxicating nearness of one another was too delicious to ignore. Up here, they were completely alone and were able to take advantage of that.

Lan Zhan loved this close proximity, usually unable to look away whenever Wei Ying was flying; being here in his arms was pure heaven. Unfortunately, breathing was too necessary and they broke apart, chasing the sweet oblivion for as long as they could.

"We should look around as long as we have the chance to." Wei Ying said reluctantly.

"Mn."

The lack of enthusiasm made them both smile. It was to be expected though, when on the one hand, they had unlimited kisses and on the other, duty...

"Let's look around." Wei Ying soared higher.

"Mn." But Lan Zhan could only look at him.

Wei Ying's wings were strong and transparent, just as beautiful as the rest of him, yet they had an iridescent shine. Their strength was as yet to be tested for working out his limits but so far, as Lan Zhan kept a keen eye on him, Wei Ying showed no signs of tiring.

They flew in a southerly direction and discovered a large city, not too far away on the outskirts of a forest area that clung to the side of a mountain range. And what appeared to be the mouth of a huge cave...possibly the next place Dunshi could rest. And then, something blue and sparkling caught Wei Ying's sharp eye and he flew them towards it.

"Look, my love!" He glanced at Lan Zhan, who had been staring at Wei Ying's face all this time with rapt devotion. "Over there." He emphasised with a grin.

Lan Zhan tore his eyes from where he wanted to look and drew in a surprised breath.

Down below, shining like an azure diamond was a pool of clear blue waters at the base of a little waterfall. A tiny channel streamed away the waters onto newer places, but this...this looked utterly delightful.

Wei Ying swooped down and landed on the edge, his bright silver eyes twinkling with mischief. Once Lan Zhan had gained his bearings, and was standing on his own two feet, Wei Ying pulled him closer by his robes and kissed him for real.

Here, with nothing to hold them back, they gave in to the constant hunger that was present only in each other. Hot lips stole across the other's, eager to taste more, devouring each breath as they tore at each other's clothes, tumbling into the water warmed by the sun.

Lan Zhan took control now as Wei Ying held on for dear life, relishing the slick sliding of their bodies with the help of the pool. It washed away the dirt of the dessert and of travelling, rejuvenating their muscles.

His kisses were almost ferocious, burning with need and banked desire finally unleashed. Wei Ying could only whimper at the onslaught of scorching lips and eager teeth as his neck was bitten and sucked upon.

But Lan Zhan did not stop there. He drew them to the water fall where the showering waters were already warm and pleasant, beating down upon their glistening bare skin and adding to their rampant desires.

Afterward, lying in each other's arms upon the shore, they closed their eyes, content. Bodies warmed by the late afternoon sunshine, they rested their bodies and minds together.