Han Xin was well aware of their difference in strengths and wouldn’t hurt her. He accepted her challenge his blood surging with excitement. He charged his muscles coiling like a spring, ready to unleash a powerful blow.
Just as he was about to strike, Xiang Yu dropped low, sweeping Han Xin’s legs out from under him. Han Xin fell hard, the forest floor catching him unceremoniously. It was then he realised that he had grossly underestimated her.
Yes, Xiang Yu was on demon time. He was paying Han Xin back for all the times he pressed him down in their world, and it was incredibly satisfying. Gasps erupted from the soldiers and Han Zhan didn’t know where to hide.
If anyone asked him about his cousin, he might deny him and say he didn’t know him. Lian and Mei, on the other hand, were seeing things that others weren’t seeing. Their master was having more fun with this than he had in years.
Xiang Yu pounced, pinning Han Xin down, a triumphant grin plastered across his face. "General, you are losing face in front of your men," he teased, a sly smile playing on his lips as he leaned closer.
Han Xin’s breath caught in his throat, his eyes drawn to the curve of her lips, the way they quirked with mischief and something more profound. His heart pounded against his chest. Every heartbeat felt like a drumroll, echoing the truth he had desperately tried to suppress.
He had finally come to terms with his feelings for Peng Xiu, and now, with her so close, he felt his entire body go numb. He liked her—he liked her in a way that twisted his insides and left him breathless. The warmth of her presence enveloped him, yet the moment was laced with a tension that threatened to unravel him completely.
"The general should tap out," he mocked, his voice a sultry challenge that sent shivers down Han Xin’s spine. But before he could form a response, something primal surged within him.
With a swift movement, he flipped their positions, pinning her down in a turn of dominance. He thought she would explode in anger but she laughed shamelessly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Now you have to take responsibility for me, General," Xiang Yu teased, his voice low. "And there are witnesses."
Han Xin felt a strange sensation in his chest, a mix of frustration and something deeper. "Aren’t you going to give up and tap out?" he asked, his voice strained.
Xiang Yu chuckled softly his gaze defiant and unyielding. "Not a chance," he said the thrill of winning the fight surging through him. He didn’t want to miss this opportunity. He raised his head, his lips brushing against Han Xin’s ear as he whispered, "I could do this all day. Let’s see who gets embarrassed first."
The challenge hung in the air like a tantalizing promise, and for a moment, he was lost in the depths of her gaze. But suddenly, an overwhelming tide of desire surged through him. His resolve crumbled in an instant.
With a grunt of frustration, Han Xin released her and sprang to his feet. "I tap out," he said, his voice carrying across the training grounds. He didn’t wait for the laughter or the jeers from his men. He stormed off, each step feeling like a retreat from the chaotic pulse of his heart.
Han Zhan could tell something was wrong with his cousin. He ran after him with concern etched on his face. He wasn’t the only one with a worried expression. Standing next to Jun De, a young man stared at Peng Xiu suspiciously before disappearing into the crowd.
Xiang Yu remained on the ground, a bemused smile still dancing on his lips. He couldn’t shake the thrill of the encounter. The soldiers’ jeers filled the air, but he paid them no mind staring at the sky. Lian, Mei, and Baihe approached, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern while Yi Nuo dismissed the soldiers.
"Master, are you okay?" Lian asked, her voice gentle.
He looked up at them, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "I am great," he replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. "This was fun."
Meanwhile, Han Zhan finally caught up with his cousin. The man had an axe in his hand and he was swinging it, cutting down a tree with determined strokes. Han Zhan was confused as to why he was chopping down the poor tree.
He approached him and asked, "What are you doing?" his brow furrowed.
"Cutting it down for some firewood," he said and Han Zhan looked at the neat pile on the ground that was more than enough for the night. Han Xin continued to chop down the tree without saying a word, the rhythmic thud of the axe filling the silence. Han Zhan scratched his head, feeling a mix of frustration and concern.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked but Han Xin didn’t reply. "If you don’t talk to me, who else would you tell?" he pressed.
Han Xin finally stopped, his breathing harsh and laboured. He leaned on the axe handle, struggling to find the words. How was he supposed to tell his cousin that when he pinned Peng Xiu down, he had a strong urge to kiss her lips and got hard?
If he hadn’t stood up fast enough, Peng Xiu would have noticed, and she would have labelled him a pervert. Even if he were to jump into the Yellow River, he wouldn’t be able to wash himself clean. He exhaled deeply, his eyes avoiding Han Zhan’s.
"You were right," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I like her so much that I am questioning my preferences."
Han Zhan’s expression softened with understanding. He knew his cousin’s worries. Peng Xiu was a mysterious person, and from what they had discovered, she was manipulative and not a good person.
Han Xin, on the other hand, was straightforward and morally upright. He never used underhanded methods to achieve his goals, which was the opposite of Peng Xiu. So how could Han Xin like her?
"Think of everything she has done since you met her," Han Zhan said gently. "She shared her hunt with the soldiers, is kind to her maidservants, saved a young man from being enslaved, and gets along with everyone... so that should count for something, right?"