"He is a demonic cultivator. Demonic cultivators are ruthless and fearless. They cultivate solely to become strong in an instant but inhumane way. They can even do such cruel act of killing their own family, let alone someone else's family."

"See where I'm going? You're my disciple, my family. If you're there, they will target you first, not me."

"They are going to kill you, just to make sure that I will feel pain worse than death. Because you're important to me," Bai Shijue said. Everything he said just now was all truth that came from his heart. He truly cared for Han Shun and treated him like a little brother that he wanted to protect and nurture. 

"Han Shun, I don't feel that much pain when I am the one who got hurt. But when it's you who got hurt, I couldn't help but to feel scared," Bai Shijue added. "So, be a good boy and practice, for now, okay?"

Han Shun stared at Bai Gege for a while, and he nodded slowly. He dropped his entire body on Bai Gege's embrace and buried his face on Bai Gege's chest. 

"Gege, your robe…."

"Oh, don't worry about it. I am unscathed. I killed that demonic cultivator easily, but his blood art technique ruined my robe, hehe."

Bai Shijue patted Han Shun's head gently, "It's okay, you don't need to be worried about me. I am very strong, you know?"

"I know…" Han Shun replied. 

He knew that Bai Gege was very strong, but that wasn't a reason for him to be lenient. No matter how strong Bai Gege was, Han Shun still had this instinctive drive to protect Bai Gege at all costs.

He also had the instinct to be close and held Bai Gege, ensuring that Gege wouldn't need to rely on someone other than him. 

'Bai Gege, you told me that I am your disciple and your family, right?' Han Shun said in his heart because Bai Gege would definitely scold him if Han Shun uttered his thought verbally. 

'You told me that you would feel an insurmountable amount of pain if I died.'

'But what about me? I also feel the same way when you get hurt. Imagining you getting hurt is already a terrible pain for me, let alone seeing you getting killed. Maybe I would turn insane if I saw your lifeless corpse….' 

'I don't want to wait to get strong. I don't know how many people want you dead, and I don't want to take the risk.'

'No matter how I will find a way to get strong quicker. I don't want this to happen for the second time, Bai Gege….' Han Shun started sobbing as he imagined how Bai Gege would leave him. But soon realized that seeing Bai Gege getting hurt was 100x more painful than seeing Bai Gege leaving him.

Because he could always chase Bai Gege if he left Han Shun alone.

But if Bai Gege was dead? There was nothing he could do…

"I don't think we can return to our residence for now," Bai Shijue said. "I think those demonic sect disciples must've discovered the residence. It's better to live somewhere else until you're strong enough to pass the Forest of Lost Mist."

"Do you have something that you treasure in our residence? I will try to retrieve it for you," Bai Shijue offered.

Han Shun shook his head firmly, "The only thing I treasure is you, Bai Gege. I will follow you even to the depths of hell. Han Shun will never leave your side…."

Bai Shijue chuckled and patted Han Shun's head, "Let's find another place to settle for now."

**

Since Han Shun said he didn't like to live in a crowded place, they could settle in a small town instead, away from those demonic sect cultivators' radar. 

The main focus right now was to make sure that Han Shun was strong enough, so he could pass the Forest of Lost Mist. Because it was a lot safer in the Plum Blossom Immortal Sect than in this mortal world. 

Bai Shijue landed in front of a small village on a mountain hill. The place was colder than their previous residence, but it wouldn't be a problem for Bai Shijue with his fire elemental affinity. 

"Want to see a small trick?" Bai Shijue asked as they walked to an inn. 

Han Shun nodded in response. Bai Shijue chuckled lightly and snapped his finger. 

Slowly, the currency of this mortal realm was created on his hand, and in only a few seconds, they had enough to live in this place for years.

They walked to the clerk at the counter and asked, "Good morning, young lady, is there any free room here? My little brother and I need a rest."

The young girl serving as the clerk was stunned when she saw a pair of handsome men in front of her. They didn't look similar in terms of appearance, but by their age gap, it wasn't impossible for them to be related.

"Yes, we have a room on the second floor!"

Han Shun was happy when the clerk said there was 'a room' on the second floor. There was a possibility that Bai Gege and he would be sleeping on the same bed!

But his fantasy soon shattered when Bai Gege shook his head, "No, I will rent two of the best rooms in this inn. I will pay you handsomely," Bai Shijue said as he put down two gold coins, enough for two people to live in the best room in this inn for 10 days straight!

"O—Oh, then come with me. I will show you our best rooms!" The female clerk said as she led the way.

Han Shun and Bai Shijue were led to two big rooms connected with a door. There were two bathrooms, but there was also a private hot bath for them to share together. 

After all the preparation was done, Han Shun complained to Bai Gege, "Bai Gege, I want to sleep with you…."

"Hush, you're not a kid anymore. You need to learn how to be independent," Bai Shijue replied. "Go to your room and wash first. We're going to train again."