Heart of the White-haired Demon

"This hut belongs to someone else!" Lian exclaimed, his eyes flashing with determination. "I don't care if you've used your demon powers to make it look better, but this hut belongs to a handsome stranger."

Bai Ye looked Lian up and down before sighing and shaking his head. With a wave of his hand, he transformed into the stranger Lian had met a few weeks ago.

Lian's eyes widened in shock as he stumbled backward. "Oh no!" he exclaimed, his mind reeling with the connection. "That's why you seemed so familiar! You're the stranger I met!"

Lian's gaze darted between the hut and Bai Ye, his jaw dropping in amazement. The hut, once small and unassuming, had transformed into a grand, traditional Chinese mansion. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and the roof was tiled with gleaming, dark gray tiles that seemed to absorb the light around them.

The doors, once simple and unadorned, were now a deep, rich red, adorned with golden hinges and a large, bronze door knocker in the shape of a lion's head. The windows were adorned with delicate, lace-like carvings, and the eaves were decorated with colorful, ceramic tiles that seemed to dance in the breeze.

Bai Ye pushed Lian gently out of the way and stepped into the mansion, his movements elegant and refined. Lian followed, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the opulent decorations. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with intricate wood carvings, colorful tapestries, and delicate, porcelain vases.

Lian stumbled after Bai Ye, his mind reeling with questions. Who was this demon, really? And why had he brought Lian to this magnificent mansion?

Lian's eyes widened as he stepped into the grand mansion. He took his time, taking in the opulent decorations and intricate carvings that adorned the walls. But his attention was soon drawn to Bai Ye, who sat serenely on a chair, his eyes closed as if in meditation.

Lian's curiosity got the better of him, and he approached Bai Ye, his footsteps quiet on the marble floor. He wanted to ask the demon prince a thousand questions, but something about Bai Ye's peaceful demeanor stayed his tongue.

But only for a moment. Lian's eyes narrowed, and he thought to himself, This demon doesn't deserve respect from me. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Lian used the back of his sword to poke Bai Ye.

Bai Ye didn't respond. Lian poked him again, and still, there was no reaction. Lian's face scrunched up in frustration, and he poked Bai Ye once more.

Finally, Bai Ye's eyes snapped open, and he fixed Lian with a piercing stare. Lian grinned, satisfied that he had gotten the demon lord's attention.

"Ah, good," Lian said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Now, tell me everything about yourself. How old are you? Are you stronger than me? What's your story?"

Bai Ye's face was a picture of frustration, his eyes flashing with annoyance. But Lian just continued to grin, his enthusiasm undiminished.

"Come on, Lao Ye," Lian urged, his voice teasing. "I want to know all your secrets."

Bai Ye's expression turned enigmatic, and he began to explain. "As a demon, I don't age like humans do. I'm immortal."

Lian's eyes widened, and he sat down on the floor, crossing his legs. "Hm, okay. Continue."

Bai Ye's lips curved into a hint of a smile. "It's obvious that I'm much stronger than you, as you've seen earlier."

Lian rolled his eyes, and Bai Ye paused for a moment before continuing.

"As for your destiny... it's tied to mine."

Lian's eyes snapped back to Bai Ye's face. "What do you mean? My destiny is tied to yours? I don't understand!"

Bai Ye's smile grew wider, but instead of explaining, he said, "Two mandarin ducks share a single bond, their love entwined like the branches of a single tree."

Lian's face scrunched up in confusion, but a hint of understanding flickered in his eyes. He looked away, his cheeks flushing slightly.

Bai Ye's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together.

Lian's face turned crimson as understanding dawned on him. He spun back to Bai Ye, his voice trembling with indignation. "How can you say such a profane thing? We are both men! We shouldn't even think about such... such... abominable things!"

Bai Ye nodded calmly, his expression unruffled. Lian continued to scold him, his words tumbling out in a furious torrent. Bai Ye listened silently, his eyes never leaving Lian's face. He nodded occasionally, his expression a mask of polite interest.

When Lian finally ran out of words, he stood up, his face still flushed with anger. He turned to storm out of the room, but his stomach had other plans. A loud growl echoed through the chamber, and Lian's face turned an even deeper shade of red.

Bai Ye's eyes flicked to Lian's stomach, and a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Are you hungry, Lian?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Lian's pride got the better of him. He shook his head, his voice stiff. "No, I can make my own food. I'm a grown man."

Bai Ye nodded, his expression neutral. He returned to his meditation position, closing his eyes as if dismissing Lian from his mind. Lian's anger still simmered, but his stomach's growls grew louder, reminding him that he needed to find food soon.

With a final glance at Bai Ye, Lian turned and stalked out of the room, his dignity bruised but his hunger a more pressing concern.

As Lian left the mansion, he wandered into the forest, searching for something to eat. He had completely forgotten that this forest was enchanted, home to magical creatures and plants that didn't behave like their ordinary counterparts.

After walking for what felt like hours, Lian's stomach growled with hunger. He trudged through the underbrush, his eyes scanning the ground for any sign of edible plants. But there was nothing.

Exhausted and frustrated, Lian sat down at the base of a towering tree. He leaned back against the trunk, closing his eyes as he tried to catch his breath.

Suddenly, a tiny, caterpillar-like creature crawled onto Lian's leg. The creature's pink and purple stripes made it look almost cute, and Lian couldn't help but smile.

But his smile quickly turned to shock as the caterpillar began to beat him with its tiny legs. Lian yelped in surprise, trying to brush the creature away.

When he looked again, the caterpillar was gone. But Lian's leg felt strange, as if it had been numbed by some sort of poison.

Lian's eyes widened as he realized his leg was paralyzed. He tried to stand, but his leg wouldn't budge.

Panic set in as Lian realized he was trapped, alone and helpless in the enchanted forest.