Not Enough to Count as a Rival

"As for the Tianxuan Nine-Yin Fiendbloom, it refers to the Tianxuan Tortoise, Nine-Yin Wood, and Fiendbloom. These are all extremely rare medicinal ingredients, each with unique properties," Lucia Lu added.

"You Spiritual Alchemists must go searching for ingredients all the time, right?" Sean Shaw asked again.

"Of course! Back when we were in the Spirit Alliance, we often had to go to all sorts of sacred mountains and great marshes in the mortal world to gather herbs," Adrian Drake replied. "Oh, and once when I went with Second Sister, she almost got into trouble! Isn't that right?"

Luna Lian glanced at him, "You still remember that?"

"Of course I remember! How could I forget?" Adrian Drake said.

Luna Lian pressed her lips together and smiled softly.

......

After the three Lu siblings left, Adrian Drake found an excuse to stay behind. He eyed Sean Shaw, looking like he wanted to say something but was holding back.

"What's up? Is there something else you want to tell me?" Sean Shaw asked.

"Um..." Adrian Drake hesitated.

Sean Shaw lowered his eyes, lost in thought, saying nothing.

Later, my senior sister noticed him. He went over to talk to her. Don't be fooled by how quiet he usually is—he can be pretty chatty. He had my senior sister cracking up one minute, and feeling sorry for him the next...

Adrian Drake glanced at Sean Shaw and said, "Plus, he's seriously good-looking—even standing next to my senior sister, he doesn't pale at all! The two of them together are a total treat for the eyes!"

Sean Shaw kept his poker face.

Hey! I've been talking forever—aren't you going to say anything?

Sean Shaw looked up and said, "It's getting late. Go get some sleep."

What! Adrian Drake was instantly annoyed. "I said all that and you tell me to go to bed?"

What else do you want? Want to sleep together?

Who wants to sleep with you! What do you even mean? I'm busting my butt gathering intel for you!

Sean Shaw paused, then said, "He's not 'enemy intel'."

Not enemy intel? What does that mean? Back when Chuyun was just a newly-formed little immortal, you went to great lengths to get rid of him! How is Darren Xuan not better than Chuyun?

Sean Shaw pointed at the door.

Fine, fine, I'm leaving! Guess I was just being nosy, huh? Adrian Drake pouted. "Let's see if I ever help you again!"

He turned and headed out.

Halfway to the door, he suddenly stopped and walked over to the window. "Huh? What's this—"

"Don't touch that!" Sean Shaw flashed over and grabbed his outstretched hand.

"Don't touch that!" Sean Shaw flashed over and grabbed his outstretched hand.

Adrian Drake blinked, startled, then grinned sheepishly. "Relax, I'm not gonna break anything!"

Sean Shaw gave him a stern look. "Some things aren't meant to be touched."

Adrian Drake stuck out his tongue. "Fine, fine, I get it! You're always so uptight."

He walked out, muttering under his breath about overprotective princes.

Sean Shaw watched him go, then quietly closed the window.

The room fell silent, moonlight spilling across the floor.

Sean Shaw stood by the window for a moment, lost in thought.

He finally turned away, his expression unreadable.

Outside, the night was deep and quiet.