TONG HUA's : YaoJing drama & novel exploration 💜

In the drama, however, there was the scene of Xuan talking Grand Emperor and Ruso about who could be this Xiao Liu is sort of making him misunderstood that Xiao Liu might be the son of one of five princes who were rebel with Grand Emperor before.This scene came before Zhuang Xu coming to take Xiao Liu to Gao Xing/Haoling.

 Five God Mountains/Gao Xing/Haoling

clearly misunderstood..but it makes us understand CX character more

Chapter 8:

My Analysis Part 4

Abstract 

Xiao Liu arrived at Jing’s residence and entered through the back and immediately told the guard who he was. A guard went to get Jing Ye who arrived furious with a “you again!” glare.

Xiao Liu smirked “Sorry to bother you, I’m here to see your young master.” Jing Ye rolled her eyes and turned to leave and Xiao Liu followed. It was just like last year, with flowers blooming everywhere and lots of ice crystal wind chimes hanging along the corridors to cool the air.

Jing Ye brought Xiao Liu to a study and inside Jing sat at a desk listening to two retainers give a report. Xiao Liu stepped back and enjoyed the flowers while the conversation finished inside. Jing Ye went inside to announce Xiao Liu and Jing came out and asked “What happened?”

Xiao Liu smiled wanly that Jing knew he wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t something he wanted. Xiao Liu turned around “Xuan Yuan’s Prince Zhuan Xu is waiting for me at Hui Chun Clinic to take me to see the Grand Emperor of Gao Xing Kingdom.”

Jing said slowly “I will accompany you to Gao Xing. The Grand Emperor is a sage ruler, he would not be looking to harm you.”

“It doesn’t matter to me if he’s a sage ruler or not. I don’t want to meet him!”

Jing asked “You want to run away?” Xiao Liu smiled “Yes, I want to run away.”

Jing replied “It’ll be very difficult.”

Xiao Liu nodded with more smiles “It is very difficult, if it wasn’t difficult I wouldn’t be here with you. The Tu Shan clan must have a secret passage way out of town. You help me escape.”

“Fine!”

Xiao Liu’s smile froze and he stared at Jing “Once escaped then its resisting an Imperial Summons from the Grand Emperor. Zhuan Xu will send people to track us down, and if we continue to resist he won’t hesitate to kill. The road ahead will be perilous, and even if we escape, you will have made an enemy of both the Gao Xing and Xuan Yuan Kingdoms.

Jing took Xiao Liu’s hand and pulled him into the study and said to Jing Ye “Prepare clothes, I’m taking Xiao Liu and leaving Qing Shui Town.”

Jing Ye must’ve heard what they said and glared in rage at Xiao Liu but held it in “My lord there is no need for you to be in danger, I will have two men accompany Master Liu out of town. I will stake my life on protecting him.”

Jing gently said “Prepare clothes for us.”

Jing Ye knew Jing made up his mind so didn’t dare speak again and went to prepare the clothes.

Wen Xiao Liu had come to Jing after all. And Jing was fine to help her without any doubt at all. I think Jing's word, "fine" must had both surprised and touched her heart.

The Replica Dolls

Jing Ye brought two sets of clothes and the two changed into it and arranged their hair so they appeared like messengers traveling from place to place. Jing Ye took out a box and inside were two dolls. It wasn’t wood carved and was instead furry like an animal’s tail. Xiao Liu was curious and wanted to touch but Jing Ye slapped his hand away “This is a doll made from the fox tail of a ten thousand year old nine-tailed fox. It’s extremely rare. The nine-tailed fox is the best at transformation and the tail is where all the power gathers. These two tails have tens of thousands of years of power. Using it to make fake people, even if the dead former Emperors came back to life with their powers they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”

Jing pricked his middle finger and touched the doll and it transformed into the exact replica of Jing. The fake Jing handed the other doll and gently told Xiao Liu “It needs a drop of your blood.”

If Xiao Liu didn’t just see it with his own eyes, he would think that fake Jing was real and the sitting real Jing was fake. He pricked his finger on the doll which quickly got bigger and was the same size as Xiao Liu but its features were completely blank.

Jing Ye was stunned “How can this be, this was a treasure left by the Tu Shan ancestors and I’ve never heard of it transforming this way.”

Xiao Liu nervously laughed “Probably because I look so plain, the doll can’t recognize it.” Jing stood up and touched the fake Xiao Liu’s face and arranged his features until it looked just like Xiao Liu.

Xiao Liu sighed in relief “Fine, fine, it’s all fine now.”

The fake Xiao Liu doll laughed like Xiao Liu and spoke in the exact same voice as him “You don’t even know what you look like yourself, why blame me?”

Xiao Liu’s face turned white and he angrily threatened “You’re a dead fox so shut up now before I burn you up!”

The fake Xiao Liu huffed and walked over to the fake Jing, who actually patted him on the arm to comfort him. Xiao Liu stared in shock and Jing Ye said proudly “If it wasn’t so alike then it wouldn’t be a rare treasure, now would it.”

Xiao Liu asked Jing what his plan was.

“Let them pretend to be two servants and leave with a batch of goods. We’ll transform our looks and pretend to be messengers and leave town the other way with a group of departing messengers.”

Jing Ye immediately cautioned “That’s too dangerous. If Prince Zhuan Xu finds you guys missing, he will station men everywhere searching for people using godly powers. My lord’s powers are all recovered and can mask it, but Master Liu can’t.

Jing ordered “You take them to change.” Jing Ye knew he made up his mind and went with the two dolls.

Jing walked up to Xiao Liu “If you change your looks, can it avoid all detection?” Xiao Liu hesitated and then nodded. Jing smiled “Then we’ll go with the plan.”

Xiao Liu’s heart was thumping wildly “You….you always knew I could transform my face?”

The power of transformation wasn’t a very hard power to learn, but only those with great power using it can truly transform and avoid detection. With Xiao Liu’s power, no one would believe him using the skill could avoid detection using a magical object seeker.

Jing said “The Tu Shan clan aren’t simply from the God tribe. One of our ancestors was the far-reaching original nine-tailed fox. So the bloodline of the Tu Shan family can all transform. I have the spiritual eye and can usually see through all transformation and masking spells and powers. That was how I was able to see Ah Nian’s true face and knew to avoid her. But everything about you seems real even to me, except my instinct tells me your face is fake. So…..that is why I can’t leave you. If I leave and you disappeared, it would be without a trace.”

Xiao Liu was stunned. Jing knew all along that he was fake.

Jing Ye came back “Everyone is prepared but there are people already stationed outside keeping watch on the residence, likely sent by Prince Zhuan Xu.”

Jing Ye brought a carriage and she had transformed into an old man. The fake dolls got into the carriage first, and then Jing Ye opened a secret compartment underneath that could fit two people. Xiao Liu and Shi Qi squeezed in and when Jing Ye leaned in to close it she whispered “My lord, he only let you stay for 6 years. Tu Shan clan can repay him another way. Why put yourself in danger?”

Jing calmly said “In three days you go back to Qing Qiu, if I escape successfully then I will find you there. If not, you and Lan Xiang find a guy and get married.” He closed the secret compartment.

Jing Ye pursed her lips to restrain her sobs.

I really like this idea of having fake Jing and fake Xiao Liu. Even those replicas reaction to Xiao Liu was fun. It's a pity that the drama did not include this part. I also like the line how Xiao Liu thought that fake Jing looked more real than the real Jing. I am not sure about  what  the author intented. But sometimes in our society, people tend to think fake is real but ignore reality. It is already much revealing here that Xiao Liu's appearance was fake one. She was just stunned that Jing was no surprised with it and that he had known about it, maybe for a long time already. The loyal maid, Jing Ye could see, Jing chose to go with Wen Xiao Liu all the way Jing had given Wen Xiao Liu more than Jing Ye might have thought. And it was his choice. Even if she was sad, she would still have to help him. The fantastic carriage with secret counter part is all fun. (Although we don't have that in drama).
In this particular part I am glad to read more wonders about Tushan clans and their abilities. The fake replica is truly awesome. And again Jing proved that he understand and know about his Wen Xiao Liu more than she would ever imagine, more than we, readers know.

Jing mentioning to Jing Ye about getting married when he's not back, maybe indicating Jing may have already determined to get gone with  Xiao Liu forever if fate has destined them. I mean when it comes to Xiao Liu, he did not care about other things much. 

Chapter 8

My Analysis Part 6

Abstract 

Jing Took Xiao Liu to Gao Xing (Five Gods Mountain)

At dawn, Shi Qi and Xiao Liu followed the group out of town headed due South. There was a checkpoint set up with very tight inspection and the lines were long to pass. Chatter about why turned to discussion that both Xuan Yuan and Gao Xing soldiers were joined in some sort of search.

It was Xiao Liu and Shi Qi’s turn and a woman held up a magical object mirror and shone it on their faces to show everyone’s true form. Those who transformed were pulled aside for further questioning. Xiao Liu walked up to his inspection and the mirror showed nothing so he passed. Same with Shi Qi as well.

After passing the inspection, Shi Q and Xiao Liu glanced at each other and continued on. Due to the inspection the procession was already late so the leader told everyone to quicken their steps. By nightfall they had arrived within the borders of the Gao Xing Kingdom. Two high mountains flanked a gate with an entry checkpoint. Because Zhuan Xu didn’t think Xiao Liu would come to Gao Xing, the checkpoint was not extra manned so Xiao Liu and Shi Qi entered easily.

That night the procession entered a city and the group checked into an inn. Xiao Liu asked for a hot water bath and after he walked out and changed into fresh clothes he saw that Shi Qi had already finished bathing. Shi Qi took a towel to wipe his hair. Xiao Liu asked “So we successfully escaped?”

Shi Qi answered “When we entered there was a very powerful being nearby so I completely concealed my power aura. I don’t know if he registered us.”

Xiao Liu said “Perhaps it’s a high ranking Gao Xing general that is stationed here.” But he didn’t feel all that at ease.

Shi Qi said “No matter who, we have to be alert. Rest well tonight.”

In the middle of the night Xiao Liu heard a commotion and immediately sat up. He saw Shi Qi pour all the water in the room on the ground around them before saying “The Godly army has surrounded the inn, and there are two very powerful Gods in the mix. I can’t even beat one of them.”

Xiao Liu chuckled “If we successfully escaped then I would be disappointed in Zhuan Xu. He is pretty capable.”

Shi Qi said “I let you down.”

“No you didn’t! Zhuan Xu used the power of two Kingdoms to chase us. You helped me all on your own. It’s a miracle we escaped this far.”

Shi Qi asked “How much do you not want to see the Grand Emperor?”

Xiao Liu thought “I would rather die than see him.”

Shi Qi put a fox shaped satchel in Xiao Liu’s hand “I can’t beat them but I can stall them. My winged ride is due Northeast. You run in that direction then raise the satchel and call like a fox. It will come pick you up.”

Xiao Liu grabbed Shi Qi’s hand “Will they kill you?”

“I am Tu Shan Jing, even if the Grand Emperor was here he would have to consider before killing me. Mere generals won’t even dare.”

Xiao Liu laughed “Then I’m going to abandon you and run.”

Shi Qi grabbed his shoulder with his voice slightly shaking “Let me see your true face.”

Xiao Liu smiled and shook his head “No.”

Shi Qi stared at Xiao Liu with unspeakable sorrow in his eyes. Once he walked out of here, Xiao Liu can become anyone else. Once Xiao Liu stopped being Xiao Liu, then Shi Qi would never be able to find him again.

Xiao Liu stared at him “Are you still willing to risk incurring the wrath of the Grand Emperor and help me escape?”

Shi Qi nodded.

Zhuan Xu’s booming voice reached them “Wen Xiao Liu, get your sorry behind out here! If you run again, I’ll break both your scrawny legs!”

“Change into one of their soldiers and run away” Shi Qi told him.

Shi Qi transformed the water into smoke and it became a mist surrounding him. He transformed into Wen Xiao Liu and walked to the window and opened it. Zhuan Xu said “Now you obediently come out here and I’ll consider not making you suffer as much.”

The mist gradually expanded from the room and floated outside and became so dense and thick it formed a maze. Zhuan Xu was furious and ordered the mist maze stopped immediately.

Xiao Liu could see in the maze thanks to the fox satchel Shi Qi gave him. He transformed into one of Zhuan Xu’s servants and silently slipped out of the inn.

Xiao Liu ran due Northeast and he raised the fox satchel high and a large crane descended. Xiao Liu climbed on the back of the crane and it took off continuing Northeast. Xiao Liu looked back and didn’t feel at ease.

Zhuan Xu’s angry thunderous voice reached him “Wen Xiao Liu, the person with you right now is Ye Shi Qi. I don’t have a problem with killing one Ye Shi Qi.”

Xiao Liu sighed – he really was able to be cold and heartless at the blink of an eye, thorough and unyielding. No wonder the Yellow Emperor liked Zhuan Xu.

Xiao Liu transformed back into being Wen Xiao Liu and turned back. After some time, he saw Zhuan Xu flying towards him and behind him Shi Qi was trussed up in a cage.

A servant came forward and Xiao Liu allowed himself to be captured. Zhuan Xu stared coldly at Xiao Liu and ordered “Break both his legs.” The servant kicked both of Xiao Liu’s legs and both snapped. Xiao Liu collapsed on the ground.

“Throw him in the cage.”

Jing had brought Xiao Liu to Gao Xing , in hope that Zhuang Xu probably would have just followed the fake dolls. Instead brought her to Gao Xing alongside with some messagers that were coming. And then at the entrance of  Gao Xing, everyone talking about how Xuan Yuan and Gao Xing soldiers were joining to search for something. Jing and Xiao Liu still got to enter city and rested at inn. I have a feeling that Jing already knew they might not escape when he talked powerful being. Xiao Liu as well having bad feeling. So Jing just comforted her.
And they were right, in the middle of the night, they were surrounded by Zhaun Xu and his soldiers.
Xiao Liu accepted Jing tried all his best to help her, still lost to Zhuan Xu's power.
Again in the scene, we will feel sorry for Jing because Xiao Liu had really tell why she was all running away or even revealing her form, while she knew who he was already. Of course she did not reveal who she was to anyone else at all. And it seems like she was running away from it. Nevertheless she was still very concerned about Jing and that he would get hurt. We can see that her not being ease at all when Jing told her to run away. So many things was secretive about Xiao Yao so far. We already know she was actually Zhuan Xu long lost cousin. They really had a strong bond when they were kids. So why was she wanting to run away from him? What happened to her then that she got separated from him and her family? So I guess that we will get answers soon as her real identity is revealed and it should be soon.  And she was not at all surprised or concerned Zhuan Xu coldness and ruthlessness in dealing with things or her. (He did not know it's her)

Chapter 8

My Analysis Part 8

It's Just You and Me

Abstract 

Shi Qi quietly held Xiao Liu and Xiao Liu quietly listened to his heartbeat. In this place of death, separated from the world’s enticements and entanglements, it made the complicated relationship between a man and a woman so very simple. It was just him and her. Xiao Liu suddenly felt right being here and that was calming.

Xiao Liu said “How about we never leave here.”

“Fine.”

“What’s fine?”

“It’s fine staying here.”

“What’s fine about it?”

“Just you. And me.”

Xiao Liu laughed knowing that Shi Qi also understood. There was so much that made life complicated purely due to circumstance. The old married couple living in the far off secluded mountains, they were actually the envy of so many who live glamorous lives of conflict.

Xiao Liu asked “Shi Qi, are you so good to me because you are repaying a debt?”

Shi Qi’s body stiffened and he said nothing for a long time. Xiao Liu was leaning on him so could feel his heart beating so fast it might burst out of his chest. Xiao Liu casually added “I saved you, let you stay for 6 years, and now you’ve done everything and more for me. When we get out, we’re really even. You don’t need to worry anymore, I will never go ask you for anything and get you in trouble. I promise to stay far far away from you……”

Xiao Liu’s mouth was suddenly shut by Shi Qi’s hand. Xiao Liu struggled but Shi Qi wouldn’t release his hand. Finally Xiao Liu naughtily licked the center of his palm with his tongue and Shi Qi was like being hit with an electric shock and released him. Xiao Liu was also shocked by what he just did and his mouth was gaping open and his entire face was flaming red.

The two of them remained frozen in silence.

Finally Shi Qi spoke “I won’t leave you.”

“Why? Why not leave? Because of gratitude? I told you that you’ve repaid it.”

Shi Qi didn’t answer and stubbornly repeated “I won’t leave you.”

“What? Do you want to stay with me for the rest of your life then?”

Shi Qi was silent for a moment and then said with absolute certainty “My entire life.”

Xiao Liu sighed “I’m a man, don’t you think you’re being weird.”

This time Shi Qi’s response was immediate “You’re a girl.”

Xiao Liu actually felt Shi Qi had known for a long time that she was a girl, but how did Shi Qi know? “Why are you so certain? Even Xiang Liu being that smart can’t be absolutely certain I’m a girl.”

Shi Qi softly chuckled “That’s because he hasn’t seen you……” He suddenly shut up.

“Seen me what?”

Shi Qi refused to explain so Xiao Liu got more curious “Seen me what?” Xiao Liu shook Shi Qi’s arm coquettishly and wheedled “Not seen me what? Tell me! Tell me!”

Xiao Liu was always acting like a loutish man and this was the first time showing a pouty girlish side. Even in the darkness and Shi Qi couldn’t see her face clearly, he was already defeated. He said “The first time I bathed after I was strong enough, you sat to the side and I saw…..when you saw my body…..I knew you…..to me…..”

Xiao Liu yelped and then covered her face “You’re lying! I didn’t, I didn’t!”

“I’m not lying.”

“You’re lying, it’s totally a lie. I never blush.”

“I’m not lying.”

Shi Qi usually gave in to whatever Xiao Liu wanted so this was the first time he was so absolutely stubborn and unwilling to concede to her. Xiao Liu turned around and refused to face Shi Qi or talk to Shi Qi anymore, using action to show that Shi Qi was lying and until he admitted it then she wasn’t going to talk to him.

Shi Qi called Xiao Liu but she didn’t acknowledge, he tugged her a bit but she ignored him. He was afraid her leg hurt so didn’t want to use any strength.

Shi Qi was silent until Xiao Liu felt all wronged and grumbled “Such a little matter and you won’t even give me in to me.”

Shi Qi replied “It’s not a small matter.”

Xiao Liu pouted, if this wasn’t a small matter, then what counts as a small matter?

Being in the dragon bone prison, it felt like the world had only Ye Shi Qi and Wen Xao Liu, even if they were taken here as prisoners. 

It's in here that Jing/Shi Qi was finally able to let out his feelings by starting out with him knowing of Wen Xiao Liu being a female. And promising what he wanted to do most which is to never leaving her in his entire life. I really like this intimate tease scene  between Shi Qi and Xiao Liu when she licked his hand because he shut her mouth.

 According to him, her shyness as a woman   was no small matters. While Xiao Liu was too shy about it and pouted. 

I have so many feelings towards this scene. It certainly is romantic. It feels like the couple caught in a prison, yet able to make the time of warmth and the time to confess true feelings. So this prison became their uniting place. 

Chapter 8 

My Analysis Part 9

Please see the highlights. If I said anything wrong, of course you can point me out.

About Tushan Jing
According to Ye Shi Qi the former self as Tushan Jing was prized man, born wealthy with refine talents in arts. Since childhood, he was spoiled by his family. He was an expert of expert whom several smart beings had to look up to. The only unfortunate matter was that he had the brother who looked at him as the product of the suffering. The brother did everything to let out his anger and downgraded feelings on Tushan Jing. Only after three years of torture and  humilations, and he realized that Tushan Jing was a lie. It was just a title after all. 

A Reborn Phoenix 
Tushan Jing was nearly dead, both his body and soul. Nevertheless he approached to the warmth of the sun before he thought he was going to die. But his time was just not over yet and his savior appeared. Even with scars and on body and soul, he was very much alive. If we recalled chapter one, his torture was specific cuttings and not one chopped death. The past torture and hatred were never very far away. However, Ye Shi Qi/Tushan Jing knew he could never reborn completely if he embraced the hatred. Because it is not him, who would rather be glad that he still had his whole body to live. 

Graditute and Taking Chances
Tushan Jing was grateful to be reborn as Ye Shi Qi. In the last seven chapters, we could see the development of attraction between Ye Shi Qi and Wen Xiao Liu. If I was not spoiled before I would really have thought this story was a BL (Boy Love). After reviving the life, the human attraction and romance was also there for him. Probably at that moment he took what was offered to him with graditute and taking chances on this new growing feelings. 

The Promise of Entire Lifetime Against All Odds
The couple was in the prison. In fact, Wen Xiao Liu and Ye Shi Qi were imprisoned by Zhuan Xu. Yet they both were at peace and joyful. This is explained with the line "They did not even feel like time was passing. " Especially Ye Shi Qi, who wished this moment was forever. He felt like he did not want tomorrow anymore. He was grateful of Zhuan Xu. In here, he finally confessed his feelings. There was no words of "I love you". However, Wen Xiao Liu knew it and felt it by his heartbeat. He promised her to get himself free from loveless marriage and and be with her as Ye Shi Qi forever. He talked of the timing 15 years, to keep herself for him, and not to fall in love with another man.
I felt the need to explain here a little bit more. Because this is the area many are critizing the character for which many facts and reasons I sort of disagree. One have to understand that the love between Ye Shi Qi and Wen Xiao Liu is like first love, there is passion. Ye Shi Qi was not flawless. He had his own insecurities, because of his imperfections and family ties, and he was taking this chance for himself to be with her, and so that she would not disappear from his life. In the last couple chapters , he had seen her trying her best to get away from him. (Yes, he also knew he had possible rival). That is why I take this action as a sincere challenge and call out from a man in love. (One has to admit jealousy is common in couple when one is likely to go out with another? Or at least feeling you wish your partner doesn't go with another ? I am say to get a clear view of romantic&passionate love, that is not pure saint love. There's many kind of love). Because everything had exception. Sometimes in emotion matters, right or wrong were not as it seems. The wrong can be right and the right can be wrong. Surely the love between Xiao Jing is commitment. By revealing all about himself, Jing surely is commiting to her. He understands her that he needs to take this first step. Because Wen Xiao Liu would not initiate  this chance even if she really wanted it. The tone that was written in the scene, both of them calming. It's surely is not one sided from Ye Shi Qi.
Because of the phrase here, "Shi Qi quietly held Xiao Liu and Xiao Liu quietly listened to his heartbeat. In this place of death, separated from the world’s enticements and entanglements, it made the complicated relationship between a man and a woman so very simple. It was just him and her. Xiao Liu suddenly felt right being here and that was calming."
There is a mentioning of " relationship between a man and a woman" when separated from the world. It is just him and her. By hearing Ye Shi Qi's heartbeating, Xiao Liu was calming. All in all, this promise was heartfully made and accepted by both parties.  

Chapter 8

My Analysis Part 11 (Last Part)

Gao Xing: A Place of Everlasting Spring

Abstract

 Zhuan Xu walked to a cloud carriage and reached out his hand to Xiao Liu “We’ll take the carriage up the mountain.”

Shi Qi carried Xiao Liu on the cloud carriage and after some time it stopped outside the largest palace in Five Gods Mountain – Cheng En Palace. This palace was beautifully decorated, it’s architectural glory known throughout the vast wilderness. Legend had it that long long ago, a Sheng Nong prince saw this palace and started a war with Gao Xing to get it. But after this generation’s Grand Emperor assumed the throne, he didn’t like extravagance, or banquets, or womanly enticements. His entire harem consisted of one Consort, so Cheng En Palace was very quiet.

Zhuan Xu smiled at Xiao Liu and Shi Qi “We’ve arrived at Cheng En Palace.”

Xiao Liu appeared tired and rested in Shi Qi’s arms, but her eyes were tightly shut. Shi Qi nodded to Zhuan Xu and stepped out of the cloud carriage and followed him into the palace.

“This is Hua Yin Court, I’ve lived here since I came to the palace. You guys can stay here for now. Yesterday when we arrived at the mountain, it was late so I didn’t go report to my Master. Today after court session ends, I will go meet my Master and report that I’ve brought you here. Xiao Liu, be prepared, His majesty can summon you at any time.”

Xiao Liu opened her eyes “Give me medicine!”

Zhuan Xu laughed “I can treat your leg injury, but if you’re healed don’t think about running around. If you run into Ah Nian, it won’t be just your two legs broken.”

Xiao Liu looked at Zhuan Xu, wanting to say something but not, then said “I’m hungry.”

Zhuan Xu ordered the maids to bring food, and after Shi Qi and Xiao Liu had eaten, had the maids take them to wash up. Shi Qi carried Xiao Liu to the edge of pool and Xiao Liu said “The maids will take care of me, you go wash up away and cleanse away the filth of the prison.”

Two maids helped Xiao Liu wash and dress, and when she came out Shi Qi was already washed and dressed and waiting outside. When he saw the maids carry Xiao Liu out, he rushed over.

Gao Xing was a nation of eternal Spring so their clothing was thin and loose, the fashion was airy and light. Right now Shi Qi was wearing a blue Gao Xing robe with wide sleeves and a simple belt, a crown encircling his hair. As he walked it was like he was walking on clouds, like he was the embodiment of the blue moon, his moves like the waves fluid.

The two maids stared and Xiao Liu couldn’t look away either. Shi Qi appeared taken back and slightly lowered his eyes but he liked Xiao Liu staring at him like this so he kept his eyes locked on hers as he walked over.

Xiao Liu teased “No wonder a girl learned dance for ten years to try and seduce you. After you go back, there won’t be a lack of women throwing themselves at you.”

Shi Qi appeared uneasy and worried Xiao Liu would misunderstand and quickly said “I won’t look.”

Xiao Liu felt a sweetness in her heart but didn’t want him to see it so purposely turned her head “Whether you look or not has nothing to do with me.”

The doctor came to treat Xiao Liu’s injury and Shi Qi stayed to help. The doctor applied medication and then wrapped the legs in wooden boards so the bone could heal. Xiao Liu felt like her two legs were soaked in cool water and almost couldn’t feel any pain.

The doctor said “Try not to use your legs, if you rest up then it’ll heal fast in a month and slow in three months.” Xiao Liu smiled and thanked the doctor, and then asked him to check Shi Qi. After the doctor checked, he gave Shi Qi some medicine for his internal injuries.

After the doctor left, Xiao Liu said to Shi Qi “Even though your injury scars, even the most amazing magical medicine cannot remove….” Normally any injury would have a hard time leaving a scar on any God, but when Tu Shan Hou was torturing Shi Qi, every time he finished a torture he would use a special water on Shi Qi’s wounds so that it would keep him alert to better feel the pain, and also imprint the degrading injury on his body. Years ago Xiao Liu thought about how to remove those horrible scars, but after a year and searching for all the magical medicine in the world, she discovered it would never be removed.

Xiao Liu stared at Shi Qi’s leg “But Gao Xing has a lot of special medicine, maybe it can heal your leg.” Shi Qi’s right leg’s injury, because of his spiritual powers, when he walked fast it was undetectable that he was a cripple, but when he walked slow it was evident he limped.

Shi Qi shook his head “I don’t care.”

Xiao Liu smiled and then yawned. Shi Qi said “You sleep.”

Xiao Liu grabbed his sleeve “You sleep, too. But I don’t want you to leave.”

“I can sleep leaning.” Shi Qi sat on the pallet and leaned on the side. Xiao Liu closed her eyes but her hand kept playing with Shi Qi’s sleeve. Shi Qi picked up a cup of water and held it in his hand. A white mist came up from the cup and surrounded Xiao Liu. Xiao Liu’s hand gradually stopped moving.

Shi Qi felt like Xiao Liu was trying so hard to control her nervousness since they left the prison. Shi Qi deduced it had something to do with the Grand Emperor. It couldn’t be related to the Emperor’s power, but was because of who he was.

Shi Qi tightly held Xiao Liu’s hand and said in a low voice “No matter what happens, I will always be with you.”

Since scene in dragon bone prison, I have been smiling like idiot with our couple moments. Again in this last portion of the chapter still not free from their sweetness.
I really appreciate this scene of Jing wearing Gao Xing clothing in blue which light up the world like the moon shine on darkness. And yep that captivate Wen Xiao Liu to look at him again as well as the two maids there, which caused sort of jealousy to Wen Xiao Liu. And with Jing confirmation to her that he won't look at other women, she felt sweetness in her heart but still would not give in to her heart.
We also learnt that Wen Xiao Liu had been finding herbs to cure Jing's scars on his body but she could not. Again the way Tushan Hou torture Jing is explained in how he made Jing suffering last long. But Wen Xiao Liu knew that Gao Xing had special herbs so that there maybe herbs to cure her Shiqi(Jing).
And we get to learn about Gao Xing(Haoling in drama version) which is also known as five gods mountain in which the Grand Emperor is living. It explained the Emperor was modest, and having only one consort as well. Gao Xing also a place of eternal spring. If we recall in prolouge Gao Xing is also a place water from rivers, sea and ocean meet.
I do find it romantic that in the place of eternal spring,  Ye Shi Qi promised to Wen Xiao Liu that he will be with her forever while she was sleeping.
All in all this part is really sweet. 

Chapter  8  It’s So Late, Why Have You Not Returned

Xiao Jing  - journey to Forever never parting 

(my analysis is in blue)

[extract form novel translation ]

[After removing the voodoo bug from Xuan, Xiao Liu resolved a big worry and soundly slept for three days.
After he had time to think about it, he realized that he forgot to ask Xiang Liu last time whether the person who tried to kill Xuan was Jing’s fiancee. Why would she help Xiang Liu kill Xuan? Was there a connection between the Fang Feng family and the Sheng Nong resistance army? Or was it Xiang Liu helping Fang Feng Yi Yang this time? Didn’t Xiang Liu say he was a killer for hire during his free time?
Xiao Liu thought and thought and couldn’t eat or slept. But after a few days, he figured it out. Xuan left already so it didn’t matter if Fang Feng Yi Yang wanted to kill him. The vengeance and conflict of those big families is not something Xiao Liu wanted to understand. All he needed to know was that it wasn’t Jing who wanted to kill Xuan.
Xiao Liu put everything aside and went back to living his lazy life.
It was the middle of Summer and Xiao Liu was laying on the pallet fanning himself and covered in sweat. Jing entered from the back door and found Xiao Liu fanning himself under the awning and muttering “So hot! So hot!”
Jing walked up and hung a blue ice crystal wind chime on the awning and within moments a cool breeze misted down from above and dispelled the heat. Xiao Liu looked at the wind chime and considered whether to accept it. He already asked for two, to not accept the third seemed rather coy. But the first two were meant to save Xuan’s life and Xiao Liu felt it was important and not personal. This was for himself and made him feel like he was taking something.
Jing sat down next to the pallet and watched Xiao Liu’s facial expression changes. Xiao Liu suddenly sat up and hollered angrily “This is Qing Shui Town, not Qing Qiu! Why haven’t you left yet?”
Jing stared at Xiao Liu “You are here, I won’t leave.”
Xiao Liu was so angry he threw the fan at Jing. “Didn’t you say you would listen to me. Then leave! Leave far far away and stop bothering my life. You are Tu Shan Jing, not Ye Shi Qi!”
Jing lowered his eyes and pursed his lips tightly. Xiao Liu was very familiar with this sight and didn’t have the heart to be mean anymore. He turned his head away and refused to look at him.
After some time, Jing’s voice spoke “You tenderly cleaned my wounds. You carefully washed my hair. You patiently fed me medicine and food. You gently bathed my body. You were afraid I was in pain so you talked with me. You were afraid I was ashamed so you told me jokes. You were afraid I would give up so you described the beautiful views for me. You were afraid I was lonely so you told me interesting stories. You didn’t just heal my body, you saved my soul. You will never be able to imagine how much I wish I were Ye Shi Qi. But I have no choice but to be Tu Shan Jing. Because of this, more than you I hate myself. I know you hate Tu Shan Jing so I control myself not to come visit you. But I’m scared to leave. You gave Ma Zi a family, you found Xan Tian Er for Chuan Zi, you set up everything for Lao Mu. You are already prepared to leave it all behind and continue wandering. I’m afraid if I turn around even for a second, I won’t be able to find you ever again.”
This was the first time Jing spoke so much and the atmosphere was very solemn. He silently looked at Xiao Liu but Xiao Liu never turned around. Jing finally got up and quietly left.
Xiao Liu suddenly collapsed on the pallet and stared at the wind chime. Shi Qi saw through it, that he was planning to leave.]

 Jing came to see Xiao Liu  to give him a gift. 
Xiao Liu was again affected by Jing 's TLC - tender loving care -  towards him and this get him angry since he does not want to get attached to Jing anymore.   This is kind  of silly of him since he was the one who went in chapter. 7 to ask Jing for  favours. We know that since Xuan is her dearest gege, then the favour was  personal though indirectly. It seems to me  that  sometimes, when Xiao Liu   wants  something from Jing then it is alright to seek him out . Xiao Liu is so angry that he screams and throws  the fan at  Jing telling him to leave the town, to leave him be and to stop  bothering his life.   Xiao Liu  throws the  "You are Tu Shan Jing not Ye Shi QI ..." back at him again as if Jing did not know this .  By also  emphasising where they are, Xiao Liu is  claiming Qing Shiu Town has his territory so Jing should leave.  Jing 'sreply "he  You are here, I won’t leave is not referring only about leaving the town but more about the fact  that he will not leave Xiao Liu. He proceeds to   explained why he will not leave Xiao Liu :   what Xiao Liu did to him and how he  saved his soul. He  explaines that he fears  that if he leaves,  Xiao Liu is going to  leave town  soon and he will never find him again.   Xiao Liu did not speak nor  looked at  to him. so, Jing   left.  Xiao Liu realised that Jing saw threw him, and knew what he was indeed planning tom leave Qing Shiu Town.  Jing knows his Xiao Liu very much indeed.  

In my opinion,  Xiao Liu planned on leaving  because of  Jing  and FFYY presence in town. He  wants to cut tie with Jing. Since Jing  is remaining in  Qing Shiu Town therefore He, Xiao Liu, will be the one then to leave. Every where he went, he has been hearing about FFYY and this will continue.  Like the expression says, Jing's  life will be in "his face"  so to speak. We have also seen in some of the previous chapters that he had expressed to   Xiang Liu  and Xuan  how much  Qing Shui Town and his clinic meant to him.  I believe he is using the excuses  of Tian'er, love for travel and lack of companionship,  his big fear of abandonment  and all to justify his action and to  give himself a valid reason to leave.  We  have seen in previous chapters Xiao Liu feared that Jing kindness might be due to  repaying the debt of having saved him and taken care for him  when he was injured.  If he stay in town he will also see `Tian er and her husband life as a couple grow, theirnup and downs.  If he stays in town Xiang Liu will always find him since he knows where Xiao liu  lives. There is the possibility that when Xiao Liu  leaves, he will change his face hence why  Jing said : ''I’m afraid if I turn around even for a second, I won’t be able to find you ever again.”

Taking all these into consideration,  Xiao Liu is not simply  planning on leaving Qing Shiu Town but rather running away instead of facing  and fighting for what he truly wants. 

the story move on to Xuan coming to  Xiao Liu and asking him to accompany him to gao Xngas his master the Emperor wants tom see him.  Xiao Liu refuse and think of a way to live town unseen so Xuan would not catch her.     

[Xiao Liu stood up and went into his room to pack but his mind was racing. There was no way he was going to see the Grand Emperor. He can fool Zhuan Xu, but there was no way he could fool the Grand Emperor. But how to escape when Zhuan Xu came specifically to get him and brought a lot of men. Plus he was under Gao Xing orders and could immediately call Gao Xing troops outside town. And if needs be, he can call on his identity as the Xuan Yuan Prince and use Xuan Yuan troops nearby as well.
Even though Xiao Liu could change his face and form, but he was now under surveillance by a God and if there wasn’t anyone to block for him to avert their attention, then even if he changed forms he couldn’t escape.
Xiao Liu decided he couldn’t escape by his ability alone, he needed help. Right now he really missed Xiang Liu. Only Xiang Liu could care less about Xuan Yuan and Gao Xing authority, plus he could go hide in the Sheng Nong army base to run away from Zhuan Xu. But after their Gao Xing trip Xiao Liu hadn’t seen Xiang Liu and there wasn’t any time to summon him for help.
The only one left was Tu Shan Jing. The Tu Shan clan businesses blanketed the vast wilderness, including selling to the Sheng Nong resistance army. They had to have secret passages to move items in and out of town. But right now the Grand Emperor of Gao Xing and the Xuan Yuan Prince both wanted him. If Tu Shan Jing helped him, then he would be making an enemy out of the entire world. Would Tu Shan Jing be willing to make an enemy of both Xuan Yuan and Gao Xing for one little Wen Xiao Liu?
The moment this thought popped into his head, Xiao Liu suddenly wanted to know Jing’s choice even more than he wanted to escape Qing Shui Town. Xiao Liu looked at the ice crystal wind chime and smiled coldly. Whatever Jing chose to do, once Xiao Liu asked then he’ll know.]

 Xuan came back  and revealed  to Xiao Liu  his real identity and  explained that he has an order from the Grand Emperor to  bring him  to his place  Since Xiao Liu does not want to follow him,  this provided  new development provided  Xiao Liu,  the hasty need  to  leave quickly He thought  hard and fast  on how to leave  undetected by Xuan and his people. He realised that he needed  help to escape and  the best person  who could provide this was XL . The use of 'Right now " by the writer emphasised that it is only at this moment that he is missing  XL,  not  before and for this specific endeavour.  Xiao Liu was not longing for  XL.  Due to  XL's allegiance , Xiao Liu considered him the best option for his escape  and  his army's base could provide a great hiding place.  Since he had not had contact with XL for a while he decides Jing is the only option left for him to escape. As We can see `Xiao Liu is again thinking of  using Jing despite having screamed  at him earlier on   to leave him be, to stop bothering him.  It seems like Fate has plan for them 2 to meet before Xiao Liu leaves  and disappears completely from Jing's live as he planned to do. 

Xiao Liu  knew the risk this would be for Jing and the Tu Shan clan .  Now more  that even leaving, Xiao Liu is interested in finding out if Jing would put him  above his clan reputation and interest  and help him against the Grand emperor  and Xuan Yuan.  This is again a way for Xiao Liu to see how much he is important to Jing. it is his way to measure the level of Jing's commitment  to him. This is now the  2nd time that Xiao Liu want to test Jing's commitment.  We  know and so does Xiao Liu,  that Jing has already proven how much Xiao Liu is important to him.  Jing had also said in previous chapters, that anything Xiao Liu want, he would give and if he does not have it,  he would do everything to procure it for him.  Jing has been sincere and has proven this by his actions.  Jing had also said that he will away be there when / if Xiao Liu needs him.

Xiao liu looked at the chime and smiled coldly . We have seen in @ Symbolic analysis, "The wind chime represents Jing's attempts to mend and connect". By looking at it with a cold smile,  Xiao Liu is determine to see if this connection is strong. The cold smile show that he sure that he will get a rejection from Jing, he is in fact ready for it.    All will rest on Jing hands again. It will be a make it or break it moment for them both.  In my opinion, I find Xiao Liu  here unfair towards Jing. How many time does one needs to prove himself for him? I guess  we will have our answer when they finally meet and `Xiao Liu test Jing.   It is important to notice that Xiao Liu so far has only been interested in testing Jing's  and only Jing's commitment towards him.  

Xiao liu  at  Tu Shan Jing place 

[Jing Ye brought Xiao Liu to a study and inside Jing sat at a desk listening to two retainers give a report. Xiao Liu stepped back and enjoyed the flowers while the conversation finished inside. Jing Ye went inside to announce Xiao Liu and Jing came out and asked “What happened?”
Xiao Liu smiled wanly that Jing knew he wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t something he wanted. Xiao Liu turned around “Xuan Yuan’s Prince Zhuan Xu is waiting for me at Hui Chun Clinic to take me to see the Grand Emperor of Gao Xing Kingdom.”
Jing said slowly “I will accompany you to Gao Xing. The Grand Emperor is a sage ruler, he would not be looking to harm you.”
“It doesn’t matter to me if he’s a sage ruler or not. I don’t want to meet him!”
Jing asked “You want to run away?” Xiao Liu smiled “Yes, I want to run away.”
Jing replied “It’ll be very difficult.”

Xiao Liu nodded with more smiles “It is very difficult, if it wasn’t difficult I wouldn’t be here with you. The Tu Shan clan must have a secret passage way out of town. You help me escape.”
“Fine!”
Xiao Liu’s smile froze and he stared at Jing “Once escaped then its resisting an Imperial Summons from the Grand Emperor. Zhuan Xu will send people to track us down, and if we continue to resist he won’t hesitate to kill. The road ahead will be perilous, and even if we escape, you will have made an enemy of both the Gao Xing and Xuan Yuan Kingdoms.
Jing took Xiao Liu’s hand and pulled him into the study and said to Jing Ye “Prepare clothes, I’m taking Xiao Liu and leaving Qing Shui Town.”

Jing Ye must’ve heard what they said and glared in rage at Xiao Liu but held it in “My lord there is no need for you to be in danger, I will have two men accompany Master Liu out of town. I will stake my life on protecting him.”
Jing gently said “Prepare clothes for us.”
Jing Ye knew Jing made up his mind so didn’t dare speak again and went to prepare the clothes.]

 Though smiling Xiao Liu was   NOT  too  pleased to see that Jing  associate him - WXL coming his place,  to him only  needing something from Jing.  Xiao Liu has only himself to blame  for this.   Xiao Lu explained the situation  and what he wants. When Jing replied that it will be difficult, we see Xiao Liu smiled even  more and explained  that  he would not be here if it was not difficult.  Here  Xiao Liu is lying. He was  not really, here because he wanted Jing's help to escape. He was here because he wanted to find out if Jing  will put him above all the risk to himself  and his clan.  Xiao Liu then  state  " you help me escape"  she was not asking, but rather demanding  that Jing helps  him escape.  Xiao Liu is smiling not because he is happy,  but because  he is now testing Jing, purposely putting him in a tight and difficult position. He want to see that Jing  would not be able to help him.  Jing's  simple reply " Fine"  was  not at all what Xiao Liu expected  to hear. Xiao Liu tried  again  and this time explained all the dangers this would  bring.   Xiao Liu  could not believe that Jing was  actually  putting him before this clan, his name  and would stake his life to protect him.  This a the biggest proof of commitment  and Tu Shan Jing has pass the test as we can see. 

  Jing proceed to make some fake Jing and Xiao Yao out of some magic tools 

[ Jing pricked his middle finger and touched the doll and it transformed into the exact replica of Jing. The fake Jing handed the other doll and gently told Xiao Liu “It needs a drop of your blood.”
If Xiao Liu didn’t just see it with his own eyes, he would think that fake Jing was real and the sitting real Jing was fake. He pricked his finger on the doll which quickly got bigger and was the same size as Xiao Liu but its features were completely blank.
Jing Ye was stunned “How can this be, this was a treasure left by the Tu Shan ancestors and I’ve never heard of it transforming this way.”
Xiao Liu nervously laughed “Probably because I look so plain, the doll can’t recognize it.” Jing stood up and touched the fake Xiao Liu’s face and arranged his features until it looked just like Xiao Liu.
Xiao Liu sighed in relief “Fine, fine, it’s all fine now.”
The fake Xiao Liu doll laughed like Xiao Liu and spoke in the exact same voice as him “You don’t even know what you look like yourself, why blame me?”......................................

Jing ordered “You take them to change.” Jing Ye knew he made up his mind and went with the two dolls.
Jing walked up to Xiao Liu “If you change your looks, can it avoid all detection?” Xiao Liu hesitated and then nodded. Jing smiled “Then we’ll go with the plan.”
Xiao Liu’s heart was thumping wildly “You….you always knew I could transform my face?”
The power of transformation wasn’t a very hard power to learn, but only those with great power using it can truly transform and avoid detection. With Xiao Liu’s power, no one would believe him using the skill could avoid detection using a magical object seeker.
Jing said “The Tu Shan clan aren’t simply from the God tribe. One of our ancestors was the far-reaching original nine-tailed fox. So the bloodline of the Tu Shan family can all transform. I have the spiritual eye and can usually see through all transformation and masking spells and powers. That was how I was able to see Ah Nian’s true face and knew to avoid her. But everything about you seems real even to me, except my instinct tells me your face is fake. So…..that is why I can’t leave you. If I leave and you disappeared, it would be without a trace.”
Xiao Liu was stunned. Jing knew all along that he was fake..........................

The carriage started to move and it was dark and Xiao Liu and Jing were tightly pressed together due to its cramped space. When Xiao Liu went to look for Jing, it was a spur of the moment thing. He wanted to see Jing put in a tight spot, he wanted to hear Jing try to talk him into going to see the Grand Emperor and it was no big deal. Xiao Liu wanted to hear all of this with his own ears, so that he could use this cruel method to cut the final threads of longing in his heart, so that he could leave without a care, so that he could let Wen Xiao Liu vanish forever without any sadness.
But when Xiao Liu said he didn’t want to go and Jing never asked why he would rather risk death to escape than go, nor did he pause to think about his own danger before agreeing to help him escape, the longing in Xiao Liu’s heart expanded instead of being severed.]

The fake doll  shared a very important information in regards to Xiao Liu: Xiao Liu Does not know  how he looks like originally.  He does not know his original female features. Xiao Liu 's reaction  and words to the doll , amused me because we know that Jing knows this is not his real form.  The words from fake Xiao Liu are kind of sad  really. Xiao  has changed his face many times so cannot remember his real features.   I love Xiao Liu's  reaction to realising that Jing has known all along that his appearance was not  his real one.  This is such a contrast to the reaction Xiao Liu  had when Xiang Liu  touched the subject of his male form. When Jing explained  how he had  known and since when, Xiao is just stunned,  not afraid, doe not even deny it the way he  denied it to Xiang Liu. 

 We see Xiao Liu thinking about why he tested Jin  using this cruel method.  I am glad that he admitted that the method was indeed cruel. As he explained,  it is was in oder to cut the thread of longing in his heart.  It is important to note that the thread of longing  in his heart is only mentioned in relation to Jing. Xiao Liu has NEVER related his  thread of longing in his heart  to Xiang Liu nor Xuan. Only to Jing.   I love  how  Jing's acceptance to help him without asking  Why, has expanded  the longing in Xiao Liu's heart. Xiao Liu should have known that Jing would have helped him without any question or conditions after all he did say in chapter 2  "
“No matter what reason, there won’t be a second time when you need me but can’t find me.

Again I reiterate that the feeling of longing Xiao Liu  has,  has been ignited somehow by the presence of Jing in his life. This has not been ignited by anybody else before Jing  and so far even after meeting other people( from chapter 1n to 8) .   Xiao Liu reason for the test has nt been shared with Jing nor how Jing word has been affecting  his feeling of longing . 

parts 1 completed .  This is my 2 cents non how nu understood this parts of chapter 8 

Chapter 8 

Part 3- Dragon's  Bone prison - the crucial steps  in their journey to forever never parting.

 Jing and Xiao Liu have been put in the drago's bones prison.

[The cell door closed and Xiao Liu crawled over to Shi Qi, hitting him a few times angrily before snuggling by his side. It was pitch black in the cell and Xiao Liu closed his eyes as he felt the waves of pain from his leg hit him. Gradually he also passed out from the pain.
When Xiao Liu woke up, he didn’t know how much time had passed but he felt someone holding his hand. He moved and heard Shi Qi “Xiao Liu, you’re awake?”
“Yup, I’m in pain for laying too long.”
Shi Qi sat up and wanted to help Xiao Liu up but touched his leg and Xiao Liu yelped in pain. Shi Qi held him “You’re hurt?”
“Yeah.”
“Where?
“My legs.”
Shi Qi felt Xiao Liu’s legs and the pain lessened but Xiao Liu quickly said “You’re also injured, don’t use your powers.”
Shi Qi ignored him and touched the other leg and Xiao Liu yelled “Be good!”
Shi Qi said nothing and after he touched the legs Xiao Liu felt the pain lessen a lot. Shi Qi helped Xiao Liu up AND let him rest on his shoulder to be more comfortable. Shi Qi asked “You don’t want to see the Grand Emperor, is it because he will kill you if he sees you?”
Xiao Liu understood that Shi Qi was not trying to probe but needed to know what the Grand Emperor would do to Xiao Liu so that he could think about the right plan for now that would ensure Xiao Liu’s safety. Xiao Liu was silent for a moment then said “He won’t kill me.”]

{meaning of to snuggle by someone side: 

to lie or press closely, as for comfort or from affection; nestle; cuddle: When I wake up early, the children will often come and snuggle beside me when they hear me moving.

SNUGGLE Definition & Usage Examples - Dictionary.com

Dictionary.com
https://www.dictionary.com › browse › snuggle}

Xiao Liu tried to wake Shi Qi  up, but was angry that he could not. This shows that though  angry,  he is worried about Jing.  Xiao Liu end up nestling close to him. He is now comfortable  with Jing and has accepted him as his  support, his comfort. There is a level of intimacy that  it is  important to note because it  has  been initiated by  Xiao Liu himself just  it like earlier on in  this chapter.  Jing did not force  this on Xiao Liu before and  here Jing was unconscious.  Xiao Liu, then  gradually passed out due to the pain  from his broken legs.   I ended up disliking what Zhuan Xu did here.  I understand Xiao Liu transgression but it still pains me because not long ago, Zhuan Xu wanted to consider Xiao Liu as his first friend  and we saw earlier on Xiao Liu has  surrendered  himself. 

 Xiang Liu has the  voodoo bug now, he must have been feeling Xiao Liu's  pain the moment his legs got broken.  I am assuming that a few hours have passed  from that moment till now. Where is he?  I know he never explained why he took he bug in the first place but  is he not worried? After all Xiao Liu is his personal medicine and  he cares about him.   Then again why should he  be?  We know that Xiang Liu  only comes on his own terms aka when he wants something from  Xiao Liu, when  Xiao Liu calls him ( he did this once) and when Jing asked him to help saving Xiao Liu from  Xuan prison.   We see that Shi Qi did   everything within his power to  lessen Xiao Liu's  pain even  at  the expense of the  little power he has left, at the expense of his own well being. In order to achieve  this, he did not listen  to Xiao Liu words as he had  promised in chapter 1. 

 Xiao Liu showed here that he knows Shi Qi's behaviour very well and that he is not asking the question because he is curious but because he needed to plan  to ensure Xiao Liu safety.  This  quality has been demonstrated in thus far  by Tu Shan Jing.  I guess since he is dressed as Shi Qi, he is therefore Shi Qi.  Regardless of   him being Ye Shi Qi or Tu Shan Jing,  his personality is the same, he never pries.  Xiao Liu admitted  that the grand emperor will not harm him.   One cannot help but wonder why then was he so categoric about  in his refusal to meet say emperor. (We know why since the drama of course).

[Xiao Liu laughed “I don’t want to see the Grand Emperor for a different reason. Shi Qi, don’t worry about me, I stake my life on it that the Grand Emperor won’t kill me!”
Shi Qi could tell Xiao Liu was being serious so relaxed. Xiao Liu couldn’t help but secretly smile, every person must feel happy to have another worried about their welfare.
Shi Qi quietly held Xiao Liu and Xiao Liu quietly listened to his heartbeat. In this place of death, separated from the world’s enticements and entanglements, it made the complicated relationship between a man and a woman so very simple. It was just him and her. Xiao Liu suddenly felt right being here and that was calming.
Xiao Liu said “How about we never leave here.”
“Fine.”
“What’s fine?”
“It’s fine staying here.”
“What’s fine about it?”
“Just you. And me.”
Xiao Liu laughed knowing that Shi Qi also understood. There was so much that made life complicated purely due to circumstance. The old married couple living in the far off secluded mountains, they were actually the envy of so many who live glamorous lives of conflict.
Xiao Liu asked “Shi Qi, are you so good to me because you are repaying a debt?”
Shi Qi’s body stiffened and he said nothing for a long time. Xiao Liu was leaning on him so could feel his heart beating so fast it might burst out of his chest. Xiao Liu casually added “I saved you, let you stay for 6 years, and now you’ve done everything and more for me. When we get out, we’re really even. You don’t need to worry anymore, I will never go ask you for anything and get you in trouble. I promise to stay far far away from you……”
Xiao Liu’s mouth was suddenly shut by Shi Qi’s hand. Xiao Liu struggled but Shi Qi wouldn’t release his hand. Finally Xiao Liu naughtily licked the center of his palm with his tongue and Shi Qi was like being hit with an electric shock and released him. Xiao Liu was also shocked by what he just did and his mouth was gaping open and his entire face was flaming red.]

These are the  important  effects of Jing having pass the test  had on Xiao Liu.  This is  where the shift  in Xiao Liu's behaviour  takes full effect. This where their relationship officially start and we see why in the red highlighted part in the extract above and tin part 4  as we progress:  

1- We are witnessing Xiao Liu  smiling whilst admitting to himself that it is nice to have someone worried about ones well being = it is nice that Jing is worrying about his well being . 

2- In the this place of death, way from  the worries and burden  of the world and their life, it is just them  :  Shi Qi and Xiao Liu.  Their relationship looks so easy and simple  there as a man and a woman. They are sharing an intimate moment as Shin Qi is holding Xiao  Liu close to his chest:  whilst being held by Shi Qi,  Xiao Liu is quietly listening  his heartbeat . The writer is showing us that they do not need the help / use of an external factor  to connect .  Xiao Liu longes for her Shi Qi and Shi Qi longes for his Xiao Liu.  

"Xiao Liu felt right being there and it was calming". Here is not only  referring to  where they are but mostly to `Xiao Liu being in Jing arms.  It felt right for Xiao Liu to be there and it is bringing him a feeling of calmness. He proceeded to ask Shi Qi if they stay there (in that moment as they are) and never leave=forever. Shi Qi agrees. Xiao Liu wants to make sure that Jing understand  what he meant  to with he replies " Just  you and I".. Xiao Liu is happy that Jing understood him. No explanation needed.  The communication is clear between them and does not need much words. They both wants the same thing : to be together and  without worry and care  only about each other in a quiet  and simple place,  free from obligations, duties, family back ground.  they would grow old being the envy of all though they would not have much.

Xiao Liu shared his fear about why Shi Qi is treating him  with so much TLC (tender loving care). This fear has been there as we saw in previous chapters.  Xiao Liu explain himself further in a casual way . Here we see him again trying to pull himself away after having stated what he wants a few moments ago' He  makes a promise  :" I promised to stay far far away from you" .  We know it is  actually the opposite of what Xiao Liu really want.( see red in the  extra and bold in my analysis). Again we see that Xiao Liu is again trying to deny himself due to his fear abandonment.  He knew that what he was saying was affecting Shin Qin very much. He could feel  how fast  Shi Qi's heart was beating.  Shi Qi stopped him from saying any  further "none-sense ", shutting him up by placing  his hand on his lips. When Xiao Liu   tried to free himself but could not, he proceed to  do an  intimate/ sexual act  as a tease : he naughtily licked the centre of Shi Qin palm with his tongue.  This is beautiful because  it was not plan, it was an authentic reaction revealing his feeling for Shi Qi.  He wanted to taste Shi Qi and did so. Xiao Liu automatically blushed intensely. and was chocked by what he did.    This naughty act from Xiao Liu made  Shi Qi  feel  like  he received an electric chock. This tells us that the feeling between the is ELECTRIFYING .

Here is my  2 cents . hope e you enjoy.