A hidden-in-plain-sight heir apparent X a fiercely loyal guard
[The cover still bears the original title, Beneath Helan Mountain. It will be changed back after the story is complete.]
Seven years ago, Xiao Xian's no-good father sent him to Helan Mountain to fend for himself. There, Xiao Xian rescued a trained killer.
The killer was highly skilled in martial arts and quick on his feet. He was also exceptionally handsome, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a shapely backside. Most importantly, he was utterly loyal to Xiao Xian.
Later, he helped Xiao Xian return to the capital and became his personal guard.
-
Seven years have passed. An Li is still as loyal to Xiao Xian as ever, but Xiao Xian's feelings for him have changed.
He asked the man in black, standing half a step behind him, "An Li, I want to marry you. Would you be willing?"
The young guard dropped to his knees at once. "Master will marry someday. This subordinate wouldn't dare overstep. I'm already content just to stay by Master's side."
Xiao Xian was exasperated. "...You're certainly obedient."
-
A poison that had vanished for twenty years suddenly reappears, revealing a secret tied to the Western Xia royal court. The more Xiao Xian investigates its origins, the more he suspects that his young guard is no ordinary man. But before he can get a proper answer, An Li disappears while helping him escape.
Some say An Li is dead. Others say he's an ungrateful wretch who can't be trusted. Xiao Xian refuses to believe them.
Desperate, he searches for a long time. But when he finally finds his An Li, everything has changed.
-
A Xia man points to the figure Xiao Xian could never forget, even in death, and says, "This is a descendant of the Yeli clan, a Great Xia divine envoy who can communicate with Heaven and Earth."
"I've heard a great deal about you, envoy from the guest kingdom." Wearing a heavy mask that conceals his face, the divine envoy treats Xiao Xian with icy indifference. Xiao Xian's heart, which had just begun to rekindle, goes cold in an instant.
Xiao Xian thinks he must be losing his mind, imagining An Li because he's no longer at his side. But the longer he spends with the divine envoy, the deeper Xiao Xian's suspicions grow.
Finally, one day, Xiao Xian gathers his courage and lifts the divine envoy's mask.
Beneath it is the very face he has longed for day and night.
"Mas..." An Li fumbles for the mask, but Xiao Xian stops him.
"You acted well. You almost fooled even me." Xiao Xian's fingers caress the face he has yearned for day and night. An Li instinctively tries to apologize, but Xiao Xian's arms tighten around him.
"But now we need to settle the score for you not only deceiving me, but also daring to overstep your station."
*One-on-one romance, both are virgins
*A completely fictional setting. This version of Helan Mountain lies farther north than the real one. Other place names can be referenced on a map.
*All the strange customs and stories about Western Xia are dramatized fiction based on existing customs and background. They generally do not involve real historical events. When they do, the author's notes will explain the actual circumstances to avoid misleading readers. The history of the country and the culture of its people are respected.
*All the magical parasites are made up.
*Because life is very stressful, starting with this novel, I will finish drafting the whole story before posting, so that pressure won't affect the update schedule or quality.
Saved on September 8, 2025
Theme: "Thank you for the divine envoy's affection."
