[Fantasy] Dragon Soul Blood Jade (Complete) - 4-6

Chapter 4 The Beauty of the Brothel

Time flies. Du Ke remembered that it was only October when he first returned home, and now it's already mid-March of next year. More than five months have passed in the blink of an eye. When Du Ke woke up in the morning, he felt that his room was unusually bright compared to the past few days. With this question in mind, he opened the door and saw that the world was covered in ice and silver, a huge spring snow.

Having grown up in the north, Du Ke was naturally very familiar with snow, this flawless spirit that had fallen to earth. "Spring flowers, autumn moon, summer clouds, winter snow" are the most beautiful scenery of the four seasons, the most selfless gift that nature gives to mankind. Du Ke has always loved snow, but this winter, Chang'an City had not seen any snow, only howling north winds. But coincidentally, now that spring has arrived, it has started to snow. This was the first snowfall of the year in Chang'an. Gazing at the breathtaking scene, Du Ke was inexplicably inspired. He went to his desk, spread out Xuan paper, and with a flourish, wrote a copy of Wang Xizhi's "Letter After Snowfall," a masterpiece by the Eastern Jin Dynasty calligrapher. His brushstrokes flowed like clouds and water, completed in one stroke. The neat and elegant standard small regular script characters were arranged on the snow-white Xuan paper, a sight to behold.

Just as Du Ke was admiring his masterpiece, a sweet and intoxicating fragrance wafted from behind him. Du Ke's heart skipped a beat. The fragrance arrived before the person—his wretched sister-in-law was here again! She had driven him to distraction recently, and he had only managed to calm his restless heart after three days of practicing the "Ice Heart Manual," but now it seemed to be burning again. Pretending not to hear the approaching footsteps, Du Ke murmured to himself, "A heart as clear as ice, unperturbed even if the sky falls," the very essence of the "Ice Heart Manual."

A moment later, the beautiful woman stood before him. Du Ke turned around and saw a figure who had appeared countless times in his dreams walking gracefully towards him. A fiery red fox fur coat clung tightly to her curvaceous figure, as alluring as ever. A snow-white mink shawl draped over her shoulders, and a dark blue hood stood upright on her head. Her long, flowing black hair danced freely in the wind. She wore matching fiery red sharkskin boots, giving her a unique and captivating charm, completely different from her usual dignified and elegant demeanor.

"Brother, this brushwork is quite mature. Master Huiming truly deserves his reputation as a master calligrapher. With his personal instruction, this 'Quick Snow After Clearing' calligraphy has reached seven-tenths of its potential," Wen Hua commented objectively, oblivious to the turbulent emotions in Du Ke's heart, focusing only on the calligraphy on the table.

Du Ke hadn't heard a word she said; he was completely mesmerized by her uniquely charming attire, and had no time to think about how much skill he'd gained in calligraphy. He stared at the beautiful woman before him, longing to embrace her and shower her with affection, but bound by reason and law, he could only sigh in vain.

"Hey, are you listening to me? Grandpa will be back from the front lines in two days. You and your grandson haven't seen each other for almost ten years; you should take good care of yourselves." Wen Hua's tone changed abruptly, carrying an undeniable authority—the haughty air naturally cultivated by decades of being in a position of power.

Hearing the word "Grandpa," Du Ke snapped out of his reverie and murmured, "Oh, I see." Suddenly remembering something, he added, "Brother Lu invited me to drink at Lou Wai Lou this morning. I might be back late, so please don't wait for me for dinner, Sister." Wen Hua nodded, though she had some doubts, she didn't ask. After all, they were only uncle and sister-in-law, not husband and wife, and they needed to respect each other's privacy.

Soon it was noon. Du Ke told Wen Hua and then followed the servant sent by Lu Yun to Lou Wai Lou in Qinghefang. Just like last time, they discussed the Cold Iron Ring in a room on the second floor. However, this time Chen Shiying was away on official business dealing with the regional military governors, so only four people were present. When Du Ke arrived, Lu Yun and Cui Mingxuan were already there. The three of them went upstairs and waited for Zheng Huang in the same room as before. Because Cui Mingxuan abstained from alcohol, he could only drink a few sips of tea to console himself. However, Lu Yun and Du Ke found it rather uninteresting. They planned to go downstairs and drink until they were drunk if Zheng Huang didn't arrive. Cui Mingxuan just smiled and indicated that he had no objection.

After drinking a few sips of tea, Cui Mingxuan said, "In February of this year, Emperor Xianzong appointed Prince Deng, Li Ning, as Crown Prince. I estimate that the ring of the Li family of Longxi has already been passed to him." Although Du and Lu rarely left their homes, they still knew about such a big event. Hearing Cui Mingxuan say this, they nodded in unison. Cui Mingxuan took a sip of tea and continued, "Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan, except for Emperor Taizong, every successive heir to the throne has been the inheritor of the ring. If the crown prince dies young, the ring will be returned to the emperor until a new heir is confirmed, at which point it will be passed on to him. Emperor Taizong took the ring directly from Crown Prince Li Jiancheng through the Xuanwu Gate Incident. Now that Emperor Xianzong has established a crown prince, the ring must be in Li Ning's hands. We need to find a way to talk to him and see what he has to say." Lu and Du naturally had no objections, so the three of them waited for Zheng Huang to come and discuss the specifics.

After a long while, Zheng Huang still hadn't shown up. The three of them grew increasingly bored. Lu Yun, his spirits high, started clamoring to go downstairs for a drink. Cui Mingxuan shook his head, saying, "You're about to take the imperial examinations, yet you still haven't changed your ways."

"The imperial examinations don't forbid drinking. The examiner this time, Bai Letian, is a big drinker. I'm just playing to his tastes, haha!" Lu Yun said loudly and unrestrainedly. Du Ke naturally echoed him. Lu Yun continued, "My mother is very strict at home, and I haven't even had the chance to smell the aroma of wine. Brother Cui, please have pity on me. That brat Zheng Huang dared to break his promise today, and I certainly won't let him off easily. Let me have a couple of sips to satisfy my craving." Having said all that, even the most eloquent Cui Mingxuan was speechless and could only shake his head and let him go.

Lu Yun descended the stairs in high spirits, immediately ordering three jars of fine Shaoxing wine. His booming voice drew the attention of everyone below. Cui and Du, following behind him, felt slightly embarrassed under the gazes of the crowd, especially since Cui Mingxuan was the young master of the restaurant. Before Lu Yun could finish speaking, a captivating song drew everyone's attention. Lu Yun's face turned pale, all his drunkenness vanished, and he only wanted to escape. Du Ke noticed Lu Yun's unusual behavior and looked towards the source of the song. Not far away, by the window, sat a woman in white, about his age. Before her sat an ancient, dark gray zither. Her fingers danced across the strings, producing melodious and captivating music. Against the backdrop of the snow-covered landscape outside, her slender figure appeared even more delicate, like a pear blossom in the rain, evoking a sense of pity. Du Ke had seen many beautiful women; his sister-in-law, whom he saw every day, was an absolute beauty, and Gongsun Ruyan, whom he couldn't forget, was equally stunning. But seeing this woman made him realize how beautiful this mortal world truly was, like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, none of them inferior. Wen Hua was a well-bred young lady from a scholarly family, while Ruyan possessed a free-spirited, unconventional nature, daring to love and hate. Seeing this woman, however, gave him a mysterious and ethereal feeling. Her misty, ethereal temperament was unlike that of an ordinary woman, more like a wild orchid in a secluded valley, igniting his deep curiosity.

The woman, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings, began to sing softly: "A peerless beauty's name, I've thought of her countless times, yet I can't shake off the intoxication. High walls lock away her slender figure, her ethereal soul, lighter than a floating cloud. Even the parrot understands her pity. Alas, her tears haven't stopped. I only see the smiling faces of the new bride, who remembers the tearful lament of the old one..." The entire bustling tavern fell silent instantly. Everyone's gaze turned to the previously inconspicuous window, to the white figure. Only Lu Yun's brows furrowed deeply, his gaze fixed blankly on the ground, his eyes filled with deep, hidden pain.

After the song ended, its lingering melody seemed to last for three days. The woman stood up, bowed slightly, and said, "Young Master Cui, I apologize for the intrusion in playing and singing here." Cui Mingxuan quickly replied, "It's alright, it's alright. Your music is truly heavenly; how often can one hear it on earth? Your presence is an honor for Qinghefang, and it has brought glory to our humble Louwailou." His words were full of sincerity, but his eyes intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Lu Yun beside him. Among all the men present, only he did not look at the woman.

Only then did Du Ke realize that this woman had come for the handsome young man beside her, and that there must be a secret love-hate entanglement between them. Thinking of this, Du Ke's doubts deepened, and he sighed at Lu Yun's good fortune with women. But the woman's next words astonished him even more. She said, "Today, I, Shi Qingqing from Sichuan, will announce something before the whole world: I will pursue that man with all my might from this day forward, until I marry him. Everyone present, and even heaven and earth, can bear witness." With that, she pointed her slender finger at Lu Yun, a truly shocking statement that drew laughter from the entire restaurant. Everyone's eyes turned to Lu Yun, filled with envy and jealousy. Lu Yun, however, seemed oblivious, keeping his head down and remaining silent.

Cui Mingxuan was slightly taken aback, and slowly said, "Qingqing, why are you doing this?"

Shi Qingqing slowly replied, "I've said long ago that I will marry no one but him in this life. You and Sister Tang already know this, Brother Xuan. After my adoptive father died, my master lost all hope and had no desire to stay in this world. She won't care about me either." Her voice was soft, but her tone was resolute.

Chapter 5 Shallow Fate, Deep Affection

Hearing a woman declare her love so openly in public, the astonishment in everyone's hearts was unimaginable. Dozens of eyes stared blankly at Lu Yun, waiting for his response. Lu Yun remained silent for a long time, seemingly oblivious, then turned his head to the window expressionlessly, and softly said, "If life were only as beautiful as the first meeting, why would the west wind grieve over the painted fan? Easily changed is the heart of the beloved, yet they say it is the heart of the beloved that is fickle." Everyone heard it clearly, but their minds became increasingly confused, unable to comprehend the deep pain and helplessness within it.

Shi Qingqing stared intently at Lu Yun for a moment, then the song began again: "The wind brushes my sleeves, scattering my idle sorrows, yet how can I bear to see my heart's lake rippled? Several autumns have passed in the deep palace, I do not wish to be a willow by the palace wall. Alas, my love has been rooted for so long; time and again, before the emperor and behind others; alone I stand guard, sighing deeply, outside the window a slender shadow of flowers." The song was clear and melodious, accompanied by the sound of a zither like jade pendants from the heavens. The men in the tower were almost all stunned. "Back then, the empire was given away with ease, and the beauty was as exquisite as jade, enough to topple a city." With such a wife, what more could a woman ask for?

Du Ke, watching from the side, grew increasingly confused and whispered to Cui Mingxuan, "What exactly is going on? I'm completely baffled. Tell me about it when you have the chance." Cui Mingxuan, equally unsure, could only nod in agreement. Suddenly, Lu Yun spoke up, "Life is like a dream, youth like flowing water. There's really no need for unnecessary attachments. What's done is done. Qingqing, I, Lu Yun, am but a humble peddler, a country bumpkin. How could I trouble you with such a grand gesture? I truly dare not accept such praise. I am already engaged and will be married soon. If Miss Qingqing has time, perhaps you could come to Fanyang for a drink." He then looked out the window, his gaze filled with hidden pain.

In a flash, time returned to four years ago. Lu Yun was only sixteen, a time of youthful exuberance, a time of "friends and chivalrous youths roaming the Five Mausoleums, beautiful women and fine wine." That day, he accompanied his father, Lu Xuan, to Sichuan to visit Wei Gao, the military governor of Jiannan, and encountered Wei Gao's adopted daughter, Shi Qingqing, by the Huanhua Stream. A beautiful young man and a beautiful young woman, perhaps bound by a karmic entanglement from a past life; their destined love remains unfulfilled. Shi Qingqing, inheriting the mantle of the famous courtesan Xue Tao, is proficient in all arts and crafts, including music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and etiquette. However, the Lu family, a family of distinguished officials for generations, would never allow this relationship. Thus, they are separated, their love destined to end in mutual longing. Lu Yun's resistance is fierce, a fight to the death, but unexpectedly, Lu Yun's father falls seriously ill and eventually passes away. Lu Yun observes three years of mourning at home, only ending his mourning period last autumn.

He thought the matter was over, that being separated forever would be the most peaceful ending for them. However, Shi Qingqing, with her naturally passionate and unrestrained nature, disdains the formalities of feudal etiquette. Upon hearing that Lu Yun is engaged to the second daughter of the Wen family at her mother's behest, she reacts with such earth-shattering words and actions.

Hearing Lu Yun's response, Shi Qingqing's face turned pale. She remained silent, staring intently at Lu Yun. The crowd dispersed in twos and threes amidst the oppressive silence, leaving only Du Ke and his three companions, creating an awkward atmosphere. At this moment, Cui Mingxuan broke the silence, saying, "Qingqing, your sister Tang misses you terribly. Come back with me for dinner tonight." He then pulled Du Ke upstairs, leaving the two parties involved ample space.

After a long while, Shi Qingqing softly asked, "Is she beautiful? Do you love her? What's the wedding date?" Her tone was filled with deep sorrow and resentment, causing Lu Yun to feel a pang of heartache, yet his face remained calm as he replied, "I've only met her once. What feelings could there be? My parents didn't even know each other when they got married, yet they were a perfect couple, weren't they? The wedding date is set for after the imperial examinations in May." He then looked out the window.

"Do you want me to come?" Shi Qingqing asked slowly, her tone becoming indifferent, as if she were a stranger. Lu Yun felt a pang of pain in his heart, unsure how to answer the question, and stood there stunned for a moment.

The two downstairs remained silent, while Du Ke upstairs was filled with questions. He had barely entered when he asked, "What's the background of this Miss Qingqing? It seems Brother Lu is quite afraid of her." Cui Mingxuan, both amused and exasperated, murmured, "They were once each other's first love, pledging their lives to each other. But fate was cruel, their love was shallow, and destiny played a cruel trick. 'Last night the stars, last night the wind, the painted pavilion west, the cassia hall east,' Life is full of disappointments, and there's nothing we can do about it." He finished with a desolate sigh, which chilled Du Ke, making him feel as if he had aged several years in an instant.

Seeing his silence, Shi Qingqing was heartbroken. She took a pen from the counter, wrote a few words, and without telling Lu Yun, turned and left. Lu Yun watched the white figure recede into the distance until it disappeared from sight. Inadvertently, he glanced down and saw a piece of Xuan paper she had left behind. On it, written in delicate regular script, was a short poem: "Frost buries the night's sorrows, the cold moon withers the stars like flowing water. Where is the moonlit tower of longing? One morning, two evenings, or three autumns?" Lu Yun looked at it for a while, then thought for a while, finally pressing the Xuan paper tightly to his chest, as if protecting a most precious thing, his handsome face already streaked with tears.

As if witnessing this scene firsthand, Cui Mingxuan's ethereal voice came from upstairs: "

Fine rain sends off the dusk, a lost dream of Nanke is remembered. Obsession leads to loneliness, greed and anger, shallow fate, deep affection, each with their share. Clouds pass without a trace, the other shore's flowers bloom unheard. Holding hands, it's hard to keep those who come and go; dusting off, still a person of joy and sorrow, drinking water." Hearing this, Lu Yun murmured the line "still a person of joy and sorrow, drinking water," and for a moment, he was lost in thought.

Upstairs, Du Ke was also filled with sorrow. Thinking of himself and Ru Yan, he fell silent, sipping his bitter tea. They had once shared moments of quiet contemplation, "sitting together on the embroidered couch, blowing red petals in the rain; leaning against the carved balustrade, bathed in the setting sun," but today they were separated, each lost in their own world. How could he not be moved by the sight? The once bustling Lou Wai Lou restaurant was now desolate, with only Lu Yun's shadow stretched longer and longer by the window in the setting sun. In the distance, the mournful sound of a pipa drifted from the music hall. A few crows perched on an old tree entwined with withered vines by the ancient road outside the courtyard, their desolation accentuated by the blood-red sunset. The snow had stopped but hadn't melted. Looking out, all that remained was a blanket of white. Lu Yun lowered his head helplessly, sighing over the past that had vanished like smoke.

Meanwhile, on a desolate ancient road outside Chang'an, a bright green carriage slowly traveled away, heading further and further into the distance. Inside, Shi Qingqing sat calmly, murmuring, "Luoyang, I've arrived, Miss Wen. I've come to see who you are." Her pretty face, slightly raised, was filled with determination.

Inside the Lou Wai Lou restaurant, Lu Yun drank cup after cup of wine. Cui Mingxuan watched quietly, his eyes filled with pity and reluctance, yet also with helplessness. As Lu Yun's older brother, he knew best about Lu Yun and Qingqing's situation. When his wife, Tang Qi, was still unmarried, she and Shi Qingqing had been inseparable sisters. As an outsider, seeing them suffer so much, he felt truly distressed. Du Ke drank cup after cup with Lu Yun, tacitly avoiding mentioning the previous events, only seeking to drink until they were drunk. Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared before Du Ke. His eyes were blurry with drunkenness, and he couldn't see clearly, but he recognized the voice as Zheng Huang, who had arrived late due to family matters. After listening to Cui Mingxuan's account, he simply patted Lu Yun on the shoulder, then sat down beside him and poured himself a drink. The atmosphere became silent and deathly still once again.

In a daze, already eight-tenths drunk, Lu Yun suddenly realized that perhaps he really was a fickle, heartless man who had started a relationship only to abandon it. He still had Su Xue at home, and he was filled with resentment. Actually, this wasn't entirely his fault. From a young age, Lu Yun had practiced the family martial arts manual, "Butterfly Loves Flowers," with his father. His temperament had changed as his cultivation deepened. Like a butterfly loving a multitude of flowers, he should be able to "pass through a sea of blossoms without a single petal clinging to him." But he had just reached the "forgetfulness" stage, which was why he spoke such heartless words today. This "Butterfly Loves Flowers" manual was quite strange. At its peak, it required the practitioner to forget emotions, abandon all seven emotions and six desires, and empty the five aggregates. Yet, at its perfect stage, it said, "The highest good is like water, boundless love," requiring one to love and hate freely. Lu Yun was currently in the "forgetfulness" stage, which was why he could repeatedly restrain his desires when he was with Su Xue, maintaining clarity of mind at the last moment.

Lu Yun might never truly fall in love with anyone in his life, or he might be able to love many people at the same time—who knows? Is it the butterfly that loves the flower, or the flower that loves the butterfly? Who can truly understand? Right now, Lu Yun only wants to focus on taking the imperial examinations to fulfill his mother's wish to "restore the virtues of Yao and Shun and purify customs," and also to find the current owner of the Dragon-Patterned Blood Jade and fulfill his responsibility to protect the Nine Provinces. As for the rest, he can only let nature take its course.

Soon it was dusk, and as darkness fell, Cui Mingxuan helplessly helped three stumbling drunkards along the road home. Looking back at Lou Wai Lou, a very familiar feeling arose within him: "Life is like a bird, eventually scattering; moonlight is like water, forever flowing." This is the true meaning of life.

Life is but a dream; how can one find joy?

Chapter 6: Grandparents and Grandchildren Reunion

. By the time Du Ke, Lu Yun, and the others returned home, it was already evening. Today was the fourteenth day of the lunar calendar. The bright moon hung high in the azure sky, illuminating the already silvery-white city of Chang'an, making it appear even brighter. Du Ke walked home, the evening breeze much gentler. The effects of the alcohol had long worn off, though his breath still reeked of it. Thinking of his grandfather's imminent return, this was perhaps his last act of recklessness, and he felt a sense of relief.

As Du Ke entered the courtyard, he saw a familiar figure standing gracefully beneath the withered crabapple tree. Looking up, he saw she was dressed in a light blue outfit she had never worn before, her long black hair tightly bound by a pale blue tassel, her ponytail high in the air, and a greyish-blue sword at her waist—the attire of a free-spirited woman of the martial world. Du Ke was quite startled. Why was his usually dignified sister-in-law wielding a sword? Suspicious, he watched her from afar, not wanting to disturb her. She stood quietly beneath the tree, her brow furrowed, as if lost in thought. Suddenly, a bright silver sword flashed before his eyes. Wen Hua drew her sword, looked around, and launched herself into the air with a move called "White Crane Spreads Wings," dancing amidst the swirling snowflakes. It was none other than the famous Tang Dynasty piece, "General Pei's Full House of Power." Seeing his usually quiet and delicate sister-in-law suddenly unleash such a powerful aura, Du Ke realized that she was an unparalleled master. Even if Gongsun Da Niang herself were present, she would not be able to match that swordsmanship.

"Truly: Swift as Yi shooting down nine suns, graceful as emperors riding dragons. Coming like thunderbolts gathering their fury, ending like the clear light of the sea. My ancestor, Minister Du, was indeed not deceiving me." Du Ke gazed at this peerless sword dance from afar, marveling at it. After the song ended, Wen Hua made no attempt to hide anything and sat down under a tree to meditate and regulate her breathing. Not long after, he stood up, leaped several paces away, leaving Du Ke dumbfounded, marveling at the existence of such fluid and graceful lightness skill. Suddenly, Du Ke remembered that the brown ring from the Wen family had been passed down to his sister-in-law, and a sense of relief washed over him.

Back in his room, the stunning sword dance he had just witnessed still lingered in his mind. Du Ke thought, "My sister-in-law is a direct descendant of the Wen family of Taiyuan, and her martial arts are already so astonishing. I've truly been ignorant all this time. My Du family must also have its own family secrets, but Grandpa only gave me an ordinary book on Qi cultivation. I must ask him about it while he's back."

The next day, as if moved by the sorrow of parting, snow began to fall again from the gloomy sky. Du Ke gazed into the distance from his window, as if he could see people bidding farewell to their loved ones breaking willow branches in the snow at Ba Bridge as a memento. He then recalled the unpleasantness of the previous day. The thought of this filled him with a heavy heart.

Suddenly, the door opened with a soft "whoosh," and Du Ke turned around naturally. There stood the woman whose sword dance had captivated him the previous night, her delicate eyebrows lightly drawn, slowly approaching. Compared to his previous admiration and affection, Du Ke now felt more adoration and bewilderment towards this sister-in-law. Even though they were together day and night, he couldn't see through her, completely unaware of her thoughts. Wen Hua, unaware that someone had seen her practicing her sword the previous night, simply said, "Brother Ke, Grandpa will be home this afternoon. You should prepare yourself and not go out wandering around." Du Ke nodded in agreement, pondering how to ask his grandfather about the family's secret techniques. He couldn't find a good reason yet and was quite troubled.

Before he knew it, it was noon. Du Ke was waiting for his grandfather's return in the courtyard, with Wen Hua beside him, comforting him, "Don't be too nervous, Grandpa is very kind." Du Ke nodded in agreement, silently reciting the "Ice Heart Mantra" to calm his agitated emotions. Suddenly, several hearty laughs came from the main gate, followed by Steward Wu saying, "Master, you haven't been home for half a year. How have you been?"

"All good, all good. We won a great victory this time, and I'm taking advantage of the victory celebration banquet in the army to come and see you. Where is my Ke'er? Where is he?" The speaker was an old general with graying temples but a vigorous spirit. Dressed in military uniform, he looked heroic and showed no signs of the decline of old age.

"Grandpa, Grandpa, Ke'er is here. " "It was Du Ke who spoke. In a moment, he arrived at the door. The grandfather and grandson stood there for a long time, gazing at each other. Du Ke, like a child, rushed into Du Shang's arms, his expression a mixture of tears and laughter, quite amusing. After ten years apart, Du Shang was also moved to tears, holding his beloved grandson tightly and murmuring, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back..."

The crowd accompanied the old master, who had just returned home, for lunch, and then discreetly dispersed in twos and threes, giving the long-separated grandfather and grandson some space to whisper to each other. Du Ke sat at the lower end of the table, wanting to speak but unsure what to say, patiently waiting for his grandfather to speak first. After a while, Du Shang asked, "How have you been at Shaolin these years? Have you suffered?" As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Du Ke, full of affection. Du Ke knew this was the feeling of kinship and blood ties, and his heart warmed. He said tremblingly, "Everything is fine. My master treated me very well, and my chronic illness has been cured." "My master also taught me two sets of supreme Buddhist martial arts techniques." Hearing this, Du Shang's eyes lit up, and he blurted out, "Master Huiming's kindness to our Du family is truly immeasurable! It's a pity he passed away, otherwise I would definitely go to Mount Song to express my gratitude. Ke'er, you said you know martial arts?"

"Yes, when I was eleven years old, my master began to teach me some basic martial arts. I practiced a set of Arhat Fist for a full six months. As I grew older, the skills my master taught became more and more profound. He not only told me all the secrets that Buddhism doesn't pass on, but also shared his own insights and experiences with me, which made it easier for me to understand." "Du Ke said slowly, his gaze drifting to the window, his face full of longing and sorrow.

Du Shang knew that his grandson was fortunate to have met a famous teacher from a young age, which greatly comforted him. After thinking for a while, he took out a small booklet from his pocket and solemnly said, "This is the Du family's secret technique of Jingzhao, the 'Dragon Evolution Spear Technique.' It is the only spear technique in the world that can be considered a Heaven-level martial arts manual. Ordinary spear techniques are at most Earth-level martial arts. If one can master the 'Dragon Evolution Spear Technique,' one's martial arts will surely reach the pinnacle of perfection. It is said that one can reach the legendary state of refining the spirit and returning to emptiness, where the limbs and senses become one with heaven and earth. At that time, even plucking a leaf or flying flower can take a life. However, our ancestors taught that one must not force oneself to practice it without the right opportunity, otherwise there is a risk of going into qi deviation, not only losing all one's martial arts but also risking one's life. Take this back to your room and study it carefully. Tell me about your insights and understanding tomorrow morning."

Du Ke listened with great excitement. Although there were still some parts he didn't understand, he nodded repeatedly, trembling as he took the unassuming little booklet, clutching it to his chest as if it were a priceless treasure. He asked, "Grandpa, what is 'Refining the Spirit and Returning to Emptiness'?" "

Yes, that's the highest realm of martial arts passed down from ancient times, also known as 'Shattering the Void.' In modern times, apart from Bodhidharma, the founder of Shaolin Temple who crossed the sea to the east, no one has reached this realm. Ke'er, remember, the way of martial arts is also the way of heaven. Martial artists should always remember the purpose of these martial arts, and should aspire to bring happiness to the people of the world. They must never bully the weak or oppress the vulnerable." As he spoke, Du Shang's tone became increasingly solemn, and his expression grew more serious, causing Du Ke to nod vigorously.

After a long pause, Du Shang continued, "This 'Dragon Evolution Spear Technique' was passed down from the ancient True Dragon Emperor, Xuanyuan Huangdi. When Xuanyuan Huangdi subdued the Eastern Wilderness Dragon Clan, he held the Heavenly Punishment Spear and observed the dragons soaring across the four seas. Moved by this, he unleashed this technique, its power capable of overturning rivers and seas, changing the world in an instant—truly extraordinary. Naturally, it is also subject to the constraints of nature; in the past three thousand years, only a handful of people have truly mastered it."

Hearing this, Du Ke felt a chill run down his spine. This kind of martial art was truly ethereal and unattainable. So many sages of the past could not succeed; what ability did he, Du Ke, have to master it? Thinking of this, a sense of despair welled up within him, but then he heard Du Shang say, "Of course, the 'Dragon Evolution Spear Technique' is profound and extensive. All martial arts, regardless of their outward appearance, ultimately lead to the same goal. When one reaches a certain level, they will all have the same understanding of nature. If you can grasp even one level of this spear technique, Grandpa can guarantee you'll stand out among your generation of young people." Hearing his grandfather say this, Du Ke felt like a lost child who had seen a guiding light. His excitement returned, and all he wanted to do was rush back to his room to witness the splendor of this unparalleled martial art.

As if seeing through his grandson's current state of mind, Du Shang stroked his gray beard and smiled, saying, "Don't rush, there's plenty of time. Play a game of chess with Grandpa first. When we go back to review it, remember not to skim over it or take things out of context

. If there's anything you don't understand, be sure to speak up. Never try to learn it based on your so-called intuition, or you'll easily go astray." "Okay. I understand," Du Ke nodded obediently, his curiosity about the spear technique growing stronger, but he had no choice but to stay because his grandfather insisted on playing chess with him

. Soon, two games were over. Because of his divine flight beyond the nine heavens, Du Ke lost both games. Seeing that his grandson had no interest in playing chess with him, Du Shang sent him back to his room. Watching Du Ke's departing figure, Du Shang smiled thoughtfully, unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow.

Chapter 7 Dragon Spear

Technique Du Ke returned to his room in high spirits, his excitement palpable. Refining the Spirit and Returning to Emptiness—that was the ultimate goal of all martial artists. It was said that those who mastered it could see through worldly affairs and comprehend the Dao, becoming selfless and desireless, seeking only to give, just as the Daoists said: "The highest good is like water, which benefits all things without taking anything in return." Du Ke wondered if the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of the ancient times had all reached this realm. No one knew the answer. No one knew what they had done or where they had gone, only leaving behind too many glorious legends. Even Sima Qian couldn't explain it clearly, let alone others.

Du Ke carefully took the small booklet from his robes and placed it on the table next to the oil lamp. He then carefully closed all the doors and windows before quietly sitting down at the table, simply looking at it without turning the pages. His mind was filled with countless thoughts: If I didn't have this opportunity to comprehend it, would my grandfather be very disappointed? With this thought, a sense of fear arose in Du Ke's heart, and he didn't even want to open it. After a long while, and having calmed himself down several times, Du Ke finally decided to take a look first. He reached for the thin booklet, and in the dim light, he could clearly see four ancient seal script characters written in red on the yellowed cover: "Dragon's Spear Technique." Upon seeing these characters, his hand holding the booklet trembled involuntarily, almost dropping the light object. When he slowly opened it, the contents of the first page left him speechless: an ancient erotic painting, its brushwork exquisitely delicate, its vivid depiction of the figures in no way inferior to that of Wu Daozi, the painting master of the Kaiyuan era. Du Ke, a novice, blushed and his blood boiled.

Du Ke suddenly snapped back to reality, as if mocked, and stood up angrily, intending to confront Du Shang, only to find a line of small characters written below the painting: "In 2200 BC, the Maiden of the Plain descended to earth to teach Xuanyuan the art of the bedroom. Half a year later, Xuanyuan mastered the technique and attained enlightenment." Du Ke was both amused and exasperated. What kind of lousy martial arts manual was this, spreading such obscene ideas? However, Du Ke's anger had subsided. After all, he was still a young man, and he too was somewhat restrained by the desires that had been suppressed within him for too long. He slowly turned to the second page, where it read: "The man desires to receive, but the woman is not happy; the woman desires to receive, but the man is not interested. Their hearts are not in harmony, and their essence cannot be felt. When the man desires the woman, and the woman desires the man, their feelings are in harmony, and both will find pleasure." This was a direct quote from the *Su Nu Jing* (Classic of the Plain Girl), emphasizing the principle that without love there is no desire, advocating for natural order and morality, but only on the basis of mutual affection and harmony of yin and yang, can one enjoy the pleasures of sex. These were commonplace truths for married people or those who frequented brothels, but Du Ke, a virgin, was completely bewildered, his mind a jumbled mess.

He spent most of the night in a daze, filled with disappointment, and deeply troubled, unsure how to explain it to his grandfather the next morning. Suddenly, a sentence on page nine caught Du Ke's attention. It read: "The spear, along with the sword, is considered the foremost of all weapons. Its essence lies in the blocking, sweeping, thrusting, and stabbing with the spear tip. When wielded, it should flash like silver light, like twinkling stars, unleashing a deadly move in an instant, leaving the opponent defenseless. Therefore, the way of the spear lies in speed and change. Those who practice the spear should be quick-witted and clear-headed, not relying solely on brute force. More importantly, they must have the will." Upon reading this, Du Ke finally saw what he was looking for. However, the following sentence left him speechless with frustration: "Spear techniques value speed and change. Therefore, future generations of the Du family should learn spear techniques based on their unparalleled agility. As for the specific moves, they should be learned through actual combat."

There were no direct moves provided. Du Ke felt extremely frustrated, yet helpless. Suddenly, Du Ke remembered his grandfather's words about opportunities—perhaps referring to a flash of inspiration or creativity. In truth, Du Ke had studied Buddhism for nearly ten years, so his basic skills were undoubtedly excellent. Whether he could comprehend the essence of the art truly depended on fate, much like the Zen Buddhist concept. Zen values the instantaneous moment of enlightenment; the saying "one thought to become a Buddha, one thought to become a demon" illustrates this principle. Only now did Du Ke begin to grasp the meaning. Each subsequent page contained the insights and techniques created by generations of masters in the Du family, but only the origins of the techniques and the figures and locations were recorded; the actual illustrations remained blank, left for future generations to comprehend on their own.

The thought of comprehending it himself gave Du Ke a headache. It was easier said than done. Besides, if it was all left to future generations to comprehend, what was the point of this manual? Was it merely to record the great achievements of the Du family's ancestors? Du Ke's interest waned, and he listlessly flipped through the pages. Suddenly, a sentence written in vermilion ink caught his attention. It was a line of crooked, ancient pictographic characters. Could this be the general outline passed down by the Yellow Emperor? Du Ke was overjoyed, but unable to understand the content, he could only sigh in frustration. Perhaps he could ask his grandfather tomorrow morning. Thinking this, Du Ke felt relieved and went to sleep.

The next day, Du Ke woke up early and found his grandfather practicing his spear in the courtyard. Du Ke watched closely; indeed, his grandfather was proficient in blocking, sweeping, thrusting, and stabbing—each technique flawless. The flowing silver-white spear was like a dragon emerging from the abyss, seemingly poised to soar ninety thousand miles into the sky. The spear tip gleamed with silver light, like twinkling stars, captivating the eye. The spear moved with impenetrable skill, not even a drop of water could penetrate it. His power and speed were perfectly controlled, clearly the style of a master with decades of experience. Du Ke recalled his grandfather's youthful days when he abandoned his studies to join the army; before that, he had been nothing more than a frail scholar. He himself had nearly ten years of basic training, and if he fell short, he would be utterly ashamed.

The people in the courtyard, though old, were still vigorous, bathed in the glow of the setting sun; the onlookers, young and full of youthful enthusiasm, were equally excited. The grandfather and grandson formed a harmonious and complementary scene. The old man finished with a "Looking Back at the Moon" move, executed flawlessly from beginning to end, a display of effortless grace. Du Ke was witnessing the wonder of his family's secret technique for the first time, and his excitement was palpable. He was eager to try it himself, but unfortunately, he didn't even know the basic rules of handling a gun, so his idea had to remain unfulfilled.

"Did you gain any insights last night? Tell me what you learned," Du Shang asked breathlessly. He was getting old after all; his stamina was no match for that of a young man.

“Grandpa, this spear technique is nothing but a hoax, all empty talk,” Duke said without hesitation. He thought his grandfather was going to scold him, but instead, Du Shang laughed loudly three times and said happily, “Good, good, good.” These three “good” words only confused Duke more. He heard Du Shang continue, “You’re absolutely right. This so-called ‘Dragon Evolution Spear Technique’ is nothing more than the enlightenment that the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan gained when a true dragon emerged from the abyss. We, his descendants, have neither the Yellow Emperor’s enlightenment and imagination, nor his unparalleled opportunities and luck. To try to understand the Dao of Heaven is like a summer insect talking about ice, a fool’s dream. However, since our ancestors passed this booklet down from generation to generation, there must be a reason for it. Now, have you gained any insights? Tell me about it.”

"This booklet embodies the spirit of our Du family ancestors' pursuit of martial arts. As Qu Yuan aptly put it, 'The road ahead is long and arduous, but I will persevere in my pursuit.' Although our ancestors gained some insights, they only recorded the basic parameters such as the origin, time, place, and people involved in each spear technique, without mentioning the specific movements or methods of breath control. This is a painstaking effort, intended to encourage us to diligently study and innovate with the times, so as not to fall behind. Even the most unparalleled spear technique is only suitable for its creator; it is intimately connected to the entire structure of his body, and is passed down to future generations." "I'm afraid it will only lead to the calamity of greedy people going astray." Du Ke spoke with fervor, his tone growing increasingly impassioned. Du Shang's smile deepened as well. After Du Ke finished speaking, this usually dignified and imposing marshal, who commanded the three armies, leaped up with joy and tightly embraced Du Ke, murmuring excitedly, "Truly, a great teacher produces a great student. You have not failed me. Ke'er, Grandpa is getting old. I was out of breath after just a short while practicing. My Du family is already small, and we have suffered many misfortunes. The future of the Du family still depends on you." His voice trembled, as if he were about to cry. Du Ke was also deeply moved, his eyes reddening, but he stubbornly held back the tears that were welling up in his eyes.

After a while, the grandfather and grandson recovered from their reverie. Du Shang said, "Ke'er, I arranged a marriage for you while I was in the army. It's the daughter of the Yang family of Hongnong. Her father has been my deputy for many years and is a pillar of our Tang army. I've met that girl; she's dressed in military uniform, full of heroic spirit, and a perfect match for you. As you've seen, the first chapter of the Dragon's Spear Technique mentions matters between men and women, advocating the simultaneous cultivation of yin and yang, which should yield twice the results with half the effort. Otherwise, an excess of yang energy might lead to qi deviation. It's good that you get married sooner, so I can give an explanation to your deceased parents and elder brother." The old general's voice choked up again when he spoke of his deceased friend.

Hearing that his grandfather had arranged a marriage for him with someone he had never met before—a carefree and heroic woman—Du Ke couldn't help but think of Gongsun Ruyan, who was deeply etched in his heart. His face turned pale, and his heart ached terribly. Only then did Du Ke understand the deep melancholy and helplessness on Lu Yun and Zheng Huang's faces when they mentioned marriage. They, like him, had someone they loved but were separated by distance. Only those who had truly experienced this could understand their feelings. Du Ke was powerless to resist his grandfather's wishes and couldn't find a reason to do so. He didn't even understand if his feelings were one-sided.

Time flies, and the past fades like smoke; only time could wash away all the heartache and helplessness. "Ru Yan, I only wish you all the best," Du Ke silently said in his heart.

Chapter 8: Deep Affection

Ever since learning from his grandfather about his arranged marriage, Du Ke had been sullen, practicing his marksmanship like a madman. He had mastered the basic techniques, but he always lacked that one touch of divine inspiration, causing his marksmanship to stagnate. Wen Hua knew what he was thinking but couldn't find a reason to comfort him, so she could only watch from afar. The thought of Du Ke having a fiancée stirred a pang of sadness in Wen Hua's heart, a feeling that inexplicably terrified her, causing her to avoid seeing him for several days. Du Ke immersed himself in the study of marksmanship, hoping to forget his inner wounds, but every time he dreamt of him in the middle of the night, that familiar figure lingered in his mind.

Soon, more than half a month had passed, and Du Shang was hastily summoned back to the military camp by imperial decree to take charge of the overall situation... Before he knew it, today was the season for light rain, and the heavens cooperated, actually drizzling down. Because of the dampness outside, Du Ke did not practice his marksmanship today. Suddenly, on a whim, he sat at his desk by the window reading poetry, occasionally glancing at the misty early spring scenery outside, finding contentment in the moment.

"A light rain on the imperial street, as soft as butter, the grass appears green from afar but is barely visible up close. This is the best time of year in spring, far surpassing the misty willows that fill the capital." Du Ke, gazing at the scene outside his window, happened to read this poem, "Early Spring Presented to Zhang Shiban, Assistant Minister of Waterways," and couldn't help but applaud Han Yu's seven-character quatrain. It truly depicted the scene of early spring rain so vividly; even Wu Daozi himself couldn't have captured it better. Du Ke sat on the soft couch, closing his eyes to rest. His thoughts drifted, recalling that passionate embrace of that night. Now, the howling wind and the boundless darkness seemed so gentle and pleasant, unforgettable, a lingering, cherished memory. Then he remembered his betrothed status, no longer a free man, and a pang of sadness struck him. His spirits plummeted, and his gaze towards the window lost all appreciation for the scenery, replaced by boundless bewilderment.

After a long while, Du Ke broke free from his deep longing and suddenly realized that his sister-in-law had become much more distant from him these past few days. He couldn't help but feel some resentment towards his grandfather's hasty decision, but mostly just helplessness. Naturally, the Dragon Spear Technique had the greatest impact on Du Ke. Now he understood that the three realms of Taoism—"refining essence into qi, refining qi into spirit, and refining spirit into emptiness"—were actually the three realms of martial arts, only that Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, had concretized this process. Those who have a foundation in martial arts from childhood will naturally reach the realm of refining qi into spirit by adulthood through their training. However, this realm is the most difficult to break through. Besides daily hard work, it requires guidance from a master and that most elusive opportunity in life. But such opportunities rarely appear, so most masters of both internal and external martial arts remain at the peak of refining spirit throughout their lives, lacking that one moment of sudden enlightenment. When Buddha Shakyamuni held up a flower at Vulture Peak to demonstrate his wisdom, the monks were bewildered, except for his chief disciple, Mahakasyapa, who smiled slightly. The Buddha smiled back, and thus the Buddhist path was completed. This smile is what distinguishes Mahakasyapa from others. Holding up a flower is the Way, observing a flower is the Way, the bright moon is the Way, the gentle breeze is the Way; the key lies in that single moment of enlightenment. All paths lead to the same destination; the Way of Heaven is the same for everyone, only each person excels in different areas, walking different paths to the same end. Du Ke entered the Way through spear techniques, Wen Hua through swordsmanship, and Lu Yun through mental cultivation—essentially, there is no difference.

Du Ke had diligently practiced for a long time, mastering the basic techniques of spear techniques, reaching the initial stage of Refining Essence in martial arts; all he lacked was combat experience. Du Ke had also grasped the concepts of creation and change emphasized in the Dragon's Edge Spear Technique, but being idle at home every day, he lacked the opportunity. Therefore, Du Ke suddenly had a whim to travel far from home.

He had been away from home for ten years in his youth, and had only lived there for half a year before deciding to travel far again. Naturally, his family disapproved, except for his sister-in-law, Wen Hua, who supported him. Du Ke knew she, like him, had reached a bottleneck and needed to improve her skills through experience; after all, many things couldn't be taught from books, only through personal experience.

Even more unexpectedly, Wen Hua made a decision that defied societal norms: she would accompany Du Ke on his travels. As uncle and sister-in-law, their relationship was bound to attract criticism, and Du Ke couldn't guarantee he could resist impure thoughts while traveling with his beauty—especially since he couldn't resist perusing the erotic pictures in that booklet every day. However, considering that his beauty only wanted to find her own opportunity, hence her unconventional decision, Du Ke supported and understood his fellow martial arts enthusiast. Whether she had ulterior motives, only he knew.

On the day of their departure, to everyone's astonishment, Du Ke, dressed in a simple blue robe, and Wen Hua, also in a blue outfit, rode side by side away from the Du family mansion, venturing into the world of martial arts to seek opportunities and enlightenment amidst life and death.

On the ancient road outside Chang'an, two magnificent white horses galloped side by side, carrying a pair of handsome young men who seemed to have stepped out of a painting, drawing admiring glances from onlookers. Some women even gazed at them for a long time, their cheeks flushed. These two young men were, of course, Du Ke and Wen Hua, disguised as a man. The martial world was a place of constant conflict; "Martial arts heroes grow old in the martial world, once you enter the martial world, time flies." It was only because Wen Hua was too beautiful that her sudden appearance would have too great an impact on the martial world. Disguising herself as a man could at least conceal her undeniable natural beauty, and traveling with two men was far better than traveling with only one woman. Their first stop was Luoyang, where Wen Hua would personally return home to bid farewell to her father and sister, and personally explain this rather absurd situation to them.

Half a month ago, Wen Hua had also traveled on this avenue, but her status and style of travel were different. Last time, she was the head of the Du family of Jingzhao, and she was surrounded by wealthy businessmen who spent lavishly on business, so her clothes were naturally extremely luxurious to reflect her status. This time, she was an ordinary scion of a noble family who had entered the martial arts world to gain experience, and even her gender had to be slightly concealed, let alone the powerful and renowned Du and Wen families. The two chatted and laughed along the way, getting along harmoniously. To outsiders, they seemed to be longtime friends on an outing, but who knew that their genders were so ambiguous and difficult to discern? Wen Hua's disguise skills were only half-baked. Needless to say, her red lips and white teeth were perfect, but the pigment she used to darken her cheeks was of inferior quality. With a light wipe of sweat, her seductive charm was revealed. Wen Hua had lived a secluded life in her chambers since childhood. Even her martial arts training was taught at home by her father and master. After marriage, she remained a widow until now. Aside from polite social interactions, she had never truly shed the shackles of her identity to travel. This time, she was determined to venture out, not only to seek opportunities but also to fulfill a long-cherished wish: to "let the sky be high and the sea wide and the fish leap freely." The joy and delight she felt were unimaginable. Thus, she smiled radiantly throughout. Although dressed as a man, she possessed a unique and dashing charm, captivating Du Ke completely. He stared blankly at the handsome young man beside him, oblivious to the strange looks from others.

Being martial artists since childhood, the two, though pampered, were in excellent physical condition. They galloped for a long time without showing any signs of fatigue, but the two white horses suffered, panting and sweating profusely. Without rest, they risked exhaustion and even death. Being a woman, Wen Hua was more perceptive. Noticing the condition of the two horses beneath her, she felt a pang of pity and said, "Brother Ke, let's dismount and rest for a while. Aren't you tired? Aren't the horses tired too?" With his beloved by his side, Du Ke paid no heed to such trivial matters, having long forgotten the plight of his horses. Hearing the beauty's words, he hastily pulled on the reins, feeling deeply ashamed. Having been exposed to the Buddhist teachings of equality for all beings for nearly ten years, he still possessed a compassionate heart. His actions now contradicted his master's teachings, causing his handsome face to flush red. He consciously went to the river to feed and wash the horses. Wen Hua found it amusing, and seeing no one else around, she laughed so hard she bent over, her tight-fitting men's clothing accentuating her curvaceous figure. Du Ke, watching from the side, felt his blood boil. He silently recited the "Ice Heart Mantra" for a long time before regaining his composure and hurriedly ran away.

By the time Du Ke returned after feeding the horses, it was already late. They were in the middle of nowhere, a desolate wilderness with only a patch of newly sprouting grass and a large, ancient boxwood. Fortunately, it was near a river, offering a decent view. Wen Hua and her companion had brought sufficient supplies, so spending the night outdoors wasn't a problem. However, as a couple traveling together, the allure of night was palpable. After eating their provisions, they sat silently facing each other by the burning campfire, as if by unspoken agreement. Wen Hua kept her head down, her gaze shifting, occasionally glancing at him. Du Ke, at this moment, truly resembled a lay disciple of Zen Buddhism, sitting quietly in meditation, eyes closed, murmuring the "Ice Heart Mantra." Wen Hua felt a surge of comfort, yet also a pang of sadness. Did she truly have no charm whatsoever? Thinking of this, and remembering that she was seven or eight years older than him, she felt even more sorrowful, and sat upright to meditate, almost as if in a fit of pique.

The two slept peacefully through the night. When they awoke in the morning, Wen Hua was wearing a simple blue robe. Touching this ordinary garment, the beauty's emotions were palpable. She got up and looked around; the campfire that had burned for almost the entire night was long gone, and Du Ke and the two horses were nowhere to be seen. Her belongings, however, were still there. Wen Hua knew he wouldn't abandon her like this, and quickly realized he must have gone to feed the horses. This unspoken understanding deeply moved her, and this scene often appeared in her dreams afterward, leading to the saying, "A deep and abiding love, like the autumn rain in the empty mountains."

What kind of passionate encounters awaited them on their journey? All will be revealed in the Dragon Soul Blood Jade; let Qingxin tell the story slowly. April 26th,
Chapter 9: Warmth on the Journey.

The journey from Chang'an to Luoyang wasn't particularly long, but it still took the two of them quite a while traveling alone. The plank road was flat and wide, wide enough for a six-horse carriage to travel side-by-side. Both of them were martial arts practitioners from childhood, so the arduous journey wasn't a problem. However, there were very few houses along the plank road, let alone inns. Sometimes they'd find a small teahouse, which was considered a good opportunity to stop for a cup of tea and some provisions.

That day, as dusk approached, Du Ke looked around the plank road and realized they had once again wandered into a desolate wilderness, far from any village or inn. It seemed they would have to spend the night outdoors. He, a grown man, wasn't too bothered, but his sister-in-law, being a daughter of a prominent family, felt very sorry for her suffering so much. Reaching the edge of a grove of trees, they saw two tall, proud pine trees. Du Ke, thinking they would rest under them for the night, pointed to the trees and said, "Sister-in-law, let's rest under these two trees for the night. If we travel another day, we'll reach Luoyang the day after." Wen Hua naturally had no objections, and the two dismounted and headed straight for the trees.

As usual, they divided the tasks: Du Ke fed and washed the horses, while Wen Hua gathered firewood to light at night to ward off wild animals like jackals. Soon, darkness fell, and after resting for a while, they naturally fell asleep. In the middle of the night, Du Ke vaguely heard the sound of horses neighing. He quickly woke up alertly and clearly heard a voice say, "Brother, isn't it wrong of us to steal horses like this? Father told us before he died that even if we're poor, we should be poor with dignity. I think we should forget about this petty theft." Du Ke opened his eyes slightly and looked in the direction of the voice. In the bright moonlight, he saw two men dressed like ordinary people untying their white horses from a tree. The one who had spoken was the younger one, and the older one said, "Brother, I'm desperate. That doctor in the village is heartless. Mother is so sick, he won't bother to make a house call with our meager earnings. These two horses will give us a lot of money, enough to pay for Mother's medical treatment. They look like they've run away from a wealthy family and won't dare to make a scene. Besides, we've only taken two horses, we haven't touched any of our belongings. Don't hesitate, let's go quickly, it's almost dawn." After saying that, he led the horses away into the distance.

Du Ke, thinking that if they had touched the baggage, they wouldn't still be standing there, continued to observe without showing any emotion. He noticed that the younger brother's face was filled with pain. After hesitating for a long time, he said tremblingly, "Brother, this horse is enough for Mother's treatment. Let's give them the other one. They've suffered a lot wandering the world. If they lose their horses, they'll be caught and it will be terrible. As the saying goes, 'I didn't kill Bo Ren, but Bo Ren died because of me.' I'll be uneasy day and night if I do that." After saying this, he actually tied Du Ke's horse back to the tree and followed his brother away. In the distance, they could only hear the older brother sighing and saying, "You've only studied the classics for a few years. You're too kind-hearted, always thinking of others. Sigh! Fine, I'll be the bad guy, you can be the good guy. Hurry up and go. Mother is waiting for us to buy her medicine..." His voice grew fainter and fainter until it was no longer audible.

Du Ke watched the scene unfold clearly. He remembered that the older man was the one who had run the teahouse at noon, and the younger one had been adding firewood and reading a book. It seemed they had been eyeing Du Ke and his companion since noon, having followed them all the way. Du Ke, being a young man new to the world, had a pure and innocent heart. Seeing that they were only trying to save his mother and had no ill intentions—they had only taken a horse, their belongings and money were still there—he naturally felt compassion. He pretended to be asleep and let them go. Having practiced Zen Buddhism for nearly ten years, Du Ke had absorbed some Buddhist compassion. The thought that a horse had saved a life filled him with joy, making him feel he had indirectly saved a life. With this thought, Du Ke forgot about the lost horse. Looking up, he saw the beautiful woman opposite him sleeping soundly, a slight smile on her lips, seemingly oblivious to everything around her. He couldn't bear to wake her. Seeing that it was still early before dawn, Du Ke closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

Soon, dawn broke, and Wen Hua awoke from her sleep. The morning sunlight shone directly into her eyes, almost blinding her. She rubbed her eyes, stretched her hunched figure, and stood up as usual, looking around. To her surprise, she found Du Ke still asleep under the pine tree opposite. From her angle, she could only see his slightly turned face, which, in the warm sunlight, was exceptionally handsome, as pure and innocent as a newborn baby. Wen Hua was mesmerized, thinking that if she could see that handsome profile every morning when she woke up, her life would be worthwhile. Suddenly, as if recalling the infinitely tender and romantic thoughts she had just had, Wen Hua's beautiful cheeks flushed crimson, as if they were about to bleed. Du Ke, half-awake, vaguely heard Wen Hua let out a soft "ooh." Opening his eyes, he saw her turn around abruptly, her shoulders still trembling slightly. Just as Du Ke was about to ask what was wrong, he suddenly noticed something unusual about her body: a slight bulge between her legs—the natural morning erection of a young man. He vaguely saw that his sister-in-law's earlobes had turned bright red; she must have witnessed this embarrassing scene, hence her strange reaction. Du Ke felt quite awkward himself, unsure what to do, so he simply closed his eyes and

pretended to be asleep again. After a while, Wen Hua awoke from her reverie, slowly turning around. Finding him still asleep, her pretty face, which had just regained its normal color, inexplicably flushed again, though no longer with the same overwhelming shyness. Not noticing, Wen Hua noticed that one of the horses tied beside her was missing. Startled, she quickly looked around. After a hurried search, she still couldn't find it. Du Ke seemed to notice something amiss, looking up to see Wen Hua pacing around breathlessly, as if searching for something. Du Ke suddenly remembered what had happened the night before; his sister-in-law must have discovered the horse was missing and was frantically searching for it. Thinking this, Du Ke hurriedly said, "Sister, don't look anymore! Someone took your horse to save a life." Wen Hua turned around at the sound of his voice, hearing his strange words, unsure what to say, only looking at him with a face full of confusion. Du Ke got up and stretched his limbs, then rambled on, embellishing the events of the previous night, until Wen Hua's cherry lips parted slightly in shock. After a long while, Wen Hua recovered from her deep shock and said with a slight reproach, "You've done a good deed, but what are we going to do? How long will we walk without horses? There are no post stations in this desolate wilderness to supply us with horses." Du Ke then realized the seriousness of the situation and said awkwardly, "Sister, I'm sorry, I didn't think that much." Wen Hua looked at him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, not knowing what to do with him. Du Ke, also feeling anxious, suddenly had a flash of inspiration and said, "Sister, we can ride together. My horse has always been sturdy and strong; we can walk and stop as we please, it won't be a problem."

Hearing this, Wen Hua, imagining riding with him, naturally recalled the beautiful scene from earlier that morning and was greatly alarmed. She hurriedly said, "No, no, how can that be?" Du Ke, unaware of her inner turmoil, assumed she was worried about the horse's endurance and smiled slightly, "It's alright, we'll just go slower." Wen Hua suddenly realized that her agitation might stem from something sinister. Even if she was perfectly innocent, why worry like this? She was truly being narrow-minded and overthinking things. Besides, this was the only option at present. If they traveled on foot, who knew when they would reach Luoyang, and what other unforeseen events might occur? Thinking of this, Wen Hua made up her mind not to refuse anymore and nodded in agreement.

Du Ke, on the other hand, had no other thoughts at this moment, simply wanting to save some time and avoid too much delay and complications on the journey. Suddenly, as if he had thought of something, Du Ke said awkwardly, "Sister, with you dressed like this, if people see two grown men, wouldn't they laugh themselves to death?" Wen Hua then realized that she was dressed as a man. To outsiders, two men riding together would indeed be shocking, but if it were a man and a woman, things would be very different. Thinking of this, she hurriedly ran towards the river behind the woods, washed the dark paint off her face with the river water, untied the men's belt at the back of her head, tied her black hair up high, and took out a jade hairpin from her bundle and inserted it diagonally. Wen Hua gazed at her reflection in the clear river, quite pleased with herself. Just as she was about to leave, something occurred to her, and her cheeks flushed again, her brows furrowing in hesitation. After a long pause, as if making a very difficult decision, Wen Hua looked around hastily. Seeing no one nearby, she crouched slightly, her hands trembling as she reached out to unbutton her robes. Then, she meticulously loosened the tight white bodice at her chest, exposing her flawless beauty to the warm morning light. She hurriedly took a small pink undergarment from her bundle and put it on, then put away the bodice. She quickly put on her inner and outer garments, patted her burning red face, exhaled deeply to calm her racing heart, and slowly walked towards the woods.

While Wen Hua was enjoying her beautiful surroundings, Du Ke was completely unaware. He fed and washed the horses as usual, then patiently waited for Wen Hua by the boardwalk, idly kicking pebbles at his feet. After a long while, he caught a glimpse of the beautiful woman slowly emerging from the bushes. Although she wore a simple, tight-fitting blue robe, her natural beauty was undeniable. In the dazzling morning sun, she was like a celestial maiden descending to earth on colorful clouds, so radiant that Du Ke stared at her, unable to look away. Du Ke's mind went blank for a long time before he murmured, "From afar, it shines like the rising sun at dawn; up close, it glows like a lotus emerging from green waves. Cao Zijian was truly right!" At this moment, Wen Hua had approached and faintly heard him muttering to himself, looking just as foolish as when they first met. She quickly laughed and said, "Silly boy, what are you daydreaming about? Let's go, let's get going."

Chapter 10 Sensual Scenes on Horseback

Hearing that sweet laugh like a nightingale emerging from a valley, Du Ke was only slightly stunned. He quickly recovered from his amazement and obediently led his horse slowly behind the beauty as if he had received a royal decree.

The two walked silently along the wide morning boardwalk, the atmosphere awkward. Neither spoke a word. Wen Hua kept her head down, staring at the cobblestone path beneath her feet. Du Ke followed step by step, his gaze occasionally drifting to Wen Hua's long, white neck, then moving downwards to her perfectly proportioned shoulders and slender waist. Suddenly, Du Ke's gaze lingered on her full, rounded buttocks, trembling slightly with each step. His heart pounded, his face flushed, and he quickly turned away. Wen

Hua, being older and more experienced, said, "Brother, let's mount our horses. Let's travel as much as possible while it's still light. We need to reach Luoyang by evening; we can't afford to waste another day." She stopped as she spoke. Since that act of desecration, Du Ke dared not look at her again, like a prisoner who had committed a grave crime and was now repenting. He simply kept his head down and walked straight ahead, unaware that the beautiful woman had stopped. The two naturally came into intimate contact, Wen Hua's entire soft and voluptuous body pressed tightly against Du Ke, losing her balance as if she were about to fall to the ground. Du Ke, being a young man with exceptional skills, quickly reached out and embraced her. He felt a sweet and rich fragrance waft into his nostrils, and his palm touched a flat, warm, and delicate spot—the beauty's lower abdomen. Wen Hua's body trembled, she breathed slightly, and her hem bounced up and down. Du Ke's heart pounded like a drum. Even through two layers of clothing, he could clearly feel her rise and fall beneath his palms. So captivated by the feeling of holding such a warm, soft woman in his arms, Du Ke boldly extended his other hand, which was holding the horse, and naturally encircled his sister-in-law in his embrace, as if he had performed this countless times before. Wen Hua naturally sensed the change in the man behind her and instinctively shifted her body. This only further aroused the young man's instincts. Du Ke's blood surged, his handsome face flushed, and his hands tightened around her. He closed his eyes and whispered passionately, "Good sister, don't move, let me hold you tight. Hmm, such a familiar feeling, I don't know how many times I've held you in my dreams." He then gently stroked Wen Hua's soft, smooth abdomen, and boldly took her delicate, snow-white earlobe into his mouth, seemingly sucking on it gently.

Although Wen Hua was a married woman, she had remained a widow for ten years and was still a virgin. She had never even been touched by a man's hand, let alone received the intimate and affectionate touch of a lover. Her entire body had long since gone limp, and she had collapsed into his arms, unable to move a single finger. If Du Ke hadn't held her tightly, she probably would have collapsed to the ground long ago. Even if she wanted to struggle, she was powerless and could only obediently let him greedily take advantage of her and wantonly caress her. Her originally pale pink cheeks turned red and hot, and her breathing gradually became rapid. Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and her lifeless eyes were slightly open, staring blankly into the distance. The last bit of reason in her heart had long been burned away by this sudden fiery passion and his tender and affectionate words. She naturally leaned her head against the man's broad shoulder, their two eager bodies pressed tightly together, clearly feeling the waves of fatal pleasure washing over them. They had completely forgotten that it was broad daylight and they were on a public road. As if

keenly sensing the woman's passionate response, Du Ke became bolder. His teasing tongue left her already burning earlobe, gently sucking on her fair, beautiful neck, the rich fragrance further fueling his intense desire. He felt a tingling, numbing pleasure on her neck. Wen Hua became even more aroused; her once clear eyes became cloudy. She reached out and tightly embraced the man behind her, letting out soft moans. This only fueled Du Ke's desire, making him want to pull the woman deep into his body to quell this deadly, burning passion.

On the deserted plank road, a magnificent white horse, looking around blankly, lightly raised its hoof, helplessly watching the tightly embracing couple beside it. It neighed softly a few times in reluctance, then slumped down, pacing back and forth listlessly. Our dear protagonists, completely oblivious to their surroundings, remained tirelessly entwined, as if trying to unleash all the burning passion buried deep within their hearts and souls. Their two thirsty lips were pressed tightly together, their bright red tongues expertly intertwining, as if they had practiced countless times.

After a long while, only when they were both breathless from the kiss did they reluctantly separate, gazing deeply into each other's eyes, their eyes filled with a fire capable of burning the world to ashes. Finally, Du Ke recovered from his intense passion, gently lifting the beauty who lay limp in his arms. He slowly turned her around, pressing her burning cheek against his pounding chest, and whispered in a nearly hoarse voice, "My dear sister, can you hear me? My heart is beating so fast, I can't stop." Wen Hua had also gradually regained her senses and gently nodded against his chest, replying, "Yes, I can hear you, so fast, sister is so happy." The two tenderly felt the sincerity between them, once again forgetting their worldly status and where they were, and even ignoring the horses pacing back and forth beside them.

About half an incense stick later, Du Ke gently released his beloved sister, nimbly leaping onto his horse, and reaching out to Wen Hua, saying, "Come, sister, get on the horse." He felt the mount sink slightly beneath him, a delicate fragrance wafting in his nostrils, and a soft body had already fallen into his arms. Having shared a passionate and unrestrained moment, the two were now completely at ease, pressed tightly together as they rode forward. With

his beautiful wife in his arms, her soft, fragrant body gleaming, Du Ke spurred his horse, galloping swiftly like a shooting star, leaving no trace behind – a truly exhilarating experience. The sky was vast, the fields boundless, and the steed galloped like lightning, its hooves covering a thousand miles. Wen Hua lay limp in his arms, her delicate, pale hands clenched tightly, her palms damp with fragrant sweat. Her beautiful eyes were gently closed, a slight upturn at the corners of her lips, a delicate, luscious red, as if she were savoring the passionate encounter they had shared. Suddenly, she remembered that they had escaped the constraints of their families, and could now live happily ever after, their hearts filled with sweetness. It was like a young girl's most beautiful spring dream, where a handsome man in a blue robe reached out and pulled her into his embrace, his gentle, jade-like face filled with a tender smile – a dream so intoxicating she never wanted to wake up.

The two rode for a while, and Du Ke felt his mount's breathing gradually increase. He quickly tightened the reins, lurching forward. He heard Wen Hua let out a soft cry, and her body slumped weakly into his arms again. Du Ke also felt the hot touch between his legs, and his burning passion reignited. With a quick grip, he leaned down and pressed himself against her. Feeling the man's burning heat emanating from her hips, Wen Hua instinctively lifted herself up slightly. Seeing the approaching boy, she quickly turned her face away, blurting out in a panicked voice, "You little rascal, are you bullying your sister again? Wasn't that enough?" Hearing the beauty's alluring, languid voice, Du Ke felt his manhood throb even more intensely, a slight, throbbing pain spreading through him. He said haltingly, "Good sister, I want to kiss you again, it will never be enough." As he spoke, he gently sucked on her hot, cherry-like lips, occasionally extending his nimble tongue to lightly touch her tightly clenched, jade-like teeth. Taking advantage of her panting breath, he secretly took advantage of her sweet, honey-like nectar, boldly capturing her soft, wet tongue, gently sucking and rubbing it. Wen Hua's already fragile defenses crumbled under the tender, wet kiss. She simply raised her arms to encircle the young man's long neck, her beautiful eyes slightly closed, her full, pear-shaped breasts bobbing gently up and down, as if in weak protest. A gentle breeze blew by, and she suddenly felt a chill between her legs, her face burning hot again.

After a long while, Du Ke released the seemingly suffocating beauty, his handsome eyes fixed on her captivating allure, a joyful smile spreading across his face. Wen Hua gradually regained her senses, and seeing his undisguised, burning gaze, she was so ashamed she wanted to disappear into the ground, quickly turning her face away. Soon he felt a warm breath on his ear; his lover was pressing close to him again. He could only plead, "Good brother, no, no! Let's get off and rest! Even if you're not tired, the horse will!" A wicked smile, a hint of triumph in Du Ke's eyes, played on his lips. He helped his beloved lift her leg and leap off the horse. One hand held the reins, the other still tightly gripping her soft, boneless hand. They walked blissfully into the roadside woods to rest, radiating joy and contentment.

Du Ke led the horse to feed some grass, and when he returned, he saw that Wen Hua had filled two water bags with the crystal-clear spring water from the stream. Du Ke took a sip and felt a slight intoxication. Truly, "the wine doesn't intoxicate, the feeling intoxicates." With his beloved by his side and their hearts in harmony, there was no more beautiful time in life. Looking at the smiling, stunning beauty before him, Du Ke couldn't resist reaching out to embrace her again. Wen Hua reacted quickly this time, silently reciting the "Treading Snow Without a Trace" technique, leaping backward and already ten zhang away. Du Ke knew her lightness skill was unparalleled, far beyond his reach. A sudden thought flashed through his mind, and with a single leg lift, he abruptly fell to the ground, his face contorted in pain, muttering, "I have a cramp, it hurts so much!" Wen Hua, not far away, heard him clearly and, disregarding everything else, leaped forward again, reaching him anxiously. She bent down to help him, but a gentle pull caused her to lose her balance and fall onto him. Before she could even realize what had happened, she was already tightly embraced, her ears filled with her husband's hearty laughter. (

Volume 3,

Chapter 1: The First Reunion of Two Beauties)

While Du Ke and Wen Hua were enjoying their romantic journey, a shocking and strange incident occurred at the Wen family in Luoyang, leaving the family still baffled.

That morning, the day after Du Ke and his group set off, Wen Guanlin had just finished breakfast when he received a bright red invitation card from a servant. The card explicitly stated that he wanted to meet the second young lady of the Wen family in private, and the signatory was a woman. Wen Guanlin had long heard of Shi Qingqing, knowing that she was the direct disciple of the famous female poet Xue Tao, and also the adopted daughter of the late Wei Gao, the former general and military governor of Xichuan. She was renowned for her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and song even in her youth, rivaling Xue Tao in her prime. Wen Guanlin was quite surprised, as his daughter Yunying was unmarried and not suited for public appearances. However, Wen Guanlin was always open-minded, so he took the invitation card to see Wen Yi.

Wen Yi had just finished a bowl of congee with preserved egg and lean pork. Seeing her father arrive in a great hurry, she cheerfully greeted him, "Good morning, Daddy!" She then snuggled into Wen Guanlin's arms, acting coquettishly. Wen Guanlin smiled wryly, "Yi'er, look at you, you don't look like a woman about to be married. Be more dignified."

"Hehe, Daddy's not an outsider, it's alright," Wen Yi said with her usual playful smile.

"An outsider wants to see you. Here, the invitation is." Wen Guanlin said, handing over the red invitation card.

Wen Yi was slightly taken aback, then opened the post with an incredulous expression. After reading it, her face was complicated, and she said to Wen Guanlin with a long pause, "Hmph! It's all because you found such a good son-in-law. I haven't even married into the family yet, and look, they've already come to our door demanding an explanation."

Wen Guanlin was even more surprised, and said blankly, "This Shi Qingqing is clearly a woman, and a renowned and talented woman at that. What does she have to do with Nephew Lu?" Suddenly, Wen Guanlin frowned, as if he had thought of something, and continued, "Could it be..." "...Before he finished speaking, Wen Yi interrupted, "Yes, just as Father thought. Shi Qingqing was Lu Yun's ex-wife, and the two almost got married. But Lu Yun's family wouldn't allow it, and Uncle Lu was so angry about it that he died. I guess she somehow found out about my engagement with Lu Yun and came to confront me. Humph! Even if I were involved, I wouldn't be afraid of her. My marriage was arranged by my parents and a matchmaker, it was all aboveboard, unlike their private engagement, which was then broken up. It's truly pitiful."

"This matter could be big or small, Yi'er. You must handle it carefully. First, patiently find out her intentions. Don't be aggressive from the start. After all, she's a guest from afar, and besides, her godfather, General Wei, was on good terms with me. Let's give her

some face." Wen Guanlin said patiently. "I know, you make it sound like she doesn't know anything and just makes trouble. Father, you're overthinking it." Wen Yi smiled again. Hearing her daughter say this... Wen Guanlin nodded with satisfaction, his eyes filled with doting affection as he looked at his beloved daughter.

After Wen Guanlin left the manor to handle official business, Wen Yi returned to her dressing table in her boudoir and sat down. Looking at her dejected reflection in the mirror, Wen Yi couldn't help but feel a pang of self-pity. Why was she so dejected? Thinking this, she secretly hated her own weakness. However, being a young lady from a prominent family who had seen many grand occasions since childhood, Wen Yi quickly pulled herself out of her gloom, giving her reflection a sweet smile. She confidently clenched her small fist and silently vowed, "Wen Yi, you can't let Father and Sister down." She picked up a paintbrush from the dressing table, paused, and then put it down. She applied no makeup, leaving her face bare, and gently tied her long, loose hair into a high bun, inserting an elegant jade hairpin at a slant. In truth, her eyebrows were naturally dark without makeup, her lips naturally red without lipstick, her skin like solidified cream, and her cheeks like peach blossoms. She was inherently a refined woman, "like a lotus emerging from clear water, naturally beautiful without adornment." This casualness only made her appear more beautiful and moving. As the saying goes, "She disdains cosmetics for tarnishing her beauty, lightly brushing her eyebrows before the emperor." Those vulgar cosmetics would indeed taint her.

Wen Yi finished tidying her hair, stood up, and turned around in front of the mirror. She noticed that she was wearing a bright red embroidered jacket. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she quickly opened the wardrobe beside her, taking out several clothes and carefully selecting one. Finally, her eyes settled on a moon-white satin dress embroidered with pale blue daylilies. The dress made her appear even more fresh, refined, and otherworldly, perfectly matching her unique temperament. It made her look even more ethereal and distant, like a pale purple orchid quietly blooming in the empty mountains after a fresh rain, untouched by the world's dust, seemingly otherworldly.

After everything was prepared, Wen Yi quietly awaited the arrival of her distinguished guest in the reception room. Soon, a maid led in a woman with exquisite features. The woman wore a lake-blue pleated gauze skirt, a pale green silk ribbon draped over her shoulders, and delicate crimson satin embroidered shoes. A lustrous jade bracelet adorned her fair wrist. Her hair was styled in a high bun, and her eyebrows were lightly painted, further enhancing her elegant and captivating charm. Even Wen Yi, a woman herself, couldn't help but be moved.

After the maid left to announce her departure, the two strangers, these so-called "rivals in love," faced each other, neither speaking first, simply gazing at the other silently, their bright eyes naturally revealing admiration. After a long silence, Shi Qingqing finally spoke, her words startling: "I originally thought the second young lady of the Wen family was just a spoiled, arrogant girl who bullied others because of her family background, but I never imagined that seeing is believing. She is truly a rare beauty, a hidden gem, a lucky break for that bastard Lu Yun." Wen Yi had thought it was a sarcastic remark, but it turned out to be a compliment. She swallowed back the words she had prepared, speechless, staring blankly in astonishment. Seeing Wen Yi's wide-eyed, bewildered expression, Shi Qingqing abandoned all pretense of ladylike decorum and burst into laughter. Seeing Shi Qingqing laughing so hard she was bent over, Wen Yi realized her own unusual behavior and quickly regained her composure. She slowly said, "I've heard so much about you, but seeing is believing. Sister, you're so naturally beautiful; no wonder he's so captivated." Seeing that the other woman wasn't backing down, Shi Qingqing knew she had met a worthy opponent. For some reason, her initial resentment had turned into mutual appreciation. She sincerely said, "I'm a year older than you, yet I call myself 'sister.' I don't know why, but I originally came here to see what it was like, with some ill intentions. I never expected to feel such a connection today, and I can't muster any competitive spirit. Now I just sincerely want to make friends with you. Do I have the honor?"

At this, the waves of emotion in Wen Yi's heart surged even more violently... The unexpected atmosphere left her completely unaccustomed, and she murmured in disbelief, "Didn't you come here to interrogate me? How could this be? You've completely baffled me." Hearing this, Shi Qingqing felt even more that this friend was pure and lovely, worthy of friendship, and smiled, saying, "A stinky man isn't worth us two sisters fighting over. Now I sincerely wish you both well. If he betrays you again, I'll skin him alive. Alas! How lucky is that bastard Lu Yun to have married such a beautiful and pitiful woman? It's truly unfair!" Hearing the sincerity in her tone, Wen Yi's wariness vanished instantly, and she blushed and murmured, "Sister, please don't tease him." After saying this, she lowered her head slightly.

Seeing Wen Yi's naturally shy demeanor, Shi Qingqing was even more delighted. She reached out and grasped Wen Yi's delicate hands, smiling broadly as she said, "Alright, from now on we're best friends. Sister, you've come all this way to Luoyang, how about you accompany me for a stroll in the streets?"

Wen Yi had recovered from her initial shock and tightly gripped her newly acquainted sister, laughing childlike as she said, "Sister, such a stunning beauty can't be allowed to be seen by those lecherous rogues of Luoyang. If she gets bewitched and someone dies, that would be terrible! Father would surely beat me to death!"

These words left Shi Qingqing both amused and exasperated. She feigned a scolding, "You naughty little sister, daring to tease your sister? How dare you!" The two then began to playfully tease each other, their behavior unusually intimate. They hardly seemed like the so-called "rivals in love" meeting for the first time. Truly, life is unpredictable. If Lu Yun were to see them acting so intimately, who knows what strange expression he would have? He would definitely be stunned for a long time.

The outcome of Shi Qingqing's visit was unexpected by everyone. When Wen Guanlin returned and saw his daughter so intimately acquainted with a strange young woman, like sisters, he was so surprised he couldn't close his mouth for a long time. Later, after learning the whole story, he laughed so hard he almost fell over.

Thus, Shi Qingqing became a true honored guest of the Wen family, sharing a room with Wen Yi, and they got along very well. The next day, Wen Yi, as promised, became Shi Qingqing's free tour guide. The two walked down the street, naturally attracting attention and admiring glances from everyone. Shi Qingqing, used to being the center of attention, was oblivious to everyone else. Wen Yi, however, was a true sheltered young lady who rarely left her home. She couldn't stand such a scene; her cheeks were flushed the entire time, and with Shi Qingqing's joking teasing, she was so embarrassed she wanted to run away. Shi Qingqing seemed to understand her thoughts perfectly, holding her hand tightly, not allowing her to run away at the last minute.

It wasn't until dusk that Wen Yi gradually returned to normal. Once home, she naturally couldn't resist a little revenge. The two beautiful young women were as mischievous as toddlers, making Wen Guanlin both laugh and cry. He was filled with joy, after all, it was much better for his daughters to have more friends than fewer enemies. (

I had something to do this morning and couldn't update as scheduled. Qingxin sincerely apologizes.

Chapter 2: Boundless Charm)

Beside the flat, open plank road, a magnificent white horse leisurely grazes on the tender green grass, occasionally tilting its head back and letting out a soft neigh before lowering its head to feast on its food, utterly content. The sun is high in the sky, its warm rays pouring down, releasing their brilliance without reservation. Among the verdant grass, a light gray hare crouches quietly in the distance, its red eyes blinking warily as it watches the grass not far ahead. Suddenly, it leaps and darts into the depths of the grass, leaving only the faint rustling of the blades.

Beneath a towering, sparsely-leaved sycamore tree, two figures can be vaguely seen intertwined, writhing almost frantically, occasionally emitting hoarse, delicate moans that would make one blush and their heart race, making the whole scene ambiguous and decadent, stirring every restless young heart.

"Ugh... Good brother, no more, get up, we need to get going." With this seductive, almost intoxicating breath, a stunningly beautiful, curvaceous figure slowly rose, her trembling hands barely supporting her on the grass, as if a gust of wind could topple her over. Her flushed, radiant face was filled with infatuation and ecstasy, her bright red cherry lips gleaming, with fine, playful silver threads hanging from them, further fueling the viewer's endless imagination.

"No rush, we can always wait another day." A deep, broken male voice came from below, and two strong, powerful arms rose high. With a slight pull, the blurry blue figure twisted into a ball, like two clay figures melted and glued together, indistinguishable from one another.

Having just ended a deep, passionate, and wet kiss, Du Ke's playful lips naturally began to explore downwards, lingering only on the alluring, delicate collarbone of the beauty, sucking and licking. Her skin was like porcelain, smooth and delicate, covered in bright red lipstick marks. Wen Hua couldn't withstand such a fatal touch; her entire body slumped weakly into the man's arms again, her beautiful eyes slightly open, filled with a bewildered helplessness. Her slender arms tightly embraced the man's strong shoulders, her fingers occasionally stroking his thick, black hair. Her glistening, moist lips parted slightly, and she inadvertently let out a series of hot, long, soft breaths.

The man seemed unsatisfied, his head arching downwards as he flicked his tongue at the slightly drooping cotton buttons at the beauty's neck. His hands moved swiftly, like an experienced horse knowing its way down her slender waist, finally settling on her full, plump, peach-like buttocks, caressing them lightly and gently, tirelessly. Suddenly, Du Ke withdrew his hands, one gently lifting the body pressing against hers, while the other went straight to the point, skillfully catching Wen Hua's bodice with lightning speed. Wen Hua seemed to sense something, her panting intensified. Instinctively, she reached out to pull away the man's hands that were groping her. She felt a chill on her chest; her light blue top had opened wide, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin and a striking pink bodice, tightly encasing her large, beautiful breasts. A deep cleavage, enough to make one's nose bleed, was visible between them. The breasts trembled slightly under the man's intense gaze, proudly displaying their youth and beauty.

Overwhelmed by the breathtaking sight of her body, the still-virgin Du Ke could no longer resist. He pressed his hands together, burying his head firmly in the beauty's ample bosom, inhaling the sweet, rich scent of her breasts with intoxication. He couldn't help but stick out his tongue, tirelessly licking her large, soft breasts through the thin silk bodice.

Feeling waves of deadly pleasure, like insect bites, emanating from her hidden, private parts, Wen Hua shyly closed her beautiful eyes, not daring to look at him. Her soft, lotus-like arms involuntarily wandered and caressed the back of Du Ke's head, her lips slightly parted, occasionally letting out a soft moan of pleasure. Suddenly, a clear bird's song rang out, abruptly waking Wen Hua from her intoxicated spring dream. Her dim mind gradually regained some clarity, and Wen Hua came to her senses, realizing the situation. She forcefully pushed away the man who was unable to resist her chest, sprang to her feet, and in the blink of an eye, she was several feet away. She hurriedly reached out and tied her disheveled bodice, then walked silently towards the nearby rushing, clear stream.

The two walked in silence, the atmosphere very awkward. Wen Hua walked quickly with her head down, while Du Ke cautiously followed behind, leading the horse, afraid that the previous involuntary actions would happen again. Soon, dusk fell. The mountains stretched like a sea, the setting sun like blood, its last rays silently offering their final warmth, unwilling to leave its beautiful landscape. On the vast, empty plank road, two figures, barely visible, were stretched longer and longer in the slanting sunlight. The flush on their faces had gradually faded, and their silent walk along the ancient, desolate path created a poignant scene, almost unbearable to behold. As

darkness fell, they reached the remote outskirts of Luoyang, where a simple, old-fashioned house came into view. In the spacious courtyard, a flock of chickens and ducks frolicked carefree, while a graceful young woman tossed a handful of rice. Her coarse linen clothes could not conceal her bright and beautiful features, and her cloud-like hair was tied up high with a light-colored hairpin. She appeared to be no more than a young woman of marriageable age.

As the approaching travelers drew nearer, the young woman quickly put down her work and greeted them, "Friends, are you traveling far? It's getting late, why don't you stay the night in my humble abode? My parents are often away on business, but we have a few rooms available." Before she finished speaking, Wen Hua gently thanked her, "Thank you for your kindness, sister. We were just wondering where to stay, so this is

more than we could ask for. Thank you." "You're too kind, sister," the young woman replied politely. "People of the martial world don't stand on ceremony. Helping others in need is our duty, and this is nothing to boast about." She then added, "Come, come inside. I'll prepare some simple dishes. Please make yourselves at home." With that, she ushered Wen Hua and Du Ke into the house and quickly turned to leave.

Watching the young woman's figure recede into the distance, Du Ke glanced down at Wen Hua beside him and said softly, "Sister, I'm sorry." He then lowered his head like a child who had made a mistake.

Wen Hua's heart skipped a beat, but she said slowly and expressionlessly, "I don't blame you, it's just my own bad luck." Her voice trembled, as if she were about to cry.

Du Ke's body stiffened, and an endless feeling of pity welled up in his heart. He naturally reached out to embrace her again, but Wen Hua nimbly jumped away. Du Ke's hand froze in mid-air, his heart aching, and he slowly lowered it. After that, the two remained silent for a long time, when suddenly they heard an unfamiliar voice from outside: "Ling'er, where are you?" It was a middle-aged man calling out with doting affection. The two heard it clearly, exchanged a blank glance, their faces flushed, and then looked away.

"Oh! Father, why are you back? Where is Mother?" It was the same enthusiastic little girl from before, her tone also full of affection.

"She stayed in Luoyang to look after the shop. Business isn't busy anyway. Father missed Ling'er, so he came back to stay for a few days," the middle-aged man replied.

"Hehe, Daddy's so good," the girl said sweetly, then suddenly seemed to remember something. She exclaimed in a fluster, "Oh dear! We have two distinguished guests! The room is a bit crowded now."

"Oh? Are they here to stay? My little girl has really grown up; she knows how to help others now," the man said proudly. As they spoke, they entered the room. Du Ke looked up and saw a middle-aged man with a handsome smile following behind the bouncy little girl. He wore a snow-white long robe and appeared gentle and refined.

"Are you two a couple?" the man asked sincerely.

Du Ke was about to deny it when Wen Hua unexpectedly said, "Yes, we are very kind to you." Instantly, his heart wandered, and he gazed at the beautiful woman.

Seeing the undisguised affection in their eyes, the man laughed loudly, "A beautiful lady is a gentleman's ideal. You two are a match made in heaven, truly a perfect couple." The two blushed and their hearts pounded.

That evening, the four of them dined together, the atmosphere warm and cozy, like a family gathering. During their intermittent chatter, Du Ke learned that the family's surname was Zhang, and they were tea merchants in Luoyang. Their only daughter, Zhang Ling, preferred the rural lifestyle and hadn't yet moved to the city. The two men briefly introduced themselves, saying they were a young couple visiting friends in Luoyang, concealing their impressive family background.

Soon it was bedtime, and the two, mistaken for husband and wife, found themselves in the same cramped space, creating an awkward atmosphere. They exchanged a quick glance, seemingly recalling their passionate embrace that morning, before turning their faces away. Finally, Wen Hua broke the silence, softly saying, "Little brother, sleep! We have to travel tomorrow morning." Without changing her clothes, she simply lay down on the bed, turned to face the wall, and gently pulled the blanket over herself. Du Ke thought to himself, "We are upright, so why should we fear the gossip of others?" He naturally lay down fully clothed and blew out the dim oil lamp on the table.

The unfamiliar room was pitch black, with only the faint sound of rapid heartbeats. Back to back, the two stared wide-eyed at the dark void before them, a thousand thoughts swirling in their minds, making sleep impossible.

Because it was a farmer's house and the bed was very narrow, and the early spring evening was extremely cold, their backs were pressed tightly together. Even through several layers of clothing, Du Ke could still deeply feel the familiar softness and smoothness of the beauty's back. Du Ke's breathing involuntarily grew heavier, his mind filled with the intense passion of the morning. His whole body felt as if it were about to burst into flames, but only a sliver of clarity in his mind held onto his most fundamental reason, preventing him from turning around and reaching out to embrace her.

Hehe, do you, my fellow readers, also look forward to taking down his beautiful and charming sister-in-law as much as Du Ke does?

Chapter 3: Under

the indescribable and intense temptation, Du Ke, the young man from Hedong, relied on the "Ice Heart Technique" he had painstakingly cultivated for nearly ten years in his early years to maintain his last shred of clarity and guard his final boundary. In the end, he did not do anything outrageous or shameful that would disgrace the Du family. Gradually, only peaceful breathing could be heard; Wen Hua had finally fallen asleep from exhaustion. Listening to the breaths that sounded like solemn Buddhist chants, Du Ke's burning passion and excitement gradually subsided, and he naturally drifted off to sleep peacefully.

When he awoke early the next morning, Du Ke hurriedly got up, only to find that the beautiful woman beside him was gone. In a daze, he heard a clear, melodious laugh like a silver bell coming from outside the window. Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw two beautiful young women talking and laughing with their backs to him. A warm feeling welled up in his heart. Thinking of how the beauty had allowed him to be so casual with her yesterday,

he felt even more overjoyed, seemingly forgetting the strict etiquette between them. Under the attentive hospitality of Zhang Ling and her father, Wen Hua and Du Ke happily finished breakfast, bowed in thanks, and drifted off to continue their soon-to-end romantic journey. As if sensing that they were getting closer to home, Wen Hua no longer rode with Du Ke. The two remained silent throughout the journey, neither initiating a conversation, and the atmosphere remained awkward.

Just as the two were about to arrive at the Wen residence, Shi Qingqing also got up to bid farewell to Wen Guanlin and his daughter, and returned to Sichuan. In the eastern suburbs of Luoyang, a century-old inn called "Yuelai" had already opened its doors to welcome guests. A clear horse neighing was heard, and the innkeeper's assistant, Xiao Shunzi, naturally went to the door to greet the guests. A brown-gray horse galloped in, carrying a young man who was just over twenty years old. He wore a noble crimson brocade robe, and his every move exuded a noble and imposing air. Passersby couldn't help but turn their heads and sigh in their hearts: "What a handsome young man in the mortal world!" He had sharply defined features, and his eyes were large, bright, and deep, like a vast starry sky. His slightly thin but explosively powerful figure exuded a kind of approachable charm, making those around him feel his almost bewitching allure.

The young man in brocade robes dismounted, handed the reins to Shunzi, and said, "Top-quality fodder," before heading straight for the inn. The handsome young man entered the inn, sat down at a secluded table, and loudly announced, "Come, a pot of top-quality bamboo leaf green wine, half a pound of boiled beef, and a couple of simple home-style side dishes." He then leaned back slightly, his bright, handsome eyes gently closing, as if he were contentedly resting.

A moment later, the wine and food were placed on the table, and the young man picked up his chopsticks and began to eat heartily. Judging from his manner of drinking from large bowls and eating large chunks of meat, he hardly resembled a delicate young master from a wealthy family; he was clearly a forthright and heroic outlaw. A moment later, the food and wine were finished. He said in a magnetic, slightly sinister voice, "Young man, give me another superior room. I need to rest; the journey has been tiring." Before he finished speaking, a beautiful female voice called out, "Waiter, bring me a pot of strong baijiu, and a few side dishes." The young man was quite shocked. The voice clearly belonged to a young woman, yet she ordered the strongest baijiu. Instinctively, he turned around and looked in the direction of the voice. Indeed, it was a graceful and slender beauty. She wore a light blue, fitted long dress, the hem embroidered with white plum blossoms, and a white brocade belt cinched her delicate waist. Her black hair was styled in a simple bun, adorned only with a white jade plum blossom hairpin. Though simple, her appearance was fresh and elegant, attracting the attention of everyone in the shop.

The young man seemed to have forgotten his earlier promise to rest, staring blankly at the elegant and refined woman before him, his bright eyes filled with admiration. Suddenly, as if sensing a captivating gaze, the woman raised her head to meet his eyes, glanced at him briefly, then turned away, uttering a curt "You lecher," before walking straight to another table. Startled by the rebuke, the young man snapped back to reality, casually stretching out and continuing loudly, "Waiter, give me a superior room," though his mind was filled with doubt, finding his earlier outburst even more unbelievable. The thought crossed the mind, and the young man turned to look at the other side. He saw a beautiful young woman sitting gracefully, raising her slender, snow-white hands to slowly sip a mouthful of strong liquor. Her brow furrowed, her cherry-red lips parted slightly, revealing a lithe, snake-like red spur, as she licked her glistening lips with a playful expression. The girl's youthful charm was unrestrained, causing the young man's heart to skip a beat. A slight blush rose on his handsome face, and he quickly looked away.

At midday, during a post-meal rest, the young man stretched out his elegant, slender figure, leaning against the couch, his eyes half-closed, indulging in the leisurely relaxation after lunch. Suddenly, as if hearing a faint sound, his deep, handsome eyes opened slightly. He heard it more clearly—a series of distressing coughs coming from the next room. It was a woman, and the coughs were continuous and persistent. The young man raised an eyebrow, leaped from the couch, and listened to the increasingly loud coughing. His face showed deep concern, as if he could see the beautiful Xi Shi (a legendary beauty) gracefully approaching. His previously relaxed brows began to furrow tightly.

After a long while, the coughing continued intermittently. The young man, seemingly unable to sit still any longer, took a white jade bottle from a bundle on the table, uncorked it with a red tassel, poured out three round, brown pills, and went to open the door.

"Knock, knock, knock," the young man was already standing at the door, gently tapping on the sandalwood carved doorway.

After a long while, a "creak" was heard, the door opened, and a delicate fragrance, like orchids and musk, wafted out. Seeing someone emerge, the young man bowed respectfully and said, "I am Pei Yan from Hedong. I heard you coughing incessantly next door, young lady, so I brought you 'Zhengtian Pill,' a medicine my late father painstakingly crafted, hoping it might help with your congenital ailment." He handed over the pill, then slowly raised his head, only to freeze in mid-air, his hands awkwardly hanging in the air.

Before him stood the same beautiful woman he had seen downstairs, now dressed in a different outfit. She wore a snow-white mink coat, and beneath the equally white hood was a deathly pale face, her eyebrows and eyes jet black, her lips crimson—all three colors so pure and ethereal, she seemed otherworldly.

The young woman moved aside to let him into the room, leaning against the couch. In a weak voice, she said softly, "Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Pei, but I..." Before she could finish, a heart-wrenching cough escaped her lips, causing Pei Yan's heart to ache. He felt a sudden urge to protect her for life.

"Please, miss, speak less. Here, take this pill first." Pei Yan's voice softened unconsciously, as if afraid of frightening the sickly beauty before him. He considerately poured a glass of warm water from the table and handed it to her along with the pill.

The young woman simply watched his actions quietly. Suddenly, a sickly blush rose to her pale cheeks. She lowered her head, took the cup and the pill, and slowly swallowed them with the water. After a long while, as if the medicine was taking effect, the girl's face flushed even more, and she slowly said, "The Pei family of Hedong is indeed a renowned family of Huangqi, famous throughout the world. I have consulted many famous doctors since I was a child and have taken no less than a hundred kinds of pills, but I have never felt as comfortable as I do now. Thank you, Third Young Master Pei."

Seemingly realizing he had inadvertently omitted his name, Pei Yan paused slightly, then slowly said, "Helping the sick and needy is a strict family tradition passed down from our ancestors, and helping those in distress is our duty. You needn't worry about it, young lady. However, I didn't bring many Zheng Tian Pills with me this time. Your chronic illness has been going on for a while; you should use these to slowly treat it." With that, he took out a jade bottle from his chest and handed it to her.

The woman took the bottle and said softly, "Young Master Pei's righteousness is unforgettable

for the Murong family of Gusu." Her voice was very gentle, yet it surprised Pei Yan, who stammered, "Your surname is Murong?" "Yes, my name is Murong Ling. My elder brother, Murong Qing, often mentions the 'Four Flower Gentlemen' of Mingjian Manor, praising Young Master Pei highly," Murong Ling replied calmly.

"It's just a flattering title bestowed upon me by my friends in the martial world. Miss Murong, please don't flatter me, or I'll become too arrogant." Knowing that the beauty before him was the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan, renowned throughout the land, Pei Yan's heart had already soared to the heavens, unwilling to come down.

"Young Master Pei is too modest. I've often heard of the 'Four Flowers Gentleman' at home, but I didn't take it seriously, thinking it was just some charlatan created by busybodies. But seeing him today, I realize that there's no such thing as a false reputation. This vast martial world does have discerning eyes." Murong Ling finished speaking haltingly, her beautiful, watery eyes secretly sizing up the young master from the prestigious family.

Hearing this, Pei Yan didn't know how to reply. The joy he felt at winning the favor of such a beauty was unimaginable. The two faced each other in silence for a long time. After a long pause, Pei Yan seemed to realize something, and said as if waking from a dream, "I will take my leave now. Miss Murong, please rest well." He turned to leave, but suddenly heard a soft, almost inaudible female voice say, "Young Master Pei, farewell. If there is an opportunity, Ling'er will certainly come to thank you." There was a hint of reluctance in her tone, which made Pei Yan feel as if he had heard celestial music, and his soul once again soared to the heavens.

Back in his room, recalling the beautiful woman's shy and tender words at parting, Pei Yan jumped up and down excitedly, like a child who had just received candy. Where was his usual carefree demeanor as the Third Young Master Pei, the "Old Man of Wu who washed flowers and swords"? Alas! Love is a thing that only makes people intoxicated and lose all reason. (04-26

Chapter 4: Martial Arts Tales)

Speaking of this "Four-Flower Young Master," he was indeed very famous in the martial arts world. "Four Flower Gentlemen" is the title of the direct descendants of the famous sword manor in Luoyang, and also the heirs to the manor's lord. They are the leading figures and guardians of the younger generation in the martial arts world.

The famous sword manor in Luoyang, along with the Canhe Manor of the Murong family in Suzhou, Jiangnan, are known as the two great manors of the North and South. They were founded by Yuwen Kang, the Duke of Ji, the nephew of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou. The initial reason for their construction was to ensure the Yuwen family's rule for thousands of generations, with both the imperial court and the martial arts world supporting each other. However, the brilliant and ambitious Emperor Wu died young at the age of 36, before reaching middle age, and his successor became arrogant and extravagant, plunging the court into chaos. In 581 AD, Yang Jian, the Duke of Sui, from the Hongnong Yang clan, ascended the throne and became known as Emperor Wen of Sui. With the fall of the Northern Zhou dynasty, Yuwen Kang, in despair, changed his surname to "Jian" (Sword). His will abolished the traditional practice of hereditary succession, stipulating that each successor be a disciple taken in by the reigning master during his travels—either from a noble family or a poor orphan—selected solely based on their aptitude, cultivation, character, and talent. One of the "Four Flower Princes" would be chosen to succeed as master, while the other three would manage the three halls of "Heaven, Earth, and Man" within the manor, serving as elders. Although Mingjian Manor was founded by the imperial family, the rise and fall of dynasties is an inevitable historical phenomenon. Since the time of Duke Yuwen Kang, the manor had renounced this fate, drifting far from the court and no longer seeking power in the imperial court.

Each of the "Four Flower Gentlemen" was known by four titles: "Hairpin Flower," "Plucking Flower," "Washing Flower," and "Burying Flower." The saying goes, "The eldest, with flowers in his hair, is charming to heaven and earth; the second, with a smile while plucking flowers, even Buddha seems to sway; the third, while washing flowers, he cleanses his sword, and the King of Wu grows old; the fourth, while burying flowers, he

brings ruin to the underworld." All four were renowned gentlemen of the martial world, yet their identities outside of it were always kept secret. Just now, although Pei Yan introduced his family background, he didn't mention being the "Washing Flower Gentleman." Murong Ling's words hit the nail on the head, demonstrating the Murong family's widespread influence. This is not surprising, as both the Yuwen and Murong families were once part of the royal families of the Northern Dynasties' nomadic tribes. Although the era is long past, their noble and refined air remains undeniable, making it quite normal for the two families to be on good terms. The current master of Mingjian Manor, Jian Wuxing, and Murong Ling's deceased father, Murong Zhenhuan, were once among the four grandmasters of the martial arts world twenty years ago. It is said that his martial arts skills have now reached the Void Returning Realm, but he is elusive and rarely seen. After his battle with Abbess Jingyi of Emei Lotus Nunnery at the Golden Summit ten years ago, the two disappeared without a trace and vanished from the martial arts world. Their bodies have never been found, and no new master has emerged in Mingjian Manor. People say that the two have simply gone into seclusion together and no longer concern themselves with worldly affairs.

Ten years ago, on the Mid-Autumn Festival night, an epic battle took place at the Golden Summit of Emei Mountain, a direct clash of the world's strongest sword techniques. The Floating Cloud Sword Technique, a direct descendant of the Famous Sword Manor, was passed down from Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Yong, the true dragon emperor. Its kingly aura was unstoppable and incomparably fierce. The Jade Maiden Sword Technique of Emei Mountain was said to have been passed down from the goddess Yao Ji of Wushan Mountain. Its agility and skill were truly the best in the world, and its greatest strength lay in its flexibility and versatility. The abbot of Shaolin Temple, Master Huiming, once observed it and said, "Its sword is like a dream, like an illusion, truly not of this world." Before Jian Wuxing assumed the position of the manor lord, he was, like Pei Yan, the third son of the Huanhua Prince. It was said that he was a direct descendant of the Li Tang royal family, but he left the world to wander due to his weariness of court intrigue.

Thirty years ago, on the shores of Erhai Lake in Dali, a young nobleman in a brocade robe, a tall hat, and snow-white clothes walked slowly. His jade-like face was filled with grief and sorrow, his handsome eyes red and glistening with tears, as if they might burst forth at any moment. If anyone in the capital had seen him, they would have known that he was Li Yi, the beloved son of the late Emperor Daizong, who had disappeared from the world's sight four years earlier after a palace coup, his whereabouts unknown. Emperor Daizong had passed away three months earlier, and the current Emperor Dezong, Li Shi, had ascended the throne before the coffin, changing the era name to Baoying. It is likely that although he had wandered the world and remained indifferent to worldly affairs, he could not help but shed tears and grieve at the thought of his beloved father's passing, and his heart was torn apart by the fact that he could not personally keep vigil to show filial piety.

Four years ago, a palace rebellion implicated the youngest prince of the royal family, who had previously lived a life of seclusion. The 16-year-old boy experienced the coldness and indifference of the world and suddenly had an epiphany. He left the palace and its intrigues and met Jian Wuming, the wandering master of the Famous Sword Manor. The two hit it off immediately, and Jian Wuming, seeing a connection between them, imparted all his profound martial arts skills to him. He also entrusted the Famous Sword Manor to him and, after settling his affairs in the world, drifted away. Li Yi, the Prince of Ya, who was not yet 20 years old, changed his appearance and became Jian Wuxing, the youngest master of the Famous Sword Manor in history. With his unique Wuxing Sword, he defeated everyone in the manor and became famous overnight. After ascending to the throne, he changed his previous arrogant attitude and went into seclusion. He entrusted the affairs of the manor to three elders and then drifted away, disappearing without a trace. This became a legendary tale in the martial arts world and is still talked about today.

"Why are you so despondent, benefactor? You must know that birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural laws, inescapable for all living beings. Even the Buddha passed away and was reincarnated; what difference does it make to be an emperor?" A gentle female voice rang out. Li Yi looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young nun in a moon-white robe. Born in the tranquil Buddhist monastery, she possessed a captivating beauty, her every gesture radiating a serene light that made one forget everything else. It was truly a matter of whether this was a blessing or a curse.

"Thank you for your guidance, young master. Sword Formless has always been a loner, not tolerated by the world. How could I care about anyone's life or death?" the white-robed man said loudly, his face regaining its warm smile.

The young nun smiled only slightly, like an ice flower blooming, so beautiful that it dazzled the eyes. She spoke slowly, “The Master of Mingjian Manor, Wuxing, is naturally a solitary and aloof man. Li Yi, the Elegant Prince of the Li family of Longxi, is a humble gentleman deeply devoted to filial piety. The late Emperor Daizong passed away three months ago in the Zichen Palace. His benevolent rule and love for the people were truly meritorious, making him a wise ruler of the Tang Dynasty. However, life and death are predestined; you should try to accept it.” She finished with a soft sigh.

For some reason, this unfamiliar nun felt strangely familiar to him. Hearing her sigh, Li Yi felt a chill in his heart, his sorrow and longing intensifying. Gazing at the misty surface of Erhai Lake, he was speechless. After a long while, the nun said, “This humble monk is Jingyi of Emei. I must take my leave now. If we meet again, we shall continue our conversation.” She bowed and departed gracefully. Li Yi watched her figure, wondering whether to feel sorrow or joy that such beauty existed within the Buddhist order. Little did they know that after that chance encounter, as serene as the green grass under the moonlight, the red thread of fate would bind the two together tightly, and neither could break free, until twenty years later, when a world-shaking battle took place, and the unknown aftermath of the war.

The whereabouts of the two have become the biggest mystery in the martial arts world for the past decade. Everyone says that Abbess Jingyi has abandoned Buddhism and lived a life of seclusion with Jian Wuxing, far removed from the mundane world. However, Yang Qi, the "Hairpin Flower" leader of Mingjian Villa and Emei Sect, and Abbess Lingyu are both carefree and detached individuals, and would not concern themselves with such inside stories. Even if there are villains in the martial arts world spreading rumors, they dare not publicize anything because of the prestige of the two sects. In fact, if they could truly be destined to continue their lifelong bond, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing? It's just that too many constraints and entanglements in the world ultimately make their journey difficult.

Murong Zhenhuan, a fellow martial arts master, would always sigh with regret when speaking of his old friend, lamenting his lifelong heartbreak. Even the enlightened Master Huiming, who had transcended worldly desires, shook his head repeatedly, his eyes filled with sorrow, when recounting that past in the martial arts world. This shows how tragic the story was. But the man is gone, and those who remember him only add to the pain. "

The land was given away with bare hands, and Changjun was as beautiful as jade, captivating all.

The forest flowers fade, spring returns again, life and death, gatherings and separations are too fleeting.

The clear songs and graceful dances, the love between two birds flying wing to wing, are but half a dream from a past life.

Countless painters in the world, yet none can capture this heartbreak."

This is a poem carved by Jian Wuxing on the south wall of the Xiling Inn after a drunken night. The elegant and unrestrained calligraphy still remains. Every month thereafter, drunkards gaze upon this wall of heartbreak and weep. What is love, that it makes people pledge their lives to each other? Alas, deep love is often shallow, and there is so much helplessness in the world. Only the foolish lovers, entangled for a lifetime, ultimately end up separated forever. How can one bear such a fate?

Because the sword was invisible and nowhere to be found, the eldest disciple, Yang Qi, nicknamed "Zanhua," was in charge of the manor's affairs. However, he was the direct descendant of the Hongnong Yang family, who had destroyed the Yuwen family's rule, and held the high-ranking military position of General of the Cavalry. The three elders were reluctant to pass the manor lordship to him. Yang Qi was a carefree and unassuming man, indifferent to fame and fortune, desiring only a secluded life in the countryside with his beloved wife, Wei Yan'er. He lamented being born into a noble family and the immense kindness of his master who had taught him since childhood. He felt helpless in many ways, and seeing that no one was willing to entrust him with important matters, he was content with his leisure, placing his hopes solely on his three junior brothers to inherit the three-hundred-year legacy of the Famous Sword Manor. The second brother, Lu Yun, nicknamed "Nianhua," and the third brother, Pei Yan, nicknamed "Huanhua," also came from noble families. Lu Yun was cynical and unconventional, a true gentleman who was both chivalrous and eccentric, able to sing and weep, surpassing the common crowd. For him, the position of manor lord was merely a fleeting cloud, something he would simply laugh off. The third son, Pei Yan, nicknamed "Huanhua," was raised in a prestigious family and is a refined and gentle gentleman. He is a responsible and capable individual, but also influenced by the Huangqi family, he possesses a compassionate and merciful heart, and has mastered the family's "Welcoming Spring with Withered Trees" martial arts technique. His charitable nature makes him an unsuitable candidate for a ruthless and decisive manor lord. The fourth son, Shen Xiao, nicknamed "Zanghua," comes from the maternal family of the former Empress Dowager Shen. However, his family has long since fallen into decline, and he is a collateral descendant. From birth, he suffered much bullying. His parents died young at the age of five due to lack of medical care, leaving deep trauma in his young heart. This is the result of the cold-blooded and ruthless Fourth Young Master Shen. As a member of the manor's punishment hall, he holds the power of life and death in his hands. His name, "Zanghua," is inextricably linked to death, hence the saying, "Zanghua brings misfortune to the underworld," a rumor that is not unfounded. Although Shen Xiao held the lowest rank, he was implicitly considered the successor to the position of Master of Famous Sword Manor, a consensus widely known throughout the martial arts world.

Half a year prior, two of the three Grand Elders had passed away due to illness, and the last was bedridden. This led Shen Xiao to change his name to Sword Without Feelings, clearly indicating his intention

to succeed to the manor; only the ceremony was missing. In truth, in terms of talent, aptitude, and martial arts prowess, the second-ranking Lu Yun was the most outstanding among the four. However, his arrogant and disdainful nature made it difficult for the elders of the manor to entrust him with the position of Master. Yang Qi and Pei Yan tried to persuade him at length, but the meeting ended unhappily. Fortunately, the four had practiced martial arts together since childhood and shared a deep bond. Even though Yang Qi and Pei Yan disagreed with Shen Xiao's decisive and ruthless approach, his succession wasn't unacceptable to them. Their fear was that Shen Xiao's worldly desires for power would lead him down a path of no return, which would be a catastrophe for Famous Sword Manor.

Chapter 5 Longing Under the Bright Moon

"Heroes of the world emerge from our ranks, once in the martial world, time flies. Imperial ambitions and conquests are discussed in jest, nothing surpasses a life of drunken revelry." From the most bustling Taibai Tower in Chang'an, these melancholic yet unrestrained verses faintly drifted through the air. Those who heard them assumed it was the work of a weary wanderer, offering solace to the bustling world with the reflections of a life of wandering. Little did they know that the one singing this was not a disheveled, down-on-his-luck man, but rather a finely dressed young master with a jade belt—a truly astonishing surprise.

"Young Master Lu, why did you stop singing the second half?" With a hearty laugh, a burly man in a tight-fitting outfit entered Taibai Tower and headed straight for the most inconspicuous corner.

"Chief Escort Feng, how have you been?" Lu Yun seemed unresponsive, sitting casually, pouring himself a drink, offering only a perfunctory greeting. The burly man was named Feng Xiao, a close drinking buddy of Lu Yun. He was originally the young head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of the Chang'an镖局 (escort agency), but had taken over the agency's business after his father, the former head镖师, retired from the profession before the New Year. They hadn't been in touch for the past six months due to his busy schedule.

"Come on, I've finally found some free time today, let's drink three hundred cups, until we're completely drunk!" Feng Xiao said, tilting his head back and downing a cup of Nu'er Hong (a type of red wine). Lu Yun glanced at his old friend and continued drinking alone. After a long silence, two jugs of Nu'er Hong were finished.

"Speak, what is it?" Lu Yun slowly raised his head, speaking in a drunken tone.

"Hey, Brother Lu, Mingjian Manor has suffered a major upheaval. Rumors are circulating in the martial world that Tian Sha, the master of Tiantang Hall, is terminally ill. None of you brothers are in the manor, and everyone is in chaos. Are you really just going to ignore it all?" Feng Xiao said slowly.

Lu Yun remained silent for a long time before speaking in his usual unhurried tone, "Where is Shen Xiao? He doesn't care, so why should I meddle?" "It's

rumored that the Flower Burial Prince encountered a bottleneck in his martial arts and went to the Western Regions to seek a breakthrough," Feng Xiao said.

"The Invisible Sword Qi and the Floating Cloud Sword Technique aren't so easy to master," Lu Yun said sarcastically.

"Frost buries the night, emotions hard to quell; the cold moon withers the stars, flowing like water. Where is the Moonlit Pavilion of Longing? A single day, two autumns, or three autumns? Brother Lu, have you heard of this poem?" Feng Xiao asked casually.

"So I'm considered half a member of the martial world; I've heard of the Moonlit Pavilion of Longing," Lu Yun replied indifferently, as if discussing trivial matters unrelated to him. The "Acacia Moon Pavilion" they mentioned was the most infamous assassin organization since the founding of the Tang Dynasty. Adhering to the principle of "taking money to solve problems," it had dominated the underworld for over a century, making it the undisputed uncrowned king of the demonic path. Each leader was a peerless martial arts prodigy, their cultivation no less than, and perhaps even surpassing, that of the Shaolin abbot. Legend has it that thirty years ago, the head of the Shaolin Discipline Hall, Master Huikong, was defeated by the former leader, Yu Changkong. The battle at Shaoshi Mountain shook the world and has become a legend.

"Brother Lu, take a look at this," Feng Xiao said, pulling something from his robes. Lu Yun took the item and his expression changed drastically. He became very serious and after a long while, he slowly said, "I don't know where Brother Feng obtained this item. You must handle it with care and not be careless, lest you bring about your own death or bloodshed." After speaking, he gently wiped the item in his hand. It was a square piece of jade-colored agate, about the size of his palm. The surface was carved with a cold moon, two red beans, and a pavilion. The three things that were originally unrelated now looked more harmonious than ever before, lifelike and perfectly integrated.

"Hey, this isn't a matter for my Feng family. You should know about the Xiao family of Chang'an, right? A couple of days ago, Old Master Xiao personally handed it over to me, entrusting me to protect their family and ensure their safe return home. Imperial Censor Xiao is an honest and upright official. It turns out that before he retired and returned home, he said something he shouldn't have. Someone in the court tried to buy the lives of his entire family from the Xiangsi Mingyue Tower. The old man himself is upright and fearless, but he still has his beloved wife and his precious daughter, whom he had when he was 40. He couldn't bear to see them suffer, so he had no choice but to seek out my father, who had retired from the criminal world..." Feng Xiao recounted the whole story in detail, making Lu Yun frown deeply.

"I came to Chang'an to take the imperial examination. My Lu family has been a family of scholars for generations, and my mother wanted me to pass the exam to honor my father's spirit in heaven. But as a child, I have many constraints. With the exam approaching, I am willing but unable to do so. Elder Xiao is respected by the people of the world. I think the mastermind behind this wouldn't dare to be so arrogant. As the saying goes, everyone knows Sima Zhao's intentions. How can he silence the public? Elder Xiao is a pillar of the nation, so I can only trouble Brother Feng." At this point, Lu Yun stood up and bowed, his face solemn, his former frivolousness completely gone.

Feng Xiao nodded solemnly, his blood boiling with excitement. He couldn't help but tilt his head back and down the wine in one gulp, his boundless pride bursting forth in that instant.

Before they knew it, darkness had fallen. The two waved goodbye, and Lu Yun went alone to the inn. Hearing the sound of reading aloud coming from next door, his heart was filled with mixed

emotions. He stared blankly at the dark night sky outside the window. A cold moon hung high in the azure sky, casting its silvery light across the earth, creating a sense of vast emptiness. Lu Yun couldn't sleep. He sat alone by the window, recalling the past. He felt a pang of melancholy at the fleeting nature of life, and couldn't help but sigh. All the old memories of the Moonlit Pavilion of Longing flooded his mind, and his brow furrowed deeply.

While some were suffering from sleepless nights, the same scene unfolded at the Yue Lai Inn. It was lamentable that the two most renowned and unrestrained of the Four Flower Princes, the second and third, had become so fond of appreciating flowers and the moon. If those who thrive on chaos found out, who knew what kind of storm they would stir up? Moreover, with the Mingjian Manor already in turmoil, it was truly a case of misfortunes never coming singly.

Originally, meeting a beautiful woman should have been a joyous occasion, but Pei Yan couldn't feel happy at all. Having just recovered from the stunning impression of Murong Ling, the thought of his purpose in coming to Luoyang inevitably made him restless and irritable. Unlike Lu Yun, he had no interest in the position of manor lord, but he cared deeply about the safety of the manor. He had come from Luoyang in Hedong Province precisely because he feared that some unscrupulous individuals might take advantage of the chaos at Mingjian Manor to do shady things. As the saying goes, one should not have the heart to harm others, but one must be wary of others. As one of Jian Wuxing's direct disciples, he had the responsibility and obligation to protect the manor's safety and take over its affairs during this critical time.

Thinking of his three fellow disciples, Pei Yan was unhappy. His eldest brother had devoted himself to the military to serve the country, long forgetting he was still a member of the martial arts world; his second brother was a carefree wanderer, indifferent to worldly affairs; and his fourth brother was obsessed with martial arts, only seeking to improve his skills. At such a crucial moment, not one of them stepped forward to take charge, leaving him to shoulder the heavy responsibility alone. How could he not be angry? Moreover, he was an indecisive person, lacking ambition, cunning, and aspirations. A thousand thoughts flooded his mind, making it impossible to decide, turning into a tangled mess, and the more he thought about it, the worse it got.

They slept in silence, and when he awoke, it was already broad daylight. Pei Yan stretched, washed up, and went downstairs for breakfast. As soon as he closed the door, a fragrance, both strange and familiar, wafted into his nostrils, refreshing his mind and spirit. Pei Yan's gloom from the previous night vanished, and he regained his youthful vigor, as if riding a fine horse and wearing a thousand pieces of gold. Turning around, he followed the scent, and a graceful figure came into view, leaving him momentarily captivated.

Seeing his infatuation, Murong Ling couldn't help but chuckle, playfully scolding, "Silly boy, what are you daydreaming about?"

Hearing the beauty's slight annoyance, Pei Yan's heart had already flown to some idyllic dream, completely forgetting the troubles of the previous night. His face was beaming with a smile, like a gentle spring breeze.

The two walked downstairs side by side, looking nothing like they had only known each other for a day; they appeared to be a perfectly matched couple deeply in love. With the beautiful woman by his side, Pei Yan felt an unprecedented joy. He secretly turned to glance at her, and as if on cue, Murong Ling turned as well. Their eyes met, and in that instant, they understood the undisguised admiration in each other's eyes. They turned away simultaneously, as if struck by lightning, their faces flushed with a blush, their hearts pounding as if about to leap from their chests, unable to calm down for a long time.

Finally, they reached the table and sat down, heads bowed in silence. After a long while, Murong Ling's clear voice rang out: "Waiter, two baskets of steamed buns and two bowls of soy milk."

After the meal, Pei Yan spoke first: "Miss Murong, I have urgent business to attend to, so I must take my leave. Until we meet again." His tone was reluctant, but his voice was clear and bright.

Seemingly snapping out of her daze, upon hearing her lover rise to take his leave, Murong Ling couldn't help but exclaim softly, "So soon!" Realizing the embarrassment in her words, she blushed deeply, her jade-like face turning a deep red.

After a long pause, she finally said, "Young Master Pei, farewell." Pei Yan, being a free-spirited man of the martial world, quickly packed his belongings and took his leave. Murong Ling sat at the table, watching his receding figure, a pang of sorrow gripping her heart. She sighed with a complex expression, murmuring, "I wonder when we'll meet again?"

Pei Yan, in his white horse and blue robes, galloped along the broad road, but the image of her beautiful figure lingered in his mind, as if bewitched. Overwhelmed by sorrow, he suddenly pulled on the reins, his horse galloping past like a shooting star, letting out a mournful neigh that caused all who saw it to sigh and feel heartbroken.

In truth, both were straightforward and guileless. Having tasted love for the first time, they were naturally reluctant to part. However, life is unpredictable, and fate played a cruel trick. Their time together was short-lived, and separation was imminent. How could one not sigh with regret? What is love? Who can truly understand it? How many people are tormented by the word "fate"?

Perhaps the only one who was truly pleased was Du Ke, who had just tasted love. Although he hadn't lost his virginity, these past few days of intimacy with his stunningly beautiful sister-in-law had given him a taste of womanhood. Yet, Wen Hua treated him with a push-and-pull attitude, unable to let go of worldly constraints for love, driving Du Ke to distraction. He deeply respected the pitiful beauty who had suffered so much, and could only focus all his energy on martial arts. He had mastered the basic moves of the Dragon Spear Technique, and his internal energy cultivation had also improved significantly, reaching the bottleneck of refining essence into qi, on the verge of a breakthrough, only lacking the opportunity. Perhaps a thrilling battle would allow him to reach a new realm in martial arts; of course, that's a story for another time.

Chapter 6: Romantic Encounters at the Wen Residence

That morning, the sun shone brightly, the sky was clear and cloudless—truly a beautiful day for a spring outing, with apricot blossoms filling the air. Before they knew it, Du Ke and Wen Hua had arrived in the east of Luoyang. The two of them, smiling and chatting, gracefully approached, adding a beautiful touch to the already charming scene, making one forget worldly concerns and fall in love at first sight.

Perhaps because the time for visiting her family was approaching, Wen Hua had changed out of her usual men's clothing early on, donning a simple and elegant lady's attire. Her eyebrows were delicately drawn, her lips lightly painted, and a plain white jade hairpin was casually inserted into her high-piled bun, making her appear even more refined and graceful. Although she had lost her previous spirited and dashing air, she had gained a more delicate and charming femininity. If it weren't for the conspicuous long sword at her waist, one would easily mistake her for a young lady from a wealthy family, out for a spring outing.

Influenced by the radiant beauty beside him, Du Ke's previously unkempt and slovenly appearance was greatly improved. After all, when visiting the Wen family elders, appearance was still very important. He had changed from his light blue outfit into a moon-white satin robe and thick-soled boots with cloud-patterned soles. A silver spear, gleaming in the sunlight, was casually held in one hand, seemingly reminding everyone that this handsome young man was also a powerful martial artist. Though somewhat incongruous, it revealed a unique charisma that drew attention and admiration.

The two had already bought horses at the previous post station and were now traveling side-by-side, attracting the attention of many on Luoyang's streets. Wen Hua, born and raised in Luoyang, was intimately familiar with the city. Du Ke had also traveled here with the Zen Master Huiming during his early years of ascetic practice, though his childhood memories had faded. While Luoyang as a whole hadn't changed much over the years, subtle details had, which was why Du Ke felt a slight sense of unfamiliarity. The

Wen family lived in a secluded manor in the east of Luoyang. The two quickly arrived at the entrance of the Wen family compound, dismounted, and slowly entered.

“Young Miss, why didn’t you let me know you were coming back? I could have sent a car to pick you up.” It was the old butler of the Wen family who answered.

“It’s alright, Uncle Fu. I came specifically to say goodbye to my father and sister. By the way, where are they?” Wen Hua asked with a smile, her face showing no sign of sorrow.

“Master went out on business and won’t be back for half a month. Second Miss has been staying in her room all day, just spacing out, except for meals.” The old butler, Uncle Fu, said.

“Go ahead and do your work. I’ll go check on that girl.” Wen Hua said, then walked towards Wen Yi’s room, leaving Du Ke alone in the living room drinking tea. Du Ke was deep in thought about a move and didn’t react at all, sitting and sipping tea naturally, which didn’t bother him.

Wen Yi was sitting in her room, leaning against the window, lost in thought. In the past, on such bright weather, she would have been unable to contain her excitement and gone out to play. Now, her brows were furrowed and her eyes were unfocused, which was quite unusual.

Suddenly, a loud knock broke the silence. Wen Yi, startled, got up and opened the door. A familiar figure appeared in the doorway, and she froze for a moment.

"What? You brat, won't you let your sister in? Is there something in the room that your sister shouldn't see?" Wen Hua said with a sheepish smile, looking at her sister's stunned expression.

Wen Yi snapped out of her daze, her face slightly flushed, and scolded, "Sister, how dare you speak ill of your own sister like that?" But her tone was full of surprise.

The two entered the room, and Wen Yi turned around and closed the door, saying to her sister, "Why are you back now? Did that Du boy make you angry? Did you run back to your parents' house?"

"Oh, you brat, you dare to talk back to your sister like that, so disrespectful." The two sisters joked around as usual, without any grudges or reservations. In a moment, they were drenched in sweat. If Du Ke were here, he would probably be blushing and his heart would be pounding.

After a period of playful banter, Wen Hua led her younger sister out of the room and pointed to Du Ke, who was still sitting in the living room drinking tea and deep in thought, saying, "Sister, this is Du Ke, the young marquis of the Du family in Jingzhao. Are you satisfied with him?" Wen Yi gave a coquettish rebuke: "Sister, you should enjoy this handsome young man yourself. Don't involve me." As she spoke, her eyes naturally drifted to the jade-like young man in the living room, their gazes filled with admiration.

Wen Hua noticed the look in her younger sister's eyes and sighed, "It's all Father's fault for betrothing you to the unruly Lu Yun. What if I betrothed you to him?" Before Wen Yi could reply, she turned to Du Ke, who was still lost in thought, and said, "What are you daydreaming about? I brought you a great beauty, and you're ignoring her? How rude!"

Hearing the coquettish rebuke, Du Ke snapped back to reality and said apologetically, "Good sister, I was just studying a difficult move. I'm sorry for neglecting you."

"Neglecting me is fine, but neglecting the hostess here will get you skinned alive," Wen Hua said through gritted teeth, her face full of a teasing smile.

Seeing the two of them getting so carried away with their banter, Wen Yi didn't hold back. With a sneer, she said, "Oh! Good sister, why do you sound so affectionate? You seem even closer than your own sister? Could it be that you two..."

At this point, Wen Hua recalled the romantic moments they'd shared, her face flushing red. She scolded, "You brat, what are you saying? You're going to kill me!" Then she pounced on him, continuing their playful antics as before, completely forgetting the virile young man standing beside her.

The two had just finished their playful antics, and soon they were drenched in sweat again. It was early summer, and they were wearing light clothing; the sweat-soaked clothes only accentuated their curvaceous figures, making Du Ke blush, his heart pound, and his blood boil. He quickly suppressed his lustful thoughts and turned away. The two were completely unaware, their soft, seductive moans only fueling Du Ke's arousal. He hastily recited the Ice Heart Mantra to suppress his wicked thoughts of a threesome. After

a long while, they came to their senses and found the young man beside them sitting upright with his back to them. Recalling their previous intimate encounter, they felt a pang of shame, and the scene fell silent, broken only by their gradually calming breaths. Wen Hua, being older and more experienced, was the first to recover. She said slowly, "Brother Ke, you must be tired from your journey. I'll have Uncle Fu take you to your room to rest."

Du Ke nodded hastily, but inwardly thought: This journey has been quite pleasant; perhaps the beauty doesn't appreciate it? Lost in these thoughts, he felt a pang of bitterness and followed the old steward to the room.

Watching the young man's retreating figure, Wen Hua slowly exhaled and pulled her still-dazed sister back to their room.

One afternoon, Du Ke sat upright on the bed in his guest room, practicing his breathing exercises. All worldly desires vanished, and he showed faint signs of breaking through to the Refining Essence Realm. However, he was still just one step short. His quantitative progress had reached its peak, but he lacked the catalyst for a qualitative leap. Frustrated, he lay down and pulled the covers over his head to sleep.

The so-called Refining Essence into Qi involves transforming one's own essence into Yang Qi, channeling it through the Ren and Du meridians into the Dantian, achieving a unity of spirit and Qi—also known as the "Small Heavenly Circuit." When a martial artist reaches the Qi Refining Realm, they can lift a thousand pounds with just the true Qi in their Dantian. Their mastery of cultivation techniques naturally increases, making it the first step towards becoming a master. Opening the Ren and Du meridians requires not only diligent practice but also immense opportunity. This is why countless martial artists are kept outside the Qi Refining Realm, lamenting their wasted potential.

Du Ke was fast asleep when he vaguely smelled a familiar fragrance. He murmured, "Good sister, I missed you so much." As he spoke, he reached out and touched her soft, warm body, then rolled over, pinning her beneath him.

Wen Yi had only come to wake him for dinner, but seeing him so sound asleep, she couldn't resist a playful urge. She bent down to pinch his nose, but his reaction startled her, turning her face pale. She froze, unable to move. After a while, she heard soft snoring and realized that the boy was truly asleep and hadn't intended to violate her. She quickly pushed him away, sending the sleeping lecherous man to the floor.

Wen Yi hurriedly got out of bed, rubbing her burning cheeks, and rushed back to her room, leaving Wen Hua, who came running at the sound, completely bewildered and unable to react.

Du Ke awoke with a start from his sweet dream. Opening his eyes, he saw the beautiful face he had longed for day and night. Still feeling like he was dreaming, he instinctively reached out to embrace her. Suddenly, his hand seemed to hit something, and a sharp pain jolted him awake. He abruptly realized he was lying on the ground, with Wen Hua watching him beside him, her expression complex, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and joy.

At dinner, as if by unspoken agreement, the three of them avoided mentioning the afternoon's events, only engaging in casual conversation about everyday matters. Most of the time, the two sisters whispered secrets to each other, while Du Ke stood there, lost in thought.

As usual, the Wen sisters would share intimate words after dinner. Du Ke politely took his leave, using the bright moonlight to spend the afternoon practicing his marksmanship in the courtyard. The Wen sisters didn't try to stop him, letting him go.

After Du Ke left, Wen Yi told her sister everything that had happened in Du Ke's room that day. Wen Hua listened with a complicated expression and remained silent. After she finished speaking, the two sat quietly for a long time before Wen Yi couldn't help but say, "I can see that he truly admires you, respects you, and loves you. He is a rare and good man in this world. Sister, don't miss out." Wen Hua's

delicate body trembled upon hearing this, and tears welled up in the corners of her eyes. She murmured, "How can I, a withered flower, be worthy of him? He is already engaged. To be able to look at him like this in this life is enough for me; I have no other desires."

Wen Yi understood her sister's feelings and threw herself into her arms. The two sisters embraced tightly, comforting each other.

At this moment, Du Ke was completely unaware of what had happened in the room. He was still enthusiastically practicing his self-created and proud marksmanship. In the moonlight, his handsome and dashing shadow stretched long and long.

Du Ke's virginity is about to be lost, please continue to support Dragon Soul! Qingxin will update another chapter tonight, I definitely won't disappoint you!

Chapter 7: The Nine Forms of the Plain Maiden

, Menstruation at its Peak. As night deepened, after practicing the Dragon Spear Technique several times, Du Ke felt somewhat tired. He quickly tidied up, went to the guest room to wash up, and then fell into a deep sleep.

Perhaps because he had slept enough at noon, he had only slept for more than three hours, and now, before dawn, Du Ke slowly woke up. He sat up abruptly, realizing it was still late at night. He tried to lie down and go back to sleep, but as soon as he closed his eyes, his mind was filled with the alluring and sensual images of his sister-in-law, Wen Hua, whom he had met along the way. He couldn't sleep anymore; his whole body felt hot, his cheeks burning, and he embarrassingly displayed an erection. His large member was unusually hard and erect, making him extremely uncomfortable. His usual "ice-heart mantra" was useless now; he was overflowing with passion and couldn't calm down.

In utter helplessness, Du Ke hastily threw on a robe and got out of bed, pacing restlessly in the dark guest room, enduring unprecedented torment. Suddenly, a thought struck him: he should go to Master Wen's study and find some Confucian classics; these were the best way to calm the mind. With that thought, he hurriedly pushed open the door and went out.

The bright moonlight that had guided the way in the outer courtyard was long gone; the high-hanging moon had disappeared behind the clouds. Although it was his first time visiting the Wen family, Du Ke, thanks to his daytime exploration and his amazing memory, still managed to stumble his way to the door of Wen Guanlin's study. The room was naturally dark and empty. Du Ke lit a tinderbox he carried with him and, following the light, lit the lampshade in front of the desk, illuminating the entire room.

Du Ke looked around and, finding that he hadn't disturbed anyone, casually picked up a few yellowed books from the bookshelf beside him—clearly antiques. Du Ke opened the top book, the *Shangshu* (Book of Documents), and began to read.

As expected of a Confucian classic passed down for thousands of years, after only half a short while, the fire in Du Ke's heart seemed to be extinguished, and his handsome face, flushed from the heat, gradually regained its usual radiance. However, the embarrassment lingered. Fortunately, Du Ke was engrossed in reading and didn't dwell on it.

After a while, perhaps his eyes grew tired, Du Ke closed the book, got up, and paced around the study, his mind still savoring the Confucian teachings he had just read. Thinking of the righteous and indomitable sentences in the book, he couldn't help but feel a soaring ambition: "To accomplish the affairs of the king and the world, and win fame before and after death."

Just as Du Ke was full of ambition and ready to put it into practice, his eyes, which had been scanning the room blankly, naturally stopped at the pile of books he had just read. He was attracted by an ancient seal script protruding from the bottom book—ancient writing, from the same era as the characters on the ring passed down in his family.

Surprised, Du Ke picked up the book and began to read. It would have been better if he hadn't looked, because once he did, the waning heat quickly returned. The book vividly depicted a young couple, seemingly "intimately in love," embracing tightly. The woman lay face up, the man prone on top of her, his buttocks between her legs, their private parts still pressed together. Below the picture, in delicate small characters, were these words: "Nine methods, the first is Dragon Turning. Have the woman lie upright facing upwards, the man on top, his thighs hidden on the bed, the woman grasping her vulva to receive the jade stem. Pierce its nut, then attack its top, gently swaying and shaking, eight shallow and two deep, death and life returning, powerful and strong. The woman will then be aroused, her pleasure like a song, leading to self-control, and all diseases disappear."

Du Ke, after all, was a son of a noble family. Although he had been weak since childhood and had practiced asceticism with Zen Master Huiming for nearly ten years, he understood the meaning of the painting. After all, since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, social customs had gradually opened up, and the separation of men and women was not as strict as in previous dynasties.

Naturally, Du Ke was shocked to find such a secret manual on sexual techniques hidden in the study of a high-ranking official. In his conscious state, he recalled similar illustrations in the Du Family Dragon Rock Spear Technique manual passed down to him by his grandfather, and thus connected the two. Du Ke quickly took out the small booklet he always carried with him and compared the two manuals. He found them strikingly similar and vaguely sensed that this book was not as simple as the common sexual manuals like "Jade Chamber Secrets," "Jade Chamber Essentials," and "Dongxuanzi." Perhaps it was an ancient, unparalleled secret technique. However, thinking of the erotic scenes depicted in the book, he couldn't help but dismiss such thoughts.

Suddenly, Du Ke remembered a story of romance recorded in historical texts: on the eve of the ancient Battle of Zhuolu, the Yellow Emperor obtained the secret sexual techniques of the Nine Heavens Maiden, which enabled him to annihilate the million-strong army led by Chi You, the leader of the Jiuyi tribe. Realizing this, Du Ke finally understood that he had found a treasure. This seemingly inconspicuous ancient book was actually a unique, authentic copy of the *Su Nu Jing* (Classic of the Plain Girl), passed down from ancient times. Du Ke's martial arts had been stuck at the peak of the Refining Essence stage for a long time, yet he couldn't find the method to transform essence into qi. Frustrated and restless, coupled with the fatal temptation he had been subjected to by the two girls from the Wen family during the day, he had experienced the inexplicable agitation of burning himself earlier. This ancient text was indeed a supreme cultivation secret, its only drawback being that it emphasized the harmony of yin and yang, and the dual cultivation of men and women. Although the Tang Dynasty was known for its open-mindedness, martial arts cultivation was still austere. Now, it seemed to lack many erotic elements. Thinking of this, Du Ke couldn't help but recall the alluring scene he had inadvertently witnessed that morning, and his mouth went dry. Ah, he was, after all, a young man full of vigor; how could he withstand such stimulation? Du Ke's self-control was thanks to his ten years of practice of the Buddhist secret technique, the Ice Heart Mantra. A truly rare and virtuous gentleman.

Du Ke casually flipped through the "Classic of the Plain Girl," and the nine postures of the Plain Girl—dragon soaring, tiger stepping, ape wrestling, cicada clinging, tortoise leaping, phoenix soaring, rabbit sucking its hair, fish catching scales, and cranes intertwining their necks—appeared one by one with nine different paintings. The brushwork was exquisite, lifelike, and seamless. Du Ke blushed and her breathing became rapid. Her "brother" below her head stood erect as if she had suffered a great injustice, making her feel even more uncomfortable. Du Ke stared blankly at the last painting, the cranes intertwining their necks, and without realizing it, the naked man in the painting, whom she didn't recognize, vaguely transformed into herself. Her eyelids gradually drooped, and she fell into a deep sleep on the desk.

In the dimly lit virgin's boudoir, the door was tightly closed. In the most conspicuous place, an ancient bronze mirror leaned against the wall. On the dressing table next to it, a beautiful woman with light makeup sat at an angle, staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror. She wore a thin, snow-white gauze undergarment, her full breasts tightly wrapped in a jade-green silk bodice embroidered with a vibrant red peony. Below her slender waist, a pair of plain white silk underpants clung to her firm, rounded, peach-like buttocks, their outlines subtly revealing her exquisite and alluring figure.

"Good sister, your brother Ke misses you so much." A hoarse male voice, trembling with passion, came from the tightly drawn curtains of the embroidered couch beside her. The voice suppressed a surge of burgeoning passion, its unhurried pace sounding strangely awkward. The woman trembled upon hearing this, two blushes rising on her snow-white, lotus-like face. Her brows furrowed slightly, but she rose and walked hesitantly towards the bed.

Perhaps hearing the rustling footsteps, the shy beauty who had just reached the bedside was suddenly pulled back by a large hand reaching out from behind the embroidered curtains, her slender waist embraced. With a gentle pull, she fell into the deep curtains. Bright, clear moonlight shone into the room through the window opposite the bronze mirror, revealing only two blurry figures embracing tightly behind the curtains. Under the bed, two pairs of casual indoor shoes lay casually, seemingly telling everyone about this enchanting and sensual scene.

"Ah!" With a soft moan, Du Ke awoke from her dream. The dazzling sunlight was already streaming into the room through the window, shining directly on the desk, making it even harder for Du Ke to open her sleepy eyes. She vaguely saw a familiar, graceful figure standing in the doorway, so she forced herself to stand up and naturally went to greet her.

After having breakfast, Wen Hua, remembering her father's absence, felt a surge of longing and decided to visit his study, where he often stayed, to tidy up a bit. But as soon as she opened the door, she was utterly shocked by what she saw. The annoying young man was casually sprawled across the table, fast asleep. She was both annoyed and amused, yet unable to utter a single word of reproach. She was truly at her wit's end. Now, seeing him get up and walk towards her without a word, she found herself, as if possessed, neither dodging nor avoiding him, but instead instinctively closing the door tightly behind her. A strange blush crept onto her fair face, her heart pounded wildly, and she felt utterly exhausted, leaning weakly against the door, unable to take a step away.

Du Ke drew closer, having already recovered from his earlier drowsiness. He gazed at the beauty he had longed for, her cheeks flushed with passion, her alluring eyes fixed on him, her cherry-red lips pressed tightly together, soft breaths escaping her lips, and the pounding of her heart.

In this situation, Du Ke, who had been holding back for so long, could no longer restrain himself. And this was his sister-in-law, whom he had admired for so long; he too was overcome with passion and quickened his pace.

Pressed close to Du Ke's tall frame, inhaling the masculine scent emanating from him, Wen Hua felt a surge of intoxication, her body trembling even more violently. A clear bird song drifted into the room, startling Wen Hua awake. She pushed against Du Ke's broad chest with her soft, weak hands, saying shyly, "You little rascal, what are you doing in broad daylight? Let me go, or I'll get angry!"

"Good sister, your little brother Ke missed you so much. No one will come now, let me hold you tight a little longer." His long-suppressed emotions were finally released, and Du Ke was unwilling to stop there. He tightly embraced her slender waist with one hand, and lingered on her fragrant shoulder with the other, burying his head deeply in the ink-black hair of the beauty in his arms, intoxicated by the familiar, virginal fragrance.

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