Jiang Ning’s guess was indeed correct.
Jiang Zhi’s deliberate provocation of Jiang Ning might have stemmed from a desire to die. But the moment she regained her senses, even Jiang Zhi herself was surprised. Jiang Ning had just promised her freedom, promising that from then on, she would no longer have to live for anyone. Yet, in that instant, a vast emptiness engulfed her, as if everything that had confined her for millennia was merely an illusion.
She turned her face away. “I will escort Jiang Huai to the Upper Realm to repay Master’s favor. If Jiang Huai needs it then, I will willingly be his cauldron. After that, Master and I will be even.”
Jiang Ning cupped her face in her hands and did not refute, merely agreeing softly. “Alright.”
“Before ascending to the Upper Realm, Hmph… Master, you can only watch as I punish and humiliate your good brother, watch as he begs for mercy under my humiliation. Will you be so enraged in the Upper Realm that you want to tear me to pieces?”
Unfortunately, Jiang Ning’s eyes did not fly into a rage as Jiang Zhi expected. She was merely calm, even looking at her with a hint of pity. “Brother has done nothing to wrong you. If you transfer your anger towards him because of me, it is merely putting the cart before the horse. Why be so childish? If you think I will be angered by such a thing, then it is rather laughable.”
Jiang Zhi pouted. “I just wanted to see if Master would get anxious. What a pity.”
Jiang Ning glanced at her indifferently, finally letting out a soft sigh. Her figure gradually became hazy, as if about to dissipate into nothingness. Before completely vanishing, Jiang Ning left her with one sentence.
“Instead of thinking about how to provoke me, why not think about how you will live a good life in the future, when you are no longer living under my shadow?”
…
Jiang Huai woke up from Chu Xianning’s lap. Smelling the pleasant, faint fragrance on Chu Xianning, he opened his eyes to see Chu Xianning’s cold and clear eyes. The troubles in his heart instantly vanished.
He glanced out the window. It was nearing dusk, almost time for the banquet to begin. Jiang Huai got off the bed. As Chu Xianning shifted slightly, Jiang Huai had already squatted in front of her, gently and earnestly helping her put on her shoes and socks.
Chu Xianning still felt a trace of inexplicable awkwardness, but this time she didn’t say anything more. When the two walked into the courtyard, the sound of the horn echoed in their ears once again.
The two walked side-by-side through the streets, heading for the Golden Treasure Hall. Compared to last night’s atmosphere, which seemed lively but held a hint of melancholy, today’s streets were genuinely lively and joyful. Jiang Huai saw the Dragon Clan members drinking heartily. Some peculiar panting sounds even came from the street corners, causing Jiang Huai to quicken his pace while holding Chu Xianning’s hand.
They were in the same positions as yesterday, the same four people. In just one day, it seemed as if nothing had changed, yet it also seemed as if everything had changed.
Today, Jun Anshui was wearing the jade-white sleeveless qipao that Jiang Huai had helped her put on that morning. Her fair, slender legs under the qipao were delicate and long. However, the chair was slightly high, and even with her high heels, her fair-silk-clad little feet could only hover slightly.
Compared to yesterday, her eyes were no longer filled with melancholy and coldness. Instead, they inexplicably held a touch of girlish shyness. At this moment, she was leaning on the table, eagerly anticipating Jiang Huai’s appearance. When Jiang Huai and Chu Xianning appeared within her sight, her eyes lit up instantly, as bright as the two brightest pearls by the roadside.
Jiang Zhi had changed into a purple dress. However, when she arrived at her seat, she glanced at Jiang Huai. Jiang Huai sensed her gaze and was slightly stunned, feeling as if her glance contained a myriad of emotions that he couldn’t decipher.
Fortunately, Jiang Huai gave up trying to understand. He guessed that even if he asked Jiang Zhi, she wouldn’t say anything. At this moment, the Dragon Clan’s waitresses brought plates of delicacies to the table and refilled the wine cups with fine wine.
Jiang Huai was slightly dazed. Facing Jun Anshui, he was actually a little at a loss. After all, he had only met Jun Anshui for less than an hour yesterday, and despite her refusal, he had bullied her small and tender body. After being scolded by her with disgust and resentment, Jun Anshui’s attitude towards him had undergone a 180-degree change, becoming obedient, gentle, and easy to talk to.
Jiang Huai’s mind was still a little jumbled. He had lived in the Human Clan since birth. When he went to the Monster Clan earlier, his head had felt dizzy after seeing some of their customs and habits. Now, it was the same in the Dragon Clan. Jun Anshui, just because of a scent, had gone from finding him disgusting to being obedient and gentle. This had initially made it difficult for him to adapt. He clearly remembered the wronged look in Jun Anshui’s eyes that hated him, making him feel ashamed and nowhere to hide.
The more Jiang Huai thought about it, the more confused he became. He simply poured cup after cup of wine and seriously savored the dishes on the table. Today’s wine seemed even more potent than yesterday’s. After a few cups of wine, Chu Xianning’s cheeks had become particularly rosy, and her body had also become soft and weak.
She leaned on the table, her eyes no longer as clear and cold as usual, but slightly hazy. Jiang Huai quickly put down his wine cup and leaned close to Chu Xianning’s ear. “Shall I accompany Master back?”
Chu Xianning nodded obediently, and Jiang Huai stood up, reaching out his hand to her.
Chu Xianning obediently took Jiang Huai’s hand. Jiang Huai led her out of the Golden Treasure Hall. Chu Xianning’s body was soft, and her gait was a little unsteady. So, Jiang Huai gently embraced her rounded, fragrant shoulder. Chu Xianning’s cheeks seemed to become even hotter, but she couldn’t say anything to retort. She was supported by him all the way.
Back in the courtyard, Jiang Huai locked the door and sniffed. It seemed as if his clothes were also permeated with Chu Xianning’s fragrance.
Chu Xianning’s skin was slightly hot. Jiang Huai looked into her eyes and said softly, “Does Master want to return to the room to rest directly, or bathe before resting?”
Chu Xianning slowly raised her hand, extending a fingertip to gently poke his chest. Jiang Huai was slightly stunned, then saw a hint of playful charm appear in her eyes. “You want to help me bathe?”
Jiang Huai immediately nodded. “If Master needs it, I am of course willing…”
“I don’t need it.” Chu Xianning turned her face away. “I’m going to bathe, you’re not allowed to follow.”
“Okay.” Jiang Huai nodded, amused and helpless. He then waited outside the bathhouse. After a while, Chu Xianning, who had changed from her Daoist robe into a nightgown, emerged from the curtain of the backyard bathhouse. Her eyes looked at Jiang Huai, who was guarding the entrance, and she reached out a fingertip to tap his forehead. “Go bathe.”
“Okay.”
…
Jiang Huai quietly pushed open the door.
At this moment, Chu Xianning was lying on her side on the bed. Perhaps because the alcohol had not yet worn off, her body was still a little hot, so she wasn’t covered with a quilt. This white dress made her voluptuous figure appear even more enchanting. Jiang Huai came to the bedside, carefully climbed onto the bed, and the scene turned to them looking at each other.
Chu Xianning’s eyes were still slightly hazy, her voice trembling slightly. Her slender white fingers gently tapped Jiang Huai’s chest. “I’m drunk.”
“Hm?”
“Don’t do bad things.” Chu Xianning said softly.
“Oh…” Jiang Huai nodded obediently. A moment later, he asked again, “Does a kiss count as doing bad things?”
Chu Xianning’s fingers tapped his chest again but she didn’t answer. Jiang Huai looked into her eyes and slowly leaned closer. In his sight, Chu Xianning’s delicate lips were slightly parted. After a moment, her tender, soft lips were gently kissed by him. A pleasant floral fragrance filled Jiang Huai’s nostrils. He leaned closer, greedily embracing Chu Xianning in his arms.
Chu Xianning was truly a little drunk. If it were any other time, how could she have allowed Jiang Huai to embrace her tender body like this and kiss her so wantonly? Perhaps Jiang Huai was also a little drunk, otherwise, where would he have gotten the courage to seek so much from Chu Xianning like this?
Only the two of them’s slightly rapid breaths, and the sound of their lips and tongues meeting, remained in the room. Jiang Huai’s hand gently stroked Chu Xianning’s smooth, snow-white back. The fabric of her white dress was delicate and thin, making her skin feel soft even through the dress. Jiang Huai’s mind kept wanting to subtly pinch Chu Xianning’s tender buttocks, but he was always distracted by Chu Xianning’s tender little tongue. So, he had to give up.
This seemed to be the longest kiss they had ever shared. Before, it had always been a light peck. But today, it was as if he could greedily kiss Chu Xianning’s lips, savoring the sweet dew from her lips. However, his greedy thoughts in his heart quietly surged at this moment, and a moment later, his mind began to struggle.
On one hand, he thought he shouldn’t take advantage of Chu Xianning while she was drunk. On the other hand, he thought that since Chu Xianning was still conscious and allowing him to kiss her, it meant she tacitly approved of him doing more. The two thoughts intertwined and battled in his mind for a while. But just as Jiang Huai was still struggling with his thoughts, Chu Xianning reached out her hand and gently pushed against his chest. The next moment, she pulled the quilt over, placing it between them, only her eyes looking at him.
“That’s enough.” Chu Xianning’s voice became very timid.
“I haven’t kissed enough.”
“It’s been so long…” Chu Xianning’s voice became slightly more firm this time. Although her tone was still a little soft and sweet, her meaning was clear: he couldn’t kiss anymore. Jiang Huai had no choice but to obediently concede. “Then, does Master want me to hold her while she sleeps?”
“No.” Chu Xianning replied softly. Jiang Huai nodded obediently. However, before he could close his eyes, Chu Xianning leaned closer. Before he could speak, she gently embraced him. His body instantly became a little stiff. But Chu Xianning had already lifted one of her fair and delicate legs from under her skirt and rested it gently on him.
“I’ll hold you,” she said softly.
“Okay.” Jiang Huai’s voice also became very, very soft. At this moment, Chu Xianning was so close. He obediently closed his eyes, sniffing the faint fragrance beside him, and fell asleep peacefully.
…
When he woke up again, it was already late at night.
Jiang Huai slowly opened his eyes because he sensed the approach of the Dragon Emperor Bloodline. This was a tremor originating from his bloodline instincts. Soon, he realized that a petite figure was standing by the bedside, looking at him cautiously but not daring to speak.
“You… you’re awake?” Jun Anshui seemed flustered.
“I sensed your aura,” Jiang Huai replied softly. Chu Xianning was sleeping beside him right now, and he felt a little uneasy. He asked softly, “What’s wrong?”
“Jiang Zhi said you have to leave tomorrow morning.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Jun Anshui’s voice became very, very small. “I want… to smell your scent again… I, I won’t disturb you. You sleep well.”
Hearing her timid voice, Jiang Huai’s heart was slightly touched. He quietly lifted the quilt and got up from Chu Xianning’s embrace. Chu Xianning mumbled drowsily. Jiang Huai leaned close to her ear and whispered, “I’m going out for a little while. I’ll be back later to accompany Master.”
Chu Xianning let out a very, very soft “Mm.” Jiang Huai was able to get out of bed. He looked at Jun Anshui in front of him and said softly, “Shall I accompany you out to chat?”
Jun Anshui looked up, and her silver eyes instantly lit up with surprise.
Jiang Huai walked up to her. After hesitating for a moment, he slightly bent down and easily lifted Jun Anshui’s delicate body into his arms. Jun Anshui’s body trembled slightly. She hurriedly reached out her hands to wrap around his neck, her soft cheek rubbing against his chest like a kitten.
