Wuxia: Become the 100-Victory Sword King at the Beginning

Chapter 288. A chivalrous hero protects a flower across thousands of miles; Xue Li bravely explores to safeguard the secret manual.

Outside the temple, the sound of horns, like the spitting of a venomous snake, slowly coiled around the strings of their hearts.

Shi Feiyang looked down at Xue Li's pale face in his arms, gently wiping away the bloodstains on her lips with his fingertips, his movements as delicate as caressing a white plum blossom on the verge of withering.

“There is no need to be afraid, I am here.” Shi Feiyang’s tone was low and gentle, containing a reassuring power. “Once this storm has subsided, I will take you to the Broken Bridge and personally adorn you with the most beautiful peach blossoms.”

Xue Li leaned against his chest, listening to his firm heartbeat, as if she were in a safe harbor amidst turbulent waves.

She once considered herself a top disciple of the Kunlun Sect, and always remained cold and indifferent to Shi Feiyang's approach; yet at this moment, his embrace became the warmth she craved most. "Feiyang..." she whispered, her jade hands tightly gripping his clothes, "If it weren't for you, I would have long since perished in the bloody storms of this martial world." As Shi Feiyang carried Xue Li into the Hangzhou branch of the Xiong Ying Society, a chill and a putrid stench assaulted their senses.

The once brightly lit buildings are now like the belly of a giant beast, deathly silent and chilling.

The lanterns on the eaves swayed in the wind, casting a halo of dark red light, like congealed blood.

Shi Feiyang nimbly leaped onto the wall, and the sight before him made Xue Li shudder – dozens of the branch disciples lay dead in the courtyard, their blood congealed into a purplish-black color, their deaths gruesome.

"Be careful! This is the White Bone Cult's 'Bone-Rotting Powder'." Xue Li struggled to stand up, the jade sword in her hand glowing blue, but trembling slightly due to the lingering poison in her body.

Shi Feiyang immediately shielded her behind him, and as he drew his Heavenly Frost Blade, a fierce gust of wind swept through the courtyard, seemingly dispelling all the gloom. Suddenly, the roof tiles rattled, and three dark figures appeared like ghosts.

The leader of the Three Envoys of the Underworld opened his robes, revealing that the corpse spots on his chest were writhing like living creatures, and the stark white bones pierced through his skin, emitting a nauseating stench: "Shi Feiyang, hand over the Jade Void Map and the person, and I'll spare your life!"

"If you want to hurt her, you'll have to get past me first!" Shi Feiyang's voice was as loud as a bell, making the surrounding air tremble.

However, at that moment, a shrill scream came from deep within the branch headquarters, and a group of "living people" with bloodshot eyes and festering skin staggered out—they were actually branch disciples controlled by the White Bone Sect's "corpse poison"!

"These people can still be saved!" Xue Liyu's sword trembled, her eyes filled with anxiety. "The White Bone Sect used 'Soul-Locking Nails' to control their minds!" She gazed at Shi Feiyang's desperately fighting back, her heart filled with heartache.

The person who used to speak coldly to her now longs to shower him with all her tenderness.

Shi Feiyang gritted his teeth and unleashed the "Hundred Victories Blade Technique," deliberately avoiding vital points amidst the flashing blade light.

However, under the corrosive influence of the corpse poison, these disciples possessed immense strength and felt no pain, charging forward wave after wave.

The "swoosh" of a blade slicing through skin and the crisp sound of bones shattering were particularly eerie in the night.

Xue Li forcefully channeled her inner strength, unleashing the "Snow Shadow Splitting Light Sword" with her jade sword, attempting to alleviate the pressure on Shi Feiyang.

But her movements aggravated her wound, and she spat out another mouthful of black blood.

Seeing this, Shi Feiyang was extremely anxious. He unleashed his Mingyu Gong true energy, forming a crystal vortex that protected the two of them in the center.

All sharp weapons and vicious hidden weapons were deflected by the true energy. On the contrary, the extreme cold spread rapidly, making the enemy's acupoints feel as if they were being pricked by needles. Soon, their limbs stiffened and their whole body was covered in frost.

Xue Li suddenly exclaimed, "Fei Yang, you're injured!" It turned out that Shi Fei Yang had been injured by a bone-piercing nail while protecting her, leaving a mark on his protective Mingyu Gong ice armor.

Xue Li struggled to get closer, her trembling hands wiping his "wounds," her eyes filled with self-blame and heartache: "It's all my fault, if it weren't for me..." However, Shi Feiyang smiled and took her hand, gently kissing the back of it: "Silly girl, I'm willing to get hurt for you. As long as you're safe, what does it matter if I'm covered in blood?" His gaze was firm yet tender, "Once all this is over, I will definitely take you to travel all over the world and make you smile every day."

Xue Li could no longer suppress her emotions and threw herself into his arms, her tears soaking his clothes: "Fei Yang, I don't want you to get hurt, I just want you to be alright... From now on, let me protect you, okay?"

The night was as dark as ink, yet it was distorted and warped by the towering torches. In this bloody and turbulent world, the two figures clung tightly to each other, like two inseparable stars, warming each other with their light and illuminating the dark road ahead.

The night was torn apart by a bloody wind, and the crimson chains of the three Netherworld Envoys, wrapped with scarlet tentacles, pierced through the air. Black blood dripped from the barbs on the chains, leaving a winding trail of blood in the air, just like a soul-devouring blood python crawling out of the Netherworld.

The third brother's sleeve flashed with a cold light, and three hundred and sixty "Soul-Chasing Nails" poured down like a torrential rain. The eerie green fluorescence intertwined to form a net of death, and each poisoned needle was coated with the "Seven-Step Intestinal-Severing Powder" from the Western Regions.

Xue Li's face was ashen, and she strained to gather the Kunlun Sect's "Mysterious Ice Technique." With a delicate shout, she drew a circle in the air with her jade sword: "Snow Soul Ice Seal!" In an instant, a crystal-clear ice wall rose from the ground, and the chill transformed into thousands of ice shards, freezing the area within ten feet into a frosty white world.

However, the corpse poison on her shoulder suddenly backfired, a metallic taste rising in her throat, and she spat out a mouthful of black blood. The newly formed ice wall shattered with a deafening roar, scattering shards of ice like hail across the ground. "Don't hurt her!" Shi Feiyang roared, shattering the copper bells on the eaves, his Mingyu Gong true energy surging like a raging tide.

He gently pulled Xue Li into his arms. As blue light swirled, an ice sculpture completely protected her, her hair and eyelashes covered in ice crystals, like a sleeping snow goddess. The Heavenly Frost Blade hummed as it was drawn from its sheath, its blade instantly forming three feet of ice shards. He had actually unleashed the Mingyu Skill's ultimate technique, "Supreme Forgetfulness: Ice Soul Cold Prison"! The Hundred Victories Blade Technique and the Mingyu Skill merged seamlessly at this moment.

Shi Feiyang spun around and swung his sword, the force of which was as fierce as "opening the heavens and splitting the earth," yet it also contained the yin and cold energy of the Mingyu Gong, causing the air to condense into mist wherever it passed. When Shi Feiyang unleashed his "Shocking Calamity," the true energy around him transformed into an ice-blue vortex, and wherever his cold gaze swept, a series of crisp "crack" sounds rang out.

The puppets controlled by the corpse poison rapidly developed spiderweb-like ice patterns on their skin. First, their eyeballs froze and burst, then their bones turned into ice block by block, and finally, their entire bodies shattered like glass into countless ice shards, mixing with black blood and emitting a ghostly glow on the ground. The leader of the Three Netherworld Envoys wielded his bone sword, but encountered a sudden chill in mid-air, causing the blade to crack.

He stared at the ice sculptures scattered on the ground, his pupils suddenly contracting: "This is clearly the 'Frosty Blade Soul Sealing' realm, a combination of the Bright Jade Skill and the Hundred Victories Blade Technique! Even the Palace Master of the Flower Shifting Palace back then could only barely reach this level..."

Before he finished speaking, Shi Feiyang's ice blade came crashing down with the force of a raging sea. Wherever the blade struck, the scarlet tentacles on the chains froze and fell off.

The third brother let out a strange cry and released poisonous mist. Shi Feiyang's blade flashed as he unleashed the "Three Poison-Breaking Techniques." The blade energy collided with the poisonous mist, creating a deafening roar. The deadly poison was condensed into ice crystals by the chilling energy of Mingyu Gong, which fluttered down to the ground.

The three Netherworld Envoys exchanged glances and let out a sharp whistle like that of a night owl. The controlled disciples suddenly turned around in unison and retreated into the darkness like puppets being manipulated.

Shi Feiyang sheathed his sword and stood there, the sweat on his forehead instantly freezing into ice beads.

The stench of blood in the air grew stronger, and the green reeds in the northwest flickered like will-o'-the-wisps, with the faint sound of chains being dragged.

He picked up Xue Li from the ice sculpture, and his Mingyu Gong true energy transformed into a warm current that slowly flowed into her: "Don't worry, I'm here. Even if it's the Netherworld, I will definitely protect you."

In the ice sculpture, Xue Li's eyelashes trembled slightly, as if frost flowers were about to fall from the cold branches.

A single tear slid down his pale cheek, condensing into a sparkling pearl on the ice crystals, and Shi Feiyang's heart seemed to ripple with emotion.

At this moment, Xue Li was like a snow lotus encased in frost, fragile yet exquisitely beautiful, making Shi Feiyang want to give her all the gentleness in the world. In the distance came the rapid sound of horses' hooves, striking at the heart like war drums.

A fast horse galloped in, and the rider was Xiong Ying's informant in Hangzhou.

He was covered in blood, three piercing nails protruding from his chest, yet he still clutched a secret letter tightly—the last hope for the safety of the martial world. As the horses drew near, the man laboriously handed over the blood-stained letter, using his last ounce of strength to say, "Grand Master… White Bone Sect…"

Before he could finish speaking, he died, falling from his horse and crashing heavily to the ground, splattering blood everywhere.

Shi Feiyang tore open the envelope, and the few words he read caused his expression to change drastically.

He said in a deep voice, "The White Bone Sect is colluding with a mysterious force in the Western Regions, attempting to use the power of the Kunlun Jade Void Diagram to activate an ancient evil array. They intend to use the sacrifice of ten thousand people to awaken the demon god sleeping beneath the ice abyss of the Kunlun snow peaks. Once the demon god appears, it will grant the White Bone Sect endless power, helping them dominate the Central Plains martial arts world and eventually rule the world."

"Such a thing has happened!" Xue Li exclaimed as she heard the news from inside the ice sculpture. Her jade sword nearly slipped from her grasp, and tears welled in her beautiful eyes. "If this calamity is caused by my pursuit of the Jade Void Diagram... I will be a sinner of the Kunlun Sect, and a sinner of the world!"

Her voice was filled with endless self-blame and regret; every word was like a sharp blade cutting into her heart.

Shi Feiyang immediately interrupted her, his gaze as firm as a rock: "Silly girl, how can you blame yourself? The White Bone Sect is a wolf in sheep's clothing, coveting the Jade Void Map for a long time. Even without you, they would have tried every means to obtain it. What crime have you committed?"

He reached out and gently touched the ice sculpture, passing through the cold barrier to grasp her hand. "Now that we know their conspiracy, it's time for us to turn the tables and save the day. I, Shi Feiyang, swear here and now that I will never let the Demon God appear in the world, and I will restore peace to this martial world! I will also protect you, and no one will be allowed to harm you in the slightest!"

At that moment, a blinding bolt of lightning suddenly streaked across the sky.

The blue light grew stronger, accompanied by eerie cries, as if thousands of vengeful spirits were wailing.

Dark clouds rolled like a raging sea, with a huge black shadow surging in the distance, as if a sleeping demon was about to awaken and bring annihilation to the world.

Shi Feiyang looked up, gripped the Frostblade tightly, and declared in a steady and powerful voice, "Clearly, they have already begun their operation. We must go to Kunlun immediately and stop them before the White Bone Cult does." His tone revealed an unwavering determination.

Xue Li nodded, struggling to her feet, her jade sword emitting a faint blue light: "I will walk with you. No matter how many difficulties and dangers lie ahead, I am determined to fight alongside you." Her gaze was equally unwavering. At this moment, she was no longer the Kunlun disciple who had once been indifferent and distant towards Shi Feiyang, but a woman willing to pay any price for him and for the martial world.

As Shi Feiyang gazed into Xue Li's determined eyes, a warm current surged within him—the joy of being trusted and relied upon.

He helped Xue Li onto the fast horse prepared by the disciples of the Hangzhou branch of the Xiong Ying Society, wrapped his arms around her, and whispered, "Hold me tight, there is no need to be afraid. I will protect you along the way, just as before, and I will continue to do so in the future."

Xue Li nestled in his arms, feeling his warmth, her heart filled with emotion and peace.

Once, her heart was like ice, keeping everyone at arm's length; now, Shi Feiyang, with his passion and tenderness, has gradually melted that thick ice shell, allowing her to understand what it means to care and what it means to be attached.

She held his hand tightly and whispered, "Feiyang, thank you. I only wish to accompany you on this journey, no matter where we are."

Braving the fierce wind, the two sped off towards the Kunlun Mountains.

The sound of horses' hooves shattered the night, but could not shatter two hearts bound together. In this world of bloodshed and turmoil, their figures receded into the distance, yet their resolve remained unwavering.

As long as we stand together, we can overcome all difficulties and obstacles and safeguard the peace of this world.

In early spring, the Helan Mountains are still tightly embraced by ice and snow.

Guo Xiangyu leaned against the carved window frame of the attic, her fingertips lightly tracing the frost flowers that had formed on the windowsill. In a daze, she felt that the translucent patterns resembled the heroic spirit between Shi Feiyang's eyebrows and eyes.

The distant, snow-capped mountains shimmered with a cold light under the sun, yet as she gazed at them, her eyes gradually grew hot—the winter snow melted and then re-accumulated, accumulated and then melted again, but her exuberance had not yet returned.

"Miss Guo, this is the third time you've warmed the ginger tea today." The maid Xiao Tao held the celadon bowl and watched as her mistress poured the cooled tea back into the copper stove, and couldn't help but gently dissuade her.

Guo Xiangyu seemed not to hear, but stared at the leaping flames in the stove, muttering to herself, "He loves my ginger tea the most; it has to simmer for three hours to get the ginger flavor strong enough."

Before she could finish speaking, snowflakes began to fall outside the window. She quickly got up, and without even putting on her embroidered shoes, rushed barefoot into the courtyard.

Snowflakes fell into her black hair, instantly turning into glistening water droplets.

Guo Xiangyu looked up at the sky, letting the snowflakes hit her face, and softly called out, "Feiyang? Is that you back?" The wind swirled the fine snow into her thin clothes, but she was oblivious, stubbornly searching for that familiar figure in the snow.

It wasn't until Xiao Tao draped a fox fur over her that she seemed to wake from a dream. She looked down at the melting snow in her palm and murmured to herself, "So it wasn't you after all... Yet these snowflakes falling on me feel just like the warmth of your embrace."

In the stillness of the night, Guo Xiangyu tightly embraced the black cloak left behind by Shi Feiyang, curled up on the bed.

The cloak, embroidered with gold-threaded cloud patterns, still carried his scent, the delicate sandalwood mingling with the lingering smell of gunpowder from the clash of swords. She buried her face in the soft fabric, her voice choked with emotion: "You once said that once the Nine Banners Gang's affairs were settled, you would accompany me to admire the misty rain of Jiangnan. Now spring has arrived, but you still haven't returned..."

After saying that, she stubbornly got up again, took out her treasured brush and ink, and wrote the three characters "Shi Feiyang" on the rice paper.

Before the ink was dry, it was stained by tears, blurring the paper with a hazy image of longing.

The next morning, Guo Xiangyu was pleasantly surprised to find that the red plum blossoms in the courtyard were blooming amidst the snow and ice.

She gently plucked a flower, tucked it behind her ear, and smiled at the bronze mirror: "Feiyang always says I'm more beautiful than the flowers. When he returns and sees this red plum blossom against my face, he'll surely praise me as the most beautiful scenery in the Helan Mountains."

She adjusted her hairpins in front of the bronze mirror, every smile and frown seemingly trying to transform her longing into the most beautiful image, just so that when that person returned, he could see her most captivating appearance at first glance.

The morning mist, like a light veil, gently covered the vast earth. Xue Li rode on her horse, her gaze always following the figure of Shi Feiyang ahead.

His posture was upright, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, outlining a captivating silhouette in the glow of the morning sun.

After months of walking side by side, she had long since grown accustomed to watching him silently, hiding all her affection in her gentle gaze.

"Feiyang, look over there!" Xue Li suddenly exclaimed softly, pointing her riding whip at the wild roses blooming in the distant valley.

The pink and white flowers sway gracefully in the breeze, like stars adorning a green carpet, their sweet fragrance drifting on the wind.

Shi Feiyang tightened the reins, turned to look at Xue Li, and smiled indulgently in his eyes.

Xue Li dismounted gracefully, her skirt brushing against the dew-kissed grass, and carefully plucked a rose.

She walked lightly toward Shi Feiyang, tiptoed, and pinned the rose to his chest. Her fingers inadvertently touched his warm skin, and her cheeks immediately flushed.

“This flower complements you perfectly.” Her voice was gentle, and her lowered eyes were filled with shyness and deep affection.

Shi Feiyang looked down at the rose on his chest, then at Xue Li's blushing cheeks, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

He gently took her hand and said tenderly, "Even the most beautiful flower cannot compare to your beauty."

Xue Li's heart suddenly raced, as if countless little deer were pounding wildly inside her.

She nestled in Shi Feiyang's arms, listening to his strong heartbeat, wishing this moment could last forever.

However, good times always pass quickly. When they arrived at a small town, the scene before them was heartbreaking.

Amidst the crumbling walls, the smoke of battle had not yet completely dissipated, and the devastation left by the demonic cult deeply touched their hearts.

An elderly survivor clutched Shi Feiyang's clothes, his eyes brimming with tears as he pleaded, "Hero, please save us! Those demons have kidnapped my son, claiming they'll use him to sacrifice for the magic array..."

Xue Li's eyes immediately welled up with tears. She gripped Shi Feiyang's hand tightly and said firmly, "Feiyang, we must stop them. We can't let these tragedies happen again." Shi Feiyang nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes, and gripped the Frost Blade at his waist.

Such scenes played out repeatedly along the way. At each stop, Xue Li carefully bandaged the wounds of the injured, while Shi Feiyang vigilantly guarded her side. Witnessing her gently comforting frightened children and patiently preparing medicine for the wounded, Shi Feiyang was filled with emotion and pity.

From late spring to early summer, the snow on the roads gradually melted, replaced by lush greenery covering the mountains and fields. They traversed muddy ancient paths and climbed treacherous mountain ridges, enduring wind and rain, yet never uttered a single complaint.

Every night, the two would sit facing each other by the campfire. Xue Li would lean on Shi Feiyang's shoulder and listen to him tell stories of adventures in the martial world, while Shi Feiyang would gently comb her wind-blown hair and occasionally lower his head to kiss the top of her head.

As dusk fell like blood, the crumbling walls of the Northwest Famous Sword Manor appeared even more desolate.

The sound of Shi Feiyang and Xue Li's horses' hooves startled crows, but could not break the mournful cries in the deathly silence.

Dugu Yan knelt on the charred rubble, her hair disheveled, her piercing cries tearing through the air: "My child! Shi Feiyang, you heartless scoundrel! Five of my children have died at your hands, and now even the sixth one is missing... This blood feud, I will haunt you even as a ghost!" Zhong Renwang, his nose missing, mechanically lifted Dugu Yan with his iron arms, his metal hands gleaming coldly in the twilight: "Master Dugu, rest assured. Shi Feiyang stirred up trouble in the Kunlun Jade Void Map in Jiangnan; he must be heading to Kunlun now. We'll ambush him on the mountain path and make him pay for his crimes in blood!" Then, their figures gradually disappeared into the twilight, only Dugu Yan's wails still echoing among the ruins.

Shi Feiyang stared at the detestable figure receding into the distance, his brows furrowed slightly. Xue Li gently took his hand and softly comforted him, "There's no need to be saddened by this baseless slander. The innocent will be proven innocent." Her fingertips were slightly cool, yet they seemed to hold a flame that burned into his heart as their skin touched.

As dusk fell, Shi Feiyang took out an exquisite tent from his deerskin bag. In the last rays of the setting sun, his nimble fingers fiddled with the tent ropes, while Xue Li leaned against the broken wall, gazing adoringly at his focused profile.

Shi Feiyang's eyelashes cast a shadow that trembled slightly, and his high, straight nose was edged with gold in the setting sun. His features captivated her, and a sweet feeling welled up inside her. Suddenly, dark clouds rolled across the sky, and a gale swept in, carrying sand and dust.

As soon as Shi Feiyang set up the first tent, large raindrops began to fall.

He grabbed Xue Li's hand urgently, but because he used too much force, Xue Li cried out and fell into his arms.

The two fell heavily onto the softly blanketed tent, their breaths mingling.

Xue Li's hair fell loosely on Shi Feiyang's chest, like black silk.

She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with spring water: "You're so reckless, what if you hurt me?"

Although her words were reproachful, her tone was so sweet it could drip honey.

Shi Feiyang's Adam's apple bobbed, and his hands unconsciously wrapped around her waist. His voice was low and hoarse: "If you are truly hurt, I will spend the rest of my life making amends." Outside the tent, the rain poured down and thunder roared. Inside, the warmth between the two dispelled the chill.

Xue Li's cheeks flushed, like the most beautiful peach blossoms in spring. She leaned gently on Shi Feiyang's shoulder: "Since meeting you, I've realized that the world of martial arts can be so warm. With you by my side through thick and thin, I'm not afraid of anything."

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and kissed her hair: "Silly girl, from now on, I will protect you. When all this is settled, we will find a secluded paradise and never care about the grudges of the martial world again."

Xue Li buried her face in his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and a happy smile appeared on her lips: "I don't care about the martial world, as long as I can protect you, that is my greatest wish. Even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, I will brave them with you."

The rain intensified, but the temperature inside the tent grew ever hotter. The two embraced tightly, and amidst the ruins, on this stormy night, their love surged like a tidal wave, stronger than any vow.

The morning light of midsummer shines through the ruins, casting dappled golden spots on the mottled ground.

Xue Li slowly woke up from her dream, and looking at Shi Feiyang's handsome sleeping face beside her, a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

She stretched out her slender fingers and gently pinched the tip of his nose, scolding him playfully, "Lazybones, the sun's already high in the sky."

Shi Feiyang's eyelashes trembled slightly, and he suddenly opened his eyes, pulling her into his arms.

Xue Li gasped and fell onto his firm chest, the faint fragrance of his hair lingering around her nose.

At dawn, after the rainstorm had just stopped, wispy clouds spread across the sky like brocade.

Shi Feiyang embraced Xue Li as they sat together, the wild roses adorning her temples already quietly blooming.

He ran his fingertips along the hem of her blood-stained wedding dress, then suddenly scooped her up in his arms, his dark outfit enveloping her as he spun her around lightly, startling two white doves from the eaves.

"Shi Feiyang!" Xue Li exclaimed in surprise, hugging his neck, the jade hairpin in her hair jingling.

Shi Feiyang's eyes reflected the morning glow, and his laughter was as clear as the morning dew: "Last night you said you would brave mountains of knives and seas of fire with me, so why are you so afraid of heights now?" As he spoke, he deliberately lifted her up a bit, startling the person in his arms into burying her face in his shoulder. Her warm breath seeped through the fabric, making his heart tremble.

The morning light streamed down Shi Feiyang's brow bone, shattering into countless stars in Xue Li's eyes. "After you help the soldiers quell the rebellion in Bozhou, I want you to marry me in a grand ceremony with eight bearers carrying me." She bit her lower lip, a blush rising to her ears. "And we'll have our names engraved all over the wedding candles."

Shi Feiyang suddenly grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her hard and urgently.

The wildflowers beneath the broken wall rustled in the gust of air, but he held her even tighter, as if he wanted to melt all the tenderness of the rest of his life into this kiss.

When Xue Li pushed him away, breathless, Shi Feiyang's eyes burned with flames: "More than just an eight-bearer sedan chair! I want the whole world to know that Shi Feiyang's bride is the most dazzling star in the world."

Suddenly, Shi Feiyang magically opened the deerskin bag, invisible to ordinary people.

The moment the white jade bathtub was unfolded, it stirred up dust all over the courtyard, giving it a golden edge. As warm spring water was poured into the tub, Xue Li gazed at her rosy reflection on the water's surface, her heart overflowing with happiness. Her fingertips traced the water's surface, and ripples shattered the two intertwined faces.

"Be careful not to burn yourself." Shi Feiyang's breath brushed past his ear, carrying an irresistible gentleness.

He removed her outer garment, his movements even gentler than when he wiped the divine weapon.

As Xue Li shyly nestled into his arms, Shi Feiyang suddenly chuckled. The vibration of his chest made her look up and scold him playfully, only to meet his eyes, which were filled with stars: "My lady, do you know that no matter how warm the bath water is, it cannot compare to the beauty in your eyes?"

Shi Feiyang held the beauty in his arms, watching the sunlight dance like golden butterflies on her eyelashes. He lowered his head and gently pecked her blushing earlobe, making a vow in the morning breeze: "From now on, year after year, I will make sure you have such a beautiful day every year."

The white jade bathtub reflected the morning light, shimmering with shards of gold, just like the smile that sparkled in Xue Li's eyes.

Shi Feiyang's fingertips twirled her dark hair, which was soaking in water, and suddenly tied a knot, which amused the beauty to playfully reach out and snatch it away.

As the two frolicked, water splashed up, droplets landing on Xue Li's shoulders, meandering down her graceful curves and disappearing beneath the warm surface. "Look at you like this, where is the demeanor of a Kunlun swordsman?" Shi Feiyang flicked her reddened nose with his finger, eliciting a soft snort.

Not to be outdone, Xue Li scooped up a handful of water and splashed it at him, but he dodged it by sidestepping. The water droplets splashed onto the mottled broken wall behind him, startling two sparrows that were roosting there.

Shi Feiyang stretched out his long arm and pulled the person who wanted to escape into his embrace. Xue Li's back was pressed against the cool tub wall. When she looked up, she saw that the affection in his eyes was even hotter than the hot spring water.

"How should I punish you for being so naughty?" He deliberately put on a stern face, but his voice was so gentle it could melt your heart.

Xue Li tilted her head, her wet hair brushing against his chest. "How about I punish you by grinding ink for you every day and writing down all the love poems in the world?" She lightly tapped his heart with her fingertips. "And paint another picture of us traveling the world hand in hand, and hang it in our little wooden house."

Shi Feiyang lowered his head and gently pecked her lips. "Not enough." He then kissed her reddened earlobe. "I will punish you by making you stay by my side year after year, watching the spring flowers and autumn moon, and counting the fireflies on summer nights."

His palms pressed against her back, and he hugged her tighter and tighter, as if he wanted to preserve the warmth of this moment forever.

Xue Li leaned on his shoulder, listening to his strong heartbeat, and suddenly reached out to scoop up some water and drew a crooked heart shape on the side of the tub.

“Feiyang, look.” She smiled, her eyes crinkling, “This is our home.”

Looking at the shapeless heart, Shi Feiyang felt it was more precious than any treasure in the world.

He covered her hand with his and traced another heart on the water's surface. The two hearts gradually merged, creating gentle ripples in the water.

“Yes, this is our home.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “From now on, we will be each other’s home.” Outside the window, sunlight streamed through the broken window frame, draping the couple in a golden veil.

A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of wildflowers, as if whispering the most beautiful blessings.

At this moment, in this small white jade bathtub, time seems to stand still, leaving only endless tenderness and affection.

Touched by his gentle actions, Xue Li reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a light peck on the lips. "I don't care about the world of martial arts, I only wish to have you by my side year after year. When you are injured, I will brew medicine for you; when you are tired, I will massage your shoulders."

Tenderly entwined in brocade curtains, intoxicated by the fleeting beauty of youth.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and a warm and cozy atmosphere wafted through the carved curtains.

Xue Li nestled in Shi Feiyang's arms, her eyelashes fluttering, casting a butterfly-wing-like shadow on his chest. Shi Feiyang gazed at this lively shadow, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily.

"Little lazy cat, it's time to wake up." He hooked a strand of her hair with his fingertips and breathed warm air into her ear.

Xue Li let out a soft moan and burrowed deeper into his arms, her nose brushing against the old scar on his chest, causing Shi Feiyang to tighten his arms suddenly.

The morning light peeked through the gaps in the curtains, casting tiny golden spots on her fair skin, like stars deliberately adorning it.

Xue Li suddenly looked up, her beauty mark at the corner of her eye trembling slightly with a smile: "It's all someone's fault, he insisted on pestering me to say something about 'watching the sunrise together'."

Her fingertips traced his collarbone, her tone full of coquettishness.

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang raised an eyebrow, flipped over, and trapped the man between the brocade quilts. His unfastened inner garment slipped halfway down, revealing his strong muscles: "So it's my fault now? Who was it last night who said 'I wish to become a firefly and accompany you by your side'?"

Suddenly, a clear bird song came from outside the tent, startling Xue Li so much that she reached out to cover his mouth.

Shi Feiyang took the opportunity to suck on her fingertip, causing her ear tips to turn bright red instantly.

"Stop it!" She struggled to get up, but the silver bells in her hair got caught on the curtain hooks, and her black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, making her face even more beautiful.

Looking at the flustered yet charming woman before him, Shi Feiyang chuckled softly. He reached out and untangled her hair, his fingertips brushing casually against her reddened earlobe: "In such a hurry, are you going to find some treasure?"

Xue Li turned her face away and muttered softly, "Of course I'll embroider a handkerchief for you. The magnolia flower I embroidered last time was crooked..."

Before she could finish speaking, she was pulled back into a warm embrace.

Shi Feiyang rested his chin on the top of her head, his voice low and gentle: "Compared to handkerchiefs, I think..." He suddenly rolled over and pulled her beneath him, the morning light outlining his strong jawline, "The most important thing is to embroider my wife into my heart."

Xue Li's heart pounded as she felt his burning gaze, and she reached out to push against his chest.

Shi Feiyang took her hand and placed it on his heart: "Listen, this is full of your shadow."

He lowered his head and gently kissed her lips, his lingering gaze filled with an irresistible tenderness. "I used to live a life of constant danger, but now I realize that the most precious treasure in the world has already been lying in my arms."

The wind chimes outside the tent tinkled, startling the fallen flowers in the courtyard.

The whispers of happiness within the tent were more tender and lingering than the spring breeze, turning time itself into honey.

She looked up, her eyes like water, "Look, the peach blossoms we planted have bloomed, and the vegetable seedlings in the yard have grown tall. Life may be ordinary, but it is more precious than ever." Before she finished speaking, Shi Feiyang suddenly picked her up and carried her to the window.

Pushing open the gauze window, a courtyard full of peach blossoms rushed in, their pink and white petals dancing lightly in the wind and landing on Xue Li's shoulders.

“My lady is right. No matter how beautiful these peach blossoms are, they can’t compare to you.” He lowered his head and kissed the petals off her shoulder. “Come, let’s go embroider a handkerchief together. I want to watch my Xue Li embroider the most beautiful patterns in the world onto the silk.”

Inside the tent, in front of the embroidery frame, Xue Li held the needle and thread, while Shi Feiyang leaned against her, gazing intently.

Every time she embroidered a stitch, he would lean in to examine it closely, occasionally reaching out to disturb her, which would make Xue Li playfully tap his nose with the silk thread.

Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting the shadows of the two people together, creating a picture on the ground that would never fade.

As dusk deepened, Shi Feiyang put his arm around Xue Li and sat on the steps in front of the wooden house.

The distant mountains were dyed orange-red by the setting sun, and birds flew across the sky in their homing flight. Xue Li leaned on his shoulder, softly humming a Kunlun School tune, and Shi Feiyang gently shook her hand in rhythm.

“Let’s come to see the peach blossoms every year on this day, okay?” Xue Li turned to ask him. Shi Feiyang hugged her tighter and kissed her forehead: “Not just today, but every year from now on, I want to enjoy this beautiful scenery with you.”

A gentle evening breeze carries the sweet fragrance of peach blossoms. Inside the tent, candlelight gradually illuminates the couple, transforming this peaceful moment into a lingering tenderness.

The morning light dyed the gauze curtains inside the tent a honey color. Shi Feiyang suddenly turned over and took the plain silk and ink stick from beside his pillow.

He picked up the wolf-hair brush and slowly ground ink in the inkstone. The fragrance of ink mingled with the enchanting atmosphere inside the tent, adding a touch of gentleness.

Xue Li sat up, her long hair cascading down onto the brocade quilt, and curiously leaned closer: "What are you doing?"

Shi Feiyang smiled and lightly tapped her nose with the tip of his pen: "My lady, didn't you want to learn how to write love poems? Today, I will teach you properly." As he spoke, he spread the plain silk on his lap, and with a light turn of his wrist, the pen flew across the paper: "'Meeting you is like spring water reflecting pear blossoms.'"

The ink spread across the silk, the characters vigorous yet tender.

Xue Li tilted her head, her fingertips tracing the words: "This flowery language is nowhere near as straightforward as saying 'I love you' directly."

Upon hearing this, Shi Feiyang suddenly put down his pen, wrapped his long arm around her, and pulled her into his embrace: "Then what does Madam mean..."

His breath brushed against her ear. "Do you want me to be so blunt?"

(End of this chapter)