Fairy, I am truly a virtuous gentleman!

Ning Yuan's sudden action made Xiao Lingjiang instinctively hold her breath, and she was completely bewildered.

Before she could react, she found herself completely unresisting, already tightly embraced by the boy.

Xiao Lingjiang could clearly feel the strong arms encircling her slender waist.

She was forced to press her soft breasts against him, causing their bodies to press together seamlessly.

Body temperature and hot breath mingled together, constantly tangling and knotting in the minds of the young couple.

Her heart skipped a beat, and Xiao Lingjiang subconsciously raised her head, only to meet Ning Yuan's bright eyes. She immediately understood what was going on.

So she simply stopped suppressing the surging emotions within her, letting two blushes climb up her delicate face, and shyly buried herself in the boy's chest.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Heng first frowned, then quickly dispersed.

He paused for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Very well, since the die is cast, I'll go with the flow and congratulate you both."

At the end of his sentence, Xiao Heng specifically instructed Xiao Lingjiang again: "Don't forget, your surname is Xiao, and the family door will always be open for you."

Then, although he said he came on the orders of Crown Prince Ji Changhong to host the banquet, he only casually told Ning Yuan a few words before focusing on talking with Xiao Lingjiang.

His words were sincere and his attitude genuine.

But after failing to achieve his goal, he didn't linger and left immediately.

It was said that a guide boy would be waiting outside the hall, and Ning Yuan and the others could follow him to the Cloud Palace.

Watching Xiao Heng's figure disappear completely, Ning Yuan released Xiao Lingjiang and naturally took the small hand of Qiao Shuang, the beautiful, charming, obedient and considerate real maid who was silently standing by.

The latter gave a reproachful laugh and lightly patted Ning Yuan's hand, appearing extremely calm and composed.

The warm embrace that she had finally gotten used to suddenly left, and the girl felt a strange emptiness and reluctance.

But she quickly recovered.

At this moment, Ning Yuan said softly to Xiao Lingjiang, "In the end, it was all a charade, but now we're completely bound together."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lingjiang's face flushed slightly again.

She naturally understood what Ning Yuan meant by "fake act," and smiled casually, "As long as you don't mind letting me, your servant, have my body."

Ning Yuan immediately frowned, seemingly displeased, and said righteously, "How could I dislike you? What if it's just a charade? As for you, just don't blame me for my rash behavior just now."

"Young master is teasing me again!"

Xiao Lingjiang was embarrassed and anxious, as if she had drunk celestial wine. The wine didn't make her drunk, but she was drunk on her own. Her mind was a mess, filled with Ning Yuan's words, "Take it for real."

But he already has a beautiful woman like Fairy Lingyin by his side...

"That's enough."

Ning Yuan stopped there, then shook his head and asked, "Although the matter has already occurred, since even someone like Grand Tutor Xiao has spoken, the Xiao family surely won't go back on their word. Ling Jiang, what is your opinion on the Hui issue?"

The moment the Xiao family was mentioned, Xiao Lingjiang's emotions calmed down at a visible speed.

"Xiao Heng's words sound nice, but if he truly cared about me, why didn't he stand up to stop me when the young master took me away that day? Instead, he offered his insincere congratulations. I stayed at the young master's residence for eight whole days, and during that time, the Xiao family didn't even send anyone to inquire about my true situation, not even once!"

Xiao Lingjiang looked utterly disgusted.

"I don't know what happened afterward that made those people in the family change their minds. Perhaps it was Grand Tutor Xiao who personally handled the matter, but old habits die hard. Those people hold high positions and wield great power. I will never go back until I have enough confidence and strength to ensure true freedom!"

"Perhaps you think I'm being too sentimental. Born into one of the twelve pillar families of the Great Li Kingdom, I've enjoyed all the luxuries in the world. So what if I accept some arrangements? After all, this is a level of wealth and honor that many people can only dream of in their entire lives."

The girl chuckled self-deprecatingly, "But no matter how others laugh at me for being ungrateful, I just can't stand those wills imposed on me!"

"Human hearts are a treacherous place. Those who speak of my good intentions, I see their true colors clearly. Apart from my father, they're probably actually happy to see me, a genius from a collateral branch, fall into such a state."

Often, even without a sword-heart-clear body like Chu Lingci's, it's not that hard to discern a person's true feelings.

Ning Yuan listened quietly the whole time.

Only after Xiao Lingjiang had completely released the pent-up frustration in her chest did he say seriously:

"With gain comes loss; this is the way of the world. Once you enter a noble family, it's like entering an abyss. With a distinguished and noble background, you easily lose the simplest and most genuine things. Just like the imperial families in the mortal world, killing brothers and fathers is commonplace for the sake of the throne."

You did nothing wrong. If you want true freedom, then strive to break free of your cage and become a soaring roc.

Seemingly resonating with her, Xiao Lingjiang silently looked at Ning Yuan, her heart filled with mixed emotions, unable to calm down for a long time.

This boy is sometimes serious, sometimes playful, sometimes earnest, and sometimes dashing.

He was exceptionally talented, yet he was only a minor cultivator at the first level of Qi Refining.

On the surface, he is arrogant and dissolute, but in reality, he has the demeanor of a gentleman, treats people with kindness, and is generous in helping others.

Despite being the son of a powerful being, he willingly remained confined to the inner city of Luodu.

For Xiao Lingjiang, Ning Yuan's image was so contradictory and changeable.

But no matter how he changed, this almost complete stranger, in less than ten days, completely won over Xiao Lingjiang, making her treat him with sincerity and regard him as a confidant.

Take in, give treasure, shelter...

A gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. Regardless of whether Ning Yuan has other motives, she already owes Xiao Lingjiang too much for the help he has given her so far.

Ning Yuan raised his head and smiled, his hands slightly outstretched, gently shaking his robes.

"In that case, I'll have to trouble you to continue being my maid."

Xiao Lingjiang couldn't help but smile, her eyes bright and captivating.

"I don't feel wronged. At least this is a decision I agree with, isn't it?"

Her alluring eyes closed shyly, her crimson lips parted in a smile.

No matter how many wonderful scenes there are in the world, none can compare to the beauty of a young girl's sincere and heartfelt expression; it is something that brings joy to the heart and soul just by looking at it.

"Cultivation should be the top priority; do not let romantic entanglements interfere!"

Ignoring the cold voice that suddenly rang out from the depths of her soul, Xiao Lingjiang remained unmoved and continued to focus intently on the boy.

"That's true."

Ning Yuan smiled, but his eyes held a deep and meaningful gaze.

There is no true freedom in this world; everyone is a slave to something, without exception.

Those who act on impulse, without concealing their thoughts, become increasingly entangled, trapped in their own web, and ultimately become subordinates.

Only those who can see the essence of things, who are free from desires yet do not overstep the bounds, can be considered superiors and masters.

Only those who can use the obsessions of others as bait to lure them into binding themselves with chains, allowing them to drive and obey, while remaining untouched by the three thousand causes and effects, are truly free and unfettered demons.