Chapter 12: A Bolt from the Blue

Lin Zixuan composed himself and got to the point: "I want you to lend me Zhizhi for a few days."

Sima Jin'er looked slightly apologetic in her clear black and white eyes and said, "It's really unfortunate, Xuan Lang. I lent Zhizhi to a friend not long ago, so I'm afraid I won't be able to lend it to you for a while."

"I see..."

Lin Zixuan was clearly a little disappointed.

Sima Jin'er said apologetically, "Xuan Lang, I'm so sorry. Could you tell me what you need Zhizhi to do? I'll see if there's any other way to do it."

Lin Zixuan didn't hide anything and said, "These past few days, I've felt someone secretly following me, and I want to use Zhizhi to find out who it is."

Zhizhi was the little lark that Lin Zixuan gave to Sima Jin'er. It was very intelligent and, because it had been carefully raised by Sima Jin'er since it was a cub, it was more able to understand human speech than ordinary larks.

When it flies high in the sky, it can see everything happening on the ground, and it should be able to use it to track down its pursuers.

Sima Jin'er frowned slightly. "This is not easy to handle. How about this, Xuanlang, my friend is expected to return to the capital next month. I will ask Zhizhi to come back as soon as possible."

Lin Zixuan nodded and said, "That's the only way. I suspect the people following me are from Blood Skull. To avoid trouble, I'll try to come here less often these next few days to avoid any unforeseen complications."

After speaking, Lin Zixuan subtly observed her reaction.

Sima Jin'er's beautiful eyes lit up slightly, but then returned to normal. She simply said calmly, "Then, Xuan Lang, you must be careful."

Lin Zixuan looked at Sima Jin'er in front of him and felt a bitter feeling in his heart.

Is that man really that charming? Even a noble, elegant, and talented woman like Sima Jin'er lost her resistance to him.

Upon hearing that he would be coming here less often, the first person that came to mind was that man, and only then did he think of himself.

That man was the first person to make Lin Zixuan experience what it felt like to be frustrated.

He must feel very proud and smug! Countless nobles and princes regarded Sima Jin'er as their goddess, but they could only look up at her longingly. Meanwhile, the goddess's heart had been captured by that man. On some sensual nights, her noble body was naked, allowing the man to manipulate her at will.

Lin Zixuan silently suppressed the anger and resentment in his heart.

He secretly vowed that he would repay the man tenfold for the wounds he had inflicted on him that day.

He would use every means to win Sima Jin'er back from that man, he definitely would! After leaving Yu Man Lou, Lin Zixuan returned to the courtyard alone.

Lu Zhongming had just returned and made some progress in investigating the Blood Skull matter. He exchanged a few words with Lin Zixuan and then went back to his room to study it in detail.

Lin Zixuan did not mention Sima Jin'er to him, even though Lu Zhongming was now Qin Yuning's man and had a special relationship with Penglai Palace.

But after all, this was Lin Zixuan's personal matter, and a shameful thing that was hard to talk about with others. He even decided to keep it from his mother for the time being, because he didn't know how the fiery-tempered Sword Maiden would react after she found out about it.

He went back to his room, wrote a letter, and had it sent back to Penglai Palace immediately.

The lark wasn't Sima Jin'er's exclusive possession. The little lark that Lin Tianhao used to have was now in Penglai Palace, and its intelligence and spirit were no less than Sima Jin'er's.

Once Yun Que arrives, all those who dared to follow Lin Zixuan will be dragged out one by one.

Lin Zixuan also wanted to use it to find the man who became Sima Jin'er's lover. Unfortunately, although Yun Que was intelligent, she was not human after all and had limited wisdom. She could not carry out slightly complicated tasks. Otherwise, it would be much easier now.

Lu Zhongming arrived early the next morning.

The moment Lin Zixuan pushed open the door, Lu Zhongming scrutinized him in surprise and said, "These past few days, every time I've seen Xuan'er, I've felt that your energy and spirit have been increasing day by day. I always thought it was just my imagination, but seeing the bright light in Xuan'er's eyes this time, I finally realized that it wasn't my imagination after all. Good, good, if Madam knew that Xuan'er's martial arts have improved so rapidly these days, she would be very happy."

Lin Zixuan felt a little embarrassed by his praise. It wasn't like he could just say it was all thanks to the "Cultivation Divine Technique," so he changed the subject, "Uncle Lu, what brings you here so early?"

"In the past few days, I contacted some trusted friends and obtained some useful information about the Blood Skull organization."

Lin Zixuan perked up: "Please explain in detail, Uncle Lu."

Lu Zhongming said, "The other party is Blood Skull's intelligence chief in the capital. On the surface, he's the owner of a small restaurant, and he's been hiding it very well. If it weren't for my life-or-death friendship with that friend, he wouldn't have revealed such important information to a second person. We'll conduct reconnaissance secretly first, and then take action tonight to capture him. As long as we capture this person, Elder Skull can't say for sure, but the Shadow Assassins in the capital will definitely not be able to escape."

Lin Zixuan was overjoyed to hear this.

Lin Zixuan walked along the main road of the capital with Lu Zhongming and two other highly skilled stewards.

Looking ahead, a vast army of soldiers surged in like a long dragon, with crowds lining both sides of the street to welcome the seemingly endless procession.

Lin Zixuan asked in surprise, "Didn't we just hear that the imperial court had just gone to war with the Xia Kingdom? Why are they withdrawing their troops so quickly?"

A steward beside him explained, "Not long ago, news came that before the war even started, the King of Xia withdrew his troops for some unknown reason. The King of Yi's army advanced more than twenty miles to the front line and directly reclaimed three cities from the territory of the Nine Provinces Kingdom. Although the reason for Xia's withdrawal is unknown, the King of Yi's triumphant return has greatly pleased His Majesty."

"The Xia Kingdom has always been warlike, so it is quite unusual that they have taken the initiative to withdraw their troops this time."

Lu Zhongming added two sentences.

Lin Zixuan nodded in agreement. Not to mention the territorial disputes between Xia Kingdom and Jiuzhou Kingdom that have lasted for hundreds of years, even small countries that had no disputes with Xia Kingdom have been destroyed by Xia Kingdom over the past few hundred years.

Lin Zixuan's fiancée, Sima Jin'er, comes from the noble family of Yun Kingdom. This small, peaceful country was ravaged and destroyed by the iron cavalry of Xia Kingdom five years ago.

Sima Jin'er's parents also could not escape misfortune.

At that time, Sima Jin'er had already become famous and settled in the capital of the Nine Provinces Kingdom, thus escaping a calamity. Since then, she has lost her homeland.

The Nine Provinces Kingdom is currently the only major power among the Eastern nations that can rival the Xia Kingdom. The current emperor's younger brother, Prince Yi, represented the Nine Provinces Kingdom in his first battle twenty years ago and is the only commander to date who has never suffered a loss at the hands of the Xia Kingdom, earning the emperor's deep trust.

Other smaller countries were not so lucky. In terms of national strength and military power, they were far inferior to the Xia Kingdom, and they did not have a famous general like King Yi. They now had no choice but to rely on the Jiuzhou Kingdom, otherwise they would only be swallowed up by the Xia Kingdom.

Lu Zhongming instructed Lin Zixuan, "Every year, we exchange nearly half of our goods for gleaming gold from the Prince Yi's Mansion. The Prince Yi's Mansion is our Penglai Palace's biggest customer. The Prince Yi has returned in triumph today, and I expect to receive an invitation in the next couple of days, inviting us to be his guests. Xuan'er, why don't you come with me this year?"

Lin Zixuan nodded in agreement.

Just then, Lin Zixuan suddenly sensed something was amiss. He turned his head and met a sharp gaze.

It was an old man with a white beard sitting high on horseback. His face was simple and ancient, and he was calm and composed. His eyes occasionally flashed with a sharp light, showing that his internal strength had reached a state of perfection. He was definitely a top master.

Lu Zhongming bowed to the approaching man from afar, gesturing a greeting to the old man. His action surprised Lin Zixuan.

He is one of the three great martial masters of the Nine Provinces Kingdom, personally appointed by the emperor, and has an extraordinary status.

Even many royal relatives, high-ranking officials and nobles were willing to lower their status to befriend him.

The old man must be someone of extraordinary background to warrant such a gesture of greeting.

"It's been a while since we last saw him, but Mr. Shi is still as vigorous as ever."

Upon hearing this, the old man known as Elder Shi smiled and said, "What a coincidence! I just entered the city and ran into Zhongming, which saves me the trouble of delivering invitations. The Prince is hosting a banquet for distinguished guests at the Prince's Mansion the day after tomorrow, and he requests that Zhongming be sure to attend."

Lu Zhongming said, "Please ask Elder Shi to thank the Prince on my behalf."

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before Old Shi rode away.

After he left, Lu Zhongming said to Lin Zixuan, "This Elder Shi joined the ranks of Prince Yi ten years ago. Like me, he is one of the three Martial Grandmasters in the current Nine Provinces Kingdom. He is the only one still alive among the Martial Grandmasters personally appointed by the old emperor back then, and his seniority is far higher than ours."

Lin Zixuan suddenly realized.

As the sun set and night fell, just as Lin Zixuan was preparing to act with Lu Zhongming, a servant handed him a letter.

Lin Zixuan opened the envelope and glanced at it. The delicate handwriting on the letter came from the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden. Lin Zixuan first showed a rare hint of joy, but when he read on, his expression suddenly changed drastically, and all the color drained from his face in an instant.

◇◇◇

The dual-cultivation nun sat alone in her boudoir, her pretty face veiled, showing neither sorrow nor joy, yet her heart felt as if it were being torn apart by a knife.

He should have received the letter by now! The Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden hadn't expected things to develop to this point.

Of the three elders of the Southern Academy, one died and one was seriously injured. Although the latter is no longer in mortal danger, he will never be able to fight anyone again.

This is the most severe blow that the Dual Cultivation Pavilion has suffered since its establishment.

Facing two elders from the Southern Academy whose martial arts were among the top five in the Dual Cultivation Pavilion, the Yin-Yang Young Master was completely unharmed and even seemed to be handling the situation with ease. This news not only chilled the heart of the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden, but also shocked all the elders and Dual Cultivation Ladies.

The Dual Cultivation Pavilion is currently facing a life-or-death moment; the slightest misstep could lead to utter annihilation.

After discussion among the elders and the Dual Cultivation Lady, it was decided that it was urgent for Xuan Yuan Gui to marry the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden as soon as possible.

She couldn't refuse.

I don't want to refuse either.

The Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden did not want to plunge the Dual Cultivation Pavilion into misery because of her own personal happiness.

Even though she already had someone she loved, even though she had no feelings for the honest and kind-hearted Xuan Yuan Gui, even though sending that letter would break his heart, she still had to obey her mother's arrangement.

"Miss, Young Master Xuanyuan has arrived."

Lily's completely flat voice came from outside the door.

The Dual Cultivation Maiden sighed inwardly. Ever since the Dual Cultivation Madam announced two days ago that the two of them would be engaged the day after tomorrow, Baihe, who had always been by her side, had become silent, and Yuejian, who was usually lively and active, seemed even more listless. She could only pretend not to see any of this.

"Young Master Xuanyuan, please come in."

Xuanyuan Gui was not tall, only slightly taller than the dual-cultivation Xuan Nu, but he was very robust, with a square face and large ears, and a rather rugged appearance. However, he was honest, simple, and very kind, much like his younger brother.

After entering the room, he nervously bowed to the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden and said, "Greetings, Mystic Maiden. May I ask what business you have with me?"

The dual-cultivation nun did not answer him, but gently removed the veil from her face, her beautiful, jewel-like eyes carefully examining the young man who was about to become her husband.

This was the second time Xuan Yuangui had seen the true face of the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden. Even though he had seen her once before, he was still stunned by her breathtaking beauty and stood there dumbfounded.

"Young Master Xuanyuan, please sit next to Huanxin."

"I, I'll just stand here. Mystic Maiden, you can just say what you want to say directly."

Xuanyuan Gui quickly lowered his head, not daring to look directly at the beautiful face of the dual-cultivation goddess.

For some reason, his heart started pounding as soon as he heard the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden ask him to sit next to her.

The dual-cultivation maiden looked at him and said softly, "Why is Young Master Xuanyuan being so formal?"

Xuan Yuangui's face flushed red, and he stammered, unable to speak, "I, I'm not being polite, it's just that I dare not..."

The dual-cultivation maiden stood up, moved gracefully to his side, and said softly, "Young master, could you tell me why you dare not sit beside me?"

Xuanyuan Gui looked at the dual-cultivation nun in front of him. She was dressed in a pure white dress, with beautiful features and a delicate fragrance wafting from her body.

Xuanyuan Gui finally mustered his courage and said, "In my eyes, Xuan Nu is like a goddess descended to earth, I..."

…I am but a mortal, and even sitting beside the Mysterious Maiden would be a desecration…

Before he could finish speaking, his mouth was covered by the slender hand of the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden. Xuan Yuan Gui felt that her delicate hand was soft and boneless, and carried a faint fragrance, which almost made his soul leave his body.

The dual-cultivation goddess said gently, "In two days, Huanxin will be your betrothed. Even if you were to sit next to Huanxin, or even if you were to desecrate the goddess in your heart, she would not utter a single word of dissent."

Seeing Xuan Yuan Gui's flushed face and his suddenly rapid breathing, the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden took a step forward, "Now, your goddess wants you to hold her with your strong arms and kiss her..."

Xuanyuan Gui couldn't believe what he had just heard. Happiness had come too quickly, and he almost instinctively opened his arms and embraced the beauty in front of him tightly.

When Xuanyuan Gui came to his senses, he was already in the arms of a warm and soft woman. The body of the dual-cultivation nun was warm and beautiful. Xuanyuan Gui could clearly feel her pair of full and firm breasts pressed tightly against his chest.

He held her so tightly that her breasts were squeezed and became somewhat deformed.

Even through the clothes, the fullness of the touch made Xuan Yuan Gui unconsciously exert even more force.

The fragrance of the dual-cultivation nun wafted into his nose, and gazing at her swan-like white neck, Xuan Yuan Gui could no longer resist. He lowered his head slightly and kissed her passionately.

The dual-cultivation nun slightly turned her head to make it easier for him to kiss her.

Xuanyuan Gui's kisses landed on her neck, her cheek, and gradually moved to her eyebrows and her delicate nose.

Finally, it was applied to her lightly rouged red lips.

The dual-cultivation nun closed her beautiful eyes, gently raised her pretty face, and passionately embraced and kissed the man who was holding her tightly. She would also occasionally slip her little tongue into his mouth to exchange saliva with Xuan Yuangui.

As their lips and tongues intertwined, the dual-cultivation nun felt Xuan Yuangui's embrace tighten, and one of his hands reached behind her, placing it between her buttocks and kneading them incessantly through her clothes.

At the same time, a hot, thick, and hard object was pressed tightly between her legs, its heat and hardness causing the dual-cultivation nun's heart to tremble.

Xuan Yuan Gui, who was embracing and kissing the dual cultivation goddess, had long since lost all sense of direction.

From the first moment he saw the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden, he fell deeply in love with her, but he knew very well that there was never any possibility between him and this beautiful woman of noble status.

Unexpectedly, things took an unexpected turn, and now he was embracing this beauty and passionately kissing her—something he had never imagined.

If this is a dream, he would rather never wake up.

The beautiful eyes of the dual-cultivation nun slightly opened, her flawless white face flushed with a blush. This alluring appearance greatly aroused Xuan Yuangui's desire.

Xuanyuan Gui could no longer resist. He gently pulled open the collar of her dress, and a large hand reached in through the open neckline, grasping one of the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden's firm, round breasts through the thin bodice.

The dual-cultivation nun let out a soft moan and collapsed into Xuan Yuangui's arms. Then, she turned slightly to the side, letting the man's large hands knead and play with her breasts.

Xuanyuan Gui savored the fragrant saliva in her small mouth, and the dual-cultivation nun turned her body to the side, allowing his large hand to reach into her bodice without any obstruction.

As his palm touched the smooth skin, Xuan Yuangui was overwhelmed with excitement.

Soft and firm to the touch, these were definitely a pair of exquisite breasts. The two breasts of the dual-cultivation nun were kneaded and rubbed in his hands, constantly changing shape.

On the breasts, two tender little grapes received special care from Xuan Yuangui.

Xuanyuan Gui felt his penis was about to burst out of his pants, and it was so hard it was painful. He thrust forward hard, and through the skirt, he pushed between the long legs of the dual-cultivation nun, which made him feel a little better.

The nun, who was engaged in dual cultivation, was panting heavily as he caressed her. A hot, thick rod pressed against her lower body, its hardness and pulsating vitality sending a shiver of pleasure through her heart.

At this moment, Xuanyuan Gui pulled one of the hands of the dual-cultivation nun and touched his crotch.

The beautiful woman on his body paused, pressed down on his hand, and at the same time, her fragrant lips left his mouth.

Xuan Yuan Gui thought he had offended the beauty, and his face immediately turned pale with panic. His groin went limp with fear. "Xuan Nu, I, I didn't mean to, I..."

The dual-cultivation nun felt the large rod beneath her soften considerably, so she lightly kissed his lips and said, "I know you're suffering a lot right now, and Huanxin isn't blaming you. However, your internal injuries are just healing, and you still need to rest and recuperate for the next few days to stabilize your yang energy. It'll only be a few days anyway, so please bear with it, young master."

Hearing the beautiful woman's soft words, Xuan Yuan Gui immediately felt relieved. However, recalling her words again, he asked somewhat uncertainly, "Xuan... Xuan Nu means that after the engagement, we can..."

The dual-cultivation goddess smiled slightly and said, "After the engagement, Huanxin will be your fiancée, and you will naturally be able to share a bed with her and be as loving and affectionate as husband and wife."

Upon hearing such exciting news, Xuanyuan Gui was so excited that he couldn't speak.

Through his clothes, the dual-cultivation nun could feel his gradually regaining virility. She cupped Xuan Yuangui's face in her hands and gazed at him affectionately, saying, "We've lacked communication in the past. Tomorrow, let's go boating on the back mountain, just the two of us. It's late, young master, please rest early."

Night returned to silence, and Xuanyuan Gui's spirit left absentmindedly, while the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden remained quietly seated in her previous spot.

The blush on her face had not completely faded, and the traces of her intimate moments with Xuan Yuangui were still there, but at this moment, she felt an endless sense of loss.

Xuanyuan Gui might be able to have her body, but she knew he could never have her heart.

It's not that he's bad in any way; on the contrary, Xuanyuan Gui is an extremely rare talent, especially in the dual cultivation method. Calling him a genius is not an exaggeration at all.

He has excellent character, is honest and kind, and is so self-conscious about his goddess that he dares not overstep his bounds in the slightest.

Even if the Dual Cultivation Mystic Maiden wanted him to die, she had no doubt that he would really die for her.

It is foreseeable that after their marriage, the two will be seen as a loving couple by outsiders.

But only she knew that her heart had already been given to another person, and there was no room for a second.

This is unfair to Xuan Yuan Gui, but it is no different for her beloved Lin Zi Xuan.

That night, Xuanyuan Gui tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep well at all.

He was incredibly excited, his mind filled with the beautiful face of the dual-cultivation goddess. Tonight, she embraced and kissed him passionately, and he fondled her noble breasts. The goddess in his heart had willingly allowed herself to be defiled by him, and he was about to become her husband, her only man.

Xuanyuan Gui was so excited that he couldn't sleep all night.