Finest Servant

Chapter 442 Sinking Into Despair

The eastern horizon was barely tinged with a fish-belly white, and looking into the distant sky, all was still shrouded in darkness. No sign of dawn was in sight. The mountain wind howled, and bursts of bone-chilling gusts made faces ache with cold.

Xiao Qingxuan stood on the edge of the cliff, her face pallid, her eyes filled with a subtle melancholy. The mountain wind rustled through her flowing hair and long gown, making her seem like a fairy who had been banished to the mortal realm.

"Sister, why didn't you sleep a bit longer?" A soft voice came. Daintily, a cashmere shawl was draped over Xiao Qingxuan's shoulders. Teardrops glimmered in the eyes of the speaker, who whispered, "Sister."

Xiao Qingxuan turned around, took her sister’s hand, and said with a bitter smile, "Aren't you the same as me? Even Ning'er was calling out for My Dear in her dreams last night."

"It's not the same," the younger sister, Qiaoqiao, responded, her cheeks flushed red from the cold. A trace of resolve appeared on her face. "Without Big Brother by our side, you are the backbone of our family. Moreover, you're carrying our family's heir. If something happens to you, Big Brother will be devastated when he returns."

"Don't listen to his nonsense," Xiao Qingxuan’s cheeks flushed as she retorted, "My Dear is just a smooth talker. The child hasn't even been born yet; how would he know it's a boy?"

"Big Brother is never wrong about serious matters," Qiaoqiao said earnestly, "Even if he jokes around, he has never been wrong about important things. If he says you're carrying our family's heir, then it must be a boy."

Xiao Qingxuan broke into a delicate smile, "You really spoil him, placing so much trust in him."

"He’s my Big Brother, my husband," Qiaoqiao said, her face flushing with shyness as she gripped Xiao Qingxuan’s hand tightly. "I must confess, from the moment I first saw him in Jinling, I knew he was different from others. He seems indifferent about everything, but he handles everything well. From that moment, I trusted him completely, believing every word he said. Even when he was deceiving the tavern owner and tricking the Xiao family, I felt joyous and fulfilled being with such a 'bad man.'"

"He didn't just deceive the tavern owner and the Xiao family; he has also stolen our Qiaoqiao’s heart," Xiao Qingxuan said with a gentle smile.

Qiaoqiao shyly twisted the corner of her dress, her eyes filled with unwavering affection, "I don't blame him! I... I willingly give him my heart."

"My sweet sister, you really make my heart ache for you," Overwhelmed by emotion, Xiao Qingxuan pulled her into her arms, "Don’t worry, as long as I'm here, no one will ever harm you."

Blushing, Qiaoqiao nodded softly, "I've only ever told you these things, sister. I've never said any of this to Big Brother. Seeing him happy and joyful every day brings me an indescribable happiness."

Feeling an unspeakable emotion well up inside her, Xiao Qingxuan hugged her younger sister tighter, stroking her flowing hair, "My silly sister, you really know how to make one's heart break for you." She sighed softly, "The connections between people are truly mysterious. Just half a year ago, you, Ning'er, and I were merely strangers. Now, we share our deepest secrets like sisters. As for My Dear, that scoundrel, although his heart might be fickle, he has chosen extraordinary women. Even if he could bring himself to leave us, I could never let go."

In the biting wind, two figures huddled close, exchanging words that brought their hearts and minds even closer. The sound of shuffling footsteps drew near. It was Hu Bugui, his hair crowned with dewdrops and his bushy beard encrusted with frost, who came running up the cliff.

"Madams," he reported, his tone tinged with disappointment, "My men have meticulously searched twice within a twenty-mile radius and found no trace of the General."

Xiao Qingxuan nodded gently, "Thank you for your efforts, brother Hu. Please relay my order: the troops will make camp here and rest for three hours."

Hu Bugui shook his head stubbornly, "We're not tired. The General is our backbone. As long as he remains missing, we will not rest."

Xiao Qingxuan sighed, "I understand the sentiments of our soldiers. But please, brother Hu, convey my words: our rest now is to expedite our search for My Dear later. We mustn't let our emotions dictate our actions. The scope of our search will gradually narrow down, focusing on the Jade Buddha Temple and Thousand-Forsaken Peak."

Hu Bugui nodded, his face etched with anxiety. "Today is the fourth day, and there’s still no word from the General. Could it be—"

"No," Xiao Qingxuan interrupted, her face radiating a steadfast resolve. "My Dear is unmatched in his wit and intelligence. Nobody can claim his life. Not only is he alive, but he's also surely doing well."

Seeing such faith from the princess, Hu Bugui felt reassured and hurried down the mountain to make arrangements. Qiaoqiao, still filled with worry, said, "We've searched everywhere around us but haven't seen a trace of Big Brother. I wonder where your master has taken him."

"Where he is, I don't know yet," Xiao Qingxuan smiled, "But what I do know for certain is that My Dear is still alive." She slowly opened her hand to reveal a small white medicine pouch. Qiaoqiao exclaimed, "Sister, what is this?"

"This is a knockout drug," Xiao Qingxuan's eyes softened as she smiled. "I gave it to My Dear for self-defense when we were in Jinling. It suits his nature well. The night he went missing, I found traces of this drug sprinkled across the slope, leading all the way here."

"Really?" Qiaoqiao’s eyes brimmed with joyful tears. "No wonder you ordered our camp to be set here and had torches burning throughout the night. Big Brother is so clever!"

Qingxuan gripped her hand, her face wearing a deep look of pride. "I've said it before, my husband is the smartest man in the world. No one can take his life."

Excited, Qiaoqiao clapped her hands and turned to dash towards their tent. Xiao Qingxuan quickly pulled her back, "Qiaoqiao, where are you going?"

"I'm going to share this wonderful news with Sister Ning," Qiaoqiao's face flushed with excitement.

"Let her sleep a bit longer," Qingxuan sighed deeply. "These past days, Ning’er has been running around like a madwoman, never resting for a moment, personally verifying every single location. Seeing how frail she usually appears, who would have thought she had such strength within her?"

"Ning’er is just like that, daring to say and do whatever she believes in," Qiaoqiao said with a smile. "Sister, by your account, if big brother has scattered the medicinal powder all the way here, why do we still need to search within a twenty-mile radius?"

"Although the powder has reached this point, I can't determine where Master took him. We have to search the vicinity first to narrow down the area; only then can I gain a clearer understanding," Xiao Qingxuan replied.

"Then where is big brother now?" Qiaoqiao furrowed her brows. "We've already searched this area thoroughly."

"We haven't searched everywhere," Xiao Qingxuan said, lifting her eyebrow slightly. She extended a slender finger to point at a distant peak. "There's still Thousand-Forsake Peak!"

"Thousand-Forsake Peak?!" Qiaoqiao was shocked. "According to General Hu's investigation these past two days, Thousand-Forsake Peak is extremely steep. The cliffs are practically unscalable. How could big brother and your master have climbed it?"

"My master and my husband are extraordinary—one is unmatched in martial arts, and the other in intelligence. What's impossible for them?" A misty layer appeared in Xiao Qingxuan's beautiful eyes, and her expression suddenly grew somber. "I grew up here and know every plant and tree. The day we camped here, I noticed that the chain linking the two peaks was broken. I had people pull it up yesterday and found it had been severed by a sword—"

"Is big brother really on the other side?" Qiaoqiao stood still for a moment and then suddenly leaped up, frantically waving toward the opposite peak. "Big brother, big brother, we've found you!"

"Silly girl." Xiao Qingxuan grabbed her and wore a bitter expression. "That chain was the only path between the two peaks. With it broken, we're cut off from him. Even if My Dear is truly there, how could we bring him back?"

"Don't worry, don't worry—" A charming voice sounded from behind. Luo Ning, half-awake and with her clothes still unbuttoned, rushed over with a face full of joy and embraced Xiao Qingxuan's arm. "Sister, you're saying big brother is really over there?"

Seeing that Luo Ning had not fastened her clothes properly and had left most of her ample bosom exposed, Xiao Qingxuan laughed. "You little wench, aren't you afraid of catching a cold? What if big brother comes back and is heartbroken?"

"I'm not afraid. If he sees, he won't even blink, and his mouth will be watering," Luo Ning said, exaggeratingly acting it out. Her face flushed as she giggled. "Sister, you've worked hard these past few days. Let me reward you. You can touch it, hehe, big brother's favorite!"

"You naughty girl! Let him touch it, then!" Xiao Qingxuan blushed and chuckled. Yet deep inside, she felt an indescribable sense of joy. The playful banter between the sisters seemed to lift the oppressive mood of the past days. Most endearing was this little imp Luo Ning, who appeared to enjoy being mischievous but had a heart of gold. She somehow always managed to make everyone happy.

"Sister—" After frolicking with Xiao Qingxuan for a while, Luo Ning could hold back no longer. Her shoulders began to shake, and she buried her face in Xiao Qingxuan's embrace, quietly breaking into tears.

"Don't worry, don't worry," Xiao Qingxuan quickly patted her on the back, her heart aching. "It's all that scoundrel's fault. Once he comes back, I'll forbid him from entering the house for three days, to avenge my sister Ning."

"Sister, if you punish him like that, he'll be more than happy." Luo Ning wiped away her tears and said softly, "He has plenty of vixens outside. Even if he doesn't come home for half a month, he'll be thrilled. In my opinion, we sisters should employ some tactics to capture his heart and make him forget about those other women."

Xiao Qingxuan chuckled, "You little minx, if you want him to spend more time in your room, just say so. Why pin the blame on others? I think you're the most beguiling vixen."

Flustered at being caught out, Luo Ning hurriedly snuggled into Miss Xiao's arms and cooed, "That's not true! Anyway, big brother is so wicked that neither Qiaoqiao and I can handle him. You're welcome to join us—"

Miss Xiao gave a soft tsk, her cheeks flushed. She wouldn't underestimate this bewitching young girl anymore. The three ladies laughed and played for a while, their bonds deepening. Then Xiao Qingxuan's thoughts returned to the pressing issue, "Ning'er, what did you mean earlier? If My Dear is on that peak, how can we get him down?"

Luo Ning nodded seriously, "I can't figure it out, but someone else might! Besides big brother, there's another genius when it comes to mechanical traps!"

"Xu Zhiqing?!" Miss Xiao exclaimed.

Luo Ning nodded softly, "Yes, though I wonder if she'd be willing to help, given how big brother treats her."

"You little minx," Miss Xiao pointed a finger at her forehead and smiled, "Just now you said he has many vixens, and now you're speaking up for another woman. Don't worry—" A resolute look crossed her face, "If Xu Zhiqing can really save My Dear, I'll beg her to come, even if it means serving her tea and kowtowing."

Qiaoqiao frowned, "The most important thing now is to confirm whether big brother is really on Thousand-Forsake Peak. Besides, with your master around, even if we invite Sister Zhiqing and she builds a mechanical device, big brother wouldn't be able to use it!"

It was a harsh reality. Fairy Ning was so skilled that even ten My Dears together couldn't match her. If she didn't approve, the best mechanical device would be useless. The three ladies felt a headache coming on. Luo Ning clenched her teeth and grumbled, "Don't worry, I trust big brother's capabilities; he'll defeat sister's master."

Defeat the master? How could he? Xiao Qingxuan gazed at the opposite peak, feeling a headache approaching.

—---

Ning Yuxi threw herself into Lin Wanrong's arms, crying uncontrollably. She didn't resemble a celestial being from the ethereal realms, but rather a common woman ensnared by love.

So the celestial being has descended! Lin Wanrong sighed emotionally and held her slender waist. He kissed her ear softly and whispered, "Sister, don't believe my words. I was lying to make you cry. I'm actually a bad person—vulgar, despicable, shameless. I built this ladder to escape—"

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Ning Yuxi's tears flowed like rain. She grabbed the sword from his hand and threw it to the ground, then hid back in his arms, pounding his chest desperately, "You thief, even at a time like this, you're still lying to me. I know better than anyone what kind of person you are."

‘Am I really a good person in Fairy Sister's eyes?’ Lin Wanrong deeply wondered.

"I—I am a shameless woman, aren't I?" After an unknown amount of time had passed, Ning Yuxi stopped her tears and collapsed into his arms, her voice soft and full of tenderness. "I am Qingxuan's master, and you are Qingxuan's husband. We—"

Before she could finish her sentence, his burning lips met hers, sealing them in a passionate kiss. The heat seemed to fill her whole being, warming her thoroughly.

This was the third time, and that fiery sensation was becoming strangely familiar. Her heart pounded wildly, and an indescribable joy filled her. Trained from youth in spiritual practice, aspiring to be a fairy, she felt in that moment as though he had led her into hell—and she reveled in it.

She surrendered. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she tightly wrapped her arms around him. Their embrace was so close, so intimate, that not even a piece of paper could fit between them. Her eyes closed, her long eyelashes quivering, she offered her lips once more, her tongue mingling with his.

The kiss shook the heavens and stirred the earth, intensifying with each moment. Both of them, like newborn babes, cast aside all societal norms and reveled in their joyous ocean. Even someone as powerful as Ning Yuxi found herself trembling, as if she couldn't get enough air.

"Am I a shameless woman?" Finally freeing herself from his entanglement, a faint tenderness glimmered in her eyes. Her face flushed, and her lips parted slightly, oozing an indescribable allure.

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Sister, don't talk about shamelessness in front of me. All the thick-skinned people in the world combined couldn't match me. With an ancestor like me to back you, what do you have to fear? Up here, it's just the two of us—no Qingxuan's master, no Qingxuan's husband. I am a man, and you are a woman. It's as simple as that."

Ning Yuxi's face reddened, "I've never met anyone like you—someone who isn't ashamed of shamelessness but takes pride in it. Meeting you must be my karmic retribution."

"Who cares about fate or karmic retribution? Even the gods can't tear apart lovers!" Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, arrogant and domineering.

This rascal! Ning Yuxi glanced at him, wanting to laugh but found herself shedding tears instead. Lying in his arms felt like the calmest harbor in the world. She felt at peace and couldn't think of anything troublesome. An inexplicable weariness crept into her heart, and she found herself falling asleep.

Her long eyelashes were wet with glistening tears. In the morning light, they shimmered with a rainbow of colors. Her pure, white face looked as translucent as crystal, as if sculpted from the most beautiful jade, without a single flaw. Her disheveled clothes revealed a voluptuous chest smooth as jade. Her curvy hips rested on his legs, soft as silk. Her long, beautiful legs, white as snow and smooth as satin, entwined together, forming the most perfect curve.

Holding her body—a masterpiece of art and beauty—Lin Wanrong felt tremors of emotion swell within him. He suddenly leaned down and gently kissed her lips. "Sister, I never wish to know how long the heavens will last or how eternal the earth is. My aspirations are modest: I hope to remember you for ten lifetimes. By the eleventh, I wish to become a stone, knowing nothing at all."

In her deep sleep, Ning Yuxi's tears trickled down silently, falling to the ground without a sound.

The two remained close, from sunrise to sunset, neither moving an inch. Lin Wanrong felt significantly calmer. Looking at the raging fires in the distance, he experienced conflicting feelings. He wanted both to rush over there and to stay right where he was. It was the most difficult decision he'd ever faced in his life.

By evening, Ning Yuxi finally awoke. Seeing him gaze at her, her face flushed with embarrassment. "What are you looking at, you rascal?" she chided, then suddenly covered her face with her hands, anxiously asking, "Do I look ugly right now?"

"I wouldn't know," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "because I've never seen you look ugly."

"Flatterer!" Ning Yuxi lightly scolded. Her face flushed as she quickly stood up from his embrace. She moved to the edge of the hot spring, washing her face with its clear water, then began tidying her disheveled hair. Every now and then, she would look back at him and smile, an indescribable sense of tranquility and warmth emanating from her.

‘So even a celestial being like her could have such gentle moments,’ Lin Wanrong thought. He was captivated by her every charming move, and even more so by the glimpses of her alluring figure, partially concealed by her clothing.

"What are you looking at?" Ning Yuxi's face flushed, hastily covering herself. Yet her hurried action revealed even more, delighting his eyes.

"Stop it!" she lightly spat, but felt an indescribable sense of happiness. Though she was the master of Qingxuan and already in her thirties, her feelings toward such matters were as naive as a young girl's—experiencing a mixture of sweet and sour emotions she'd never felt before.

"I haven't taken advantage of you," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I'm showing even more skin than you are!"

"You vulgar rascal," Ning Yuxi murmured. Realizing that she couldn't properly conceal herself, she finally gave up and gestured for him to come over. "Come here!"

"What for, Sister?" Lin Wanrong leapt over to her side.

Shaking her head and smiling, she softly said, "You're as restless as a monkey. I've never seen you so obedient."

"I was actually at Qing—" He caught himself midway, halting his words abruptly.

Ning Yuxi seemed not to hear him. She helped him sit down and scooped up a handful of spring water. Gently she poured it over his face and hair, her tender hands softly scrubbing away the dirt and tears from his face, then meticulously arranging his disheveled hair. Her actions were so gentle and caring that she resembled a newlywed wife.

"Sister, I—" Lin Wanrong's voice choked up. But Ning Yuxi interrupted him, pulling him by the hand, "Come here!"

Both of them squatted by the edge of the spring, looking into the water. The pool was crystal clear, reflecting their two faces: one a young man, sharp and rugged, brimming with masculine vitality; the other a woman, extraordinarily beautiful, as enchanting as a flowering branch.

Fairy Ning stood still for a long time, torn between joy and sorrow. She both laughed and cried, her tears falling into the water below. She murmured, "I was born before you, and by the time you were born, I had already grown old—"

"Both branches bloom in spring, eternally youthful year after year!" Lin Wanrong tightened his grip on her hand as he responded, his voice unwavering.

Fairy Ning's tears fell like rain. She pointed to the opposite shore and sobbed softly, "You speak so beautifully, but I must ask you one question—will you go back?"

At this, Lin Wanrong hesitated. As he gazed upon the towering flames on the opposite peak and then looked back at Fairy Ning's stunningly beautiful face, he was momentarily lost for words.

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