Finest Servant

Chapter 447 Endless Love in Chains

Lin Wanrong had already determined the next steps. He chose a large, solid boulder to anchor the iron chain. Two custom-made chairs were hung from it. After testing the solidity himself and finding the chain held taut, he finally relaxed. As he turned his head, he saw her—her gaze deep, her expression a shifting blend of happiness and sorrow—as she stared at the thick iron chain that spanned between the two peaks.

Lin Wanrong grasped her cold hand, a chill that felt unimaginable given her martial prowess. Concerned, he quickly asked, "Fairy Sister, what's wrong with you?"

"I'm fine," Ning Yuxi replied with a soft smile. She adjusted his clothes gently and spoke softly, "I'm just feeling a bit sentimental. Our past seems as though it happened just yesterday, yet it also feels like a dream."

What Ning Yuxi said was no lie. Before scaling the Thousand-Forsake Peak, she had been contemplating how to kill him. Little did she know, ascending the peak would bring about a drastic turn of events. Describing it as a dream was not an exaggeration.

"This is no dream," Lin Wanrong laughed, his eyes filled with yearning as he looked around. "This mountain range is magnificent, the scenery breathtaking. Despite its name, the Thousand-Forsake Peak doesn't forsake one's feelings. This place is a paradise for both Fairy Sister and me. In a few years, let's come back. Leave the children and the nannies at home; it'll just be the two of us. We'll climb this peak, stargaze, soak in the hot springs—it'll be bliss."

"You're quite the dreamer," she replied, her eyes tinged with a fleeting shadow before resuming their usual sparkle. "Do you think this is a playground that you can climb whenever you wish? The peak is impossibly high. Once you're down, how do you plan to return for hot springs and stargazing?"

Her expression was indifferent as she held his hand. Together, they stood at the peak, gazing at the distant mountains, feeling the cold winds caress their faces and stir their hair—almost an ethereal sensation.

Lin Wanrong took a deep breath and chuckled, "The mountain may be high, but it can't compare to the depths of our love. Even though the peak is named ‘Thousand-Forsake,’ I intend to transform this place into a heaven on earth, where all lovers can achieve their union. Fairy Sister, could you relay a message for me? Ask Qingxuan to send another chain."

"Another chain?" Ning Yuxi didn't understand his actions, but seeing his resolute expression, she had no choice but to pass along the message.

"What does big brother need another chain for?" Luo Ning asked curiously.

Xiao Qingxuan remained silent, and Xu Zhiqing wore a neutral expression as she softly said, "To build a bridge."

Having succeeded the first time, the second chain was much easier to install. When the second iron chain was finally in place, Lin Wanrong positioned the chains parallel to each other, leaving less than a yard between them. Ning Yuxi quietly asked, "What are you doing?"

"You said once I go down, I can't come back up, right?" Lin Wanrong looked at her and smiled, "Well, once we reach the opposite peak, I'll place wooden boards between these chains, creating a suspended bridge. It will transform this impassable gorge into a thoroughfare. We'll come and go as we please in the future. I even have a name for it: The Endless Love Bridge."

"Though the peak may be deserted, the chains are long and our love is longer." Ning Yuxi clasped Lin Wanrong's hand, her eyes shimmering with tears.

Both floating chains had been set up. Lin Wanrong considered for a moment, then began to dismantle one of the two large chairs that hung from the same rope. Just as he was about to hang it on the other metal rope, Ning Yuxi hastily stopped him. Softly, she asked, "What are you doing?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I don't feel comfortable leaving you behind. There are two ropes; we can descend side by side."

"You are rather cautious," Ning Yuxi playfully chided him, her eyes softened with affection. "Where you go, I will follow. Bound by the same rope in life, tethered by the same cord in death, we cannot be separated."

Lin Wanrong was familiar with Fairy Sister's resolute nature. Seeing her so determined, he too felt a surge of emotion. "You're right, sister. We should tie ourselves to the same rope, so that even in death, we'll be together—"

Ning Yuxi quickly covered his mouth, her voice tinged with solemnity. "This mountain is perilous and you're about to go to war; let's not speak ill-omened words. Remember, no matter the danger, I will be by your side."

Lin Wanrong eagerly nodded. "I know, I know. My Fairy Sister will never leave me."

Ning Yuxi offered a tender smile and sat him down on the chair, diligently securing the chains. The rope suspending the chair was woven from silk threads, its texture both smooth and exceptionally strong. Ning Yuxi was quite pleased with it.

Lin Wanrong, however, was stubborn. Standing up, he said, "Sister, don't think only of me. Let me make it clear: if you don't go, I won't either."

"You're overthinking things," Ning Yuxi said with a soft smile, her eyes misty. Quickly, she turned away so he couldn't see her face. She then sat in the chair behind him, switching their positions. Carefully, she adjusted his clothing and tightened his ropes, checking multiple times to ensure nothing was amiss. Finally, she nodded approvingly.

Noticing Lin Wanrong's intense gaze on her, Ning Yuxi haphazardly tied her own ropes. Her emotions were a tangled mess of bitterness and sweetness, and tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.

"Sister, what's wrong?" Lin Wanrong hurriedly asked.

"I'm happy," she said through teary eyes. Leaning into his chest, she listened to the strong beats of his heart, her hands trembling slightly as they caressed his face. Softly, she spoke, "Little thief, can we really be together in this lifetime?"

Lin Wanrong pointed to the sky and proclaimed loudly, "I, Lin Wanrong, swear that I will marry Ning Yuxi in this life and beyond. If I break this vow, may heaven and earth annihilate me!"

Ning Yuxi laughed, her tears rolling freely. She closed her eyes and planted a kiss on his lips. Suddenly, she stood up; the ropes that had bound her came undone. A determined look crossed her face. Lin Wanrong was shocked. "Yuxi, what are you doing?"

Laughing and crying at the same time, Ning Yuxi shouted, "Little thief, remember my words: Yuxi will always be by your side. Never forget me. Go—"

With gritted teeth and a heart-wrenching scream, she mustered all her strength to push Lin Wanrong's chair forward. All he heard was the whoosh of wind; he felt as if he were flying like a kite. The sound of silk ropes rubbing against metal cables filled his ears. When he looked back, Ning Yuxi's tear-streaked face was receding into the distance.

"Fairy Sister, you deceived me? You deceived me!" With all the strength he could muster, he roared loudly, "Stop! Stop at once! Everyone stop!"

Bound tightly by ropes, even his desperate struggles couldn't free him as he slid rapidly toward the other side of the cliff. Seeing Lin Wanrong's relentless struggles and despairing face, Ning Yuxi felt as if her heart had shattered. She suddenly burst into tears, covering her face with her hands, "You scoundrel, I will never leave you. Never forget me! Never forget me!"

Xiao Qingxuan, watching from the other side, was greatly alarmed. "Sister Xu, slow down. Master is bringing My Dear back. My Dear is coming back."

Witnessing Lin Wanrong still struggling in mid-air, Xu Zhiqing gritted her teeth and said furiously, "This man is foolishly reckless. Unless he's reduced to a pulp, he won't change his ways." Despite her words, her eyes were intently fixed on him, sweat pouring down her forehead. She was constantly directing the soldiers to adjust the levers, slowing down the chair's slide.

The distance of several hundred yards seemed to pass in an instant. The wind whooshed by his ears, and as he saw Ning Yuxi's face becoming increasingly blurred, Lin Wanrong's face turned pale. Every moment he had spent with the Fairy on the cliff came rushing back—every smile, every scolding, every anger. It was as if they were etched into his heart, unforgettable.

"Ahhh—" Unable to control himself, he let out a long howl that echoed crisply from both sides of the cliff.

"You foolish scoundrel," Ning Yuxi muttered to herself, her sword-holding hand trembling slightly.

Hearing this, Xiao Yushuang was terrified and quickly grabbed Xiao Qingxuan's hand, anxiously saying, "Sister Princess, he's heartbroken. He has never been like this before."

Xiao Qingxuan sighed, speaking faintly, "Even if he is heartbroken, what about others? It's hard on Master."

As the situation on the opposite peak became increasingly clear, Lin Wanrong felt an inexplicable sense of void. Whether it was Yuxi or Qingxuan, heaven or earth, it all became fuzzy in his mind, sometimes separating, sometimes merging again.

Holding the homemade telescope he had left behind, he saw his feet finally land on the opposing peak. Several soldiers immediately grabbed hold of him, and Qingxuan, accompanied by several women, rushed toward him. Ning Yuxi gave a wistful smile, raising her long sword and swiftly cutting the iron chain.

Just as Lin Wanrong stepped onto the peak, his hands were grabbed by Hu Bugui. Suddenly, as if sensing something, he turned his head to see a flash of white light rapidly illuminating Thousand-Forsake Peak. It was Ning Yuxi's sword.

"Let go of me!" Lin Wanrong roared, his voice filled with desperation. Before the ropes on the chair could be untied, he stepped on the edge of the cliff, and using the force from pushing back, the chair that had just landed swiftly slid back. The chain had already been cut, and the chair, carrying Lin Wanrong, plummeted like a falling meteor.

"My Dear—"

"Scoundrel—"

"Big Brother—"

"General—"

"Ahhh—"

Xiao Qingxuan, Xiao Yushuang, Luo Ning, and Qiaoqiao were all horrified, rushing madly toward the cliff. The last voice to call out was from Xu Zhiqing, who had always been aloof and cold.

"Thief!" A sharp, shrill cry echoed from the opposite cliff as a figure glided across with unparalleled speed, fast as lightning. The falling chair abruptly began to slow down. Everyone looked up, stunned into silence.

Hovering between the cliffs was a white figure with arms outstretched. Shaking violently, each hand grasped a broken chain. Against all odds, the chains were connected solely through human strength.

The crowd was dumbfounded. These iron chains spanned between two mountains and weighed a thousand pounds. Even if Ning Yuxi was the greatest martial artist in the world, it was inconceivable for her to pull these chains together with her bare hands.

A mixture of joy and sorrow overwhelmed Lin Wanrong, and he burst into laughter. "Fairy Sister, remember my words—I am not so easily deceived. We are tied by the rope of life and death; you promised!"

Suspended between the cliffs, the beautiful figure looked like a descended fairy, her strength ebbing away. Her face pale, tears fell as she muttered, "Bound by life and death—oh, you silly, foolish thief!"

Xiao Qingxuan was the first to snap back to reality. She cried out, "Sister Xu, quick, lower the ropes gently. My Master, she can't take it!"

Xu Zhiqing quickly complied and directed everyone to lower the ropes. Ning Yuxi clenched her teeth, using every ounce of her strength to hold the chains steady, not letting them tremble. Through her tear-blurred eyes, she saw Lin Wanrong grinning triumphantly, as if victorious. Her emotions were like a small boat tumbling at the peak of a wave—sometimes sad, sometimes joyful, tears flowing ceaselessly.

As soon as Lin Wanrong set foot on solid ground, everyone rushed forward. Hu Bugui lunged at him, grabbing his legs, fearing a repeat of his cliff-dropping antics. Lin Wanrong looked back; a white figure vanished into the opposite peak. The broken chains, through some unfathomable method employed by Ning Yuxi, were now connected, stretching between the two peaks—a magnificent sight that spoke of enduring love.

"Big brother—" Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao lunged into his arms, tears streaming down their faces. "You idiot, you scared us to death!"

"Don't worry, don't worry. I was just testing the strength of these chains," Lin Wanrong said. Considering his recent actions, even he wasn't sure where such courage had come from. Seeing the two women crying, he felt a pang of guilt and patted their shoulders to console them.

"Bad man—" Xiao Yushuang, unlike Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning, lacked such audacity. Seeing Lin San return safely, she was torn between laughing and crying, timidly calling out.

Touched by the sight of this delicate young girl, Lin Wanrong took her small hand and softly asked, "Second Miss, why are you here too? How is your mother? How has the household been? Is everyone well since I've been away for the past few days?"

"Enough of that." The Second Miss wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye and spoke softly, "Mother was already ill with a cold, but she was really happy when you came home that day. However, you disappeared in the middle of the night, leaving her anxious. She couldn’t find peace of mind and has been bedridden ever since, in worse condition. My elder sister has also gone missing. Our family is falling apart—"

Xiao Yushuang's expression was one of profound sadness. Lin Wanrong also felt a pang of sorrow. The Xiao family had played a crucial role in his rise, and both the Eldest Miss and Second Miss had always been affectionate towards him. It felt like his own home. However, with the Eldest Miss under house arrest by the Emperor, and the Madam becoming increasingly ill, the Xiao family was truly facing bad times, and he couldn't help but feel responsible.

"Don't worry," Lin Wanrong said confidently, "Once I have sorted things out here, I will return with you to check on the Madam. Her condition will improve as soon as she sees me."

Xiao Yushuang nodded softly and said, "Of course. Mother says you are now the only man in our family. You are the one holding up our sky. Seeing you will naturally lift her spirits." She glanced around, her face flushing red, then whispered, "You should come and live with us. Don’t worry, I'll be with you all the time to make sure you don’t go missing again."

Lin Wanrong managed a quiet smile but looked distressed. Right now, his main concern was Fairy Ning on the opposite peak, the Thousand-Forsake Peak.

"Big brother, what is this?" Luo Ning, who had been examining him up and down, suddenly asked, pointing a slender finger at his chest.

Lin Wanrong looked down to see a letter stuffed into his ragged clothing, peeking out slightly. Realizing it must have been placed there by Ning Yuxi while she was tidying his clothes, his heart raced as he quickly pulled out the letter. The note was pure white, its small characters inscribed with an eyebrow pencil, "Grateful for your kindness, I vow to follow you all my life. Faithful in life and death!"

Tears stained the paper. Lin Wanrong couldn't tell when Fairy Ning had written it. Looking up, he gazed at the opposite mountain peak. All was quiet and empty. Where could Ning Yuxi be?

The message in the letter didn't seem heartless. Why did she send him away? Lin Wanrong was utterly confused and felt deeply frustrated. He let out a long sigh. Luo Ning peeked over and sneaked a glance at the letter. Clearing his throat, Lin Wanrong quickly folded it back up.

Luo Ning, her face still wet with tears, coquettishly glanced at him and giggled, "Don’t worry, big brother, I won't tell my sister. Wait, where is she? Why don't I see her?"

Qingxuan? Lin Wanrong was startled. He looked around; Xiao Qingxuan was nowhere to be found. He remembered that she had been at the forefront just a moment ago. Where had she gone?

As he lifted his head, he saw Xu Zhiqing looking his way from a distance. She quickly averted her eyes. Recalling the vow Miss Xu had made when he was on the wall, Lin Wanrong felt a sense of melancholy. He walked up to her, clasped his fists, and said with a smile, "Thank you, Miss Xu, for your help."

Xu Zhiqing didn't lift her head as she gave instructions to those around her: "The matter here is resolved. Brothers, please pack up the cannons and other equipment and report back to General Li at camp. If you would kindly step aside, sir, and not obstruct our work."

Lin Wanrong chuckled lightly, not minding her tone. "In that case, Miss, I shall not disturb you. I will send my wife to express our gratitude another day."

With a thunderous "boom," everyone jumped in surprise. A cannon near Xu Zhiqing had misfired, stirring up a cloud of dust and smoke in the desolate landscape beyond. Xu Zhiqing calmly said, "My apologies, the cannon misfired."

This girl really had a reckless streak. Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat and made a hasty retreat, while the people like Hu Bugui and Xu Zhen had to use all their strength to suppress their laughter.

"Big brother, go and see Sister," Qiaoqiao quietly tugged on Lin Wanrong's sleeve and nodded toward a distant point. At the peak of the mountain stood a delicate figure, looking out over Thousand-Forsake Peak in serene contemplation.

"Qingxuan—" Lin Wanrong was startled and hurriedly rushed over. Before he got close, a youthful female voice yelled, "What are you doing here, you scoundrel? Haven’t you troubled my Master enough?" Li Xiangjun leapt out from beside Xiao Qingxuan, her eyebrows furrowed in anger.

Ignoring her, Lin Wanrong was about to reach Xiao Qingxuan when Li Xiangjun clenched her teeth and lunged at him, her dagger flashing like lightning, aimed directly at his chest.

"Enough!" Already irritated, Lin Wanrong shouted in annoyance. Seeing his imposing demeanor, Li Xiangjun instantly felt afraid; her strength drained from her, and she burst into tears. "Sister, he’s bullying me. Not content with tormenting Master, now he's bullying me!"

Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly, a bitter smile on her face. "Xiangjun, don't make a scene. My Dear, he didn’t bully Master."

"I don’t believe you!" Li Xiangjun glared at Lin Wanrong and spat, "If not for him, why would Master go up the mountain and stay there?"

Li Xiangjun’s seemingly naive words struck Lin Wanrong as both funny and irksome. Xiao Qingxuan gave Lin Wanrong a look, unsure what to say. Finally, she sighed and said weakly, "Don’t worry, Xiangjun. I’ll definitely bring Master down from the mountain."

Humphing, Li Xiangjun brandished her small dagger at Lin Wanrong one last time before leaving satisfied.

Seeing Qingxuan standing silently at the edge of the cliff, Lin Wanrong cautiously approached her. "Qingxuan, are you really certain you can bring Fairy Sister down from the mountain?"

Miss Xiao bit her red lips and hummed, her fragrant shoulders trembling, but she said nothing.

Lin Wanrong was about to take her hand when he saw that her beautiful face was streaked with tears. In the dim twilight, she looked so vulnerable that he couldn't help but feel a surge of pity.

"Qingxuan, what’s wrong?" Lin Wanrong was shocked and quickly embraced her. Miss Xiao suddenly burst into tears and pounded her small fists against his chest. "You shameless rascal, are you tired of living? Jumping down might solve your problems, but what about me? What about our child?"

"Rest assured, I have it under control," Lin Wanrong tightly embraced Miss Xiao, whispering softly in her ear. "Think about what kind of man your husband is. I've never been one to suffer a disadvantage."

"But what if Master slips up?" Xiao Qingxuan angrily pinched his chest, her tears flowing more freely. "You're putting me and our child at risk!"

Slip up? Lin Wanrong sighed. He hadn't considered that. Life is unpredictable, and even a clay Buddha still has some clay nature. He was a flesh-and-blood man, not some Daoist sage—impulsive moments were inevitable.

Xiao Qingxuan leaned against him, silent for a while. Then she softly asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"

Lin Wanrong smiled, lightly brushing the tip of her nose. "I'm silent because we are husband and wife; too much explanation makes things tedious. Think about it. Why, when your Master took me away, did I give you a riddle that you instantly solved? It's because spouses are supposed to understand each other best. You know me better than anyone."

Xiao Qingxuan felt warmth fill her heart. She buried her flushed cheeks into his chest, "You really know how to sweet-talk. It's like I owe you from a past life. Who knows how many young ladies you've charmed with that mouth of yours?"

"Not that many," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I rarely use those tricks anymore. I'm afraid others can't handle them. Saying them only to my wonderful wife is more than enough. If I told you ten sweet things a day, you'd handle it fine, but I wouldn't."

Miss Xiao shook her head, smiling bitterly. She had planned to give him the silent treatment for a few days to teach him a lesson. But a couple of sweet words from him melted her resolve. Truly, one thing always conquers another.

Noticing Lin Wanrong's eyes fixated on Thousand-Forsake Peak, Xiao Qingxuan felt a pang of sadness. "Are you waiting for Master to come down the mountain?"

"Yes, ah, no!" Lin Wanrong was startled; it seemed like Xiao Qingxuan had picked up on something.

At this point, why wasn't he being honest? Annoyed, Miss Xiao pinched his arm hard. "Let me tell you the truth. Right now, Master definitely won't come down."

"Why?"

"You are such a fool!" Seeing his puzzled expression, Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly. "You're pressuring Master to come down in front of everyone. Even if she were made of mud, she wouldn't do it. Where did all your usual cleverness go?"

Lin Wanrong slapped his forehead. Ah, her words woke him up like a bolt of lightning. How could he not have thought of that? Being too passionate as a man really could lower one's intelligence.

"My good wife. Ah, you've gotten even more radiant in just a few days—so tell me, when will the fairy be willing to come down?"

Annoyed, Xiao Qingxuan huffed, "How would I know? You've been with Master these past few days; you should understand her better than I do."

"You arrived too quickly; I didn't get a chance to understand you deeply," Lin Wanrong sighed, his face filled with consternation. He stole a glance at Xiao Qingxuan, and carefully said, "As for Fairy Sister, she has treated me quite well these past few days. She is beautiful, has an amazing figure, is well-educated and compassionate. Sometimes I really wish she would be my—"

"Be your what?" Miss Xiao clenched her teeth and hummed, her expression a mixture of smile and scorn.

Sweat beads covered Lin Wanrong's forehead. Even with his thick skin, he found it difficult to express himself. After hesitating for a moment, he gritted his teeth, deciding it was now or never. "Be my—"

Before he could finish, a soft hand covered his lips. Xiao Qingxuan looked both shy and annoyed: "You always like to make things complicated. Is it so difficult to ask my Master to be your Fairy Sister? Let me accept on her behalf. After all, you've grown quite accustomed to calling her Fairy Sister. She is my master, and she is your Sister. We can each call her what we like, without any interference."

"Can we both call her the same?" Lin Wanrong seemed both happy and concerned, his expression playful.

"How can we call her the same? That would disrupt the hierarchy and make us the subject of ridicule," said Miss Xiao, furrowing her brows.

Lin Wanrong straightened his expression, speaking solemnly: "Actually, that's not the case. I want Fairy Sister to be—mmm—mmm—"

Miss Xiao pressed her hand firmly over his mouth, preventing him from speaking, her face flushed with both shyness and annoyance. "Let’s just leave it at that. Later, I'll discuss it with Ning'er and Qiaoqiao. Once you and my Master clear up the misunderstanding, we'll bring her home to be properly taken care of. Won't it be great if our family lives happily and united?"

Lin Wanrong was about to protest, but hearing her last sentence, he felt invigorated. Seeing her small hand covering his mouth, he stretched out his tongue and lightly kissed it. Xiao Qingxuan trembled, releasing her hand quickly, her face flushed: "You scoundrel—"

Lin Wanrong let out a sigh of relief, nodded and smiled: "Living happily and united, Qingxuan, you've said it well. But I have no idea when Fairy Sister will come down from the mountain. Thousand-Forsake Peak has beautiful scenery and hot springs; I fear she might forget you two disciples if she stays too long."

Xiao Qingxuan looked towards Thousand-Forsake Peak, which was gradually becoming obscured by mist and clouds in the evening light. Only two iron ropes flying across the peak stood firm.

"Even if she wishes to forget, I doubt she can," said Miss Xiao, letting out a wistful sigh. But noticing her husband staring at Thousand-Forsake Peak, lost in thought, she felt disheartened.

One of life's most frustrating moments was before her. Despite her usually detached demeanor, Xiao Qingxuan was at a loss in this situation.

"Qingxuan, actually, these past few days, I've been pondering over something. Something I'm not sure is good or bad," Lin Wanrong suddenly changed his demeanor, his expression turning incredibly serious.

"What is it that has you so troubled?" Miss Xiao softened, involuntarily grabbing his hand as she asked in a gentle voice.

Lin Wanrong found a tree stump to sit on and sighed, "Do you know that when the White Lotus Sect caused trouble, I was invited by Xu Wei to command troops in Shandong?"

Xiao Qingxuan nodded and said, "You led tens of thousands of troops, personally slew the foremost warrior of the White Lotus sect, and captured their rebel leader Lu Kanli. You were also the first to break through the city of Jinan. You are the main contributor to the eradication of the White Lotus sect. Everyone knows this; it's the talk of taverns and teahouses, and storytellers have recounted it countless times."

"That's exactly the problem," Lin Wanrong said, his expression unreadable, caught somewhere between a smile and irritation. "After a few victories, everyone thinks I'm a talent. Not only has Xu Wei taken notice of me, but even Li Tai wants me to join his army to fight against the Turks in the North. Not to mention my old comrades like Hu Bugui and Li Sheng from Shandong. But what they don't realize is that I've spent my life perusing erotic art, yet never studied a single chapter of military strategy. Going into battle, it's all gut instinct. One mistake, and I'd jeopardize the lives of my good brothers."

Miss Xiao blushed and gently said, "Not everyone's skills come from book learning. Zhao Kuo read countless military texts, yet he led his men and his country to ruin and suffered endless disgrace. You, on the other hand, have learned everything through practice. Though not scholarly, it's genuinely practical knowledge. Otherwise, you wouldn't have destroyed the White Lotus sect and gained the respect of learned men like Li Tai and Xu Zhiqing. Moreover, your achievements over the past six months have been nothing short of remarkable. How could anyone accomplish that without some level of skill?"

"So, you're in favor of me going?" Lin Wanrong brightened at Miss Xiao's praise.

Xiao Qingxuan carefully adjusted his clothes and softly said, "Why ask me when you've already made up your mind? No wife wishes for her husband to go to war. But if you have talents that go unused, that's a sin in itself. My father has already mentioned this matter to me some time ago. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to influence your decision. To me, you can do no wrong."

"Dear wife, why do your words always touch my heart?" Lin Wanrong hugged her tender waist and spoke sweetly.

Xiao Qingxuan looked at him and chuckled, "Enough sweet talk. Since you've decided to go to war, my sisters and I will support you. There are still a few days left before you leave; have you considered which young ladies still need to be informed? I can send someone to deliver messages for you."

"How could I?" Lin Wanrong gave a sheepish smile, his mind racing. Apart from Eldest Miss and Xian'er, almost everyone who needed to know had been informed.

The troubling part was that he had been stranded in the mountains for the past few days, and he didn't know what had become of Eldest Miss.

Seeming to read his thoughts, Miss Xiao held his hand and softly reassured him, "Don't worry. My father asked me to tell you that whatever is due to you will not be lacking. If Eldest Miss is so devoted to you, I will plead on her behalf to my father tomorrow."

With Xiao Qingxuan's involvement, Lin Wanrong felt his confidence surge. Then, his brow furrowed again. It was one thing for Eldest Miss to be under house arrest and unaware of his situation, but where had Xian'er disappeared to these past few days? She had been at the back hill of the Grand Prime Minister Temple tending to her mother's tomb; how could she be so out of touch?

"Qingxuan, you are Princess Chuyun, and you should have a younger sister named Princess Nishang. You know that, right?" Lin Wanrong asked cautiously.

Miss Xiao hummed in acknowledgement, giving him a glance. "Of course, I know. After descending the mountain that day, Father told me about it. Xian'er has been separated from our father since childhood and has suffered much under the care of Martial Aunt An. Given the longstanding friction between Martial Aunt An and my Master, her resentment towards me is understandable. But had I known she was my sister, would I have fought her in Jinling?"

"Even if Xian'er harbors resentment towards Qingxuan, she wouldn't ignore me if she heard I was in danger, would she?" Lin Wanrong said, puzzled.

Shaking her head with a wry smile, Qingxuan replied, "If she were in the capital, how could she ignore you? The day you rescued me was a spectacular event that became well-known everywhere. When Xian'er heard of your deeds, she burst into tears and left the capital overnight, heading towards Sichuan."

Headed to Sichuan? Lin Wanrong felt a mix of joy and surprise. This jealous girl must be seeking the help of Sister An. I wonder if Sister An will try to assassinate me like Fairy Ning did. If I get stabbed a dozen times by this seductive fox, I'd be the lucky one.

"My Dear, My Dear," Miss Xiao softly called out, jolting him back to reality. "If Xian'er has sought Martial Aunt An's help, that would be bad. Unlike my Master, Martial Aunt An is cunning and capricious. She’s a worldly fox, adept at deception. If she hears Xian'er’s complaints and becomes angry with you, I'm afraid you'll suffer. Moreover, you're the one who eradicated the White Lotus cult that she founded—"

‘Suffer at the hands of Sister An? That's laughable; the one I'm afraid of is her not coming!’ Lin Wanrong chuckled lewdly in his mind but feigned surprise on his face. "Oh my, Qingxuan, are you serious? Is Martial Aunt An really that powerful? What should I do? Can you ask Fairy Sister to descend from the mountain as soon as possible to help me deal with Sister An?"

"What Sister An?" Qingxuan looked puzzled.

"Oh, if your master is my Fairy Sister, then logically speaking, Xian'er's master would be Sister An. Fairy Ning will deal with Sister An, you will handle Xian'er, and I will wholeheartedly take care of all four of you. Isn't that a perfect arrangement?" Lin Wanrong's eyes twinkled, his heart nearly bursting with joy.

"I don't know when my Master will descend the mountain," Qingxuan shook her head softly. "She’s naturally calm and dislikes public appearances. In my opinion, it might be best to withdraw all the troops from this mountain and let things die down. Perhaps when everyone has forgotten about this, my Master will appear before you."

Lin Wanrong had a good understanding of Ning Yuxi. What Qingxuan said made sense; the greatest surprise often comes from the most unexpected places. He touched the letter in his pocket, a sense of anticipation filling his heart. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if Fairy Ning suddenly appeared before him, bringing an overwhelming sense of joy.

As dusk settled on the mountain, Lin Wanrong gazed at the opposing cliff, where he thought he saw a faint light emanating from a stone cave. He imagined Fairy Ning's beautiful face, shedding tears of joy under the lamplight. Her lonely figure seemed like a solitary flower blooming in the crevice of the cliff, filling Lin Wanrong's heart with waves of melancholy.

"My Dear, let's go," Qingxuan finally spoke, her voice tinged with mixed emotions. She took his large hand, pulling him forward with resolute determination.

After taking a few steps, Lin Wanrong suddenly turned back, dashing back towards the edge of the cliff like a madman. He cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Bound by fate, never to part! I will come back; I will definitely return!"

Suddenly, a dim light lit up on the peak of the opposing mountain. It looked like a lonely little star sprinkled into the distant night sky, gently flickering and dancing, never falling...

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