The moon hung high over the city of Azure Spring, casting a soft glow over the quiet streets.
Two assassins covered their face with half demon half god mask looked very pleased after seeing their prey.
Suddenly one of them charged towards Li Chen, holding sharp moon shaped blade, their eyes expressing a hint of malice, pointed blade on Li Chen's neck.
Li Chen activated his protective shield for Qingci and himself. After blade collided with shield, a deep cracked appeared in shield.
Yu Qingci narrowed her eyes with concern and stated, "They're in Golden core stage you're not their match."
"Who said I will defend singly against these two while I have you with me here - a mid stage Golden core practitioner."
Yu Qingci didn't mind his statement and soon a majestic Bow appeared on her hand and arrow started to materialized from her spiritual energy.
She pulled the string and shoot at one of the assassins. The masked assassin was solely focused on Li Chen didn't see the piercing arrows coming towards him and soon he died miserably with his eyes opened looking at her shockingly.
On the other hand, Li Chen after his shield obliterated he unsheathed his sword and shouted, " Soaring Starfall Slash...."
"Clang...Fwish."
Blade and sword two weapons with their high lethality might be performed same if their wielders have all attributes equals to eachother.
But Li Chen superior technique is far from simple that a ordinary cultivators from lower realm could withstand. Soon the assassin's body split in half. Blood splashed and droplets stained on Li Chen's face.
In the distance, the final embers of a fierce battle had died down. Sword slashes marred the stone ground, and the scorched walls still radiated faint heat. In the center of it all stood Li Chen and Yu Qingci, her elegant figure outlined by the moonlight.
Yu Qingci sheathed her radiant spirit bow, the silver strings humming with residual qi. Her breathing was steady, yet her eyes were sharp—ever vigilant.
Beside her, Li Chen's sword glinted faintly under the moonlight, golden qi still swirling from its edge.
"They weren't ordinary assassins," he muttered. "Their auras—tainted, and yet disciplined."
Yu Qingci narrowed her eyes. "They were puppets. Someone else is pulling the strings."
They exchanged a glance, silent understanding blooming between them. The fight may have ended, but the war had only begun.
---
Return Home
Back in Liang Village, inside the quiet residence, Su Lingxue was humming a gentle lullaby as she rocked her child to sleep. Her son cooed and smiled, pressing his soft fingers to her face.
The door creaked open.
"Chen, you're—" Her words paused, eyes widening as she spotted the graceful figure entering behind him.
Yu Qingci.
Dressed in elegant green robes, her gaze calm yet dignified, Qingci stepped forward and gave a respectful bow. "Madam Su, it is an honor."
Su Lingxue blinked, the corners of her lips twitching upward. "I see… so you picked another flower while out selling pills?"
Li Chen scratched his head sheepishly. "It wasn't exactly like that…"
Lingxue rolled her eyes. "I'm not angry. Just surprised. But I can see in her eyes—she isn't ordinary."
Li Chen stepped in. "There's more. We were ambushed. Two assassins targeting me… but I'm sure it's linked to the attempt on you too."
Lingxue's face hardened. "Then we can't stay in this village any longer."
Deep down she still feared of Sect leader Chu who is in Void Transformation Level. Her nor Li Chen's Strength has grown enough to confront the Sect leader of Frost Cloud Pavilion head-on let alone the whole sect backing Ancestors at tribulation Level or above.
"I agree," Li Chen nodded. "It's time we moved to a place where we can grow stronger and protect our family."
Yu Qingci stepped forward. "I know a place—a series of quiet courtyards in Moonshadow City. Protected by formations, well-hidden from spiritual senses. It may suit us."
Lingxue nodded thoughtfully. "We'll inspect them tomorrow."
---
A Night of Connection
That night, the house was quiet, save for the soft rustling of wind outside.
Li Chen entered Lingxue's room first, embracing her gently from behind. Their son lay in a deep sleep between them. He planted a kiss on her neck, lingering.
"Rest well, my wife," he whispered.
Lingxue turned her head, lips brushing against his cheek. "Don't keep her waiting too long, husband."
He blinked.
"I know," she whispered. "She's already yours in heart. Be kind to her."
He held her tightly, then stood and quietly walked to the room across the corridor.
Yu Qingci sat at the edge of her bed, bathed in moonlight, her long hair unbound. Her eyes met his, calm but warm.
"You came," she said softly.
Li Chen stepped forward, kneeling before her. "You're not alone anymore."
Qingci reached forward, caressing his cheek. "I never thought this cursed life would bring me here. But… I want to walk this path with you."
Soon their lips met—soft at first, a gentle exploration of emotions unspoken. Her hands slid to his shoulders, pulling him closer as heat grew between them.
She gasped as his hands traced her waist, then lower, where he gave her a playful spank on her round butt, making her shiver.
"Wha—" she blushed deeply. "You're bold, husband."
"You're mine now," he whispered.
Qingci pushed him back, straddling him with surprising assertiveness. "Then make me yours… but have some pity on me."
Their clothes fell away as they embraced fully, the room filled with the soft sounds of their connection—kisses, whispers, gasps. She clung to him, her voice low and breathy:
"Harder… don't.... there…"
"Ar… Annnn....Umm…..So hard...yes....yahhhhh."
"like that…yes ohh.... there…"her seductive voice echoed whole room. Her voice made him loose his sanity.
Suddenly Li Chen started to kiss her aggressively with a umm sound their lips parted. Their saliva was still dripping from their mouth.
She stuck out her tongue, placed on his little brother and started licking it like heavenly delicacies.
Li Chen who was already impatient felt a strange sensation down him. He hurriedly pull out his harden brother from her mouth and his little brother gave her a light slap on her lips.
Li Chen entered into her forest. It's depth no one had ever measured. After familiarising himself, he can easily dive in and out like he was being here before. But Yu Qingci's situation was bit strange her own body felt like it's not her.
She begged as her fingers curled around his back, nails digging slightly. His mouth found her collarbone, trailing kisses and a playful nibble that made her squirm. Her hips bucked, and she responded by biting his shoulder softly, then moaning into his ear.
When they collapsed into each other's arms hours later, sweat on their skin, hearts racing, Li Chen held her tightly.
"From now on," he murmured, "I'll carry your burden with you."
Ding!
[System Reward Unlocked: New Dao Companion] + Face Shifting Technique (Family Bound) + Alchemy Refinement Talent Boost (Yu Qingci only) + Spirit Lake Courtyard Deed Acquired(Situated in MoonShadow City)]
Qingci leaned into his chest, lips brushing his skin.
"I feel… free," she whispered. "Like part of the curse lifted."
He smiled. "And the rest will vanish. I promise."
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