Chapter 93: Gu Maiden (6)

“I am not a flower spirit,” said the purple-clad woman, her eyes shimmering like autumn waters. With every glance, she exuded an enchanting allure that captivated the soul. “May I come in and sit for a moment?”

Meng Qing now understood why Peach Branch often found herself mesmerized by this woman. Such extraordinary beauty was irresistible, drawing one’s gaze uncontrollably again and again.

If she wasn’t a flower spirit, with such breathtaking loveliness, then who could she be?

Meng Qing knew it was unwise to let strangers inside, but…

She stepped aside, reassured. It would be fine as long as it was her. If the woman meant harm, she wouldn’t have brought flowers.

Meng Qing looked at the hand-picked night-blooming cereus in her hands. It had been plucked at its most exquisite moment of bloom. Had the supposed “flower spirit” waited patiently for quite some time just to give her this flower?

Gently inhaling the petals’ fragrance, Meng Qing noticed how delightful it smelled. Apart from the crisp aroma of the night-blooming cereus, ever since the flower spirit entered her room, a unique scent seemed to permeate the air.

Intrigued, Meng Qing took a few steps closer to the flower spirit, certain that this intoxicating perfume originated from her presence.

“You smell so divine…” Meng Qing said, blushing. “How can you not be a flower spirit?”

“My name is Xiling,” the purple-clad woman extended her hand towards Meng Qing. “Feel my hand; I am indeed warm and human.”

As if enticed, Meng Qing took the woman’s hand. It was undeniably warm—she truly was human!

“Xiling…” Meng Qing murmured, captivated by the beauty of this woman.

With hands as delicate as silk and skin like ivory, Meng Qing found herself unwilling to let go, longing to hold onto them forever.

“Why…?” Meng Qing asked, curiosity piqued, “Why were you outside my window?”

“I wanted to meet you, so here I am.” The woman’s eyes held a subtle lift at the corners, gazing upon Meng Qing with pure admiration. “They say hearing about someone a hundred times doesn’t compare to meeting them once. Now that I’ve seen Miss Meng, I have no regrets in life.”

“You…” Meng Qing had never experienced such compliments from another woman before, causing her cheeks to flush instantly. “Being so beautiful yourself, why would you come to see me…”

The woman did not answer, merely fixed her gaze on Meng Qing, who felt speechless, as if she had fallen into a dream.

By the time Meng Qing regained her composure, she found herself pressed closely against Xiling, holding her hand for quite some moments.

“I…” Meng Qing had never been this intimate with anyone before; the blush on her face spread down to her neck. “I didn’t mean to…”

As she spoke, Meng Qing reluctantly released Xiling’s hand, yet upon letting go, she felt a strange sense of loss.

“It’s perfectly fine,” the woman said with a warm smile. “Being close to Miss Meng is indeed my good fortune.”

Meng Qing blushed and stammered again, “Y-you don’t need to call me Miss Meng, just…Meng Qing will do.”

“Meng…Qing…”

When the woman melodiously uttered her name, Meng Qing felt a tingling sensation throughout her body. How could someone make even saying a name sound so…captivating? She placed a hand over her heart, feeling it race uncontrollably.

“Miss!” Peach Branch’s voice suddenly echoed from outside the room. “Haven’t you gone to bed yet? I think I heard sounds coming from your chamber?”

Meng Qing glanced at Xiling and hastily replied in a raised tone, “It’s just me reciting poetry. Don’t worry about me, you should get some rest too.”

Peach Branch replied, “Miss, you should rest soon too. Don’t dwell on things.”

Only after Peach Branch’s footsteps faded away did Meng Qing feel relieved. However, remembering the guards stationed around her home, she began to worry for Xiling again. “How did you manage to evade so many people just to find me? Were you seen? If someone discovers you in my room, you…”

Meng Qing’s residence was guarded by servants; her parents were fiercely protective and never allowed anyone easy access to her. Previously, when she mistook Xiling for a flower spirit, she hadn’t questioned her identity. Now, considering how effortlessly Xiling had bypassed all those guards, it became clear that Miss Xiling was no ordinary person.

But whether ordinary or not didn’t matter to Meng Qing; her only concern was Xiling’s safety in coming here.

“I have a guard who brought me,” Xiling explained as she gently took Meng Qing’s hand. “Meng Qing, I won’t hide this from you - I’m from Sichuan. I’ve recently arrived in the Central Plains, and upon hearing your reputation, I wanted to meet you. Since I lack the standing to formally introduce myself to the Meng family, I had no choice but to visit secretly.”

“Sichuan…” Meng Qing knew little about that region, vaguely recalling it as a gathering place for minority groups. No wonder Xiling’s accent differed slightly from those of the Central Plains; her voice was indeed sweeter and mellower…

“I can tell my parents you’re my friend,” Meng Qing offered hesitantly, knowing even she sounded unconvincing.

She rarely ventured out, and when she did, her parents or eldest brother always accompanied her. How could she possibly know someone like Xiling? Her parents would undoubtedly suspect Xiling’s identity and intentions, making future meetings even more difficult…

“Don’t worry, I’ll find ways to see you.” Xiling winked at her with a charming smile. “For you, enduring some hardships is worth it.”

Blushing shyly, Meng Qing clung tightly to Xiling’s hand. “Why do you always say such things…?”

“It just slips out naturally around Qing’er,” Xiling chuckled.

Meng Qing became completely intoxicated by Xiling’s tenderness. She moved closer to Xiling, losing track of time as they conversed. When Xiling finally had to leave, Meng Qing felt deeply reluctant, struggling to let go.

Outside the window, Sanar crouched listening to the women’s conversation inside. For some inexplicable reason, his mood soured. Do girls always speak with such sickeningly sweet words? The priestess had never used such language with him; if she ever did, he feared he might die from sheer happiness…

“Sanar.”

At the priestess’s call, Sanar hastily stood up.

Meng Qing paled as a white-haired, red-eyed man suddenly appeared by the window, barely managing to suppress a scream.

Sanar was accustomed to the peculiarities of those from the Central Plains and paid no heed to this so-called “most beautiful person under heaven.” His gaze remained fixed solely on the priestess. “I’m here.”

Xiling gently patted Meng Qing’s hand in reassurance. “Don’t be afraid, this is my guard. Without him, we wouldn’t have been able to meet today.”

Meng Qing quickly composed herself and graciously thanked Xiling’s guard, maintaining her poise. “Thank you for bringing Ling’er here.”

Ling’er? How dare this woman use such an intimate nickname for the priestess! Resentment stirred within Sanar, but he kept all emotions hidden in the presence of the priestess.

“I must go now,” Sanar heard the priestess say softly to Meng Qing, “I’ll visit again tomorrow night.”

Meng Qing approached the window and replied gently, “I will wait for you.”

“Farewell.”

“Farewell.”

Only after Sanar watched the two reluctantly bid each other goodbye, with the priestess gently wrapping her slender arms around his neck and leaning her soft body against his back, did the discontentment in his heart begin to dissipate.

Sanar carefully supported the priestess, blushing as his hands touched her smooth skin. Hurriedly, he ensured her long dress covered her properly before straightening up and gracefully leaping back towards their starting point. In just a few bounds, their figures swiftly vanished into the vast night.

Meng Qing lingered by the window for a long time, feeling as melancholic upon parting as she had been joyful during their encounter with Xiling.

She found an elegant vase and meticulously placed the nocturnal flower inside. That night, even in her dreams, the shadow of the flower spirit remained present. Tomorrow evening…if only tomorrow could come sooner.

[…]

m577 responded somberly, [You’re planning secret nightly rendezvous with the female protagonist yet again…]

Tong Ling, nestled on the sturdy back of the young swordsman, grinned mischievously at the system. “Now this is what they call clandestine trysts and covert affairs - it’s truly exhilarating.”

“With such an ethereal and exquisite beauty as the protagonist, I absolutely cannot let her fall into the male lead’s demonic clutches!”

“So you want her to fall into your own demonic clutches instead?”

M577 felt that no one could stop its host anymore. If she didn’t even spare women, who in this world would be safe? Perhaps eunuchs… What a pity there were none in this martial arts setting…

Tong Ling said, “I’ll treat her with utmost gentleness.”

The corner of m577’s virtual mouth twitched. [“Thank you on behalf of the female protagonist!”]

Upon returning to the four-sided compound, Sanar couldn’t bear to let go, his entire body resisting the urge. The priestess’s warm breath brushed against his ear, her soft body still draped over his back, and those legs entwined around him…

Despite the cool night breeze blowing throughout their journey, Sanar’s body felt unbearably hot. His senses were filled with the unique fragrance from the priestess, constantly recalling the smooth touch he had experienced earlier. He… wished the priestess would just touch him once.

As soon as this thought surfaced, Sanar stiffened, feeling utterly ashamed of himself.

“What’s wrong, Sanar?” Tong Ling asked, seemingly oblivious to his inner turmoil, as she leaned close to his ear. “We’ve arrived, it’s time for you to put me down now.”

Sanar felt a peculiar reaction stirring within him from the priestess’s breath and sweet voice. Fearful that his discomposure might be seen unfavorably by her, he hastily but gently lowered the priestess off his back.

As soon as their bodies separated, Sanar’s heart felt hollow, and he began regretting how quickly he had used lightness martial arts earlier. He should have slowed down…

Tong Ling smoothed her hair, which had been tousled by the night wind, and casually complained, “Sanar, your back is too hard; it wasn’t comfortable lying there.”

“I-I can add a soft cushion on my back…” Sanar hurriedly responded.

“No need, it would look awful.” Tong Ling waved her hand dismissively and instructed before entering the house, “Go heat some water for me, I want to bathe.”

Upon hearing the word “bathe,” Sanar’s face flushed red again involuntarily. He pulled up his hood and swiftly replied, “I-I’ll go prepare the water right away!”

M577 clicked its tongue with a remark: [This naive child, completely unaware that he’s being used as mere labor.]

“Innocent?” Tong Ling smiled. “His thoughts are anything but innocent.”

m577 hesitated before sarcastically remarking: [Who’s to blame for that?]

“I haven’t done anything,” Tong Ling defended herself confidently. “Making him work harder is just to divert his energy, so he doesn’t spend all day lost in thought.”

m577 pursed its lips. “You always have such twisted excuses!”

Tong Ling leisurely reclined on the bed Sanar had tidied up. “Besides, isn’t he quite content being busy? If I ever stopped giving him tasks, he might even be unhappy.”

m577 was rendered speechless.

Sanar was a diligent and hardworking young man who meticulously carried out every instruction Tong Ling gave him.

He scrubbed the wooden bathing tub clean, moved it into the priestess’s room, and then made multiple trips carrying hot water until the tub was filled about seven-eighths full. Turning to the resting priestess lying on the bed, he said, “Xiling, the bathwater is ready.”

Sanar didn’t forget to prepare soap beans, soap pods, and a cloth for wiping down her body. Ensuring everything was in order, he planned to close the door and leave.

“Wait.”

As soon as Tong Ling spoke, m577 predictably chimed in: [Ah, here we go.]

“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Tong Ling said to the system. “I don’t mean anything by it.”

m577 rolled its eyes dramatically: [And you expect me to believe that?]

Tong Ling responded, “I still need him, so I won’t discard him just yet.”

Hearing this, m577 felt reassured: [That’s good. At least tonight, I won’t have to watch through a mosaic.]

Sanar, stopped by the priestess, asked uneasily, “Is there something else?”

Tong Ling removed the silver hairpin from her locks and took off the silver bracelet on her wrist, then beckoned Sanar over. “Stay here; my hair is too long, help me wash it.”

m577 was incredulous: [Look at how much you’re exploiting his labor! Has he even had a moment of rest today?]

Tong Ling defended herself, “Well, in martial arts worlds, they have inner strength. See how energetic he is.”

m577 couldn’t help but think what a wasted opportunity it was for its host not to become a capitalist; only such a ruthless boss would utter those words.

“Wash…my hair?” Sanar stood frozen, taken aback. “You want me to wash your hair?”

“Are you unwilling?” Tong Ling asked.

Sanar could not refuse the priestess’s request. “No, I am willing…”

“Then come in and close the door.” After instructing Sanar, Tong Ling ordered him to turn around while she began undressing.

m577: [!] [Are you sure there’s no ulterior motive here?]

Tong Ling responded solemnly, “Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t touch him.”

m577 remained skeptical: [Really?]

Tong Ling assured, “More truthful than pearls themselves.”

After agreeing to help the priestess wash her hair, Sanar felt truly shameless.

Even though the priestess instructed him to face away and not look at her, his martial senses allowed him to effortlessly discern her every movement.

The sounds of clothing rustling, the dress hitting the floor, and water droplets sliding down her body…

He shouldn’t be here; he should leave immediately! The heat in Sanar’s body surged once more, preparing himself to depart, yet paradoxically, he stood firmly in place without budging an inch.

“All right.” Only after Tong Ling settled into the wooden tub did she allow Sanar to turn around. “You can come closer now.”

Sanar’s eyes reflected the image of the priestess before him. Her long wet hair draped over her shoulders, while her porcelain-like face glowed with a rosy blush from the steam. Her slender neck was gracefully pale against her dark hair and fair skin. From his vantage point, he could also see…

Sanar’s gaze momentarily darkened as he suppressed his impulse. Stepping forward, he gently gathered the priestess’s long hair and picked up the nearby pot of prepared soapberry solution. Carefully, he washed her smooth, jet-black tresses strand by strand.

As the priestess submerged herself in the water, her fragrance did not diminish at all; instead, it became even more intense.

Inhaling deeply, Sanar leaned his head softly against the priestess’s rounded shoulder. He heard himself whisper, “Xiling, may I touch you…? I want to touch you…”

Before waiting for the priestess’s response, Sanar leaned down and pressed his lips against her delicate, rosy mouth.

He vividly recalled how the priestess had kissed him before. Mimicking her actions, Sanar wrapped his arms around her soft body, but then—then he simply couldn’t control himself anymore…

The next day:

M577 muttered uncontrollably, [“Why did I believe you? I’m so stupid, truly foolish…”]

Tong Ling brushed her long hair, using a polished copper mirror that Sanar had purchased early in the morning, reflecting her image clearly.

Yawning lazily, Tong Ling said, “I promised not to touch him, and I didn’t.”

Indignant, m577 exclaimed, [“Yes, you didn’t touch him, but doesn’t it count when he initiates contact?!”]

“It was an accident,” Tong Ling said with exasperation. “I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

With a dismissive sound, m577 turned away, refusing to acknowledge its deceitful host any further!

As Sanar entered the priestess’s room, his face still beaming with joy, he heard her say, “Sanar, you must not do such things again.”

Sanar’s cheeks flushed instantly, unsure himself why last night had unfolded that way. He…

“I’m sorry!” Realizing the gravity of his mistake, Sanar bent down on both knees before the priestess and stammered, “X-Xiling, marry me!”

Lifting his head, Sanar gazed fervently at Xiling and declared, “By the divine spirits above, I pledge to devote my entire life serving and loving you. My body, my heart, everything I am belongs to you… Marry me, Xiling!”

As he spoke, Sanar produced a beautiful garland woven from fragrant herbs hidden within his clothing. Holding out the meticulously crafted garland to Xiling, he continued, “I know my preparations are insufficient, but moving forward, I will…”

“No need.” Tong Ling casually set aside the garland. “You should be aware of our tribal customs; they differ from those of the Central Plains. We don’t typically practice formal engagements or marriages.”

Sanar hesitated, his lips trembling slightly. “I-I know…”

In their culture, marriage followed a visiting union system; there was no expectation for couples to live together after marrying. Their marriages were free, allowing either party to leave and even elope with someone else if desired.

M577 suddenly realized: “Ah, clever you! You’ve been planning all along not to commit fully, considering every angle!”

Tong Ling responded to the system, “After hearing Asharia’s legend, I naturally delved into understanding more about their customs.”

“No wonder Asharia’s elopement with the Moon God is celebrated as a tale of true love—it aligns perfectly with local traditions.” Tong Ling’s lips curved slightly upward. “I like it.”

[…]

Absolutely brilliant! How could M577 have overlooked this aspect?!

While Sanar understood his tribe’s customs, he yearned to spend his entire life with the priestess. “I don’t want to be apart from you…”

“Sanar, would our lack of formal marriage prevent you from wholeheartedly serving me?” Tong Ling asked, resting her chin on one hand.

Sanar quickly reassured her, “Of course not! I am yours, and I am willing to do anything for you!”

“The relationship between us can only be that of the Holy Cult’s leader and her left guardian,” Tong Ling stated firmly. “Do you understand this hierarchical bond?”

Sanar dejectedly lowered his head. “We cannot…”

“No, we cannot!” Tong Ling frowned deeply. “Sanar, you disappoint me greatly.

“Our Holy Cult’s vengeance remains unfulfilled; the souls who perished tragically have yet to find peace. How can you focus solely on such trivial matters of love? You truly let me down!”

Sanar shuddered, his face turning pale as he stammered, “I-I was wrong.”

“You were chosen by me as the left guardian, and I expect your thoughts and actions to always prioritize the Holy Cult,” Tong Ling commanded sternly. “Go, practice your blade techniques another hundred times in the courtyard. From now on, never bring up these matters again.”

Sanar respectfully bowed. “Yes, Priestess.”

M577 watched, awestruck. [“What a righteous and resolute Holy Cult priestess!”]

Despite appearing so principled, she was essentially avoiding responsibility. Not only did she refuse accountability, but she also wouldn’t spare him, continuing to command him like a mere dog!

Tong Ling happily reclined back onto her bed, ready for some much-needed sleep.

In the courtyard, the young swordsman unsheathed his curved blade, lost in thought: Once their Holy Cult avenges its great injustice, will there still be a chance for him and the priestess?

Resisting the urge to touch her was proving incredibly difficult… Why had he foolishly said those words to the priestess back then? Was it because she was angry with him that this is happening now?

Determined not to disappoint the priestess again, Sanar composed himself and focused on practicing his blade techniques.

Once he killed Xie Xuefeng, he would earnestly declare his love to the priestess, hoping she would choose him!

At Wan Jian Manor:

The little gongzi lay on his bed, clutching his chest and moaning, “I’m dying, I’m dying!”

“There’s definitely something wrong with that woman!” The little gongzi writhed in discomfort. “It hurts so much; why does it feel like this? Where’s the doctor? Has he arrived yet?”

Ji Xiaoyun, the manor lord of Wan Jian Manor and father of the little gongzi, asked, “Xiao Bai, what do you mean by ‘something wrong’ with that woman?”

“Dad, I’ve told you, stop calling me Xiao Bai!” The little gongzi sat up indignantly, pointing at his chest. “Being away from that woman causes me immense distress. Initially, I wanted to keep my distance, but inexplicably, I couldn’t move anymore. Not only did I apologize to her, but I even gave her silver notes - something I wouldn’t normally do. There must be something seriously off about her!”

Ji Xiaoyun summoned the guards and maids who accompanied his son that day, instructing them to recount every detail of the incident.

Xiao Bai’s mother had passed away early, and Ji Xiaoyun chose not to remarry. As a result, Xiao Bai remained the sole heir of Wan Jian Manor, making Ji Xiaoyun exceptionally protective of his son.

Knowing his son’s lack of martial prowess, Ji Xiaoyun had provided Xiao Bai with numerous skilled bodyguards to ensure no harm would befall him.

One by one, the eight guards and four maids recounted the events at the inn. As Ji Xiaoyun listened, his expression grew increasingly peculiar. Glancing at his son, he felt that the boy’s issues seemed even more concerning.

“You’re saying that woman was exceptionally beautiful?” Ji Xiaoyun asked.

“Yes,” the guards and maids replied, “the little gongzi couldn’t take his eyes off her.”

Indignant, the little gongzi exclaimed, “Nonsense!”

Ji Xiaoyun pondered for a moment before ultimately granting Xiao Bai’s wish. He summoned the most renowned doctor in town.

After meticulously questioning the symptoms, the doctor took the little gongzi’s pulse, examined his complexion, and observed his tongue coating. Finally, he reached a conclusion.

“The little gongzi is indeed afflicted,” declared the doctor.

The little gongzi wore an expression of vindication, as if saying, “I knew there was something wrong.” Urgently, he asked, “Quickly, what illness do I have? How can it be treated?”

Stroking his long beard, the doctor said, “Little gongzi, you…have fallen victim to lovesickness!”

Turning to address the manor lord, the doctor continued, “Manor Lord, lovesickness has no known cure or remedy. The best approach is to allow the little gongzi to meet the lady he yearns for. If their affections align, the illness will naturally dissipate.”

Ji Xiaoyun remained silent, realizing his son truly lacked understanding when it came to matters of the heart.

The young master was blissfully unaware that he had fallen for a woman; his obliviousness truly bordered on incompetence.

Speechless, the little gongzi protested incredulously, “Impossible! How-how could I be struck by lovesickness!”

“Little gongzi,” the doctor asked, “do you wish to see her?”

After a moment of hesitation, the little gongzi’s gaze drifted before softly admitting, ”…Yes.”

Standing nearby, the head guard, Gan Yi, chimed in, “Little gongzi, I’ve already gathered information about Miss Xi’s residence…”

Ji Xiaoyun sighed, “Go check what Miss Xi might need and ensure everything is taken care of properly. Xiao Bai, since you like this woman, find some time to bring her here. Don’t worry, I won’t oppose your feelings.”

Still lying down, the little gongzi struggled to accept the truth, “I like her? I actually like her…”

Could all his peculiar and irrational actions have stemmed from his affection for that woman?

As the image of her came to mind, the little gongzi’s eyes softened with infatuation. Although she had a sharp temper and treated him rather indifferently, there was indeed something unique about her…

Shaking his head, Ji Xiaoyun rose to locate the memorial tablet of Xiao Bai’s late mother. He needed to discuss this matter thoroughly with his departed wife. Xiao Bai’s lack of understanding in matters of love was undoubtedly his own failing.