Wedding, Bridal Chamber

The members of the Elder Council naturally wanted to eliminate Yun Feiyue. Each one of them, clad in white robes, possessed formidable martial skills. If they joined the battle, Yun Feiyue would surely be outmatched.

This contest was a cruel one.

Fortunately, the old master had foreseen this.

Murong Gui Ji also joined the fray.

Her immortal power had always been strong, inheriting the bloodline of Murong Qian Dai, so she could never be weak. The members of the Elder Council were not difficult to deal with for Murong Gui Ji.

She charged onto the battlefield, celestial energy swirling about her like an immortal descending to the mortal realm.

Yun Feiyue could not help but marvel at her mother’s unrivaled beauty.

“Hurry, leave now,” Murong Gui Ji urged Yun Feiyue.

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips together. “Mother, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

She wasn’t foolish—if she couldn’t win, she’d run!

The lords under Mo Feiyuan’s command also joined the battle, and he swept Yun Feiyue into his arms, with little Mumu perched on his shoulder.

“Let’s go!”

Yun Feiyue climbed onto Mo Feiyuan’s Steed of Snow and Shadows. She’d always dreamed of riding it, but never imagined it would be under these circumstances.

Her heart was full of complicated feelings.

“Go!” You Tong shouted, and the Steed of Snow and Shadows carried Yun Feiyue away.

The galloping horse soared above the clouds, racing toward the Mo family. Mo Feiyuan leapt forward, catching up with Yun Feiyue and sitting behind her.

“How’s it going over there?” Yun Feiyue turned her head.

He cradled her head, making her face forward. “Don’t look back.”

“The Yun family…” Yun Feiyue’s greatest worry was for her kin.

“The Yun family will be fine. Don’t worry.” He rested his head on her shoulder, whispering softly in her ear.

Still uneasy, Yun Feiyue turned her horse around.

“This all happened because of me. No matter the reason, I can’t run away.”

She hoped Mo Feiyuan would understand, and she knew he could. But she didn’t realize how much he wished to shield her from the slightest harm.

He cherished her so much, as if she’d melt in his palm. How could he bear to let her be involved in these matters?

“Trust me to handle it!”

He dismounted and returned to the battlefield.

Yun Feiyue immediately followed, turning her steed to chase after him.

Seeing this, Mo Feiyuan frowned slightly. “Stubborn.”

Little Mumu snorted coldly. “Mother has always been like this. If you don’t like it, then don’t marry her!”

Little Mumu was always so sharp-tongued.

Mo Feiyuan could only smile helplessly—it seemed he’d gained two lively treasures.

“You Tong, protect the young master.”

You Tong grunted in displeasure. He didn’t get along with little Mumu, but since Mo Feiyuan had given the order, he dared not be negligent and nodded solemnly.

Han Cheng took little Mumu and placed him on his shoulder—You Tong on the left, little Mumu on the right, so the two children wouldn’t have to see each other.

Han Cheng secretly praised his own cleverness.

Yun Feiyue, however, glared as the two children hurled insults at each other over Han Cheng’s head—shouting so loudly into his ears that it made him dizzy.

The result was that Han Cheng, in his daze, struck with unusual ferocity—each blow from him sent two of the Elder Council flying.

Adding to that, little Mumu scattered poisonous powder in a display as flamboyant as a fairy spreading petals, and You Tong let fly arrows—making their side one of the most dangerous zones of all.

Of course, the most dangerous place was wherever Mo Feiyuan was.

This time, he was truly furious.

They had disrupted his wedding.

“So, you’re set on opposing me?” He stared at the Elder Council, anger rising visibly in his eyes.

The Elder Council showed no fear.

“We tried to persuade you, but you wouldn’t listen. We have no choice. We’re only doing this for the good of the council,” said a first-level Guardian of the Elder Council.

“You oppose me so openly?” Mo Feiyuan’s fury intensified, and his attacks grew more ruthless.

With a violent swing of his arms, his opponent was hurled far away, landing heavily and spitting blood.

On Luo Yunhuang’s side, surprisingly, no one paid her any heed. She stood with her arms crossed, watching the situation around Yun Hai.

She frowned. Why was she concerned for Yun Hai?

He was only at the fifth level of martial cultivation. In Chu, that was impressive, but among these people, it was nothing.

No choice—Luo Yunhuang had to act.

Carrying pink poison powder, she attacked those who were about to strike at Yun Hai. They were of the Ghost Path, but even they couldn’t withstand the toxin and fell one by one.

Yun Hai looked at Luo Yunhuang with gratitude. “Yunhuang, you’re wonderful!”

Luo Yunhuang gave a soft “Mm” and looked at him. “Are you alright?”

Yun Hai patted his chest. “I’m fine. Just great!”

Yun Feng watched from the shadows.

Upon hearing that Yun Feiyue was to be married, he’d come to the capital, but afraid of the old master and Murong Gui Ji’s wrath, he’d kept hidden.

Beside him stood a girl in a dress of vibrant green. Her lovely face was tinged with worry. “Yun Feng, should we help? Many of the Yun family’s secret guards are dead…”

Yun Feng clenched his fists, his expression grim. “I’m going out. Wait here for me.”

Jun Shaomo shook her head. “No, since we’re friends now, you shouldn’t refuse my help.”

Yun Feng put his hands on her shoulders, looking at her earnestly.

“I’m only worried about your safety. It’s not that I don’t see you as a friend.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly. “I know! But as your friend, I want to fight by your side—whether you like it or not.”

With those words, she stepped onto the battlefield.

Yun Feng, helpless, followed at once.

Yun Feiyue was currently entangled by two members of the Elder Council when Yun Feng and Jun Shaomo arrived to help fend them off.

She breathed a sigh of relief and couldn’t resist teasing, “Third Brother, I never thought you’d manage to win over Miss Jun.”

Yun Feng’s face froze, awkwardness written all over. “Yue’er, Shaomo came to attend the wedding.”

“Yes, Miss Yun,” Jun Shaomo replied, cheeks blossoming pink.

Yun Feiyue didn’t joke further, just winked. “From now on, call me Yun Feiyue. It feels more natural.”

“Then you must call me Jun Shaomo!” she replied with a gentle smile, her dimples charming.

Yun Feiyue found her delightful—innocent yet poised, generous and proper, a true lady of good family.

If Yun Feng truly liked her, that would be wonderful.

In that moment, the two young women became fast friends, forging a bond that would last through life and death.

It was only the beginning...

Their friendship had just started when a deadly blade greeted them.

Yun Feiyue blocked the attack, then spun gracefully and drove her sword into her opponent’s chest.

Jun Shaomo drew her sword as well, her elegant form diving into the blood-red chaos.

Melee…

Yun Feiyue truly disliked killing—she really did.

So every move she made was to disable rather than kill.

Perhaps, many years from now, she would learn to be more ruthless.

In a melee, it was often impossible to distinguish friend from foe.

From the clarity at the start, Yun Feiyue soon began to lose herself, unsure if she had even taken a life as enemies swarmed her.

She only wanted to escape as quickly as possible.

“Ruining the Yun family wedding! Courting death!” Old Master Yun rode forth from the family manor.

At that moment, many of the Yun family’s hidden experts appeared—even a reclusive, patriarch-level figure emerged.

There was no need to guess—this was Yun Feiyue’s great-grandfather!

She remembered hearing of him when she was very young, never expecting he would still be alive.

The great-grandfather sat side by side with Yun Kuang, his aged body exuding an ancient power. In his hand he held the family heirloom: the Sword of Yun.

With a resonant “shing,” he drew the sword, unleashing a blaze of light and murderous intent.

Before Yun Feiyue could marvel, her great-grandfather had already charged forward on horseback.

For the first time, Yun Feiyue witnessed the power of the Yun bloodline.

With a single sword, her great-grandfather completely suppressed the enemy.

This evenly matched battle was brought to a decisive end.

Yun Feiyue hadn’t even had the chance to exert much effort.

In the end, everything was settled beneath the Sword of Yun.

Looking at the bodies at the Yun family’s gate, and the blood flowing in rivers, Yun Feiyue frowned.

“Mother, what’s wrong?” Little Mumu leapt into her embrace. “Do you think these villains died too easily?”

Yun Feiyue smiled, pinching his cheek. “Not at all. Their end was quite miserable. To ruin your mother’s wedding—don’t you think they got off lightly?”

Little Mumu nodded in complete agreement. “Then burn them, mother!”

Just looking at them was an eyesore!

For the first time, Yun Feiyue admitted her son was clever.

She set the place ablaze.

Standing before the roaring flames, Yun Feiyue watched as the corpses turned to ashes.

Not far off, Guiming gazed at her. His sword, for the first time, felt impossible to draw.

He now hated his own weakness.

“Yue’er, come and pay your respects to your great-grandfather!” Yun Kuang called out.

Only then did Yun Feiyue remember herself. Smiling, she walked over and bowed. “Greetings, great-grandfather.”

Though old, his eyes were bright. When he saw little Mumu, he paused. “And this is…?”

Yun Feiyue did not hide it. “This is my son. I believe you’ve already guessed, so forgive me for saying no more.”

Her great-grandfather smiled kindly. “My health is failing and I may not be able to protect the Yun family for much longer. Everyone has their time to go… The responsibilities will soon fall to the younger generation. Here, this is my wedding gift to you.”

He handed her a bead flickering with fiery red light.

“The Firecloud Pearl?” Yun Feiyue asked in astonishment.

He smiled. “Yes. I acquired it long ago but never found a use for it. Since someone with the fire constitution has appeared in our family, it’s best given to you.”

Holding the Firecloud Pearl, Yun Feiyue sensed its immense power and immediately thanked him, her eyes growing moist with emotion.

Little Mumu noticed and quickly wiped her tears with his small paw. “Mother, you’re too old to cry like a child!”

She pinched his cheek again. “If you keep teasing me, I’ll spank you!”

Little Mumu turned his head away in protest, suddenly feeling that his master’s arms were safer.

He saw his master chatting warmly with Yun Hai.

Then Yun Feng and Jun Shaomo approached.

At the sight of Yun Feng, Murong Gui Ji grew angry. “You rascal! You still know your way home? Didn’t you run away? What are you doing back here, looking for a beating?”

Yun Feng kept his face cold and his words few. “Mother, I’m back now.”

Yun Feiyue quickly smoothed things over, smiling as she pointed to Jun Shaomo. “We have a guest, mother. Don’t be angry.”

Seeing Jun Shaomo, Murong Gui Ji instantly dropped her scolding and smiled. “Miss Jun, I didn’t know you were here. I apologize for my rudeness.”

“It’s nothing…” Jun Shaomo replied, cheeks tinged pink.

Yun Feng stood at her side, looking as if he feared Murong Gui Ji might bully her.

Yun Feiyue smiled helplessly and turned to her great-grandfather. “Great-grandfather, how long will you remain out of seclusion this time?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have much time left. I want to seek a way to extend my life.”

Great-grandfather Yun Lu had reached the eighth level of martial cultivation, but only its early stages. Each breakthrough determined one’s lifespan, and having failed to progress for so long, time was running out.

To continue living, he needed inspiration for a breakthrough. Common treasures were no longer of use—he needed something like a celestial tome to help him ascend.

With that, he departed without lingering—leaving with a carefree spirit.

For a man like him, perhaps these were the final days of freedom.

“Yue’er, aren’t you leaving? You’ll miss the auspicious hour,” Yun Kuang said, trying to sound stern though his eyes were full of reluctance.

Yun Feiyue nodded solemnly. “I know. Grandfather, must you really drive me away?”

He said nothing, his expression darkening. “Are you going or not?”

Yun Feiyue smiled and hugged him, whispering in his ear, “Don’t be angry. You don’t have to worry about me so much, but you do, which means you love me. Since you care for me so much, of course I’ll listen to you! I’ll miss you, and I’ll come back to see you. Take care of yourself, or I’ll be heartbroken.”

After pouring out her affection, she let him go.

Yun Kuang’s blustering, wide-eyed look was almost adorable. “Don’t come back!”

Ah, how can the elderly be so tsundere?

Once more, Yun Feiyue took her leave, mounting her horse and heading for the Mo family.

Fortunately, the Steed of Snow and Shadows was fast, and she reached the Mo residence by nightfall.

The hidden Mo family estate—this was the true stronghold.

It was a mountain, shrouded in enchantments, invisible to outsiders; a palace completely concealed.

Mo Feiyuan raised his hand, unraveling the barrier.

Lofty pavilions rose, interconnected by clusters of flowers. Because of the mountain’s height, the towers wreathed in blossoms seemed to float among the clouds, like a realm of immortals.

She had barely regained her senses when Mo Feiyuan called out, urging the horse to ascend directly to the highest pavilion.

A palace of grandeur.

Yun Feiyue, stunned, was left speechless—no words seemed enough.

Magnificent, imposing—none of it did justice to the palace before her.

Exquisite carvings, jade and marble halls—it was all true.

Even little Mumu was amazed.

The maids, all dressed in pale red, were strikingly well-endowed—clearly, the icy father had made a special selection.

Yet when they saw Yun Feiyue, they were startled—by her beauty, and by her companions.

Luo Yunhuang, of all people.

Yun Feiyue noticed the maids’ unusual attitude toward Luo Yunhuang and began to guess at her background.

But it didn’t matter. All she cared was that Luo Yunhuang meant her no harm.

“The bride enters the hall!” the master of ceremonies announced.

Yun Feiyue stepped forward, Mo Feiyuan grasped her hand tightly, and together they entered the grand hall.

It was decorated with lavish red, yet retained a unique elegance.

Gossamer red drapes floated, and the couple knelt side by side. Sadly, the seats of honor were empty.

“First, bow to heaven and earth!”

Hand in hand, they bowed.

“Second, bow to the ancestors!”

Though the seats were empty, they still bowed symbolically.

“Husband and wife, bow to each other!”

They turned and exchanged smiles.

Yun Feiyue had never imagined she would marry Mo Feiyuan in this way.

Seeing him now, always dressed in white but now in red, she found he looked wonderful—the red softened his coldness, making him appear gentle.

He reached out, gently brushing her hair. “Wife.”

Oh my…

She got goosebumps all over—he could be this mushy?

“To the bridal chamber!”

Fortunately, the master of ceremonies spoke up—otherwise, Yun Feiyue wouldn’t have known what to say.

She was escorted by the maids to the bridal chamber.

No one came to stop or disturb them—clearly, Mo Feiyuan had already dealt with any potential troublemakers.

In the bridal chamber, Yun Feiyue sat alone on the bed, her elaborate headdress making it awkward to sit or stand.

At last, Mo Feiyuan returned.

Finding her asleep by the bedside, he smiled softly and gently removed her ornate hairpins.

Suddenly, Yun Feiyue woke, startled by the shadow before her. Seeing Mo Feiyuan, she grinned. “I never thought you’d do something like this.”

A faint smile played on his lips. “Only because it’s you.”

He set aside her hair ornaments, her hair falling freely to her shoulders, and gently cupped her face, gazing at her.

As if he could never look enough.

Yun Feiyue squinted, grinning mischievously. “What, are you bewitched by my beauty?”

She teased deliberately.

Mo Feiyuan, unusually earnest, nodded. “Yes. My wife.”

At last, she was his wife.

How wonderful.

“How long do you plan to hold me and stare, Master Mo?” Yun Feiyue met his gaze.

“Now that you’re my wife, I’ll look as long as I please,” he said seriously.

Fine!

She shrugged, letting him look. “Suit yourself. When you’re done, I’m going to sleep.”

“Just sleep?” he asked.

She noticed the deep amusement in his eyes—a look of cunning satisfaction. “I’d like to try out all the postures with my wife.”

Yun Feiyue blushed, but she was quick-witted and experienced in handling such wolves.

“That depends if you can keep up.”

She hadn’t expected Mo Feiyuan, usually so proper, to reply, “Any posture you wish, I can match you. Wife, let’s try.”

“….” Yun Feiyue felt she’d boarded a pirate ship and quickly went on guard.

“Don’t look so desperate! I’m not that easy,” she protested.

Mo Feiyuan’s sudden initiative threw her off—she’d always been the one to take charge. Now the roles were reversed, and it felt like the wrong channel!

“But I want you…” he whispered, drawing close.

His cool scent sent a shiver through her.

But… She kept reminding herself—not like this! A lady must be reserved!

So she reservedly kissed him—counterattack!

Mo Feiyuan let her push him down, kissing his lips as she pleased.

He complied meekly.

Her small mouth moved lower, gently biting his lips, her hands peeling away his clothes.

At some point, he also undressed her.

Two bodies, one fiery, one cool, entwined.

Yun Feiyue clung to him, tasting his sweat, their bodies pressed tight as passion rose.

Mo Feiyuan was finally driven beyond endurance by Yun Feiyue’s teasing.

“Wife, I want you.”

With that, he pressed her beneath him.

With low moans, the night burned feverishly.

The chill wind outside and the watching eyes beyond the window could not interrupt their passion.

“Be gentle—my spine’s going to snap!” Yun Feiyue shouted. This guy was no gentleman—he was a beast!

Who said he was refined? Who?!

He was a brooding wildcat!

How fierce—did his mother know?

Pleasure mounted along with Yun Feiyue’s curses.

Outside the window, watchers were disappointed.

“You’re spying too?” Mo Twelve looked over at Mo Mei.

Mo Mei pursed her lips, hatred in her eyes. “I want to cooperate with you.”

Mo Twelve laughed. “Didn’t you refuse before? Isn’t it late to agree now?”

Mo Mei turned away from the scene of passion and looked back at Mo Twelve. “And what reason do I have not to agree now?”

He smiled, offering her a flask of wine. “Here, drink with me—our first toast as partners.”

Mo Mei regarded the flask coldly. “No need. I don’t like wine.” She handed it back.

She walked away, hatred deepening in her eyes, as if she could slash the night with it.

Mo Twelve listened to the sounds inside, imagining if he were the one inside.

Ha. He’d been foolish to dream.

That woman had never looked at him that way—from the start, her gaze had always been for Mo Feiyuan.

So, he would just have to seize what he wanted.

Inside, after their passion, Mo Feiyuan lay sweating, feeling heat in his body for the first time—an inexhaustible energy.

Beneath him, Yun Feiyue raised her head, kissing him dreamily, exhausted.

“Mo Feiyuan, I like you,” she said softly, smiling.

“And I like you,” he replied, tucking her in.

But soon enough, the feeling returned…

So, the night was wild—she didn’t sleep until morning.

When she finally woke, it was already afternoon. Mo Feiyuan was nowhere to be seen.

What the—he just left her after everything?

Annoyed, Yun Feiyue tried to get up but felt a sharp pain in her waist.

Was her waist broken?

Luckily, she was strong. After meditating and circulating her martial energy, she gradually felt better.

She rose, grabbed a robe, and dressed.

Hearing movement, a maid outside asked, “Is the mistress awake?”

Yun Feiyue answered, “I’m awake.”

The maids filed in, helping her dress and tidy herself.

At their head was Tongling.

Tongling beamed at Yun Feiyue. “Mistress must be tired from last night. The master is busy and asked us to attend to you.”

Her eyes sparkled, making Yun Feiyue feel oddly guilty, as if she’d done something shameful.

Sensing her discomfort, Tongling suppressed her laughter. “Mistress, you are truly blessed! So many women would give anything for the master’s favor, but only you succeeded.”

Tongling’s words made Yun Feiyue feel she truly was the happiest woman in the world.

Yes—the one she loved was her husband. Such a feeling…

She was floating.

Sitting at her dressing table, the maids finished her toilette, and Yun Feiyue remembered to ask, “Where is Mo Feiyuan?”

Tongling ordered food to be brought, then helped Yun Feiyue rise. “The master is working. It’s a busy time. If there’s no war elsewhere, things would be easier. But with Jingguo in trouble, there’s much to do.”

“Though our Jinge Continent has countless nations, when a great power like Jingguo falters, the master must handle it—deciding whom to support. Such matters are beyond us maids.”

Yun Feiyue nodded, and her stomach rumbled.

Tongling brought her to the table. Little Mumu, playing with Luo Yunhuang outside, ran in at the sight of her.

“Mother, mother!”

He looked at her with worry.

“What’s wrong?” Yun Feiyue asked while eating.

Little Mumu studied her carefully, then nodded. “Mother, you didn’t betray me, did you?”

Yun Feiyue nearly burst out laughing. This kid—betray him? “What’s wrong?”

Little Mumu pouted. “Master said you were making little monkeys last night.”

Yun Feiyue held back laughter, correcting him. “Mind your words—it’s little children, not little monkeys.”

“But you don’t love me anymore—you want to make little monkeys,” he wailed, unleashing a torrent of tears.

Well, he was shrewd enough to fight for attention.

Yun Feiyue ruffled his hair. “Don’t listen to your master’s nonsense. We weren’t making little monkeys! Besides, it doesn’t always work. Last night I was just exercising with your father.”

Little Mumu eyed her skeptically. “Really?”

“Truly!” Yun Feiyue swore with utmost sincerity.

Only then did Little Mumu nod. “If you say so, I’ll believe you. But if you lied, I won’t love you anymore.”

Yun Feiyue suddenly felt a pang of guilt—was it too immoral to deceive a child?

Oh well—food first.

She sipped some soup and devoured a heap of meat, feeling restored.

She stretched and yawned. “Ah, I’m full.”

Little Mumu tugged her sleeve. “Mother, let’s go out and play ball!”

Yun Feiyue shook her head, uninterested. “Mother doesn’t want to play. I’ll watch you play.”

But Little Mumu wouldn’t have it, so she was dragged out to play ball with him.

Her body was still sore, but she had to accompany him—such is life.

“Mother, I need to pee,” he finally announced.

Great!

Trying not to look too pleased, Yun Feiyue raised a brow at Luo Yunhuang. “He’s yours.”

Luo Yunhuang looked at her with an innocent face, but Yun Feiyue pretended not to notice, quickly making her escape.

As she fled, she heard Little Mumu’s voice: “Master, hurry, or I’ll wet my pants!”

“You can go by yourself, can’t you?” Luo Yunhuang asked seriously.

“Yes, but I want a beautiful lady to come with me,” he replied earnestly.

Luo Yunhuang swore she wasn’t angry—not even a little.

…

Having escaped, Yun Feiyue went to look for Mo Feiyuan.

She didn’t know where he worked.

The Mo family’s palace was enormous—she wandered several halls but couldn’t find him.

Along the way, the maids all bowed. There were few men—just a few young boys in martial attire.

“Mistress!” Two boys greeted her with a bow.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

Seeing them carrying swords and hurrying, her curiosity was piqued.

They hesitated, then pointed ahead. “The martial field is just there—we’re going to spar. The Grand Elder is there too. Would you like to come?”

Grand Elder?

Just hearing the name, Yun Feiyue lost interest.

She waved them off. “No, you go ahead.”

She was more interested in finding Mo Feiyuan.

After several more halls, she finally found his study.

He was engrossed in paperwork, his expression stern.

Startled by her arrival, he smiled. “You’re here?”

She nodded emphatically. “Yes, I’m here.”

He set aside his work and turned to her. “Have you eaten?”

She smiled. “Of course. Have you? If not—”

“If not, will you offer yourself to fill me up?” He brushed her hair, leaning in to whisper, “Thank you, my wife.”

Yun Feiyue’s face fell. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have come—she felt ridiculous.

Seeing her silent, Mo Feiyuan pulled her into his arms. “What’s wrong? Are you upset?”

She shook her head, sighed, “Not upset. I just wanted to see what you were doing. I heard Jingguo is in trouble?”

Mo Feiyuan nodded, moving to the memorials on his desk.

“Why the sudden concern?” he asked.

Yun Feiyue sighed again. “Last time, Ye Qi was ambushed and returned to Jingguo—I don’t know if she’s alive. She saved and helped me. Even if I have no conscience, I should ask about her.”

She hated owing anyone, especially someone with whom she had no real ties.

It was an uncomfortable feeling.

Mo Feiyuan saw her distress and stroked her face. “Trust me. Nothing will happen. I won’t let your friend come to harm.”

She nodded, her mind turning to other matters.

“Say, why hasn’t the Elder Council come to trouble me today? Weren’t they out to kill me at the Yun family?”

She was curious—the elders should be coming to kill her.

Mo Feiyuan put down his papers and looked at her seriously. “With me here, who would dare touch you? If anyone tries, I’ll kill them.”

“The Elder Council just made a deal with me last time—a test for you.”

Yun Feiyue nodded thoughtfully. No wonder those sent were so weak…

“To use lives as a test—their nature is truly vile.”

She was resigned.

Mo Feiyuan said nothing, turning back to his papers.

Yun Feiyue, bored, slipped an arm around his waist, teasing.

Her hand crept lower.

Mo Feiyuan didn’t react.

Lower still, to his lap.

Suddenly, her hand was caught in a tight grip.

“My dear, if you don’t behave, I won’t be polite.”

Yun Feiyue withdrew her hand with a smile, sitting casually on a chair nearby. “Just testing your self-control. Looks good.”

She patted his shoulder in mock admiration.

Mo Feiyuan turned, picked her up, and seated her on his lap. “Truth is, I have little self-control, especially with you. The fire you ignite must be put out.”

She felt something hard beneath her.

Oh—she realized her mistake. “Is that a reaction?”

She jumped off, turning to see—it was only the hilt of his sword.

“You scoundrel! You tricked me!”

She pounced, biting him in mock punishment.

Mo Feiyuan, however, enjoyed the ticklish softness.

The maids at the palace door were stunned by the sight.

So, their usually emotionless master was like this.

They’d thought he cared only for work, but he had such a gentle side. The palace maids about to enter all paused.

“Hmph, are you finally behaving? Will you bully me again?” Yun Feiyue glared at him.

For some reason, Mo Feiyuan found himself liking to laugh lately. No matter what she did, she was adorable, amusing.

He thought he might be bewitched.

But he relished having her close.

“Yes, I’ll behave.”

“Since you’re good, I’ll spare you.” She kissed his cheek before turning around—

And was greeted by a row of black lines across her forehead.

She had never meant to publicly demonstrate affection.

Seeing the curious eyes of the maids, she truly felt embarrassed.

The palace maids were awkward, but it was too late to pretend they hadn’t seen.

A maid in green approached. “The Grand Elder said, if the mistress is awake, she should come to see him. He’s at the martial field.”

Mo Feiyuan’s face darkened. “Understood.”

Yun Feiyue’s face turned even darker. The Grand Elder was surely trouble—she’d be the victim for sure.

She looked at Mo Feiyuan, unwilling.

He took her hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll go with you. There will be no problem.”

He smiled gently at her.

Yun Feiyue nodded deeply. “Alright.”

With Mo Feiyuan beside her, she felt safe—what did it matter who the Grand Elder was?

Mo Feiyuan led her through the palace, hand in hand.

All the maids watched with envy, wishing they could be the one held in his palm.

The two chatted and laughed on their way to the martial field.

The Mo family’s field was vast and grand, with over a dozen dueling platforms, all inscribed with runes.

In the distance stood an old man in white, looking their way with gentle eyes.

He didn’t appear hostile.

“Let’s go,” Mo Feiyuan said.

From the very start, Yun Feiyue had felt wary of this old man—she didn’t believe in his kindness. Besides, another elder who’d been with the Third Elder was at his side—surely he bore a grudge for the Third Elder’s death.

“Truly, the woman chosen by my Yuanner—stunningly beautiful. Even an old man like me can’t look away!” the old man said with a gentle smile.

This novel is first published at Xiao Xiang Academy—please do not repost!