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Finest Servant Chapter 578
🕑 Added 2023-10-21 11:16:39 +0000 UTCChapter 578 Holding Hands Forever
Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. At such a crucial moment, how could he forget the next line? It was a classic case of stress-induced amnesia; the more anxious he got, the less he remembered. Seeing the fairy's expression change, his face flushed red, almost jumping up in desperation.
Waiting for a long while without receiving an answer from him, the fairy's face darkened suddenly, her eyes filling with tears. Her beautiful cheeks turned pale in an instant, "You scoundrel, you, you don't want to—"
"Of course not," Lin Wanrong's face was as white as a sheet, he chuckled awkwardly, "Don't you know my feelings for you by now?"
Ning Yuxi's pretty face flushed, she looked down and spoke softly, "Then why aren't you saying anything?!"
"I want to say it, but I forgot!" Lin Wanrong laughed nervously, "You know I've been taxing my brain too much recently. Can you give me a hint about what comes next?"
The fairy paused, then suddenly giggled. She turned her head away and said annoyedly, "You're making excuses for not studying. If you can't remember, then—"
"Who says I can't remember? I was just joking with you." Lin Wanrong beamed as he tightly held her small hand, gazing at her unparalleled beauty, unable to express the joy and tenderness he felt. He whispered softly and firmly into her ear, "In life and death, we have our promises, and together we shall fulfill them... Holding your hand, I will grow old with you. How was my recitation?"
Ning Yuxi blushed even more, too shy to look up. "You scoundrel, always tricking me."
That was a close call. He must read more when he gets home. Wiping off the cold sweat from his forehead, he marveled at the Fairy in her icy silk dress, her light blush and skin like snow. She looked like the Moon Goddess Chang'e descending from the heavens. He stared in awe and muttered, "You look so beautiful."
Tears blurred her eyes, and Ning Yuxi looked down, speaking softly, "Beauty is as thin as paper, while youth fades like frost. I am many years older than you. When my hair turns gray and my face wrinkles, will you still say these things to me?"
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily and held her hand even tighter. "Do you know what the happiest thing in the world is?"
"What is it?" She lifted her head to look at him.
"Growing old. It's the eternal testament to happiness!" Lin Wanrong smiled softly, "The happiest thing I can imagine is holding your hand and growing old together."
Ning Yuxi stared at him, tears suddenly streaming down her cheeks. That single sentence from him seemed to have captured her soul. She both cried and smiled, holding his hand as if she wanted to merge it into her veins. Teardrops trickled down her cheeks. Their hands intertwined, their hearts connected. In that moment, time seemed to freeze, crystallizing into eternity.
It was unclear how much time had passed when she finally snapped out of the atmosphere. Wiping away her tears, she looked at Lin Wanrong and shyly smiled.
"What's wrong?" Lin Wanrong asked hurriedly.
Ning Yuxi pulled him gently and began to walk away. She glanced back at her shimmering icy silk wedding dress, her eyes filled with intense longing, "I want to take this wedding dress with me! You're so clever, think of a way for me, will you?"
‘Take it with us? This wedding dress is made of ice and snow. It would melt if exposed to high temperatures. How could we possibly take it with us? They say women become fools in love; it seems even a celestial beauty like her isn't immune,’ Lin Wanrong thought, amused.
Ning Yuxi stood beside him, her eyes brimming with affection. Lin Wanrong felt a warm sensation in his heart and chuckled, "Sister, the Tianshan mountains are covered with snow all year round and are perpetually cold. This unique ice and snow wedding gown should remain here. You wouldn’t want to see it melt, would you?"
The Fairy understood the logic well. Seeing she had no other choice, she reluctantly nodded. Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Don't be disappointed. Although this ice gown is beautiful, it's not something we can take with us. After the battle, I'll think of a way to make a real wedding dress for you—one that's even more beautiful!"
"Really?" She instantly looked up, her eyes glowing with excitement.
"Of course," Lin Wanrong grinned triumphantly. "Have you forgotten what the Xiao family specializes in?"
‘After the war, I'll return to the Xiao family and spend a few days researching to design the perfect wedding gown. I'll have Eldest Miss supervise the manual tailoring of at least a dozen sets. Just imagine, all my wives, including her, Vixen An, Qingxuan, Xian'er, Luo Ning, and Qiaoqiao, each wearing one for a bridal show. Won't every man in the world die of envy?’ Lost in his thrilling thoughts, Lin Wanrong couldn’t help but dance a little jig.
Ning Yuxi knew that the silk weaving of the Xiao family in Jinling was unparalleled. Seeing Lin Wanrong's smug expression, she teased, "You look so scheming; you must be up to no good."
"Of course, I’m up to no good," Lin Wanrong took her hand, grinning conspiratorially. "According to our customs, once you've worn the wedding dress and said your vows, the next step is our wedding night."
His lecherous tone made her cheeks flush. Suddenly, her face paled, and her hands, which had been warm in his, turned icy cold.
Alarmed, Lin Wanrong held her hands tightly, "What's wrong? Are you afraid? If you are, we can hold off on our wedding night."
Tears welled in her eyes as a soft blush returned to Ning Yuxi’s ashen cheeks. Sobbing softly, she said, "I—I'm sorry, I've wronged Qingxuan."
Seeing her reaction, Lin Wanrong understood. She felt guilty, which is why she couldn't fully embrace the moment. "Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to Qingxuan—"
"No, don't!" She was suddenly alarmed, her face turning pale. Even though she was a celestial beauty, now that she had fallen to Earth, she was no different from any worldly woman caught in the whirlpool of emotions.
"I must," Lin Wanrong said earnestly, "Explaining this to Qingxuan is not only a sign of respect for you but also for her. I am her husband; you are her Master. Behind closed doors, we are all family. There’s no reason we can’t sit down together, affectionately, and discuss this openly."
"It's just like you to let your imagination run wild," Ning Yuxi said, her face flushed with a subtle shade of pink. She sighed gently and shook her head, "Qingxuan is proud by nature. How could she ever accept something like this? If it would hurt her, I would rather never see you again for the rest of my life!"
Her words were absolute, her tone resolute. Lin Wanrong knew her well; once she made up her mind, it was nearly impossible to change it. The severed ropes on Thousand-Forsake Peak were the best evidence of that. He chuckled nervously, "Where is Fairy Sister getting such ideas? Qingxuan is my dearest wife. How could I ever harm her? Don't worry. She's so kind, and I'm so clever; I'm sure I'll figure something out. You know what I'm capable of, don't you?"
Thinking about the past, she couldn't deny the thief’s unparalleled skills in deceiving women. Ning Yuxi's face reddened even more. She hummed softly, "If I knew that, you wouldn't have the chance to manipulate me!"
Seeing Lin Wanrong brimming with confidence, as if he had everything figured out, Ning Yuxi let out a faint sigh. This issue was too burdensome for her. Better to leave it to him to handle. With Lin Wanrong taking the lead, she felt reassured. She lightened up, her burden seemingly lifted, and couldn't help but look at him with a radiant smile.
At her gaze, Lin Wanrong felt his heart and soul ensnared. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "Fairy Sister, once I've convinced Qingxuan, can we finally consummate our marriage? It's been a long time since I've been in such a situation."
"Shame on you," Ning Yuxi blushed from ear to ear, casting a shy yet exasperated glance at him. "Is that all you think about all day long?"
"Do you think I'm so frivolous?" Lin Wanrong spoke, feigning righteousness. "I'm the commander of an army of thousands. I'm so busy with military matters that I can hardly keep up. It's only during those few rare moments of free time that I occasionally ponder these minor matters. Truly, they're insignificant!"
She looked at him, holding back a smile. "From what you say, it sounds like you have quite a bit of free time, indeed!"
‘Sabotage! Even the calm and graceful Fairy Sister has learned to undercut me? What is the world coming to?’ Lin Wanrong sighed, wearing an expression of utter dejection.
Seeing him sulk like a child denied a treat, Ning Yuxi felt a softness in her heart. She reached out and took his hand, "My spiritual path was ruined by you. Other than following you, what other choice do I have, you fool?"
"Really?" Lin Wanrong blinked, grinning widely, "Well, now I can rest easy. Sister, there's no need to rush. I have all the time and patience in the world. Waiting another ten or eight years wouldn't be a problem."
Why should he rush? The cheeky thief had gained an advantage and was still playing coy. She glared at him, feeling a mixture of shyness and anger. Yet, just one look at his sly, smiling face melted her worries away as if by magic.
The two clung to each other, sharing sweet nothings. She occasionally allowed him to take some liberties, each causing her heart to flutter, yet filling her with unmatched joy. Lin Wanrong loved to tell stories, sprinkled with saucy and ambiguous jokes that always left her blushing. With every additional moment spent with him, she felt as though she was falling deeper into hell. Yet, this feeling was so exhilarating that it was irresistible. Truly, as the old saying goes, the more one falls, the happier one becomes.
Though they were trapped in an icy cave, Lin Wanrong and Ning Yuxi were thoroughly enjoying each other's company. It felt as if time had lost its meaning, and they were entirely at ease.
After an indeterminate amount of time had passed, Ning Yuxi couldn't help but break the silence. "Why haven't you asked if we can escape from here?"
Lin Wanrong sighed contentedly. "The world outside is so complicated. What's wrong with staying here and being a pair of blissful lovebirds, entirely free from worry? Tired of talking, come, give me a kiss!"
Ning Yuxi swiftly dodged his bear hug, her cheeks flushed as she giggled softly. "So you can lie with a straight face? I noticed someone earlier banging on the walls, looking for some escape through the ice. Don't think I didn't see you."
Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly. "Well, I am a bit worried about the guys outside. Without me, they're like ships lost in the dark, lacking a guiding light. Who knows how frantic they must be?"
Ning Yuxi hummed, a sly smile crossing her lips. "Is that all you're worried about? Your tricks won't work on me—you're always good at diversionary tactics. Don't glare at me, Junior Sister An mentioned it, not me."
‘Damn, do I have any secrets left from Sister An? Thank God she hasn't seen the birthmark I keep well-hidden, otherwise, I'd be completely exposed.’ Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. Suddenly, he remembered what Ning Yuxi had said—that Yujia had only a few months left to live. With Ning Yuxi's straightforward nature, she would never lie, and given his Sister An's capabilities, this was undoubtedly true. A wave of inexplicable melancholy washed over him, and he sighed deeply.
A warm, delicate hand tightly grasped his. "Do you really want to leave?" Ning Yuxi asked.
Lin Wanrong shrugged, "What's the use of wanting? We're deep within this mountain. How would we get out?"
"You're really dumb," Ning Yuxi shook her head, laughing. "If I could bring you here, I can certainly take you back."
Lin Wanrong's eyes widened, and he jumped to his feet, hugging her tightly. "Really? You mean it? We can actually get out?" He eyed the precious Autumn Water Sword in her hands, skepticism creeping into his voice. "You're not planning to dig a tunnel with that sword, are you? That would ruin this blessed place of ours."
Ning Yuxi held his hand tightly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "This place has the most beautiful scenery in the world. I would never damage it, not even a little. If you want to go, I have a way."
Lin Wanrong hesitated, then shook his head. "Let's not leave just yet. It's so rare for us to enjoy such peaceful, happy days together. Let's remain here, living together like a pair of lovebirds."
Ning Yuxi stared at him for a few moments, her beautiful eyes quickly becoming moist. "Don't try to placate me with your words. If I really keep you here and delay important matters, wouldn't I become a sinner for all eternity? I won't fall for it."
Not knowing what to say, Lin Wanrong could only hold her tightly, feeling the warm current flowing from her body.
Ning Yuxi led Lin Wanrong to the mouth of the cave. A chilling wind from the mountain stream cut across their faces, as painful as a knife's slash. She unsheathed her treasured sword and performed some sort of trick—suddenly, the single sword split into two.
Lin Wanrong stared in astonishment. "Sister, if I give you a gold ingot, can you turn it into two as well?"
Ning Yuxi chuckled. "You never take anything seriously. Do you see that icy cliff across from us?"
Lin Wanrong nodded urgently. The icy cliff was only a few dozen feet away—easily visible. Ning Yuxi weighed her sword in her hand and then, with a swish, hurled it across, embedding it firmly in the opposite mountain wall.
"Great shot, excellent!" Lin Wanrong applauded.
Ning Yuxi gave him a sidelong glance and weighed the remaining smaller sword in her hand. "Climbing up there today will be dangerous. Are you scared?"
Lin Wanrong grinned, "Could it be more dangerous than when we crossed the Thousand-Forsake Peak using ropes? We were enemies then, risking life and death."
Hearing him mention the past, warmth flushed Ning Yuxi's face. She nodded subtly.
Lin Wanrong had already given his robe to Yujia, and now only wore a silken armor. Crafted from pure silk, the armor was both sturdy and warm. The coldness of the ice cave hardly bothered him.
However, Ning Yuxi was still concerned and draped her white robe over him. Her martial prowess was extraordinary, making her immune to the cold. Lin Wanrong was genuinely moved. Holding her hand, he said, "Sister, I used to slack off when Qingxuan taught me martial arts. I now realize the gravity of that mistake. Once we're out of here, feed me ten Great Revival Pills, a few hundred thousand-year-old ginsengs, and spend a few days helping me cleanse my marrow. Then I'll become an expert!"
"Do you think this is a martial arts novel? There's no such thing as Great Revival Pills or cleansing marrow. Learning martial arts is all about diligent practice and accumulation of experience. There are no shortcuts," Ning Yuxi responded, amused yet exasperated by his get-rich-quick mentality.
Lin Wanrong sighed, his face full of disappointment. Not wanting to discourage him too much, Ning Yuxi held his hand and said, "If you don't like martial arts, that's fine. What you have now, none of it is because of martial prowess. I like you just the way you are."
Her pretty face flushed, radiating a soft affection. Lin Wanrong was immediately invigorated and chuckled, "Excellent, excellent! Sister Ning really understands the bigger picture."
Ning Yuxi smiled and shook her head. After adjusting his clothing, she tightly gripped his hand and shouted, "Up!"
Lin Wanrong felt a sudden gust of wind by his ear, and before he knew it, they were airborne. With graceful agility, Ning Yuxi touched down on the tip of the sword embedded in the cliff. Despite his previous experience in leaping across cliffs, the seemingly bottomless mountain stream below still sent a shiver down his spine.
Ning Yuxi stood on the sword's tip, as still as a statue, like a celestial being walking on water. Holding Lin Wanrong's hand with one of her own, she drew another sword and flung it toward a higher point on the opposite peak with a swish.
"Rise!" She shouted again, her feet pushing off the rock wall as she soared through the air, unsheathing her precious sword and aiming straight for the opposite bank.
They spiraled upward, traversing heights as if in a helix, heading directly for the summit. This path appeared treacherous, yet their shared experiences on Thousand-Forsake Peak had already forged an unspoken bond between them. This journey felt far more relaxed than their previous climb.
After what felt like countless back-and-forths, Lin Wanrong felt only the whooshing of wind by his ears, its icy touch sending shivers down his spine. He had long since closed his eyes.
"Rascal, look!" The voice of the Fairy Sister called softly from beside him, accompanied by the faint sounds of clashing blades.
Lin Wanrong hurriedly opened his eyes. Above them, the summit glowed with the dim light of a few lamps, and the constant sound of weapons striking each other filled the air. Several ropes hung from the cliff's edge, to which a number of figures were tied, chiseling stairways into the rock face one step at a time.
Suddenly, he was reminded of the legendary "Love Ladder." Warmth flooded Lin Wanrong's palm, and he glanced over to see the Fairy's face flushed with a rosy hue. Clearly, she too was reminded of that unforgettable memory.
"Brother Hu, I'm here!" Lin Wanrong felt a warmth in his heart. He cupped his hand over his mouth and shouted towards the summit.
Carried by the wind, his shout traveled upward. The figure suspended on the lowest rope abruptly paused. She suddenly lowered her head, revealing a beautiful face. Her tears began to flow like pearls off a broken string, streaming down as she sobbed, "Wo Lao Gong—"
