Su Bei felt no surprise regarding Dao Sect’s great victory. However, that Master Fa Jiang could be defeated within ten moves was somewhat beyond his expectations.
Someone suddenly spotted Su Bei and, in surprise, couldn’t help but exclaim aloud. In an instant, a multitude of people began to gather around Su Bei, their expressions varied:
"Elder Su, what are your thoughts on tomorrow’s great battle?"
"Elder Su, how confident do you feel facing Tong Xiu?"
With a casual wave of his hand towards the crowd, Su Bei said cheerfully, "Su Mou has some urgent matters, so I can’t linger here. Please bear with me."
Then, leading his tall horse, he vanished amidst the crowd’s blockade.
A cultivator with a small mustache smacked his lips and said in a low voice, "You people really don’t understand... Asking Elder Su such questions, how awkward must it be for him to reply? Disperse, disperse!"
A Nascent Soul Cultivator standing nearby, his face etched with curiosity, asked in puzzlement, "How many moves do you think Elder Su can withstand from Elder Tong?"
"Maybe twenty moves? After all, Elder Su did dominate Elder Lin Duo."
"That’s different. Elder Su possesses the Supreme Yang Vein, which naturally restrains Elder Lin... Perhaps similar to Master Fa Jiang?"
They couldn’t help but look up in respect, their eyes brimming with admiration.
"Indeed, a role model for our generation!"
Finally, the discussions behind him died down, and Su Bei let out a long sigh of relief. For origınal chapters go to 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚫𝙣𝙚𝙩
Dan Wulan, who had been silent until now, dismounted her horse and came to his side, her expression calm as she asked, "Are you going to fight tomorrow?"
Her three thousand white hairs, unkempt, cascaded to her waist, fluttering gently in the wind, adding a distinct, cool beauty to her allure.
Sensing a hint of melancholy in her calm demeanor, Su Bei casually wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her close. Looking down at her, he asked with a smile, "Of course."
The intimate gesture made Dan Wulan slightly uncomfortable. She twisted her body a little and bit her thin lip, saying, "Don’t be reckless."
She paused, then added, "And the same goes for over there."
Su Bei gently swept aside the hair by her face, revealing half of her lovely cheek, marked with poorly concealed sorrow. Then he leaned down, planted a gentle kiss on her delicate ear, and whispered softly, "I’ll listen to you."
Su Bei held her delicate hand, gazing at the sunset’s glow and the natural scenery of the moment.
It seems that starting from tomorrow, this journey to the Sacred Land will come to an end, he thought.
"Walk with me," he said.
Supporting Dan Wulan, he held the horse’s reins in one hand and her hand in the other, and they walked aimlessly towards the courtyard.
Dan Wulan lowered her head, gently kicking at the pebbles underfoot. The evening breeze, mixed with moisture, blew against the tips of her hair. Recuperating from a serious illness, she felt somewhat dizzy, yet her heart raced faster and faster.
It was a feeling difficult to describe—soothing inner tremors, a restless heart that, paradoxically, also felt exceedingly peaceful. Just holding his hand... Aside from the final barrier that remained between them, they had done everything else, shared deeper intimacies, and spent so much time together. So what exactly was going on with her at this moment? During this journey to the Sacred Land, their relationship had been thoroughly affirmed. It was also during this journey that she had received his promise.
Before they knew it, they had reached the riverside. The soft, clean earth was beneath their feet. Su Bei took off his shoes. Then, before she could react, he removed her embroidered shoes and stockings.
The crimson glow of the sunset reflected on her slender and exquisite jade-like feet. Her ten toes were round and smooth as jade, like budding cardamom. Her five delicate toes on each foot were pressed closely together, looking exceedingly tender and captivating.
On the earth, two sets of footprints, large and small, were left behind.
Su Bei stretched out his hand to gently tickle the sole of her foot, his other hand still playing with her exposed, dainty feet.
Dan Wulan suddenly tensed, clenching her teeth, though she kept her eyes shut.
She seemed to be waiting for Su Bei’s next move. But after a long while with no follow-up, she couldn’t help but open her eyes. Just as she was about to say something, she saw him sitting beside her, hugging his knees and gazing at the sky.
The glow on the horizon was like fire, burning in a myriad of colors.
He wrapped her in his embrace. Dan Wulan tilted her head up slightly; her crimson lips shimmered with a faint luster, right where Su Bei’s gaze fell.
With this kiss, the sunset’s glow gradually faded. A bright moon rose, and the sky filled with a river of stars.
Through a thin layer of her gauzy dress, Su Bei gently caressed her delicate waist. Then, his hand moved higher, slowly untying the silk ribbon fastened at her waist.
Her purple long dress thus loosened and spread open, allowing his hand to... little by little... touch her delicate skin... and then upward, to... grasp...
Dan Wulan’s eyes grew hazy. The words she wanted to say, and those she hadn’t yet said, were all silenced by his kiss. It was uncertain if she was already intoxicated beneath the vast expanse of twinkling stars.
She did not resist Su Bei’s movements, letting him... explore... every part of her body...
A suppressed moan escaped her, tinged with a faint...
Suddenly, Su Bei parted their lips and withdrew his hand. He then gently began to tidy her disheveled clothing.
Observing his tender gestures, listening to the relentless sound of the waves... Time flowed like water. Looking back, who would remember precisely what had happened today? Yet, her heart felt content.
"I want to be your Dan Wulan forever."
She suddenly spoke, looking at Su Bei, her voice as gentle as trickling water.