C22 That Night of Intimacy

After paying respects to his mother, Zhang Yu struck up a conversation with his father.

Their discussions danced between joy and sorrow—Zhang Sen's spirits lifted with the happy memories, but the sad ones cast a shadow over his mood. In those moments, Zhang Yu sensed a role reversal; he became the pillar for his father, providing an outlet for years of pent-up emotions.

Observing his father, Zhang Yu felt a brief respite, the weight of recent days lifting effortlessly.

"Father, it's getting late. You should get some rest, especially after these hectic days," Zhang Yu said, concern etched on his face as he watched his weary father.

"Alright, you should head off to bed early too," Zhang Sen replied, massaging his temples.

...

"Young Master, you're back! I'll fetch some water for you!" Qing Xinger's face lit up with joy at the sight of Zhang Yu.

"Xinger, you're such a gem. You've grown even more beautiful since I last saw you," Zhang Yu remarked, affectionately tapping Qing Xinger's cheek.

"Young Master, you're such a tease," she giggled before darting off.

...

"Young Master, we were on the verge of escaping yesterday, but then you appeared and took down those vile men. You didn't hear? Yun Wan... she was killed by them," Qing Xinger said, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face, causing Zhang Yu to feel a pang of frustration. "Do girls have a natural inclination for tears?"

"There, there, Xinger, no more tears. Didn't the Young Master take care of those villains?" he soothed, holding Qing Xinger close.

"Mm-hmm," she sniffled, her mood shifting as quickly as her tears.

"Xinger, I have something for you." With that, Zhang Yu revealed a gleaming silver dagger with a mere thought.

"It's gorgeous! Young Master, this is the first gift you've ever given me!" Qing Xinger exclaimed, cradling the dagger that lay still in Zhang Yu's palm, cool to the touch and shimmering like a silverfish.

"Moon Goddess, is that the name of this dagger?"

"Yes, indeed. It's named Moon God, a middle-grade spiritual weapon I acquired during my travels. It's for your self-defense. Do you like it?" Zhang Yu inquired.

"I do. The dragon and phoenix patterns on the exterior are stunning, and it has a cool touch. Now, whenever I miss the Young Master, I can just take it out and reminisce," Qing Xinger replied, her voice growing fainter with each word.

"Hehe, Xinger, you must have fallen for the Young Master," Zhang Yu remarked with a hint of vanity.

"It's not like that; I'm just concerned about you," Xinger retorted, her cheeks flushed and her heart fluttering like a captured fawn.

At seventeen, Xinger was blossoming into her prime. She wasn't the type to stun onlookers with her beauty, leaving them feeling unworthy. Yet, her every gesture exuded elegance and allure, radiating an enchanting charm. She was gentle and kind without being frail, serene and composed without being submissive. Like a vibrant flower blooming in the distance, she was naturally beautiful, beautifully remote, yet approachably distant, and close yet untouchable.

She might be easily overlooked at first glance, but her image would linger in your mind, unforgettable.

As Zhang Yu stroked Xinger's soft hair, nestled in his embrace, he felt an irresistible urge to hold her close.

"Is this what it feels like to fall for someone?" he pondered silently.

On the Vast Dragon Continent, sixteen marked adulthood. Xinger, a year his senior, had yet to cultivate for reasons unknown. Zhang Yu had grown up with Xinger by his side, and over the years, it was natural for affection to blossom between them. To call them childhood sweethearts would be no overstatement.

Unable to resist, Zhang Yu gently pressed his lips to Xinger's, whispering, "Xinger, would you like to be with me?"

For the Zhang family, a personal maid was akin to an intended concubine. Xinger, fully aware of this, harbored no resistance, especially since she was fond of the gentle and considerate Young Master.

"Yes, as long as I'm with the Young Master, everything is perfect."

As he tenderly played with her hair, Zhang Yu vowed, "I promise to protect and cherish you for a lifetime." In that moment, Zhang Yu truly spoke from his heart, offering his solemn pledge.

"I trust you."

"However, due to certain circumstances, I can't marry you just yet. Once I've achieved success in my cultivation, I will ensure you enter our marriage with honor." Zhang Yu was aware of the deep-seated vendetta and the formidable enemies that made him fear for their safety. He needed to grow stronger, and for now, his love had to remain a silent sentinel in his heart.

"Xinger doesn't care about status, only about being with you. I am wholly yours, Young Master!" Qing Xinger confessed, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson that spread to her neck.

Zhang Yu felt a surge of passion upon hearing her words.

"Xinger, I must depart tomorrow. I will dedicate myself to my cultivation and strive to bring you home as my bride at the earliest opportunity."

"Understood. Young Master, please be careful on your travels. Xinger will wait faithfully for your return." Qing Xinger understood that a man's destiny was to conquer the world, not to linger in comfort. She didn't plead for him to stay or to take her with him, knowing her presence would only hinder him.

Love isn't just about possession; it's also about knowing when to let go.

"Young Master, I'm not sure how long it will be until we see each other again after you leave tomorrow. May I stay with you tonight?" Qing Xinger murmured, too shy to even glance directly at Zhang Yu.

Overwhelmed by her words, Zhang Yu gave in to his deepest desires, sweeping her into his arms and onto the bed.

As her garments fell away, her captivating form was revealed to him. Their eyes locked, and an ineffable attraction sparked between them, pulling them closer as their breaths quickened.

Gazing upon the vision before him, Zhang Yu was struck by a thought as intoxicating as it was bold: he'd rather die amidst the beauty of this moment than live without such passion.

"Young Master, Xinger wishes to become your woman."

A single sentence was the spark that set off the powder keg, and Zhang Yu could no longer contain himself. Like a ravenous wolf, he lunged at Xinger.

Zhang Yu's unrestrained kisses set both their passions ablaze, and they lost themselves in the heat of the moment. As their encounter deepened, the initial awkwardness faded away. Zhang Yu galloped again and again, while Qing Xinger responded in kind, both seemingly entering the fabled paradise of legend.

Unseen by anyone, a tear slipped from the corner of Qing Xinger's eye. She alone knew it was a tear of joy, for she now truly belonged to her young master.

...

Xinger rose before dawn had even broken, and gazed upon Zhang Yu, who was still deep in slumber. With delicate care, she used the Moon God Dagger to cut away the crimson stain on the bedsheet, wrapping it in a handkerchief and keeping it close. She then prepared Zhang Yu's toiletries and breakfast before slipping away quietly.

She couldn't bear to witness his departure, fearful that she wouldn't be able to hold back her pleas for him to stay.

Zhang Yu, in truth, was already awake. Despite the night's countless passionate encounters, his decade-plus of martial arts training ensured he still had reserves of energy. Yet, he was at a loss for how to bid farewell to Xinger, so he chose to leave things unsaid.

After freshening up and partaking in the breakfast Xinger had lovingly prepared, Zhang Yu visited his father's study once more.

"Father, I'm leaving. The family will need your care. And as for Xinger, please regard her as your daughter-in-law," Zhang Yu said, his voice tinged with nervousness.

"Hmm, with Yishui Town now unified, our family is thriving more each day, so you needn't worry about home. Your mercenary brothers, too, have been welcomed as guests of the Zhang family. But what's this sudden concern for Xinger?" Zhang Sen inquired.

"Well, last night, we..." Zhang Yu's face flushed with embarrassment, and he couldn't quite articulate the events.

Observing his son's flustered demeanor, the seasoned Zhang Sen gave a knowing smile and reassured, "Don't worry, I've already come to see her as a daughter-in-law, haha."

Sensing his father's playful jabs, Zhang Yu found himself at a loss for words.

"Take care, Father. I must go now." With those final words, he strode ahead without once looking back.