Finest Servant

Chapter 558 Our Paradise

Lin Wanrong stood there stunned, slowly turning around. Before him was a woman of remarkable beauty—her lips tinged a delicate red, her face as exquisite as a lotus, her soft skin glowing with a subtle flush. Her almond-shaped eyes and willow-leaf eyebrows complemented her full hips and slim waist. Her voluptuous figure was enveloped by a white gown, tracing a fascinating silhouette.

She carefully examined Lin Wanrong, her eyes almost laughing, yet not quite. Her jade-like hand gently brushed the hair from her face. Her movements were tender and graceful; every gesture she made revealed an air of languid charm. She resembled a woman of high birth, with a hint of melancholy—extremely alluring and provocative.

"You—I—" Lin Wanrong was dumbstruck. His usually quick tongue stumbled over itself and for a moment, he couldn't articulate a single word.

A flirtatious smile played at the corners of the beguiling woman's mouth as she gracefully approached him. "What's the matter, Little Brother? Cat got your tongue upon seeing me?" she said, her voice tinged with teasing laughter.

Tears instantly welled up in Lin Wanrong's eyes. He threw his arms open and rushed toward her. "Master Sister, why are you here?! Little Brother missed you so much! Hug me, I want a hug!"

Master Sister chuckled, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes. Her body swayed like a snake, deftly avoiding his embrace. "Eager to take advantage of me upon our meeting? I'm not that easy," she quipped, her eyes twinkling. "If you want a hug, go hug your Fairy Sister. I know you've been pining for her; I've heard it all."

Her words seemed playful, but they made Lin Wanrong's face flush with embarrassment and shame. ‘How did I become so dull?’ he thought. ‘Who else could pull off such complex and cruel tricks on me and Yujia, if not this cunning Sister An? She already gave me two hints, yet I foolishly thought Fairy Ning had come. What an incredible blunder; I've failed to appreciate her concern.’

"Why so silent?" Seeing his lowered head and unusual quietness, An Biru blinked and slowly walked over to him. "Is Little Brother not happy to see me?"

"It's not that," Lin Wanrong shook his head, his eyes red-rimmed. "Master Sister, you don't understand. Never have I loathed my fickle nature as much as I do now."

Understanding dawned on An Biru; she couldn't help but burst into laughter. Her chest heaved like trembling petals, setting off a series of enchanting ripples.

Distracted by the mesmerizing sight, Lin Wanrong involuntarily swallowed and reached out to her. "Master Sister, what are you laughing at?"

An Biru effortlessly sidestepped his grasp, giving him a disdainful glance. "Is it really something to feel guilty about? Little Brother, have you forgotten what I told you? The more you think of my Senior Sister, the happier it makes me."

Lin Wanrong was stunned, feeling somewhat foolish in front of this sly Vixen An, he felt that he had a tendency to become stupid: "Why, Master Sister, aren't you jealous?"

"Jealous your head!" An Bírú's face flushed slightly as she gently tapped his forehead with her finger, giggling, "You really have thick skin. Did you think I was that easy to deceive? When I asked you to go to the capital to woo my Senior Sister, you acted all innocent and stubbornly refused. Now, after your passionate affair, you're trying to act cute in front of me. Little Brother, should I be pleased with you or annoyed?" She chuckled.

Vixen An laughed softly, bringing her charming face close to his, her eyes shimmering as she examined him closely.

Their cheeks were so close that they could faintly feel each other's breath. The gentle warmth brushed against their faces, causing both their hearts to skip a beat.

Since their parting at Prince Cheng's mansion, they hadn't seen each other for a long time. Recalling the intimacy of that night, An Bírú's seductive laughter, and her fox-like humming, even though it was all an act, neither of them had pretended. It felt more genuine than real gold and silver.

After months apart, An Bírú's figure had matured, fiery and captivating, making it hard to look away. Her beauty was even more radiant and enchanting than before, her laughter constant, her joy unending. Yet, the slight weariness on her cheeks and the occasional sorrow in her eyes revealed something.

"Master Sister, you've lost weight!" Lin Wanrong murmured, staring at her cheeks.

"Really?" An Bírú paused, her delicate nostrils flaring slightly. She unconsciously lowered her head, her fragrant shoulders trembling slightly. When she looked up again, her smile was incredibly sweet, "Little Brother, don't talk nonsense. Look closely before you speak. Where have I lost weight?"

She laughed enchantingly, placing her hands on her slender waist and twirling gracefully. Her voluptuous figure cast a beautiful silhouette, reminiscent of a celestial maiden descending to the mortal realm, leaving Lin Wanrong utterly mesmerized.

"Tell me, where have I lost weight? If you can't say, I won't forgive you!" Vixen An stopped twirling, her eyes fixed on Lin Wanrong's, her smile bewitchingly charming.

"It's not that you've lost weight," Lin Wanrong's voice was soft and emotional, "It's that your belt is too wide. The tailor did a poor job! Next time, I'll make you the most fitting dress, ensuring you look even more divine than a goddess."

"Hmph, it's the tailor's fault for making the belt too wide!" An Bírú huffed, lowering her head and not speaking further, her shoulders trembling slightly.

"Master Sister..." Seeing the tear drops falling onto the grass, Lin Wanrong was overwhelmed with emotion. He reached out to embrace her.

Suddenly, An Bírú looked up, her eyes filled with tears, yet she smiled at him.

For some reason, even though she was still the same enchanting An Bírú he had known in Jinling, and even though he had taken advantage of her many times before, in this moment, seeing this slightly different An Bírú, he hesitated. His hands hung in the air, unsure whether to reach out or pull back.

An Biru wiped away her tears with a smile and flirtatiously glanced at him. "Little Brother, you've become quite skilled. Even I nearly fell for your sweet talk," she giggled. "No wonder my pure-hearted Senior Sister was defeated by you. If I can barely resist, then she was doomed to lose!"

Lin Wanrong sighed as he thought about the complex relationship between An Biru and Ning Yuxi. The twists and turns of life were like a chess game; it was impossible to predict how things would unfold. He shook his head with a bitter smile.

Observing his expression, An Biru blinked and leaned closer to his face. With her lips like blooming orchids, she giggled, "Little Brother, I heard you spent some alone time with my Senior Sister on Thousand-Forsake Peak. What a scenic place! So, did you taste the rouge on her lips? What did it taste like? Share with your Sister."

Ah, Sister An is truly one of a kind; even Fairy Ning only mimicked her brazen style. Lin Wanrong found himself at a loss for words and chuckled awkwardly. "I'm not much of a connoisseur when it comes to tasting rouge. I still have much to learn from you, Sister."

An Biru eyed him and gently tapped her delicate finger on his forehead. "You little rascal! Trying to take advantage of me? Not a chance! Even if you don’t say it, I know my Senior Sister is the dream of all men, an untouchable fairy of the holy land. If she’s fallen for you, then it must have been quite the experience, wasn't it?"

This vixen seemed determined to hear from him about what Ning Yuxi was like. Both women had spent their lives competing against each other, and neither was willing to give ground on this issue either. Lin Wanrong was caught between laughter and tears.

"Master Sister, actually, Ning Yuxi isn't as terrible as you think," he cautiously said. "She's just a normal, kind-hearted person. You shouldn't have such a deep-rooted grudge against her. Someday, when we have the time, we could all sit down, have some tea, chat, and discuss life, ideals, and even child education. Doesn't that sound pleasant?"

"Child education?" An Biru's cheeks flushed. She glanced at him and laughed, "Nonsense! Now you’re speaking up for her? Seems like my Senior Sister really is quite charming, occupying your thoughts day and night, even on the battlefield."

Her voice was a mix of coquetry and resentment, her face adorned with a seductive smile. Lin Wanrong couldn't determine which part truly reflected her inner feelings. Sister An remained an enigma from beginning to end.

Seeing his silence, An Biru suddenly smiled warmly. "Little Brother, I have a question for you. You must answer me honestly!"

Lin Wanrong nodded eagerly, "Ask away, Master Sister. Whenever I see you, I’m always honest."

"Silly boy," An Biru rolled her eyes at him. A hint of blush appeared between her eyebrows. She bit her bright red lips, giggled softly, and whispered, "Little Brother, during the time I was away, did you miss me?"

"I miss you. Of course, I miss you!" Lin Wanrong declared, unwavering. "The night you left without saying goodbye, I suddenly felt like the biggest fool in the world, not knowing who truly cared for me. I swore to myself that as soon as the war is over, if I survive, I'll go to Sichuan, to Miao Village, to find you. Anyone who dares to court you—I’ll kill him!"

An Bīrú was taken aback for a moment, then she winked at him, her expression charming. "You’re really indiscriminate, aren’t you? You’d kill anyone who courts me? I'll have you know, I've set my eyes on ninety-nine men in Miao Village. Once I go back, I’ll favor them all. What will you do?"

"Then I'll favor you first!" Lin Wanrong roared, rushing at her like a wolf in heat.

"Then come at me!" An Biru giggled coyly, dodging his eager grasp with a twist of her body. She turned and ran deeper into the grassland. Lin Wanrong chased after her, both laughing and playing like children. Under the splendid starlight, in the vast grasslands, societal judgments and worldly concerns vanished. They forgot all their worries and sorrows, indulging themselves, seeking their own paradise.

They didn’t know how long they’d been running when they saw endless, soft, green grass ahead. An Biru laughed, her demeanor like that of a mischievous child, and softly fell onto the grass. She quieted down, breathing peacefully. Her eyes were as deep as a calm pond, looking up at the profound starry sky. Her full, soft chest gently rose and fell. Her silhouette was exquisite, ethereal like misty mountains or rippling waters—a beauty so overwhelming one dared not look directly at her.

Lin Wanrong had always seen An Biru as a cunning, seductive woman; he had never seen this gentle, elegant side of her. He lay beside her, staring at her face, beautiful as a celestial being, and forgot to breathe.

"What are you looking at?" An Biru softly inquired, her eyes twinkling like morning stars as she looked at Lin Wanrong.

"Sister, you're too beautiful!" Lin Wanrong's eyes widened, muttering to himself as if stupefied.

A blush crept onto An Biru’s face. She lowered her head, shyly smiling without saying a word. That smile was like a peony blooming in the depths of winter, making the stars above instantly lose their luster. Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat. Who could have imagined that the cunning, alluring An Biru could be shy?

His heart pounding, Lin Wanrong reached for her hand. An Biru, her face glowing, suddenly sighed softly, "Look, what a beautiful starry sky!"

Lin Wanrong looked up. The lonely stars, shining like bright pearls, were scattered across the vast night sky. The twinkling stars felt so close to them, as if heaven and earth had melded into one.

"The stars are beautiful, but they can only twinkle at night," An Biru paused, then added softly. Her voice seemed to come from far away; had he not been so close to her, he might not have heard her at all.

Lin Wanrong was startled. He looked at her urgently. "Sister, what are you saying? What about the stars and the night?"

"I'm saying you're an idiot," An Biru chuckled, lightly tapping him on the nose. "I wasn't finished speaking earlier. I have more questions for you."

If there was anyone in this world who could be considered Lin Wanrong's nemesis, it was undoubtedly this cunning woman, An Biru. She could be frowning or smiling, cross or coy, her thoughts as elusive as mist, leaving hardly any clues to follow. Despite his reputation as the most clever man, Lin Wanrong felt utterly stifled in her presence, his usual bravado nowhere to be found.

Looking at An Biru who had regained her charming demeanor, he quickly nodded, "Go ahead and ask, Sister. It would be best to ask all at once, so we can save some energy for other things."

An Biru rolled her eyes at him, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. "Don't dodge the question this time—between my Senior Sister and me, who do you miss more?"

Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned. This all-too-familiar question had been previously posed by his ‘Fairy Sister’. Now, An Biru was bringing it up again, and the difficulty level was exceptionally high. The tactics he had once used to deceive his Fairy Sister were useless against An Biru—worse, they might backfire.

"Well—" he stammered, unsure how to answer.

"I understand," An Biru nodded slightly, her face breaking into a delicate smile. "It's natural for you to think more about her. After all, I was the one who sent you to seduce her. When you think of her, you're basically thinking of me. That makes me happy too."

She giggled, her chest gently quivering. Gradually, her laughter grew louder, until her eyes became moist. Turning away to hide her tears, they shimmered under the bright moonlight, as pure as crystal.

An Biru's reasoning was so unique that it almost made Lin Wanrong want to cry. With a helpless sigh, he said, "Believe it or not, Sister, ever since we parted at Prince Cheng's residence, I've thought about you every day and night, to the point of sleeplessness."

"Nonsense. You're thinking of your Fairy Sister, that's the truth," An Biru replied, her face like powdered jade as she feigned annoyance yet smiled.

Lin Wanrong shook his head gravely, "You're right, I do miss Fairy Sister. My sentimental nature is incurable. However, Fairy Sister and you are two different people. Missing her doesn't mean I don't miss you. In fact, my feelings for you are complicated. It's not that I don't want to think of you; it's that I don't dare to."

An Biru paused briefly, then scoffed, "You're trying to deceive me again. What could you possibly be afraid of?"

Lin Wanrong sighed wistfully, "I could fool anyone—the heavens, the earth, the Emperor—but I would never fool you, Sister. From the day we parted at Prince Cheng's residence, when my Master Sister left heartbroken, I felt a void inside me. I knew she would never forgive me. When the army departed from the capital, Fairy Sister told me she had a surprise for me. I didn't dare imagine what it was. Later in Xingqing, someone saved me with a silver needle, and in Bayanhot, someone tampered with Labuli whom I then killed. I dared not think that it was you, because I knew you were angry with me and wouldn’t appear by my side. Therefore, I couldn’t dare imagine that my Master Sister would secretly protect me. Such love and devotion would only fill me with more guilt and make me even more afraid to face her. There's an old saying: the pinnacle of love is being too scared to face the one you love. Every glance from her could bring me happiness so immense that I could die from it. I'm not afraid of dying, but I am afraid that after my death, no one will love you the way I do."

An Biru was stunned. She lowered her eyelids silently, her small hands trembling slightly, and the flush on her face extended into her delicate neck.

Dealing with Sister An was indeed challenging, but Lin Wanrong had long-proven skills. His skin was so thick that even fairies from the nine heavens or world-class fox spirits couldn't resist his direct approach.

Stealing a glance at Sister An, he noticed she had her head lowered, her face flushed, looking both coy and pleased, with a faint smile clearly visible at the corner of her mouth. Lin Wanrong lightly dabbed at the corner of his eye, stood up quietly, and said, "What's the point of discussing this now? These vast grasslands, filled with nomads everywhere—I don't even know if I can make it back alive. Seeing you again today, Sister An, is enough for me. I have no more concerns; I'll be going now."

He started walking away, without any hesitation, his steps decisive. An Biru watched him go, the alluring smile at the corner of her mouth growing even more bewitching.

‘One, two, three—call out to stop me, Sister An!’ He walked a few steps, mentally urging her, but heard no voice from An Biru. Sweat trickled down his forehead. ‘Did I shoot myself in the foot? I knew she wasn't easy to handle.’

Just as he was internally regretting, he felt a sudden chill on his buttocks. Startled, he leaped up, turned around and joyfully exclaimed, "Sister An, why did you prick my butt again? Silver needles are expensive, you know!"

"Giggle," An Biru covered her small mouth as she laughed, her enchanting body swaying like a wave. "I have plenty of money and ways to spend it. I like pricking you, what are you going to do about it?"

Lin Wanrong was taken aback. ‘Sister An is better than me in martial arts, richer than me, and even her tricks are no less cunning than mine. If she wants to prick me, I really can't do anything about it. I wonder when I'll get the chance to retaliate.’

"Afraid?" An Biru walked up to him, her seductive smile beaming.

"No, not afraid," Lin Wanrong stammered, wiping the sweat off his forehead.

Gently sweeping up her long sleeve, An Biru delicately wiped his sweat away. She chuckled softly into his ear, "This is to teach you a lesson. You promised not to deceive me, so why did you start sweet-talking me again? Do you take me for some naive young girl like Xian’er?"

Angry, Lin Wanrong shook his head, "What are you talking about, Sister An? Every word I said is sincere, coming straight from my heart. How can that be considered deceiving you? If loving someone is wrong, I'd rather keep being wrong."

"Really? Not deceiving me?" Her face flushed, Sister An lowered her head and whispered, "Then say it again. I like to hear you're not deceiving me."

Lin Wanrong was stunned.

Seeing his bewildered expression, An Biru giggled, shaking her head. She lightly tapped his nose and cooed, "Fool!"

Being with Sister An, Lin Wanrong never seemed to get the upper hand. He felt both defeated and resigned. As they sat side by side under the desolate starry sky, leaning on each other, neither spoke, yet a warmth and joy filled their hearts that was beyond words.

"I've never been to the grasslands before," An Biru stared at the profound night sky and murmured, "I never thought the grasslands would be so vast and encompassing. Sometimes, I really want to stay here forever."

Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder, smiling warmly, "Don't worry. Once the war is over and the Turks surrender, we'll come back to visit often. This grassland is truly a paradise."

"Is that what you think as well?" She cast him a fleeting, passionate glance, her eyes fluttering, her chest trembling with emotion. She leaned in close to his ear and whispered softly, "Little Brother, this is our paradise."

"Yes, our paradise." Lin Wanrong felt a tingling sensation throughout his body as he inhaled her subtle fragrance and looked into her enchanting, almost bewitching eyes.

She reached out and gently brushed a blade of grass from his hair, looking at him intently. Her eyes flashed with a momentary sense of yearning before she shook her head and sighed, "I have lost after all."

"Lost? What do you mean?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.

She gave a slight smile, "Don't ask. Even if you do, I won't tell you. Now that I've revealed myself, I admit defeat. Little Brother, do you know the way to the Miao village?"

His mind swirled with questions. "What does admitting defeat have to do with the Miao village? Master sister, why are you bringing this up out of the blue? If I don't know the way, I can always ask. With your celestial beauty, I'll probably hear about you long before I even enter Sichuan."

"You flatterer! The Miao village is my hometown. It's full of brave and strong young men. I've already met ninety-nine potential suitors," she chuckled, "So, you better hurry up, or there will be nothing left for you."

Lin Wanrong was infuriated, "Sister An, be fair! I was here first! Even if there are nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine others, they can't compete with me. I have a gun!"

"You petty man! Just remember this: you have it coming if someone tries to snatch away!" She laughed until tears came to her eyes, and then she grew silent.

Lin Wanrong looked at her with suspicion, scrutinizing her face. But she was an adept fox spirit, revealing nothing unusual as she broke into joyful laughter.

"Master Sister, have you been following me since the army set out?" Lin Wanrong asked, sighing.

She laughed, "Don't flatter yourself. Xian'er was worried that you were messing around with women on the road, so I came to take a look. I never expected you to be so... accurate in your pursuits. Not just Miss Xu and the sand burial, you didn't even spare the Turkic women. Fortunetelling, palmistry; you sure know many tricks, Little Brother. Impressive!"

Her eyes flashed a momentary irritation as she laughed charmingly. With her skills, she'd brought someone back from the brink of death.

"You're joking, Master Sister. Do I seem like someone who falls in love with every woman he meets?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "That woman Yujia is not to be underestimated. We'll need her help in the future, that's why I kept her."

"If that wasn't the case, I would have killed her already. I wouldn't let her compete with Xian’er for her husband." She snorted, "Be careful with that Turkic woman; she's dangerously captivating. I've already scouted the two Turkic tribes up ahead—"

"What?!" Lin Wanrong was shocked, hastily grabbing her hand. "Sister An, you can't scare me like this. That place is extremely dangerous; it's not somewhere you should go!"

"Don't worry, if I can go there, I can naturally come back." An Biru's face flushed slightly when he held her hand, but she made no move to pull away. "Within those two tribes, there are three to four thousand able-bodied men alone. Many tents have pictures of Yujia hanging up. This woman is no simple character; you need to be cautious."

Lin Wanrong tightly held her hand, gently stroking it. "Don't worry, Sister An. I've already experienced how formidable Yujia is. But I'm not one to be trifled with either. I think you've already had a taste of that yourself. I'll make her regret crossing me."

"How formidable are you, then?" An Biru gave him a teasing glance and covered her lips to chuckle softly.

Lin Wanrong felt his mouth go dry. An Biru loved to tease him, leaving him able to look but not touch, and thus, incredibly frustrated. He sighed helplessly, rubbing An Biru's small hand vigorously. "Sister An, there's one more thing. A brother of mine named Li Wuling has been gravely injured. That Yujia girl treated him, but he hasn't woken up—"

"I've already checked on him. I was almost chopped down by your blade, you know." An Biru stared at him with a mix of faux anger and complaint. Only then did Lin Wanrong realize that the white shadow he saw that night was none other than An Biru, who had been silently watching over him.

An Biru became serious, "I saw Li Wuling's injuries myself that day. Even if I were to treat him personally, I might not fare any better than this Turkic girl. Her bloodletting technique requires an extraordinary person, both brave and determined. Therefore, I can say for sure that Yujia is not ordinary. As for Li Wuling's current unconscious state, it has nothing to do with her. His injuries are indeed severe and will require a long time for gradual recovery. But Yujia is well aware of this, and it's also one of her means of self-protection."

‘Yujia didn't tamper with Li Wuling?’ Lin Wanrong was puzzled. An Biru clearly saw through his confusion and chuckled. "Maybe she's taken a liking to you and is trying to win your favor. Little Brother, congratulations, your charm has extended all the way to the Turkic lands."

Women were naturally jealous beings. Lin Wanrong let out a forced laugh, not daring to respond.

An Biru gave him a silent smile, gazing at him for a moment before softly beckoning, "Little Brother, come here."

Lin Wanrong moved closer, and An Biru slowly extended her trembling hand to gently caress his face. The soft, moist, and gentle touch penetrated through his skin and went straight to his heart. Lin Wanrong felt utterly relaxed and weak in the knees. Just as he was enjoying the moment, he felt a cold sensation near his ear. When he turned to look, he saw An Biru holding a sharp little knife, smiling at him.

Lin Wanrong let out a startled, "Ah! Sister An, what are you doing?"

An Biru wiped the small knife on his face and sneered, "Sending a message from Xian'er. Will you dare to flirt with that Turkic vixen again?"

"I dare not— ah, no, no. I've never flirted with her, and I never will." He answered, breaking out in a cold sweat. Lin Wanrong was both enamored with and fearful of An Biru.

"You said it yourself," Vixen An chuckled softly and whispered, "Close your eyes."

Lin Wanrong had no idea what An Biru planned to do. He closed his eyes, feeling the cold sensation of a blade against his skin. Goosebumps rippled across his scalp, followed by the warm touch on his face. Then, an icy sensation, accompanied by a ticklish feeling. He peeked open his eyes just a sliver, seeing An Biru's gentle expression. She moistened his face with water from a water pouch, her fingers stroking his face as the small blade moved lightly. Slowly, his rough beard was shaved off.

"Master Sister—" Lin Wanrong was overcome with emotion, tightly embracing her delicate waist.

An Biru smiled faintly, gently patting his face twice. "Good, Little Brother. Sister is shaving your beard for you. Remember, be a clean man! Be a man that I would like!"

"I'm already clean, you'll definitely like me," he chuckled, holding her body tightly in his arms.

Amused, An Biru shot him a glance. She had reluctantly given him an opportunity to take advantage; might as well let him have it.

She shaved his beard cleanly, then meticulously examined it once more. Confirming that she'd missed no spots, she nodded approvingly. Looking at the knife in her hand, she sighed softly, "Do you still remember the Turkic women and children you spared that night?"

Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned. "Why bring this up all of a sudden?" He hastily nodded, "Yes, yes, I remember. Sister An, why are you asking about this out of the blue?"

Gazing at the knife in her hand, An Biru sighed, "You know, had you wielded the slaughtering blade that night, I would never have paid any attention to you ever again."

Lin Wanrong felt a chill race up his spine. Where was she going with this? Did Sister An follow Buddhism? Impossible. During her days with the White Lotus sect, she had blood on her hands—certainly no less than he had. Why speak of such things now?

"Isn't it odd?" An Biru looked at him with a captivating smile. "For a woman steeped in bloodshed like the White Lotus Holy Mother to say such a thing?"

"Well, Sister An always speaks wisely," he chuckled, not quite grasping her intentions.

Gently stroking his hair, An Biru spoke softly, "It's simple. Because I've killed so many people, my hands are stained with blood. It's too late for me to cleanse myself. When you wake up from nightmares every night, you'll realize that killing doesn't feel good. If you, too, have your hands soaked in blood, where would I find an embrace that could allow me to feel calm and recuperate?"

There was a deep sense of weariness in An Biru's words. She had single-handedly established the White Lotus sect and watched it rise and fall. Once ambitious, viewing human life as expendable, she was now alone. Her rich experiences were no less than Lin Wanrong's, making her insights all the more precious when all was said and done.

Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile, "Mercy can't command troops. That's why some say I'm not fit for war."

Gently touching his cheek, An Biru whispered, "You're not unfit for war; you're unfit for slaughter! Because you're just an ordinary man with flaws, a flesh-and-blood human being. If you were perfect and had no flaws, I'm afraid not many people would like you anymore."

Lin Wanrong was overwhelmed with gratitude, wishing he could hold her and weep. Ah Biru, as fickle as she was, was one of the few people who truly understood him.

"Did you remember everything I told you earlier?" Ah Biru sighed softly. "Be cautious of Yujia, and don't forget my Miao village."

Nodding hurriedly, Lin Wanrong heard Ah Biru's sudden laugh, enchanting as it was. "Little Brother, come here. Let me take advantage of you—I want to hold you."

His heart pounded wildly. In an instant, he felt a tender body, fragrant with a subtle aroma, slowly nestle into his embrace.

Ah Biru's form lightly trembled as she quietly nestled into his arms, her hands gripping his waist tightly as though they were two willows growing from the same root.

Could it be? The unassailable Ah Biru in his arms?

Lin Wanrong was as tense as if he were experiencing first love, unsure where to place his hands. Finally gathering the courage, he circled Ah Bi's slender waist. Just as he was about to hold her tighter, he felt his chest dampen. Ah Biru's tears flowed like a burst dam, unstoppable and flooding.

"Hee hee, it's been a while since I've cried," Ah Biru said, wiping the corners of her eyes. She lifted her head and flashed a charming smile at him. "Do I look ugly?"

Her tear-streaked face resembled a peony bathed in morning dew, stunning beyond description. Stunned, Lin Wanrong nodded. "Sister An, you're the most beautiful woman in the world; no one can compare."

"If you say you're not flattering me, I won't believe you," Ah Biru chuckled, stretching lazily as if a peony had blossomed across the horizon, resplendent in its beauty. "So this is what a man's embrace feels like—it's so warm."

She giggled softly, holding Lin Wanrong tightly, and whispered into his ear, "Keep your promises. This is our paradise, and we must return."

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