Seeing Gui Qinshao peel off her long dress, leaving only her bodice and silk smallclothes.
Her originally snowy, enchanting body became even more devilishly alluring. Suo Lun’s breathing instantly quickened.
Having stripped to this degree, Gui Qinshao stopped, standing there timidly with arms crossed over her chest, at times appearing very embarrassed, at times seeming to want to appear bold and unrestrained.
The noble ladies of the Nulang Kingdom generally had rather chaotic private lives before marriage, as could be seen from Fu Yan’er.
But apart from being somewhat vain and selfish, Gui Qinshao’s private life was already considered very proper. If not for the disaster that was Suo Lun, she would probably have been the kind of woman who went from first love to growing old together.
At this moment it was night, and there were no lamps here, only bright moonlight.
Gui Qinshao’s skin was already fair, and now illuminated by the moonlight, it appeared as if coated with a layer of snow.
“You may do whatever you wish,” Gui Qinshao said breathlessly, raising her head boldly. “At worst, I shall go to that sorcerer to be repaired once more, as a perfect ending to our ill-fated entanglement. Because from tomorrow onwards, I shall be a woman loyal to her husband with single-minded devotion, and you can no longer touch me.”
Facing Gui Qinshao’s initiative to offer herself, Suo Lun slowly exhaled, looking at her for the first time with genuine tenderness.
“Gui Qinshao, there is something I must tell you,” Suo Lun said.
Hearing Suo Lun address her by her full name, Gui Qinshao’s brows trembled slightly, then she said, “What?”
Suo Lun said, “You… you are still pure. I never touched you.”
Instantly, Gui Qinshao’s delicate body trembled, looking at Suo Lun in disbelief.
Her memory was clearly very distinct. Suo Lun had violated her, and even that pain was still fresh in her memory.
Suo Lun said, “At that time your consciousness was confused, and you thought I had done something to you. In fact it was not me, but… Ye Jingyu! To some degree, you are still pure.”
Gui Qinshao raised her head to look at Suo Lun, lightly biting her fiery red, alluring lips with her teeth. Her heart was instantly thrown into chaos, not even knowing whether to feel joy or sorrow.
Oh no, there was absolutely no joy.
Because of her father’s position, because of Ling Ao’s devotion to her, she had already decided to draw a clear line with Suo Lun and sever their ill-fated entanglement. But there was one thing she secretly delighted in, or rather felt no regret about.
That was having given her first time to the man she loved, to Suo Lun.
This way, after she married Ling Ao, she would not have many regrets in her heart.
But now Suo Lun said he had never touched her. This suddenly left her at a complete loss.
“You, why did you not do so at that time?” Gui Qinshao asked with difficulty.
“I do not know either,” Suo Lun said. He of course knew the reason, but did not wish to say it.
Gui Qinshao opened her beautiful eyes wide, looking at Suo Lun with incomparable complexity.
“I wish you happiness…” Suo Lun said, then prepared to leave.
Immediately after, something soft pressed against him from behind as Gui Qinshao embraced him around the waist.
Then, she moved to stand before Suo Lun and said resolutely, “Then you must also do something, to bring our ill-fated entanglement to a close.”
Having spoken, her fiery red, cherry-like lips directly kissed him, and her tender little tongue directly extended.
Suo Lun began thinking, was this seemingly Gui Qinshao’s first kiss?
Gui Qinshao’s delicate body pressed tightly against Suo Lun, her arms encircling his neck, deeply kissing him wetly, their tongues intertwining.
After the kiss, she panted heavily, her incomparably gorgeous face flushed completely red, a fiery, enchanting fragrance assailing the nostrils.
Her large, watery eyes gazed at Suo Lun, releasing countless threads of affection, then she closed her beautiful eyes.
Biting her red lips, she gradually made her resolve.
“Goodbye Suo Lun, goodbye my ill-fated entanglement, my absurd youth. From today onwards, I shall be a good woman, a good woman who loves her husband with single-minded devotion and is loyal to her husband,” Gui Qinshao said in her heart.
Opening her beautiful eyes again, Gui Qinshao had already calmed down, and said to Suo Lun, “Goodbye.”
“Goodbye,” Suo Lun said.
Gui Qinshao waved her hand, turned and left, disappearing into the garden.
…
Suo Lun returned once more to the inner banquet hall. Ashi Liren was still the centre of attention like stars cupping the moon.
And beside Princess Zhiyan, there was an extra man.
A somewhat thin man, his complexion slightly pale, wearing very casual clothing, his face not particularly handsome.
He gave Suo Lun only one impression: wind!
Of course, the so-called wind did not refer to how dashing he was, but rather a certain quality.
Wind is something invisible, yet one can feel it.
And this man, when you looked at him with your eyes, he was unremarkable. But when you closed your eyes, he appeared especially special, and you could instantly sense his presence.
And Zhiyan standing beside him was somewhat different from before.
At other times, Zhiyan was light and carefree, otherworldly and transcendent. Suo Lun was her fiance, and when he said he would spank her bottom, she straightforwardly agreed. Even if Suo Lun truly went to pull down her trousers, she would not object.
Regarding her own absolutely beautiful, jade-like body, she seemed not to treat it as anything significant.
But at this moment, Zhiyan had gained a bit more human warmth, her smile became more genuine, and even her standing posture gained a bit more languidness.
Suo Lun had never seen Zhiyan so relaxed, with such a smile.
“I don’t believe it, you must be tricking me,” Suo Lun heard as he approached. Zhiyan was looking at this man and smiling, her voice more like a girl’s than ever before.
And at this time, Gui Qinshao had also returned to the banquet hall, standing obediently beside her fiance Ling Ao, not looking towards Suo Lun.
And Ling Ao was conversing with a noble. That noble was looking at him with envy, certainly envying him for having Gui Qinshao as a fiancee.
And Gui Qinshao was pursing her lips, wearing a slightly gentle smile, earnestly playing the role of a good fiancee.
Seeing Suo Lun walk over, Princess Zhiyan naturally stepped forward, took his arm and said, “Come, let me introduce you. This is Suo Lun, my fiance.”
That young man cupped his hands towards Suo Lun and smiled, saying, “I have long heard your name far and wide. Seeing you today makes me so ashamed I wish I could disfigure my face.”
His smile and his temperament alike made one feel as if bathed in spring breeze.
“Suo Lun, this is Huai Bingyi,” Princess Zhiyan said.
This was the Bingyi that Ji Xiuning had spoken of, and also the only confidant of Zhiyan that Zhi Li had mentioned.
Of course, Suo Lun did not know of this person’s existence.
However, this person’s complexion was somewhat pale, somewhat matching his name.
“Hello,” Suo Lun said.
For some reason, he felt that at this moment he and Ling Ao were somewhat similar. Of course, this was merely a very subtle feeling.
Next, this Huai Bingyi did not speak much more with Zhiyan, but instead kept talking with Suo Lun.
This person was extremely erudite, extremely detached and lofty, yet also witty and humorous.
When Suo Lun spoke, he was focused in expression, listening attentively, occasionally using his own expressions to respond to Suo Lun’s words.
And when he spoke, he was even more like a spring breeze. Every word he spoke carried no aggression whatsoever, filled with tolerance and gentleness.
Suo Lun’s wisdom was as deep as the sea, and he had seen countless outstanding talents. But the person before his eyes was truly like water, allowing one to see to the bottom at a glance, yet seemingly revealing nothing at all.
“Bingyi, you claimed years ago that you were going to die, so how are you still alive, and even living better and better?” Suddenly, a burst of loud laughter came from the side.
Fang Qingshu!
Young Master of the Hidden Continent, direct disciple of the Dragon God Temple, half-master of the Hidden Yuan Society, controlling half the world’s wealth, his power reaching the heavens.
When he walked over, he instantly captured the gazes of countless women.
Because this was the only man at the venue as handsome as Suo Lun, and his temperament was even more sunny, making him appear even more radiant.
This person had always regarded Princess Zhiyan as his forbidden fruit.
Huai Bingyi smiled and said, “I only said that I might not live past fifty, not that I was going to die years ago. Please do not confuse what you wish in your heart with what I say from my mouth, alright?”
Then, Fang Qingshu stepped forward and warmly embraced Huai Bingyi, lightly patting his back with some force.
“Cough…” This instantly caused Huai Bingyi to cough.
“If you want me to die sooner, you need not strike me in public,” Huai Bingyi smiled.
Fang Qingshu embraced him once more, affectionately smiling, “Weren’t you always hiding away and refusing to see people? How come you’re now willing to come out and scare people?”
“It’s a long story,” Huai Bingyi said.
Suo Lun could see that Fang Qingshu and Huai Bingyi’s relationship was very good. Although there was an undercurrent of competition, their relationship was very intimate.
Fang Qingshu was counted among the few young people with the greatest power in this world, and Huai Bingyi was so intimate with him. Even in this relationship, Fang Qingshu was more proactive.
Then this Huai Bingyi’s identity must be very far from simple.
At this time, Fang Qingshu seemed to only now notice Suo Lun, casually raising his eyes and saying, “Count Suo Lun, Yan Naier is your fiancee, correct?”
“Yes,” Suo Lun said.
Fang Qingshu said, “Sever it quickly. Otherwise you will not only be unable to protect her, but your entire family will be dragged down.”
Suo Lun’s eyes instantly narrowed, smiling, “I thank you for your concern.”
Fang Qingshu embraced Huai Bingyi and said, “Let’s go, let’s go. The man is already engaged, what are you still doing here? Watching your dream lover intimately arm-in-arm with someone else, does it feel good? Rest assured, these two will not succeed. In the end it will still be the two of us competing, to see who wins the beauty.”
Facing Fang Qingshu’s provocation, Zhiyan was unmoved. After he left, she leaned to Suo Lun’s ear and said, “Fang Qingshu once led several Inquisitors and hundreds of Temple Knights to capture Yan Naier, but before entering Tianshui City territory, he was recalled by a High Priest of the Dragon God Temple. No one knows what happened, no one knows why.”
Suo Lun’s heart instantly leaped, staring at Fang Qingshu’s retreating figure with icy eyes.
He had thought that after his previous impersonation of a Temple Reincarnator, Fang Qingshu would not dare to cause trouble again. He had not expected that he had actually gone to capture Naier? Truly deserving of death!
Why did he want to capture Naier? And with such a grand array, that must mean he had absolute certainty and enormous charges.
The first thing Suo Lun thought of was the demon blood in Naier’s body, this anti-Dragon God power, this anti-Dragon God faith.
And the reason Fang Qingshu’s grand array was recalled by the Dragon God Temple, he could guess.
Because at that time the Dragon God Temple was capturing the Hell Knight Ashi Luo, and intended to follow Ashi Luo’s trail to capture the World-Destroying Demon Emperor. This was currently the heaven-shaking matter for the Dragon God Temple, and absolutely could not be affected by anything.
If they captured Yan Naier because of the demon blood, it would startle Ashi Luo and might cause him to flee prematurely.
In order not to beat the grass and startle the snake, the Dragon God Temple’s High Priest recalled Fang Qingshu at the final moment.
These secret histories, Suo Lun could deduce with a turn of his mind. But how did Fang Qingshu know the secret of the demon blood in Naier’s body?
Only two people knew this secret: himself and Naier.
Then, Suo Lun quickly thought of Tu Lingchen. At that time when Naier fought him to mutual destruction, she was stabbed many times on her body, but recovered instantly.
But given Tu Lingchen’s character, he should not have told this secret to Fang Qingshu or Zhi Li.
However, he might have told Tu Lingduo, because Tu Lingduo had many broken bones at that time, and Tu Lingchen thought of how Naier instantly recovered after being severely wounded. If this mysterious energy were given to Tu Lingduo, she might also instantly recover.
Then the person who reported to Zhi Li or Fang Qingshu that Naier possessed anti-Dragon God energy was very likely Tu Lingduo!
Instantly, Suo Lun’s eyes turned icy, looking towards Tu Lingduo sitting in the wheelchair.
This woman could not be kept in the future. She had thoroughly transformed into a venomous snake, beyond salvation.
As for Naier’s side, now that Ashi Luo was dead, would Fang Qingshu make another move against Naier?
Probably not for the time being. Before the Dragon God Temple found the Demon’s Tears, they would not move against Naier.
For the Dragon God Temple now, Naier was possibly their only medium for finding the World-Destroying Demon Emperor.
Because only someone with demon blood in their body, after consuming the Demon’s Tears, would produce an energy connection with the World-Destroying Demon Emperor.
As long as the Dragon God Temple did not find the Demon’s Tears for one day, Naier would be safe for one day.
But even so, he had to think of a way to thoroughly protect Naier. He must think of a perfect, flawless plan!
…
And just at this moment, Crown Prince Zhi Li bent at the waist and extended his hand towards Ashi Liren, saying, “Miss Liren, might I invite you to dance? The first dance of today!”
At the same time, beautiful music sounded within the hall.
Everyone present fixed their gazes upon Ashi Liren, the men enchanted, the women envious.
While inviting her to dance, Zhi Li said, “Count Suo Lun, your zither artistry is peerless in the world. Might I invite you to play a piece to accompany my dance with Miss Liren?”
Before Suo Lun could open his mouth, Ashi Liren said, “My apologies, Your Highness Zhi Li, I cannot accept your invitation!”
The moment these words were spoken, Zhi Li’s face instantly changed.
Ashi Liren continued, “The hour is already late, and I ought to rest.”
Zhi Li forced a smile and said, “Very well, I have prepared the finest room in the residence.”
Ashi Liren said, “No need. I shall stay at the Princess’s residence tonight. Moreover, in the days to come, Rouran City will resolutely stand on Princess Zhiyan’s side!”
The moment these words were spoken, it was like thunderous upheaval!
Crown Prince Zhi Li seemed as if truly struck by lightning, his face deathly pale.
Even Suo Lun was greatly startled. Taking sides was something very implicit, something to be done but not spoken.
Currently most nobles and vassals stood on Crown Prince Zhi Li’s side, contributing money and troops for his kingship.
But not a single person had publicly declared that they resolutely stood on Zhi Li’s side.
Because no matter how fiercely Zhi Li and Zhiyan fought, it would absolutely never be made public.
He had not expected that this beauty capable of toppling cities and kingdoms, this peerlessly magnificent Ashi Liren, would be so decisive and direct, announcing before everyone that she thoroughly stood on Zhiyan’s side.
The shock this gave everyone was completely unparalleled.
This was the world’s greatest vassal. Even though she had lost fifty to sixty thousand troops in the great war with the Yelan Duchy, the Ashi family still possessed a province of vast territory, and millions of subjects. Before long they would be able to once again field a hundred thousand strong army.
And most importantly, Ashi Liren’s declaration thoroughly broke the current situation.
For Zhiyan, this was a breakthrough from zero.
This was the first time that a vassal of truly enormous weight had expressed loyalty.
Zhi Li had spent such great cost, staged such a grand spectacle, brought all nobles and vassals to welcome Ashi Liren, all for the purpose of making her remain neutral.
He had not expected that Ashi Liren would actually slap him in the face before everyone.
Instantly, Zhi Li for a moment did not know how to react.
“Hahaha…” Fang Qingshu suddenly laughed loudly.
But immediately after, his laughter came to an abrupt halt.
Because from Ashi Liren’s body came endless, powerful icy energy, like ice mountains pressing down one after another.
To resist this terrifying energy, he had to mobilise all his dragon power.
The people beside Zhi Li, once they came to their senses, also wanted to open their mouths to rebuke.
“Boom…” A powerful energy suddenly erupted from Liren.
Instantly, the ground within a dozen or so feet around her completely frosted over, and everyone’s mouths seemed frozen shut.
At this time, everyone realised that this world’s greatest vassal before them was not only the Nulang Kingdom’s foremost beauty, but also a peak-level strong expert.
“Your Highness the Princess, Suo Lun, do you still wish to remain? I am leaving,” Ashi Liren said.
Then, she directly departed just like that, incomparably domineering.
Suo Lun and Zhiyan followed behind her, leaving the banquet hall and returning to the Princess’s residence.
At this time Suo Lun discovered that although Liren was inferior to him in scheming, she was truly sharp in dominance.
…
After Suo Lun, Ashi Liren, and Princess Zhiyan departed.
The entire banquet hall fell into silent stillness.
After a good while, Crown Prince Zhi Li did not say a single word, and directly left.
Then, all guests in the banquet hall dared not say a single word, dared not have any discussion, and silently withdrew.
Moments later, all guests had left completely clean.
Crown Prince Zhi Li walked into his study, not lighting any candles, the interior completely dark.
After a long silence, his gloomy voice sounded.
“It cannot be delayed any longer, we must act, otherwise it will be too late!”
“Yes!” a black shadow said, then disappeared without a trace.
…
At the Princess’s residence!
Ashi Liren stayed in Suo Ningbing’s original courtyard.
Ashi Liren lightly pulled off her brocade robe, and all her clothing, revealing a devil’s body like mountains and valleys rising and falling, snowy white like jade, a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship, radiating a magical allure.
She gracefully stepped out with jade-like steps, entering the bathing tub.
The bath water was filled with blue enchantresses!
Her perfect, peerless body immersed into the fragrant bath water, and she instantly let out an enchanting hum.
The entire room instantly became even more fragrantly pleasant!
Immediately after, another figure walked in. It was Princess Zhiyan.
She too pulled off her long dress, revealing a pure and flawless, absolutely beautiful celestial body, and entered another bathing tub.
Her bath water was clear water, with nothing added!
“Thank you, Sister Liren,” Zhiyan said.
“It is nothing,” Ashi Liren said. “I did it for Suo Lun, not for you.”
Princess Zhiyan said, “He is my fiance. What you do for him is for me. Do you still remember a few years ago, when I represented the Dragon God Temple going to the Eastern Li Kingdom to discuss martial arts with His Majesty Jiang Shang? We often bathed together then. The fragrance on your body, I still remember it to this day.”
Ashi Liren did not speak, looking at Princess Zhiyan and suddenly asking, “That trip to Eastern Li, I remember Huai Bingyi was always following by your side.”
“Yes,” Zhiyan responded.
Ashi Liren said, “Then do you like Huai Bingyi? Do you like Suo Lun? Whom do you like more?”