"This elite force need not be large, but its members must be highly skilled, meticulous, and able to adapt to all kinds of complicated and ever-changing battlefield conditions. They must even... be able to understand and carry out the boldest stratagems!" Huang Rong's voice grew increasingly impassioned, her eyes full of longing for victory. Her wisdom and decisiveness were enough to inspire awe.
Everyone in the hall nodded. Such a mission truly suited the martial artists present. They were individually formidable, skilled at Slay Generals and Seize Flags, and Lin Xuan had already proved the viability of this strategy with his previous raid on the supply route.
"Sect Leader Huang is absolutely right!" Yue Buqun spoke first. His gaze swept over Lin Xuan, a thoughtful look flickering in his eyes.
"However..." Yue Buqun stroked his long beard, his tone hesitant, tinged with a hint of reserved reluctance. "For such an important task, who should lead this elite force? Given the experience and prestige of the seniors present..."
The question stirred up a storm. People whispered and conferred among themselves.
There were many martial artists, but those who truly understood troop formations and strategic planning were as rare as phoenix feathers. All the more so when the task was to command nearly a hundred elite heroes on a dangerous mission deep behind enemy lines.
Huang Rong gazed calmly at Lin Xuan. Unmistakable trust and conviction shone in her eyes; she had absolute faith in him.
"I propose that Lin Xuan take command of this elite force!" Huang Rong's voice rang out again, clear and firm, with an authority that brooked no argument, like metal striking stone.
The moment she spoke, the hall fell utterly silent. Then the uproar began.
"Young Master Lin?!"
"But... Young Master Lin is still so young. I'm afraid..."
"He's only a boy. How can he shoulder such a responsibility and command so many senior masters?"
Though Lin Xuan had won countless victories in Xiangyang and earned a great reputation, his youth remained an obstacle in many people's minds. After all, many of those present were veteran heroes who had been famous for years. Some found it hard to accept taking orders from a mere youngster.
Yue Buqun furrowed his brows, a complicated look flickering in his eyes.
He was about to offer a tactful objection when Ning Zhongze gently tugged at his sleeve.
Ning Zhongze gave her husband a look, signaling him to wait. Curiosity and thoughtfulness touched her gentle face as her tranquil eyes studied Lin Xuan.
Huang Rong raised a hand, signaling everyone to quiet down. Her voice rang out once more, clear and resolute, carrying an unquestionable authority. "I know you all have your reservations, but Lin Xuan's talent and courage are beyond those of any ordinary young man!"
"During the last raid on the Mongol army's supply route, Lin Xuan personally planned and commanded every detail, from gathering intelligence and choosing the terrain to luring the enemy, arranging the ambush, and stationing troops in tunnels. Without him, that stratagem would never have worked!"
Guo Jing spoke up at just the right moment, his voice booming like the toll of a temple bell. "That's right! When it comes to strategy, Xuan'er is a hundred times better than I am! He may even be more ingenious than Rong'er!"
"This raid against the three thousand Wolf Riders is of the utmost importance. It's no ordinary undertaking. Only Xuan'er's brilliant plans can lead us to victory!" Guo Jing's endorsement quieted many of the heroes who had still been wavering.
Lin Xuan rose to his feet, and his presence suddenly changed. His usual gentle modesty gave way to a steady, powerful confidence, like a sharp sword drawn from its scabbard.
He was tall and slender, his ink-black hair falling loosely across his shoulders without looking untidy, lending him an air of otherworldly charm. His eyes were deep and clear as an ancient well, yet seemed able to see into people's hearts. Their irresistible magnetism drew everyone's gaze like a whirlpool.
He did not rush to argue. Instead, he walked calmly to the sand table and lightly touched it with his fingertip. His voice was steady, like a spring breeze brushing across the face, yet it pierced the heart. Every word was precise and carried an undeniable weight.
"Honored seniors, fellow heroes, I know that I am young and inexperienced. But Xiangyang is in grave danger, and the nation faces a crisis. I will do everything I can. I hope to explain our strategy for fighting the Wolf Riders and why we need an elite squad of roughly a hundred men."
His voice held a special magnetism. He spoke unhurriedly, but every word was clear and forceful.
As everyone found themselves watching him, the restrained yet powerful masculine presence he exuded spread like invisible ripples. It stirred everyone's heart, drawing every gaze toward him.
Yue Buqun lowered his hand from his beard and looked at Lin Xuan attentively, surprise flickering in his eyes.
Ning Zhongze gazed at Lin Xuan, admiration and a hint of something more in her usually gentle eyes. His charm lay not only in his intelligence, but also in his unparalleled confidence and composure as he explained his plan.
The distinctive presence around him drew her in from the depths of her heart. This young man seemed born to command everything, and her heart stirred.
Luo Bing's gaze lingered on Lin Xuan as well. Her bright, affectionate eyes now held a fervent admiration, as though she had been won over. She had seen many heroes of the martial world, but none had ever shaken her so deeply with words alone, or made her feel such a strange tingling throughout her body. She was captivated by the charm that belied his age.
"The three thousand Wolf Riders have three main advantages. First, their cavalry's extreme speed and impact, especially when charging across open plains. Second, they have many elite martial artists, skilled at decapitation strikes and infiltration, who work together seamlessly. Third, their ranks possess secret arts empowered by the Mongolian Tantric sect. These can raise morale and even briefly enhance their physical strength, greatly increasing their fighting power." Lin Xuan analyzed the enemy steadily and accurately, offering everyone present a fresh perspective.
"To counter these three advantages, our strategy must strike precisely. First, their speed and impact. The Wolf Riders are fast, but they need open plains to fight. After traveling thousands of miles, they will inevitably pass through valleys or narrow roads to rest briefly. We can set an ambush there in advance, using the varied terrain to limit their speed and charging advantage."
He lightly touched a valley on the sand table, his gaze sharp as an eagle's. "This place is called Yan Hui Valley. It's long and narrow, with steep cliffs on both sides. It's easy to defend and hard to attack, and it has several natural passes that can serve as ambush points. My scouts have confirmed that the Wolf Riders will send a small vanguard to scout ahead tomorrow afternoon. This will be our first opportunity—and the signal for our full-scale attack."
Everyone was astonished by the precision of Lin Xuan's intelligence, and respect flashed in their eyes.
"Second, the Mongol elite are skilled at decapitation strikes and infiltration. So we'll fight fire with fire!" Lin Xuan's gaze swept over the masters present, his tone decisive. "A hundred or so men will be enough for our elite force! We must not fight the three thousand Wolf Riders head-on. Our targets are their commander and the key personnel who perform their secret arts! Capture the leader first. If we kill their commander and destroy the core of their secret arts, the three thousand Wolf Riders will be like headless flies. Their ferocity will diminish, and they may even fall into chaos. Then we can withdraw while they're disorganized, or use the terrain to strike them!"
His deep, stirring voice set the heroes' blood racing. This was the kind of fight they knew best: defeating the many with the few, matching elite against elite, and striking precisely!
"Finally, and most difficult to deal with, are the secret arts of the Mongolian Tantric sect. They can unleash a person's potential, even making them temporarily impervious to blades and spears and giving them immense strength. A direct encounter could turn dangerous." Lin Xuan's grave tone made everyone's hearts tighten.
"Every secret art has its flaws and conditions for use!" A flash of light appeared in Lin Xuan's eyes, and his tone suddenly grew brimming with confidence. "I've discussed this with my master for days. Based on the nature of the technique, we can use Qi Men Dun Jia to predict in advance when and where they'll channel their power, then disrupt them. We can also use some..." He paused, his gaze passing over Luo Bing and Ning Zhongze with a subtle, meaningful look. "...special medicines or hidden weapons to target unusual pressure points, suppress the surge of their blood and energy, and prevent them from using their secret arts to their full potential."
Though he did not raise his voice, his confidence and certainty steadied everyone like a pillar holding back the sea.
He continued to lay out the battle plan in meticulous detail:
"When the time comes, we'll select the best close-combat fighters, those with elusive footwork, from among our hundred or so elite heroes to form a vanguard of roughly a hundred men. Sect Leader Yue, Heroine Ning, Daoist Wuchen, Heroine Luo, and the masters from the various sects will come with me to strike directly at the Wolf Riders' commander." Lin Xuan pointed to a spot on the sand table, his tone firm.
"We won't get bogged down in a prolonged fight. We'll infiltrate, launch a surprise attack, kill our target, and withdraw—all in one swift move! The rest of you will set up decoys around the perimeter, spread smoke, and even set off firecrackers to create the impression of a large-scale battle. That will draw the main force of the Wolf Riders' attention and buy us time to retreat."
"Meanwhile, some of the other heroes in Xiangyang and members of the Beggar Sect will harass and support us from the perimeter. I'll determine our exact retreat route according to the rapidly changing battlefield and guide everyone with special signals, ensuring that every hero can withdraw safely!" Lin Xuan finished, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with a reassuring strength. He made no exaggerations and showed no frivolity. He simply demonstrated his thorough understanding of the battlefield and the enemy, along with his absolute confidence in his plan.
Everyone present was completely won over by Lin Xuan's meticulous yet daring plan. Every detail he described fit perfectly with what they knew about the battlefield. He had not only considered the enemy's strengths, but had also found precise ways to counter them, making the most of the heroes' own advantages.
Yue Buqun stroked his long beard, a complicated look in his eyes. He saw in Lin Xuan a talent that went beyond martial arts: the wisdom to command a battle, the insight to understand people, and the poise of someone who held everything in his grasp. It filled him with a deep, hidden awe. He even began to wonder whether the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect should learn such "miscellaneous studies" as well.
Ning Zhongze gazed at Lin Xuan, admiration and a hint of something more in her usually gentle eyes. His charm lay not only in his intelligence, but also in the unparalleled confidence and composure with which he explained his plan. The distinctive presence around him drew her in from the depths of her heart. This young man seemed born to command everything.
Luo Bing's gaze lingered on Lin Xuan, her bright, affectionate eyes now burning with the fervor of someone won over. She had seen many heroes of the martial world, but none had ever shaken her so deeply with words alone or made her feel such a strange tingling throughout her body. She was captivated by the charm that belied his age.
"Young Master Lin's words have opened my eyes!" Daoist Wuchen applauded, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "We've always relied on brute courage, never realizing battlefield strategy could be so ingenious! If this plan succeeds, it could turn the tide and destroy all three thousand Wolf Riders outside the city!"
The heroes rose to their feet. Not a trace of doubt remained in their eyes; they looked at Lin Xuan with nothing but respect and trust. Their gazes brimmed with hope.
"Young Master Lin, we'll follow your orders!" Yue Buqun stood and saluted Lin Xuan, his tone solemn and sincere. "Everyone in the Mount Hua Sect is willing to follow you to the death and fight for our country!"
"The Red Flower Society will also follow Young Master Lin's orders!" Luo Bing followed at once, her voice clear and strong. Her gaze met Lin Xuan's, filled with undisguised admiration and a hint of bold anticipation.
"Thank you, everyone!" Lin Xuan slowly clasped his hands in salute. His voice remained calm, but confidence glimmered in his eyes.
Chapter 38: First Reconnaissance of Yan Hui Valley
Night descended.
A force of about a hundred elite warriors, cloaked in darkness, slipped quietly out of the city like ghosts.
They were all skilled heroes from different martial arts sects. Without making a sound, they hurried along the rugged mountain path toward the dangerous stretch of land to the north known as Yan Hui Valley.
Lin Xuan led the squad. He wore an ordinary teal outfit, his figure indistinct in the darkness, yet his tall frame was impossible to conceal. He was nimble and light-footed, leading the way with an almost innate familiarity with the terrain.
At times, he tilted his head to listen for faint sounds in the distance. At others, he raised a hand to signal the squad to advance or stop. Every movement was precise and decisive, without the slightest hesitation. His back was straight, and his face looked clear and composed in the moonlight. His deep, dark eyes gleamed with calm sharpness. The Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique had subtly shaped the quiet aura around him, allowing him to remain more composed and charismatic than most even in the tensest moments.
In the squad behind him walked Yue Buqun and his wife from the Mount Hua Sect, Daoist Wuchen and Luo Bing from the Red Flower Society, and several other masters from different sects. Yue Buqun's expression was grave and his stride steady. He kept glancing at Lin Xuan's back, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.
Ning Zhongze followed close beside her husband, her steps light. Her lovely eyes often rested on Lin Xuan, carrying a hint of admiration she could not quite conceal. Though Luo Bing was spirited and heroic, her gaze also kept drifting to Lin Xuan, curious and thoughtful. She found the young commander more captivating than she had imagined.
This secret journey was meant to survey Yan Hui Valley before the Mongol Wolf Riders' vanguard arrived and prepare a precise ambush. Time was short, and there was no room for error.
The mountain path was rough, and the night wind biting. Everyone advanced in silence, with only the rustle of leaves and grass and the sound of their steady breathing to break the quiet. Lin Xuan kept an even pace, neither hurried nor slow, as though he had become one with the mountains. Now and then, he stopped to touch a plant with his fingertip or bend down to inspect a mark on the ground. His meticulous powers of observation impressed even Yue Buqun behind him.
About an hour later, the squad finally reached the entrance to Yan Hui Valley.
Yan Hui Valley was long and narrow, its cliffs on either side steep as blades. Dense trees filled the valley, which resembled a giant serpent lying in wait. The entrance was broad, but the valley narrowed farther in, until it formed several passes barely wide enough for a few mounted men to ride abreast. It was a natural trap, exactly the ideal ambush site Lin Xuan had pointed out on the sand table.
Lin Xuan signaled the squad to hide in place, then led Yue Buqun, Ning Zhongze, Daoist Wuchen, Luo Bing, and several heroes experienced in surveying terrain deeper into the valley. Light-footed and sure, they weaved among the rocks and thick woods as easily as if they were part of the night.
"Everyone, take a look." Lin Xuan pointed with his fingertip. The moonlight picked out his lean profile, which looked especially intent. "The entrance is broad, making it suitable for luring the enemy in. But after they travel about three miles, the valley begins to narrow. By the time they reach here, it will be only a few yards wide."
He stopped before an extremely narrow mountain path. The cliffs on either side were steep, their faces covered in vines and shrubs that formed a natural screen.
"This is the first pass." Lin Xuan pointed upward. "About twenty yards above us, there's a projecting rock ledge that can serve as an ambush site. It offers a clear view over the valley. We can use rolling boulders and arrows to devastating effect here."
Yue Buqun followed his gesture, admiration flashing in his eyes. As the head of a sect and an expert in his own right, he could naturally see how well Lin Xuan had chosen the site. Whether they rolled boulders down or attacked with arrows, they would have a great advantage from this position. Stroking his long beard, he felt genuine admiration for Lin Xuan's judgment.
Daoist Wuchen stroked his beard and studied the surroundings, approval flickering in his eyes as well. "Young Master Lin has an exceptional eye to have found such a dangerous position. If we station an ambush here properly, even three thousand Wolf Riders may fall." His tone carried the pride of a senior martial artist, though he could not hide his approval of Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan smiled faintly, his eyes still clear and calm.
Lin Xuan then led them deeper into the valley to inspect several more ambush positions, retreat routes, signal points, and places where they might conceal oil. At every location, he stopped to explain its strategic value and the details of how to position their forces. His thinking was clear, his logic meticulous, and his attention to detail astonishing.
"There are several natural caves in this cliff. They can hide our men and serve as emergency escape routes." Lin Xuan pointed to a concealed cave entrance. "But the entrance is narrow, so we'll need to widen it in advance. The units responsible for setting fire to the oil and blocking the enemy can retreat through here, avoiding encirclement."
Ning Zhongze followed quietly behind Lin Xuan, listening attentively to his explanations. Her lovely eyes held not only admiration, but also a motherly tenderness and approval. His composure and intelligence inspired her genuine respect. She even found herself thinking that if Linghu Chong, the Mount Hua Sect's disciple, had Lin Xuan's foresight, how could the sect fail to prosper?
She studied Lin Xuan carefully. There was something different about him: he was neither purely the sharp-edged warrior nor simply the refined scholar. Instead, he was a blend of intelligence, composure, strength, and an intangible charm that made people admire him without realizing it. An inexplicable flutter stirred within her. It was not merely the hope she felt for a promising young man, but an instinctive admiration and attraction toward an exceptional man.
Luo Bing was more direct than Ning Zhongze. She was forthright, and made no secret of her admiration for Lin Xuan. When he pointed out a high position suited to archers, she could not help asking, "Young Master Lin, this is a good position, but hitting fast-moving cavalry with arrows won't be easy. And it's hard to see at night. How can we be sure our shots will hit?"
Lin Xuan turned to her. "You're absolutely right, Heroine Luo. That's why the archers won't be responsible only for killing the enemy. Their more important task is to sow confusion and break up the formation. I'll set up hidden signal points every few yards throughout the valley. These 'signal points' will be specially made braziers wrapped in oilcloth and hidden deep in the bushes, or bamboo tubes containing kindling. They'll be cleverly disguised to blend into their surroundings, so even if the Mongol scouts reconnoiter in advance, they'll be difficult to spot."
"When the Wolf Riders enter the ambush zone, our men will ignite them in sequence using specially made fuses or short arrows." Lin Xuan traced several arcs across the map with his finger, demonstrating the order in which the flames would appear. "These fires aren't meant to light up the whole valley. They're meant to create a particular effect."
He paused and looked at Yue Buqun, Ning Zhongze, and Daoist Wuchen, his eyes gleaming with intelligence. "First, they'll give our archers clear reference points. In the dark, even elite archers will struggle to hit fast-moving cavalry accurately. But once these fires are lit, they'll instantly reveal the Wolf Riders' route and briefly illuminate their formation, letting our archers target them precisely and strike effectively."
"As for accuracy..." Lin Xuan paused, his tone taking on a hint of mystery. "I've already had special fire arrows prepared. They'll ignite the oil and create widespread visual confusion, frightening the horses and throwing the enemy formation into chaos."
A flash of light appeared in Luo Bing's eyes. She had not expected Lin Xuan to consider even such fine details.
Her admiration for Lin Xuan grew, and a faintly dazed look appeared in her affectionate eyes. Noticing the strange flutter inside her, Luo Bing did not try to ignore it. She realized she was becoming deeply interested in the young commander, an interest mixed with something she could not quite explain.
Once their survey was complete, Lin Xuan led everyone back to the entrance. The squad was still hidden in place. The moonlight had faded, the eastern sky was already pale, and the morning dew had dampened the plants on the ground. Lin Xuan gathered all the elite heroes on a relatively open patch of land inside the valley and unfolded a detailed topographical map drawn on sheepskin.
He spread the map on the ground and held it down with a few small stones. He used hundreds of tiny wooden markers to represent their forces, placing them across the map. The height and color of each marker indicated a different unit and task.
"Heroes, this is a map of Yan Hui Valley and the deployment of our elite squad." Lin Xuan pointed to the map, his voice steady and powerful, carrying a commanding authority. "We'll divide into four groups. One will lure the enemy at the entrance, one will block them in the valley, one will ambush them from the cliffs, and one will be the strike team, pushing straight into the heart of their formation."
He pointed out each squad's position and assignment in detail:
"Sect Leader Yue, Heroine Ning, your martial arts are unmatched among us." Lin Xuan pointed to two high positions beside the first pass. "Please lead the Mount Hua Sect and thirty other heroes skilled in swordsmanship and Lightness Skill, and hide on the high ground on both sides of the cliffs. You'll have an excellent view from there. Use sword energy to disrupt the enemy formation and kill their elite vanguard. Don't aim to inflict widespread casualties. Focus on precisely eliminating their commanders and the ones using secret arts!"
Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement. They knew this was the most dangerous position, but also the one where they could contribute the most.
"Daoist Wuchen, you're well versed in the Five Elements and the Eight Trigrams." Lin Xuan pointed to a long, narrow passage in the middle of the valley. "Please lead twenty heroes skilled in mechanisms and formations, and set up an ambush here. Use the terrain to lay traps and slow their vanguard, giving the force at the entrance time to withdraw."
Daoist Wuchen stroked his beard and smiled, a glint in his eyes. "Rest assured, Young Master Lin. This old priest has a plan. I'll make sure the Mongol Tartars suffer for it."
"Heroine Luo." Lin Xuan's gaze settled on Luo Bing, carrying a hint of approval she could not quite see. "You're light on your feet and skilled with hidden weapons, which makes you the ideal choice for a surprise attack. Please lead twenty elite fighters and hide deep in the valley. As soon as I give the signal, charge out and strike straight at the Wolf Riders' commander! Kill him at all costs!"
Luo Bing's eyes shone as she met Lin Xuan's gaze, her affectionate eyes now filled with battle spirit and undisguised admiration. "Don't worry, Young Master Lin! The Red Flower Society never lets its friends down! I, Luo Bing, will personally bring you the Wolf Riders' commander's head!" Her tone was bold and hearty, but also carried a daring hint of flirtation toward Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan smiled faintly and did not respond to her teasing words. He simply nodded. He knew that before the battle, he had to remain absolutely professional and calm.
"As for me, I'll lead the remaining top fighters in a mobile force." Lin Xuan's finger traced a winding route across the map. "We won't stay in one place. We'll move between the different battlefields and provide immediate support wherever the fighting turns desperate. We'll also be responsible for setting fire to the oil and covering the final retreat."
He went on to explain the signals, how to evacuate the wounded, and the backup plan in case the operation failed. He even gave details down to the supplies each person would carry and how they could use the valley's streams and wind direction to create smoke and sounds to their advantage.
His orders were clear and his tone decisive. Everyone listened with complete conviction. The heroes present might have been masters of martial arts, but when it came to the strategy and details of commanding a large-scale battle, they fell far short of Lin Xuan. They had never seen a commander so young yet experienced, capable of controlling every detail of the battlefield so thoroughly. This was no armchair theorizing, but the insight of someone seasoned by countless battles.
Yue Buqun sighed inwardly. Lin Xuan was not only a direct disciple of Guo Jing and Huang Rong, but also a genius with extraordinary gifts. His confidence and composure were far from ordinary; there was even something unfathomable about him. Ning Zhongze's eyes shone with admiration, which only deepened. She even felt an inexplicable flutter within her: an instinctive admiration a woman felt for a man of great ability.
"Heroes, this battle will be dangerous, but the safety of Xiangyang's people and the survival of the Central Plains Martial Arts World depend on it!" Lin Xuan rolled up the map at last and looked around at everyone present. Burning determination filled his eyes. "Let's join forces and bury all three thousand Wolf Riders here in Yan Hui Valley. None of them will make it out!"
"None of them will make it out!" Everyone shouted as one, their voices shaking the wilderness and making the morning dew fall from the leaves.
Chapter 39: The Beauty Played the Flute
Night lay heavy, and Xiangyang City was utterly quiet.
Guo Jing was still at the city's military camp, discussing the battle with the generals. The vast Guo Mansion was unusually peaceful.
After settling the heroes, Lin Xuan and Huang Rong unexpectedly met beneath a covered walkway in the rear courtyard.
Neither spoke. In the flickering light of the dim lanterns, they exchanged a glance that no one else could have noticed.
That single glance held too much to put into words: understanding, longing suppressed for far too long, and desire that burned more fiercely by the day.
Huang Rong gave a slight nod and turned toward her room. Her steps seemed unhurried, but beneath her moon-white robe, her full, firm hips swayed gently as she walked, betraying the restless stirrings deep within her.
Lin Xuan understood. He waited quietly for a moment to make sure no one was nearby, then used his Lightness Skill.
He moved like a wisp of smoke, slipping soundlessly around the covered walkway until he reached the window of Huang Rong's room, which he knew well.
Inside, the candlelight flickered, casting the silhouette of Huang Rong's graceful figure across the paper window. Her body was shapely, her curves soft and full. Every contour exuded mature feminine allure, inspiring endless imaginings. She was breathtakingly beautiful.
Lin Xuan did not knock. He tapped the window frame three times with his finger, following a particular rhythm.
"Knock, knock, knock."
The sound was faint, yet like the sweetest secret signal, it passed through the barriers of the window and door in an instant.
Inside, Huang Rong sat before her dressing table. She had already changed out of the fitted outfit she had worn all day, the one that symbolized her responsibilities, and into a soft, close-fitting pale-pink silk nightdress.
The delicate silk glimmered softly in the candlelight, its faint transparency tracing the mature, alluring shape of her body, every curve perfectly defined.
Her full, ample breasts were outlined beneath the silk. With each gentle breath, they rose and fell slightly like ripened fruit, stirring the heart.
Below her slender waist was a strikingly curved, rounded, pert backside that looked even more enticing as she sat.
Her long, jet-black hair fell loose around her neck like a cascade of dark silk, adding a touch of languid allure and intimate mystery.
At the familiar signal, Huang Rong's body trembled slightly. Her already lovely face, flushed with longing in the bronze mirror, now blazed red, radiant as though it might drip with color.
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