Victory Banquet / Guo Fu the Maid

That hand looked fair and slender, yet it was like a pair of red-hot iron tongs, leaving him unable to move.

"Your blade is too slow."

Lin Xuan spoke softly. With his other hand, he joined his fingers like a sword and slowly, irresistibly, pointed them at Bolton's brow.

Bolton's eyes were filled with boundless fear and unwillingness. He watched helplessly as that finger grew larger and larger in his pupils, yet he could not even blink.

"Pfft."

A soft sound, like a ripe watermelon being punctured.

Lin Xuan's fingertip sank into Bolton's brow. A spiral force, interwoven with Yin Yang Qi, erupted inside his skull.

The expression on Bolton's face froze in an instant. The light in his eyes faded as swiftly as the tide receding, leaving only lifeless, ashen gray.

His towering body swayed twice, then crashed backward, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Bolton, the fearsome warrior who had struck terror across the grasslands and commanded the three thousand Wolf Riders, was dead!

Lin Xuan slowly withdrew his finger and flicked away the red-and-white matter clinging to it. He bent down and picked up the golden curved saber that symbolized absolute authority. Then, mustering all his Internal Energy, he let out a thunderous, earth-shaking cry:

"Bolton is dead! Surrender, and you will be spared!"

His cry was like rolling thunder from the heavens, ringing clearly in the ears of everyone in the valley!

Every Mongolian Wolf Rider still fighting froze in place.

They instinctively turned toward the golden tents. What they saw was the black wolf banner, the symbol of their faith and glory, lying on the ground beside a figure in green who held a golden curved saber in one hand and looked like a god—or a demon.

The commander was dead! The command banner had fallen!

That realization struck like a massive iron hammer, smashing the last line of defense in their hearts. The fighting spirit that had made them fearless in the face of death collapsed completely!

"The general is dead!"

"Run!"

Someone let out the first desperate cry. Then panic spread through the ranks of the Wolf Riders like a plague.

The Wolf Riders had lost all will to fight. Shrieking, they wheeled their horses around and fled in disarray toward the way they had come, toward the mouth of the valley.

But waiting for them were the ambushers from the various sects, already prepared for battle, and the most merciless slaughter.

At the heart of the battle was a hundred-man elite force from the Central Plains Martial Arts World. Together, they routed three thousand elite Mongolian Wolf Riders.

More than a thousand were beheaded, nearly a thousand were captured, and only a few hundred remnants managed to escape back to their camp.

One battle brought victory and shook the world!

And Lin Xuan, the young man who had planned the entire astonishing raid alone and, at its most crucial moment, led the elite strike force to Slay Generals and Seize Flags amid the enemy's vast army, saw the name "Little Zhuge" spread across the land like wildfire.

Chapter 44: Victory Banquet

In Xiangyang City, the Changle Tower blazed with lanterns and decorations, filled with cheers and thunderous applause.

A grand victory banquet was pushing the joy of triumph to its peak.

Lin Xuan was undoubtedly the brightest star of the feast. Like a luminous full moon, he drew everyone's gaze.

He sat at the head of the main table. Dressed in a new moon-white brocade robe, he looked all the more handsome and distinguished.

As waves of martial heroes came to toast and praise him, he maintained his calm, unruffled smile, responding with modesty and grace. His composed manner, untouched by either favor or disgrace, drew quiet admiration from many of the older generation. This young man was clearly no ordinary talent.

"Young Master Lin is as wise as Zhuge and braver than the Conqueror. We are in awe of your extraordinary service in this battle!"

"Without Young Master Lin's masterful planning, we would probably be nothing but bones in Yan Hui Valley by now. We'll never forget your kindness!"

Praise poured in like a rising tide. Lin Xuan smiled and raised his cup to each of them in turn, tactfully sharing the credit among all the heroes who had fought in the battle. He displayed generosity and won people's hearts.

At a table some distance from the main banquet, Ning Zhongze wore a simple, elegant dress. Her manner was cool and refined, though a hint of fragility and weariness lingered between her brows. That delicate air of illness only made her seem more moving and vulnerable.

She had barely touched the delicacies before her. Her clear eyes, as limpid as water, passed over the noisy crowd and almost never left that dazzling figure.

Her gaze was complicated beyond measure.

There was gratitude for having survived, gratitude that he had forcibly pulled her back from the icy abyss of death. That warm and domineering Pure Yang True Qi had been the most reassuring power she had ever felt.

There was sincere admiration for his unfathomable martial arts and his flawless foresight. But more than anything, there was a strange feeling that filled her with shame and flustered even her.

Whenever her attention wavered, the disorienting scene in the cave—the "healing"—would surge uncontrollably through her mind.

His hot, powerful hands had roamed over every inch of her jade-like skin. The contradictory pleasure, pain intermingled with overwhelming ecstasy, had come as he kneaded her. His domineering, vigorous presence had left its mark throughout her limbs and body. In his arms, naked and helpless, she had completely surrendered, letting him "do whatever he wanted" to her...

It was all like the sharpest blade, carving the name "Lin Xuan" into her very bones and etching it deep into her soul. Whenever she thought of it, her heart would suddenly race, two intoxicating blushes would bloom across her cheeks, and even her breathing would grow unsteady.

She knew it was wrong. She was a married woman, the Huashan Jade Maiden. Yet her body had honestly remembered what it felt like to be utterly conquered.

She glanced unconsciously at her husband, Yue Buqun, beside her. He was beaming as he chatted animatedly with Guo Jing and the others, basking in the Huashan Sect's "glorious" performance in the battle. He hadn't noticed his wife acting strangely, and had no idea what had happened in that cave.

As if sensing her gaze, Lin Xuan, who had been laughing and talking with someone, suddenly turned his head. His eyes met hers precisely.

His expression was calm, but a knowing hint of amusement lingered in his eyes, as if he were silently asking her:

Heroine Ning, were you satisfied with my treatment?

Ning Zhongze's heart jolted as if struck by an electric current. She hurriedly lowered her eyes, not daring to look at him again, but her heart fluttered like a startled fawn, and her cheeks burned.

Guo Fu, seated beside her, felt as if her emotions had been tossed into a five-flavor pot: proud and pleased, yet filled with a powerful sense of crisis.

She looked at Lin Xuan, surrounded by admirers, as if she were watching a precious treasure that belonged to her alone, one that countless people were about to covet.

The undisguised adoration in the eyes of the female disciples from the various sects, and Ning Zhongze's unusual bashfulness in particular, made alarm bells ring in her heart. A fierce possessiveness blazed within her.

He's mine! He can only be mine!

The victory banquet continued until late at night before finally winding down.

The guests left in twos and threes, tipsy and satisfied. At last, the main hall of the Changle Tower, which had been noisy all evening, fell quiet.

Citing his need to recuperate, Lin Xuan chose to spend the night in the tower's finest guest room.

To everyone's surprise, after they had all left, Guo Fu returned alone.

The vast hall was empty now, with only Lin Xuan and Guo Fu remaining. The lingering fragrance of wine and food mingled with a faint, elusive scent that belonged to a young woman.

The desire Lin Xuan had felt flare up a few days earlier, when Ning Zhongze's mature, voluptuous body had stirred him, had not faded. If anything, the alcohol had stoked it, turning it into surging magma beneath the earth.

He needed an outlet, a way to release it completely.

And the beautiful woman before him, fiery as a flame and deeply in love with him, was undoubtedly the perfect choice.

Guo Fu stood where she was, unsure what to do with herself.

With the noise of the banquet gone, the quiet of being alone together only made her more nervous. Her heart pounded as if it would leap from her chest. She didn't dare look at Lin Xuan, only lowered her head and toyed with her jade-white fingertips, clutching the edge of her clothes.

Seeing her bashful, endearing appearance, Lin Xuan's lips curled into a teasing smile. He slowly approached, each step seeming to land on the tip of Guo Fu's heart.

"Senior Sister," he said. His voice rang especially clear in the quiet night. "Did you enjoy the banquet tonight?"

"It... it was all right," Guo Fu replied in a voice faint as a mosquito's buzz.

"Good." Lin Xuan stopped in front of her and looked down at her. A teasing glint shone in his eyes, deep as the night sky.

"Now that the banquet is over, shouldn't we settle some personal matters between us?"

"Personal matters?" Guo Fu looked up in confusion and met his eyes, which seemed able to see through everything.

A glint of amusement flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes as he said slowly, "Have you forgotten that there's still a wager between us?"

"A wager!"

The two words struck Guo Fu like a bolt of lightning. Her mind went blank, and then the memory came back to her in perfect clarity.

In an instant, Guo Fu's pretty face turned crimson. The flush spread from her cheeks down her slender neck, making her look especially alluring in the candlelight. She stammered, unable to get a single word out.

"Looks like you remember, Senior Sister." Lin Xuan savored her flustered, bashful expression, and his desire to conquer her grew stronger. "According to our agreement, I won, so you have to grant me one favor. Right?"

"I..." Guo Fu bit her rosy lower lip, feeling both embarrassed and anxious. But the pride in her bones wouldn't let her break her promise in front of him.

She drew a deep breath, as if steeling herself, then raised her head to meet Lin Xuan's gaze with her beautiful, misty eyes, a stubborn glint shining within them.

"I... will honor the wager!" she said, one word at a time. Her voice was quiet, but filled with determined resolve. "Go on! What do you want me to... do? If it's something I can do, I'll agree to it!"

As she said this, she had already prepared herself for the worst. Even if Lin Xuan made some humiliating demand, she would accept it!

"Good." Lin Xuan smiled in satisfaction. He liked seeing her so proud and defiant, yet forced to submit.

He didn't state his demand immediately. Instead, he reached out and gently lifted her pointed chin, with a hint of undeniable authority, making her meet his eyes.

"Are you really willing to do anything, Senior Sister?" His voice dropped low, full of magnetic allure, like the devil whispering in Guo Fu's ear.

His intimate yet domineering gesture made Guo Fu shudder all over, and half her body went weak. She felt her heart racing so fast it might stop. All she could manage was a faint "Mm" squeezed from her throat.

Lin Xuan's smile deepened. He slowly leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against Guo Fu's sensitive ear and raising fine goosebumps across her skin.

"My demand is simple." In a voice only the two of them could hear, he spoke slowly, one word at a time. "Tonight, Senior Sister, you'll be my personal maid."

"Personal maid?" Guo Fu's heart clenched. The words conjured up countless erotic and shameful images in her mind. Embarrassment and indignation made her lovely, bright face turn as red as a ripe apple.

As if he could see what she was thinking, Lin Xuan continued in that seductive tone, "From now until sunrise tomorrow, everything about you belongs to me. You'll do whatever I tell you. No resisting, no refusing, and, above all... no asking why."

"You... you villain!" Guo Fu was embarrassed and angry. This demand was even more tormenting than being told outright to do something. It was full of uncertainty and absolute control.

"What? Are you going to break your promise, Senior Sister?" Lin Xuan straightened up and looked at her at his leisure, a hint of mockery in his voice. "Looks like Lady Guo's word isn't worth much after all."

"W-who's breaking their promise!" Guo Fu couldn't stand being provoked. She stamped her foot and thrust out her full, pert chest. Her beautiful eyes widened with indignation; she looked less angry than petulant.

She would go through with it!

"Fine! I agree!" She clenched her teeth and practically forced the words out. "From now on, I... I'm your personal maid! You can do whatever you want with me!"

"Good." A satisfied glint flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes.

He reached out again. This time, he wrapped his arm directly around her slender waist and drew her soft body into his embrace.

Guo Fu let out a startled cry and stiffened instantly. But then she softened, leaning obediently against his solid chest and feeling his powerful heartbeat. Her slender yet curvaceous waist felt especially alluring beneath his hand, making him want to explore lower.

"Then, my dear Senior Sister, my... little maid," Lin Xuan whispered in her ear, his voice full of unquestionable command. "Help me upstairs and back to my room."

The words exploded in Guo Fu's mind like a bolt of thunder.

Her mind gave up thinking altogether, leaving only blankness and endless embarrassment. Half-held, half-embraced by Lin Xuan, she had lost all strength and could only lean against him, mechanically yet utterly docilely, and take a step forward.

Chapter 45: Guo Fu the Maid

Guo Fu stood by the door, her heart nearly leaping into her throat.

She clutched the hem of her clothes. Her fiery red dress seemed like a burning flame, laying bare the embarrassment and heat within her.

She had opened the door herself. She had walked in of her own accord.

Yet every step felt like walking on red-hot iron, each one an ordeal. She bit her lower lip, her pretty face flushed with indignation, and glared fiercely at the figure seated behind the writing desk, as if she wanted to flay him with her eyes.

Lin Xuan, however, seemed completely unaware of the look that all but shot flames at him.

He had changed out of his moon-white brocade robe and now wore only a loose silk undergarment, its collar slightly open to reveal his sharply defined collarbones and a small patch of solid chest. His black hair fell loosely over his shoulders, a few strands hanging beside his face and adding a touch of languor and unrestrained charm to his peerlessly handsome features.

He was studying the documents spread across the desk: the casualty lists from the battle, the records of each side's achievements, and the plans for the defenses to come.

Holding a wolf-hair brush, he occasionally circled or annotated something. His expression was serious and focused. The easy composure with which he had chatted at the banquet had now become the concentrated calm of a man directing the course of a battle.

He looked less like a victor about to do whatever he wanted with his "maid" and more like a general still laboring over affairs of state.

The stark contrast left Guo Fu's pent-up anger with nowhere to go. She stood there, uncertain whether to move forward or retreat, her heart a jumble of feelings.

"Why are you still standing there?"

Lin Xuan didn't even raise his head. His calm voice broke the suffocating silence.

"The wager began the moment you stepped into this room. My... little maid."

He deliberately drew out the last three words, saying them softly and slowly, with a teasing lilt. Like a feather, they lightly tickled Guo Fu's most sensitive nerves and made her shiver all over.

"You..." Guo Fu was exasperated, but she couldn't argue.

"Come over and grind the ink." Lin Xuan still didn't look at her. He simply tapped the inkstone on the desk lightly with the handle of his brush.

His tone held no emotion, as if he were ordering an ordinary servant to do an ordinary task.

Guo Fu's pride had never been so thoroughly trampled. Who was she? She was the daughter of Guo Jing and Guo Fu, the jewel of Xiangyang City! When had she ever been ordered about like this?

Her chest rose and fell as she struggled to hold back from exploding on the spot. But when she thought of the promise she had made with her own mouth, and of her father's lifelong lesson to keep her word, she forced down her unruly temper.

Clenching her teeth, she made her way toward the desk one step at a time. Her usually lovely, radiant face now bore the words "utterly unwilling" all over it. She picked up the inkstick and looked at the cold inkstone, her heart full of humiliation.