Shuang'er Gives Herself to Him (cont.)

"My lord, the water is ready. It's just the right temperature."

Whenever Lin Xuan finished a day of traveling, Shuang'er would bring him a basin of warm water at just the right moment, along with a clean cloth.

Her voice was soft and delicate, with the distinctive lilting accent of a Jiangnan woman. Just hearing it brought peace to the mind.

Lin Xuan looked at her. Her clear, lovely oval face, as smooth as white jade, looked especially captivating in the candlelight. Her skin was as white as jade and smooth as cream, so delicate it seemed it could be broken with a touch. When her eyes lowered, her long lashes cast fan-shaped shadows over her eyelids, lending her an even more delicate air.

She wore plain cloth clothes, yet they did nothing to conceal her graceful, curvaceous figure. Her waist was slender enough to fit in the span of two hands, while her breasts were full and pert. The supple curves of a young woman just coming into her own were faintly visible beneath the fabric, giving her a pure yet dangerously alluring charm.

Lin Xuan let his gaze linger on her a little longer. The primal desire within him was already stirring, beyond his ability to suppress.

"Sorry for the trouble, Shuang'er." Lin Xuan took the cloth, his fingertips inadvertently brushing her warm, soft fingers.

Shuang'er's lovely cheeks would quickly flush crimson, like peach blossoms newly opened in spring, so bright and tempting they seemed ready to drip. She would quickly withdraw her hand, then lower her eyes.

Her shyness and innocence made Lin Xuan chuckle to himself, and only strengthened his desire to tease her. He enjoyed how easily he could stir her shame. That was the thrill of conquest.

As they traveled, the two gradually grew more familiar. Lin Xuan would occasionally ask about Shuang'er's past, and she would tell him about it in a soft voice.

One day, when they arrived at a small town, Lin Xuan noticed that Shuang'er was still wearing the same faded cloth clothes, and an idea came to him.

Though he had deliberately slowed their journey, he had never treated her poorly. Shuang'er was simply frugal by nature and never asked for new clothes.

"Shuang'er, how about I buy you a few new outfits today?" Lin Xuan asked gently.

At his words, a flicker of surprise and delight crossed Shuang'er's clear eyes before she lowered them again and replied softly, "Shuang'er... Shuang'er has clothes to wear. There's no need for you to spend money on me, my lord."

Lin Xuan chuckled, though he thought to himself that this was exactly the innocence and obedience he wanted. He took her to a clothing shop.

"Shopkeeper, could you please bring out a few brightly colored outfits suitable for a young lady?" Lin Xuan instructed.

When Shuang'er saw that Lin Xuan had specially chosen a skirt for her, she looked at it in disbelief. Its hem was a soft, elegant shade of jade green, and several white magnolias in full bloom adorned the skirt.

"My lord... this skirt... it's too expensive." Shuang'er bit her lower lip, looking uneasy.

"If you like it, that's all that matters. Go change into it and show me." Lin Xuan's tone was gentle, yet left no room for objection.

He thought that dressing her in the green skirt was like adorning the pure lotus with a color of his own choosing.

Shuang'er did as he asked and took the skirt into the back room. A moment later, when she emerged shyly, Lin Xuan's eyes lit up.

The jade-green skirt set off her skin, white as jade, making her look even more untouched by the world.

The skirt accentuated her graceful figure, especially her slender waist, which was faintly visible beneath the fabric, so narrow it seemed it could be clasped in one hand.

"My lord... does... does Shuang'er look all right?" Shuang'er's lovely cheeks were flushed as she nervously twisted her fingers. She had never worn such fine clothes before and didn't know what to do with herself.

Lin Xuan stepped forward and looked her over, his eyes full of admiration. He reached out and gently pinched her lovely cheek, smiling warmly. "You look wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. In this jade-green color, you look like a fairy descended from the heavens. You're so beautiful—you ought to wear beautiful clothes like these."

Shuang'er was deeply moved by his words, both shy and delighted. She had never heard anyone praise her like that, least of all the young lord to whom she had given her heart.

Her cheeks flushed so deeply they seemed about to bleed, and her eyes grew misty with gratitude and affection.

Lin Xuan enjoyed the affection and gratitude that he had so easily stirred in her, overflowing in her at that moment. He knew that, with his seemingly casual praise, this simple skirt had left an even deeper impression on her heart.

What he wanted was for her to rely on and trust him with all her heart.

From then on, Shuang'er wore the jade-green skirt Lin Xuan had bought her whenever she was awake. Every day, she washed and starched it carefully, afraid of getting even the tiniest bit of it dirty. Lin Xuan often praised her, and every time he did, she blushed with embarrassment, yet felt overjoyed.

Lin Xuan asked Shuang'er about her past. She calmly recounted how her parents had been murdered, how she had wandered from place to place, and how the Zhuang family had taken her in.

Her voice was soft, but carried a stubborn resilience that made Lin Xuan look at her with even greater respect.

"Shuang'er, have you ever wondered what you might have been like if you hadn't suffered all those hardships?" Lin Xuan once asked her.

Shuang'er thought for a moment. Her clear eyes gazed out the window, a trace of confusion in them that quickly gave way to resolve. "Shuang'er doesn't know. But Shuang'er does know that meeting you is the greatest blessing of her life, my lord."

She turned to look at Lin Xuan, her gaze burning with sincerity and trust. Something stirred faintly in his heart.

Lin Xuan would also tell her amusing tales from the martial world, or about the customs and people he had encountered. Shuang'er listened with rapt attention, occasionally laughing like silver bells or covering her little mouth in surprise.

She rarely offered her own opinions, listening quietly instead. Every now and then, she would ask a simple question, always expressing her curiosity and interest at just the right moment.

Her affection for Lin Xuan was like a vine quietly growing in spring. Before she knew it, it had twined tightly around her heart. She would secretly watch everything he did, remembering what he liked and what he disliked.

Lin Xuan knew it all. He enjoyed being noticed and cared for, especially by such a pure young woman. It greatly satisfied his deeply buried desire for control.

When she discovered that Lin Xuan liked mild tea, she would seek out the finest spring water to brew it with. When she noticed that he sometimes furrowed his brow while thinking, she would quietly prepare some soothing incense for him.

Her gaze always followed him. Whenever Lin Xuan looked her way, she would quickly lower her eyes, her cheeks flushing and her heart pounding. Her careful affection was pure and sincere.

Lin Xuan naturally noticed all of it. He enjoyed Shuang'er's attentions and the undisguised affection in her eyes. He knew that the little girl had completely fallen for him.

Desire stirred within him. Tonight, this tender flower in bud would finally blossom for him.

That day, the two arrived at a small town and found a clean inn to stay in. Night fell, and moonlight streamed through the window lattice into their room, bathing everything in a silvery glow.

After bathing, Lin Xuan changed into a loose robe and sat at the table, idly leafing through a travelogue. He knew Shuang'er was still busy in the next room, preparing food for their journey tomorrow.

He didn't hurry her, but simply waited in silence. He knew that tonight would be the moment he plucked this "flawless flower." The secret anticipation and excitement within him were already impossible to suppress.

About half an hour later, the light in the next room went out. Lin Xuan set down the book and snuffed out the candle on the table, leaving only the cool moonlight outside. He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes, but did not fall asleep.

He heard faint footsteps, light and slow, as if afraid of disturbing something.

The door was gently pushed open, then gently shut. Lin Xuan sensed a slender, soft figure slowly approaching his bed.

He didn't open his eyes, simply taking in the moment.

The figure stopped beside the bed, seemingly hesitating for a moment. Lin Xuan could even hear her faint, quick breathing, touched with helpless confusion and an anticipation she could hardly suppress.

Then he heard the faintest rustle of fabric, like silk slipping away.

Lin Xuan knew what Shuang'er was doing.

At last, he felt the bed sink slightly as a soft, warm body, fragrant with the unique scent of a young woman, slipped gently beneath his covers.

Her skin felt as smooth as jade, cool at first, but quickly warmed beneath the blankets.

Shuang'er pressed herself close to him. Her petite body trembled slightly, like a startled fawn, yet she clung tightly to him, seeking warmth and comfort.

Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes. By the moonlight, he saw Shuang'er's flushed cheeks. Her eyes were shyly closed, her long lashes trembling, her breathing quick and uneven.

She seemed to have summoned all her courage to make such a bold move.

"My lord..." Her voice was faint and halting, touched with a hint of tears, yet unusually resolute. "Shuang'er... Shuang'er wants to be your woman."

She finally opened her eyes. Her clear gaze was full of shyness and nervousness.

Lin Xuan looked at her innocence and willingness to give herself to him. A complicated feeling rose within him: the warmth of being touched by her sincerity, and an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.

"Shuang'er... Shuang'er knows she's lowborn and unworthy of you, my lord..." Her voice wavered, her eyes reddening. "But Shuang'er... Shuang'er is willing to give you everything. She only asks that you... don't cast her aside."

Her pure love and devotion stirred a warmth within Lin Xuan. It was rare to find a woman so steadfast and so pure in this world.

He reached out and gently stroked her long, dark hair, then pulled her trembling body more tightly into his arms.

"Silly girl." Lin Xuan's voice was low and gentle, touched with affection. "You're wonderful. How could I ever look down on you?"

He knew that tenderness was the best way to coax her now. He felt Shuang'er's body stiffen, then relax. She clung tightly to him, as if she wanted to meld her body with his.

Lin Xuan lowered his head, his gaze deep as the sea, and looked into her blushing face, flushed with shyness and nervousness. He said nothing, letting his actions express the feelings overflowing within him. His gentle kiss brushed her smooth, jade-like forehead like a feather, soothing and tender.

Shuang'er's body trembled slightly, her long lashes fluttering like the wings of a startled butterfly.

Lin Xuan's kiss drifted down and landed on her trembling eyelids.

Shuang'er felt a tingling warmth on her skin, and couldn't help squeezing her eyes shut, surrendering herself completely to the man before her.

At last, his lips met hers, soft and cool.

"Mmm..."

Shuang'er's body stiffened. This intimate contact, unlike anything she had ever experienced, was like a gentle bolt of lightning, striking the softest place in her heart.

Her lips parted slightly. Though inexperienced and clumsy, she responded awkwardly to Lin Xuan's advances, guided by an instinct more primal than thought.

He felt her tense body gradually relax, her breathing shifting from hurried to steady and unhurried. Yet the warmth of her body pressed against his kept rising, as if, without a sound, it would set them both alight.

His hands no longer stayed still. Through her thin clothes, he gently caressed her smooth back. From her slender waist, narrow enough to fit in one hand, his fingers slowly moved upward. Every inch of her skin felt soft and delicate, like the finest silk. The touch set the Internal Energy in his body stirring as well.

"Mm..." A stifled moan escaped Shuang'er's throat. Her body arched involuntarily, as if struck by a faint electric current. Her long, straight legs also wrapped unconsciously around Lin Xuan's waist, like a drowning person clutching the only piece of driftwood, instinctively seeking closer, deeper contact.

Lin Xuan knew that this pure, tender flower was beginning to bloom for him under the tender assault he had carefully orchestrated.

No longer content with the exchange of kisses, he let his kisses wander downward, past her delicate chin and along her long, fair neck.

Shuang'er felt a strange warmth flowing from where they touched, quickly spreading through her limbs. Her whole body grew tingling and feverish. Wherever the warmth flowed, it felt as though countless tiny flames were dancing, making her tremble softly.

When Lin Xuan's kisses finally settled upon the full, pert softness of her breasts, Shuang'er let out a moan she could no longer suppress. Her hands clutched tightly at Lin Xuan's lapels. Her skin, white as jade, was now tinged with an alluring pink, like ripe peaches on a branch, giving off a sweet fragrance that intoxicated the senses.

Lin Xuan's skill was undeniably impressive.

He knew how to guide a girl untouched by passion, leading her to explore the pleasure and desire hidden deep within her body as she teetered on the brink of shame and nervousness. He did not rush. Like a patient hunter, he gently explored every sensitive part of her body, inch by inch, waiting for her to open herself completely.

Beneath his touch, Shuang'er's body swayed like a flower in the wind, each shudder holding a fatal allure. Her moans, at first stifled and shy, gradually became helpless gasps. Her voice carried a desire and daze she herself had never noticed.

With that burning Internal Energy, Lin Xuan's kisses continued downward, passing over her flat, firm abdomen. Wherever he went, it was as though he branded her skin with his mark. He felt that her body had grown completely ripe, giving off an enticing sweetness. Every touch drew another soft moan from her.

Shuang'er's consciousness was completely swallowed by the unfamiliar, surging pleasure. Her eyes were tightly shut, her mind blank. She could only arch her body instinctively, pressing herself closer to Lin Xuan, as if she wanted to melt into his embrace.

"My lord... my lord..." Her voice was broken and unsteady, touched with tears, yet full of an indescribable dependence and pleading. She felt like a helpless skiff tossed by raging waves, while Lin Xuan was the only solid, warm harbor she could cling to.

"Don't be afraid, Shuang'er." Lin Xuan's voice was low and magnetic as he whispered in her ear. Every word seemed to carry a bewitching power. "I'm here. I'll let you... experience true pleasure."

He used the unique method of the Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique, sending Internal Energy into her even as he cleverly stirred the vitality and Primal Yin Energy within her. The art's domineering power lay in its ability to make the person being drained willingly offer up her purest Primal Yin Energy amid overwhelming sensual pleasure. She would only feel that she was experiencing an unprecedented, ultimate delight.

Shuang'er felt a strange energy in every touch from Lin Xuan, causing her body to tremble deep within. It was as if something were about to break free from its cocoon. The mingled tingling and heat made her body go limp, and even breathing became hot and difficult. She even began to crave a deeper, more complete union.

Her legs wrapped tighter around him without conscious thought, and her slender waist moved involuntarily, like a watersnake awakening in spring, instinctively seeking the fate of being completely tamed.

Lin Xuan looked at her, utterly lost in desire and completely surrendered, and a trace of satisfied triumph flashed through his eyes. He bent down and kissed her swollen lips again, this time with unprecedented aggression and possessiveness.

"Ah!" Shuang'er let out a trembling cry, but the domineering kiss swallowed every sound. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Lin Xuan's broad back, her nails nearly digging into his skin, as if only that could steady her and keep her from dissolving completely in the flood of desire.

Lin Xuan felt the unconcealed heat of her response deep within her and knew the time had come. He did not hesitate. With a stifled gasp, his powerful body lowered...

"Ah!"

Shuang'er's body stiffened violently. A broken sob escaped her throat, and two clear tears instantly slid from the corners of her eyes. The strange, violent tearing sensation nearly made her faint.

Yet the pain lasted only an instant before a more surging, boundless warmth took its place.

Lin Xuan's Internal Energy flowed through her like a river breaking its banks. Wherever it went, it completely soothed and drowned out the initial pain, replacing it with an extreme tingling and shuddering. It felt as though countless tiny currents were coursing through her limbs, or as if a wave of heat had instantly filled all the veins in her body. Each thrust made her arch instinctively and let out a sweet, almost moaning cry.

Her tense body gradually relaxed, and her stiff fingers slowly loosened. All shame and fear were swept away in that moment, leaving only boundless surrender and desire. She couldn't think of anything. She could only let Lin Xuan guide her and drift with the storm.

"My lord... I..." Shuang'er murmured haltingly, her voice trembling and tearful, yet full of an indescribable contentment and dependence. Her hands clung helplessly to Lin Xuan's back, her fingertips gently tracing his bulging muscles, as if she wanted to carve this man deeply into her body and soul.

Lin Xuan clearly felt a stream of the purest Primal Yin Energy flow from Shuang'er into his Dantian with each deep union. This pure life force met and mingled with his own masculine Internal Energy, making his depleted meridians feel like parched land blessed with rain. The vortex of Internal Energy in his Dantian grew visibly denser and stronger.

His satisfaction was beyond measure. This was more than a conquest of the body; through the Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique, it was also a union and plunder that reached deep into the soul.

He bent down and kissed away the tears at the corners of her damp eyes. His low, bewitching voice sounded in her ear. "Relax... Shuang'er... relax..."

Guided by his words and his technique, Shuang'er's body opened completely, every sensation amplified to its utmost. Each movement seemed to push her toward an abyss of loss of control, only to pull her back just before she fell. She felt completely possessed by Lin Xuan, as if their souls had become one in that moment.

She didn't know how long it was before the final storm subsided. When Lin Xuan gently called her name and brought her back to reality, Shuang'er slowly opened her hazy eyes. Clear tears still clung to her lashes. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes held the alluring, bewildered look of a woman newly initiated into passion. Her body was weak and limp, as if her bones had fallen apart, but deep inside, she felt fuller and more satisfied than ever before.

She turned her head and saw Lin Xuan's deep, dark eyes gazing at her tenderly. Shuang'er's cheeks flushed once more, and she shyly buried her head against his firm chest, listening to his warm, steady heartbeat.

Holding the soft, warm body in his arms and feeling the Internal Energy that had grown within him, Lin Xuan felt no further stirrings of emotion. He knew the value of moderation. Shuang'er had been inexperienced, after all, and needed time to recover and adjust.

"That felt so good just now..." she murmured involuntarily.

Lin Xuan chuckled. "Get some rest." He didn't leave, simply holding her quietly.

In the warmth of his utterly reassuring embrace, Shuang'er's exhaustion and shyness gradually faded, replaced by a satisfaction and peace she had never felt before. She lifted her head and gazed at Lin Xuan's sharply defined profile. Her eyes were full of abiding affection and deep love.

"My lord..." she called softly.

"Hmm?"

A resolve unlike anything before flashed in Shuang'er's eyes. She wrapped her slender arms around Lin Xuan's neck and pressed her body closer. Then, using what seemed like every ounce of strength she had, she whispered solemnly in his ear, "Shuang'er... will follow you all my life, my lord, and serve no one but you. Through mountains of blades and seas of fire, I would face ten thousand deaths without hesitation."

Hearing her heartfelt vow and feeling the unreserved trust of the woman in his arms, a complicated emotion flashed through Lin Xuan's eyes. He tightened his arms around her, kissed the crown of Shuang'er's head, and murmured, "All right."