Huang Rong Is Exhausted

Guo Jing listened in bewilderment, but his instincts told him that Lin Xuan made a lot of sense. He just felt that the strategies Lin Xuan described sounded incredibly ingenious, yet completely unfamiliar.

Huang Rong had long since moved beyond her initial shock and become almost completely absorbed.

She gazed at Lin Xuan, her bright eyes glimmering with an unfamiliar light.

Her breathing grew a little quicker. Her face, which had looked somewhat pale from exhaustion, now took on a healthy flush of excitement.

Her slender fingers unconsciously clenched and relaxed, as if she wanted to carve every word Lin Xuan said deep into her memory.

At that moment, it was as if her body had filled with energy anew. The strategic dilemma had suddenly become clear after just a few words from Lin Xuan.

She realized that although Lin Xuan's way of thinking was just as meticulous as her own, it was fundamentally different.

Her strategies were based largely on her insight into human nature and her accumulated experience in the martial world. Lin Xuan, however, could take the entire situation apart from a higher vantage point, analyze it, and then build such a comprehensive system.

At that moment, it was as if the light of wisdom in Lin Xuan's words had swept away much of her exhaustion.

She felt deeply comforted. It seemed as though Lin Xuan had taken on part of the heavy burden weighing on her.

"Xuan'er... What you said was like a sudden burst of enlightenment!" Huang Rong praised him sincerely. Her voice trembled slightly, revealing how deeply moved she was.

She did not even bother to consider that Guo Jing was there. She went straight to Lin Xuan, her skirt swaying lightly with her quick steps. Her graceful waist and ample bosom appeared and disappeared beneath the fabric, radiating an allure that stirred the heart.

She stopped before Lin Xuan and stared into his perceptive eyes, as if she wanted to see right through him.

Beyond her amazement, there was also a deep fascination with—and yearning for—his talent.

"If we follow your plan, how exactly should we put it into practice? How should we design those 'markers' embedded in the intelligence to make sure each one is unique and cannot be turned against us?"

Seeing Huang Rong so excited surprised Guo Jing, but when he saw the clouds of worry lift from his wife's brow, he felt reassured. He knew that if Rong'er approved of something, it had to be a good plan.

Lin Xuan could tell that Huang Rong was completely won over by his scheme and trusted him more than ever. His heart leaped with joy, but he kept a modest expression.

"You flatter me, Master. The markers have to be designed around the city's actual circumstances. For example, they could be based on Master's Husband Guo Jing's personal seal, or on serial numbers used only for a particular batch of military equipment."

"As for the channels used to pass along the information, we can set up multiple layers of misdirection. Even if the Mongols obtain the intelligence, they won't be able to confirm where it came from. They'll have no choice but to dance to our tune..."

He explained every step in detail, presenting each interlocking part of the plan like a work of art. He covered everything from choosing suitable "leakers" and using the townspeople's daily activities as cover to monitoring the intelligence sent back in response.

Huang Rong nodded again and again. The corners of her mouth, which had grown stiff from excessive worry, now curved into a genuine smile.

Several times, she could not help lightly patting Lin Xuan on the shoulder with her slender hand in approval.

Her fingertips were soft and supple. Each light touch sent a tingling sensation through Lin Xuan, as if an electric current had passed through him.

He could clearly feel the Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique surging into action through their close contact and spiritual resonance, drawing the pure and powerful Primal Yin Energy from Huang Rong.

This absorption through a meeting of minds was far more effective than the footbath and the earlier guidance through her chest.

As Huang Rong focused on the strategy he was explaining, her mind was almost entirely absorbed in it. She did not notice her energy draining away. Instead, Lin Xuan's "inspiration" left her feeling invigorated and full of strength.

Lin Xuan was delighted. It was not just an increase in power. Deep in his soul, his intense desire to conquer and control was being satisfied as never before.

"Xuan'er, you... you truly are a heaven-gifted genius!" Huang Rong exclaimed, looking at him with a trace of admiration.

Guo Jing came over and patted Lin Xuan on the shoulder. His rugged face broke into a sincere smile. "Xuan'er, you've done a great service today! If this plan succeeds, it will help relieve the immediate danger facing Xiangyang!"

Huang Rong's bright eyes were now fixed entirely on Lin Xuan.

All traces of exhaustion had vanished from her lovely face, replaced by a radiance and vitality she had never shown before.

She even felt that her heart, so often burdened by affairs of state and the weight of responsibility, had found a rare kindred spirit in Lin Xuan.

Never before had she so clearly felt that a young man's way of thinking could complement her own so perfectly—and even show her new possibilities.

"Xuan'er, from today on, stay by my side. You and I will discuss Xiangyang City's intelligence and strategies together!"

Her tone was firm and unquestionable, filled with complete trust in and reliance on Lin Xuan's abilities.

Lin Xuan remained impassive. He knew this was exactly what he wanted.

He had become an indispensable advisor to Huang Rong, and would have more time to be with her.

"This disciple will not let you down!" Lin Xuan replied respectfully.

Huang Rong's Exhaustion

Lin Xuan's strategy was like timely rain after a long drought, bringing a glimmer of hope to Xiangyang. Huang Rong and Guo Jing immediately agreed to put the plans for "Information Counter-Penetration" and "Psychological Offense and Defense" into action. But it would not be easy to accomplish overnight.

Every step, from drafting forged intelligence to carefully setting up the layers of misdirection, required precise calculations and meticulous execution. Almost the entire burden fell on Huang Rong. She had to plan everything and coordinate the Beggar Sect disciples, as well as work with the city's defenders to ensure the scheme proceeded smoothly.

She worked day and night, rushing from one task to the next. She barely ate, and cut her sleep down to the bare minimum. Even someone made of iron would have struggled to keep going.

That afternoon, the sun blazed overhead. Huang Rong had just returned from the city defenses. A little dust clung to her elegant dress, and her sleeves were rolled up casually, revealing forearms as fair and delicate as lotus roots. Her black hair was coming loose, and a few strands had fallen playfully across her smooth forehead, adding to her disheveled, weary appearance.

She forced herself into the study, intending to continue reviewing the towering pile of documents. But as soon as her slender hand picked up a brush, a stiff ache seized her right shoulder, as if it were weighed down by a thousand pounds. She rubbed it instinctively, but it barely helped.

Her usually lively eyes were tired. The strain had drained the color from her exquisite face.

"Ah..." Huang Rong sighed and set down the brush. She closed her eyes and rubbed her aching temples.

Lin Xuan happened to enter the courtyard just then. He had come to report on the day's search for the Mongol spies' hideout. At a glance, he saw how weary Huang Rong looked. Delighted, he knew the time had come.

Without looking around, he walked to the study and bowed respectfully. "Master, this disciple is here to report."

Huang Rong slowly opened her eyes. There was no hiding her exhaustion as she looked at Lin Xuan.

"Xuan'er, you're here." Her voice was hoarser than usual, with a distinct note of fatigue.

"How did things go?" she asked. Though tired, her mind was still clear.

Seeing her like this, Lin Xuan felt even more concern for her... though there was something else behind that concern.

"Master, everything is going smoothly. I followed your instructions and put the plan to lure the enemy into a trap in place. It should take effect in a few days," Lin Xuan replied respectfully.

Huang Rong nodded, but even that small movement seemed unusually slow. Her normally straight back was now slightly hunched, showing the strain her body was under.

Lin Xuan was observant. He noticed that the muscles in Huang Rong's shoulders and neck were extremely tense.

This was exactly the opening he had been looking for.

He asked with concern, "Master, you've been working so hard lately. Are your shoulders and neck aching?"

Huang Rong's long fingers paused as she massaged her neck and shoulders. She looked at Lin Xuan in surprise, that same astonishment returning to her bright eyes.

"Xuan'er, how did you know?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with confusion and the weary resignation of someone whose private thoughts had been guessed.

"After the footbath a few days ago, I happened to come across an ancient text. It said that the feet are the body's extremities, while the shoulders and neck are its pivot. If fatigue in the feet builds up without being relieved, stagnant energy can rise to the neck and shoulders, obstructing the meridians and even interfering with the circulation of Internal Energy."

Lin Xuan spoke earnestly.

"The ancient text described a method used by a learned master to soothe the shoulders and neck of his fellow travelers. It was called the 'Primal Essence Return Breath' method."

Watching Huang Rong's expression, he continued, "Gentle pressure can clear stagnation and guide the energy downward, letting Internal Energy flow freely and dispelling fatigue. But the pressure must be gentle yet firm, and the treatment can't be rushed. If you don't mind, Master, this disciple..."

He paused, then looked up, his gaze sincere and earnest as it settled on Huang Rong's beautiful face.

"This disciple... would be glad to help you, Master. I can ease the strain in your shoulders and neck, so you can—focus on your duties to the country without worry."

After he said this, the study fell briefly silent.

Huang Rong stared at Lin Xuan without blinking. A faint blush visibly appeared on her cheeks, quickly spreading to her ears like a peach blossom about to bloom.

Her shoulders and neck! Huang Rong had always been mindful of propriety. Men and women were not supposed to touch, let alone engage in such intimate contact.

"H-How could I allow that?!" Her voice sounded distinctly awkward, even trembling slightly.

She tried to look away, but her gaze remained captivated by Lin Xuan's clear, deep eyes.

"Master, I truly care about your health!" Seeing her hesitate, Lin Xuan knew she was not ready to agree, so he played the filial devotion card once more.

"You work day and night for Xiangyang City. If exhaustion damages your health, it will be a misfortune for all the people of Xiangyang! As your disciple, how could I stand by and watch you work yourself to the bone?"

He sounded so impassioned and sincere that it was as if refusing him meant she did not care about the country's fate.

"The method this disciple would use is a health practice passed down from the ancients. It has nothing to do with impropriety between men and women. And I would only work through your clothes, never overstep any bounds. I only want to help clear your meridians, restore your energy, and drive back the Tartars as soon as possible."

He emphasized that he would work through her clothes, hoping to put Huang Rong's concerns at ease.

Huang Rong was torn. Her reason told her this was improper, but the ache in her body—and the curious comfort she had experienced from the footbath a few days earlier—tugged at her like invisible hooks.

Besides, the sincerity in Lin Xuan's eyes, so free of any ulterior motive, made her feel cared for and valued as never before. For someone who had carried every burden on her shoulders for so long, the feeling was unfamiliar.

She looked at the young man before her. His youthful face bore the signs of fatigue, as if his own efforts and constant work had worn him down, yet he was still full of energy. His willingness to give everything for her and for Xiangyang stirred something in her heart.

In the end, her physical exhaustion and the tenderness in her heart that longed for care broke through the last of her resistance.

She drew a light breath, her full chest rising slightly, her figure carrying the distinctive allure of a mature woman.

She slowly closed her eyes, her lashes trembling like two startled butterflies.

"W-Well... all right. Xuan'er, you... go ahead, but you mustn't tell anyone."

Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's. It seemed to take all her strength to utter those words. There was reluctant surrender in them, along with a hint of unspoken embarrassment.

Lin Xuan was delighted. Without the slightest hesitation, he replied respectfully, "This disciple will obey!"

He walked behind Huang Rong and told her she did not need to get up. She kept her eyes closed, her beautiful face caught between shyness and exhaustion like a blooming Pheobe.

He stood quietly for a moment, breathing in Huang Rong's faint fragrance. Then he slowly reached out.

First, he held his palms above her shoulders and neck without touching her. Only then did he gently and gradually rest both hands on her shoulders through her dress.

More precisely, on Huang Rong's shoulders. Her dark blue dress was soft and comfortable against the skin, its thin fabric clinging to her warm body.

Through the thin fabric, Lin Xuan felt the warmth and smoothness of Huang Rong's skin, as well as the tension and soreness hidden deep in the muscles of her shoulders and neck.

He did not apply pressure right away. Instead, he gently kneaded the back of Huang Rong's neck with his fingertips. That was where fatigue most readily built up.

He followed the graceful line of her slender neck downward, his fingertips clearly feeling her soft skin and delicate bones as they passed.

"Master, this disciple will be gentle. Please tell me if anything feels uncomfortable," Lin Xuan said softly, his voice soothing.

Huang Rong said nothing. Her body trembled slightly, then relaxed completely. A warm force flowed from Lin Xuan's fingertips, seeping in with a peculiar intensity as it pressed precisely into the tense spots.

The Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique roared through Lin Xuan's body. He deliberately controlled how much Primal Yin Energy he absorbed, drawing it from Huang Rong's shoulders and neck in a steady trickle.

He could clearly sense the pure Primal Yin Energy flowing through Huang Rong's meridians before his technique silently absorbed it. The feeling filled him with a satisfaction and strength he had never experienced before.

Huang Rong was suddenly swept by an unprecedented feeling of comfort. The stiffness and soreness in her shoulders and neck melted away like snow, and a warm, tingling sensation spread downward, relaxing every tendon in her body.

Her body trembled slightly, an instinctive response to being overwhelmed by such exquisite comfort. She even felt her breathing grow longer and deeper, as if every pore were rejoicing.

Lin Xuan's fingers slowly moved from her neck to her shoulders. He could feel their rounded softness, the mature fullness of her curves barely visible beneath the thin fabric and tempting enough to make his heart race.

He gently stroked her shoulder blades with the heel of his palm, while his fingertips moved beneath her collarbone to knead softly. He knew that several important acupoints met there, and that it was also one of the most sensitive areas.

"Master, here..." Lin Xuan murmured, as if only to guide her. His breath carried his distinctive masculine scent as it brushed Huang Rong's ear, making her body tremble again.

Huang Rong's lovely face grew even redder, as if veiled in mist. She felt the blood rushing faster through her body, and the tingling sensation within her growing stronger.

She could clearly feel the warm, precise pressure of Lin Xuan's fingertips with every touch. Like a skilled physician, he found the source of her pain. Yet the gentle friction through her clothes also brought an unfamiliar sensation that made her blush and her heart race.

Watching her body tremble slightly with pleasure, Lin Xuan's gaze gradually deepened. He shifted his palm a little lower, to where the back of her neck met her spine, the location of the Great Vertebra acupoint.

Using the distinctive method of circulating force from the Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique, he sent Internal Energy into her body along with his massage, as if clearing a blocked river.

Huang Rong felt an indescribable heat rise from her back and spread throughout her body. She could even clearly sense that her long-stagnant Internal Energy had begun to stir under the influence of this force, flowing merrily through her meridians once more.

Beneath Lin Xuan's hands, Huang Rong's fair shoulders formed a captivating curve. Her soft hair spilled between his fingers, carrying a fragrance that intoxicated him.

Lin Xuan's palm was now pressed against Huang Rong's back. He could clearly feel each vertebra and the soft muscles attached to them. Her figure was so graceful that even through her clothes, her delicate curves stirred his heart.

From time to time, he would "accidentally" let his fingers travel down the muscles on either side of her spine until they brushed the edge of her slender waist. Each gentle stroke seemed to pluck a string in her heart.

"Does it feel a little better, Master?" Lin Xuan asked softly, his voice gentle.

Huang Rong slowly opened her eyes. A misty glimmer filled them, as if she had just awakened from a sweet dream. She turned to Lin Xuan. All traces of fatigue had vanished from her beautiful face, replaced by an unprecedented vitality and radiant charm.

"Xuan'er... your method really... works wonders." Her voice was soft and low, lazy with complete relaxation and touched with a subtle charm. It was as if all her strength had been drained away, leaving her utterly dependent on Lin Xuan.

She could feel that not only her shoulders and neck, but also her feet and even her whole body, seemed to have been relieved of all their fatigue. Her internal organs felt more comfortable than ever, and her Internal Energy flowed more freely.

She had never experienced this kind of comfort since marrying Guo Jing. Guo Jing loved her, but his steel-like nature made it difficult for him to express such delicate concern. Lin Xuan's arrival, however, filled a void deep within her that she had never told anyone about.

In her eyes, there was not only admiration for Lin Xuan's medical skill and martial talent, but also an indescribable dependence born from his attentive care. She realized that with each encounter, her resistance to Lin Xuan seemed to crumble faster.

He respectfully withdrew his hands, still wearing a modest smile. "As long as I can share Master's burdens, I would gladly lay down my life."

Huang Rong looked at him, her lively eyes filled with complicated emotions.

Author's Note:

A note from the author: There'll be two more chapters tonight.