Springtime Unlimited

The group moved quickly along the passage they had come through.

Perhaps because they were eager to return, they were considerably faster than on the way in.

When the foremost Clone emerged from the cave and returned to Black Wind Stronghold's rear courtyard, dusk had just fallen.

"Milord is back!"

The news spread through the stronghold like the wind.

Before long, Liu Lao Liu came jogging over with several surrendered bandits, his face covered in an ingratiating smile:

"My lord! You're finally back! Dinner is ready and waiting in the Square!"

Lin Mo nodded and led the group through the stronghold.

Dozens of long tables had already been set up in the Square, steaming with food:

Large basins of braised pork, tender stewed mutton, baskets of steamed buns and rice, and several huge buckets of meat broth all sent out an irresistible fragrance.

"Brothers, eat your fill!" Lin Mo said with a grand wave.

"Thank you, Milord!"

The Clones cheered as they took their seats and began to feast.

The exhaustion from a full day of battle vanished before the delicious food.

Lin Mo took the seat of honor, while Lin Yi, Lin Er, and the other "old followers" sat on either side.

Liu Lao Liu eagerly came forward, personally serving several plates of noticeably more refined stir-fries, along with a plump chicken stewed until its bones were soft and its meat falling apart, its aroma wafting in all directions.

He filled a bowl with rice wine, raised it high with both hands, and spoke with undisguised flattery and reverence:

"My lord has opened new territory today and laid the foundation of his domain. This is truly a heaven-sent joyous occasion!

"Allow this humble cup of wine to offer my congratulations, my lord. May your grand ambitions flourish and your foundation stand eternal!"

Lin Mo accepted the bowl and drained it in one gulp.

The warm wine slid down his throat, dispelling some of his fatigue and filling him with a gentle warmth.

Just as everyone was toasting one another and feasting, a rich floral breeze swept over, accompanied by the faint chiming of ornaments, drawing nearer from afar.

Under the mingled moonlight and firelight, seven graceful figures approached with measured steps. They were none other than the Seven Madams of the North Courtyard.

They had clearly dressed up with great care: the red dress was like fire, the blue dress like ice, and the pink dress like rosy clouds...

The seven women each had their own distinctive beauty and endless charm, standing amid the rugged night of the Mountain Stronghold.

They were like seven peerless flowers suddenly blooming, instantly drawing every eye in the area.

The previously raucous Square abruptly fell somewhat quieter.

Countless gazes, both overt and covert, focused on them in unison.

The Consciousness Link boiled over in an instant:

[Lin San: Good heavens! With that glimpse of skin... who could withstand it!]

[Lin Wu: That gauze dress on the Red Skirt Madam... Damn, that's something else!]

[Lin Shi: Milord, please give me one! Just one!]

[Lin Shi San: Go to sleep. You can have anything in your dreams. They're all Milord's women. Just look and be satisfied.]

The Seven Madams reached the main table and bowed gracefully, their voices soft and sweet:

"We humbly offer our congratulations on the foundation Your Excellency established today. We have prepared a humble dance to entertain you and express our joy."

As soon as they finished speaking, without waiting for Lin Mo's response, they began to dance gracefully to the melodious strains of strings and pipes that had started playing from somewhere.

The red dress spun, blazing like a blossoming flame;

The blue dress fluttered, cool and clear like flowing moonlight;

The pink dress danced nimbly, as charming as peach petals in a spring breeze...

The seven women's movements were graceful and perfectly coordinated, leaving everyone dazzled and enthralled.

Holding his bowl of wine, Lin Mo admired the intoxicatingly beautiful scene before him.

He could not help sighing inwardly: Being a lord really does have its perks.

When the dance ended, the Seven Madams bowed once more, then naturally gathered around Lin Mo.

The Red Skirt Madam was the most proactive. She sat directly beside Lin Mo on his right.

Half her body nearly nestled into his embrace. Her breath was fragrant, and her voice was so alluring it could melt a person's bones:

"My lord has worked so hard today... Tonight, allow me to serve you properly and ease your fatigue. Would that please you?"

Before she had even finished speaking, the sleeve on his left had already been gently tugged.

The Blue Skirt Madam had drawn close at some point. Her bearing was as cool as snow, yet her eyes now shimmered with tender affection:

"I have already prepared fragrant soup and hot water. Once my lord has finished his meal, you may wash away the day's dust and soothe your muscles and bones."

Though the other five Madams had not spoken first, they had each found a place nearby.

Some smiled as they poured his wine, some softly urged him to eat, and some merely gazed at him in silence. Their beautiful eyes shimmered with emotion, their anticipation and adoration almost overflowing.

Lin Mo felt surrounded by warmth and softness. Different yet equally enchanting fragrances lingered beneath his nose, while different yet equally gentle touches brushed his arms.

The secret delight in his heart went without saying. But with hundreds of brothers watching him eagerly, he still had to preserve a lord's dignity in public.

He straightened his back and tried to maintain a calm, composed expression before clearing his throat. "Let's eat first. As for the other matters... we'll talk about them later."

"Then... I'll be waiting for you, my lord~" The Red Skirt Madam smiled sweetly, drawing out the final note.

However, the Consciousness Link had already erupted in waves of laughter:

[Lin Er: Hahaha! Who doesn't know who around here? What are you pretending to be so proper for, Milord?]

[Lin Wu: Seven! Hehe, I just wonder whether Milord's body can take it!]

[Lin Shi San: I bet Milord won't make it past three!]

[Lin Shi Wu: I bet four! I reached level ten today, and with six times an ordinary person's constitution, I bet he'll be unstoppable!]

[Lin Shi Qi: The betting pool is open! Bet on how many Madams Milord will favor tonight!]

[Lin Shijiu: I bet five!]

[Lin Ershi San: Have you forgotten that Milord still has us? What if Milord runs out of stamina? Shouldn't we... uh, lend a hand?]