When Lu Chengfeng entered the room, he paused, instinctively softening his steps.
He saw Luo Suyi lying on her side in bed, most of the wedding quilt kicked aside, with only half covering her body. A faint smile adorned her lovely face, as though she were having a pleasant dream.
Her collar was slightly open, revealing a fair expanse of her chest, causing Lu Chengfeng to feel parched, an urge welling up within him to explore her beauty.
At twenty years old, brimming with youthful energy, Lu Chengfeng couldn't help but feel a stir of desire at the sight, struggling to restrain himself.
He quietly moved to sit beside the bed, careful not to make a sound, and watched her exquisite face. Eight years had passed since he'd first met Luo Suyi, and she had blossomed from a youthful girl into an alluring beauty. Her every expression was enchanting, drawing the admiration of countless men.
Before he knew it, Lu Chengfeng reached out, gently tucking a stray lock of hair back behind her ear, his movements slow and tender.
"Suyi is my wife now!"
This sudden realization filled him with a warm joy deep in his heart. Just sitting there by her side, watching her peaceful face, gave him a sense of immense satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Luo Suyi, though seemingly fast asleep, had reddened cheeks and her white jade-like earlobes were tinged with a delicate blush, as captivating as rubies.
Noticing her breathing had quickened, her face tinged with a blush, and her lashes trembling slightly, yet still pretending to sleep, Lu Chengfeng nearly laughed out loud.
It was the first time he had seen such a cute and endearing side of his Shimu, and he couldn't resist a mischievous urge. He leaned in close to her ear.
Feeling the warmth of his breath, Luo Suyi's body tensed, her eyelashes fluttering even more.
"Dear Shimu, your collar is open!"
"Ah?!" Startled, Luo Suyi could no longer pretend, instinctively opening her eyes as she looked up to check.
But as she raised her head, her soft lips inadvertently brushed against his, a fleeting yet breathtaking moment of intimacy.
The gentle touch stirred something profound within them, their bodies instinctively drawing closer in mutual attraction.
It was a long moment before they finally separated.
As they parted, Luo Suyi couldn't help but let out a soft gasp, as though reluctant. Realizing what had happened, she quickly covered her face, feeling completely mortified.
Watching her endearing reaction, Lu Chengfeng felt an indescribable joy. His tone softened as he spoke, "Rest a bit more. I need to go to the main peak and apply for the elder assessment. I'll return shortly."
At his words, Luo Suyi quickly set her embarrassment aside, uncovering her face to look at him. "You've made a breakthrough in your swordsmanship?" Before he could answer, she added, "Applying for the inner disciple assessment is a wise move. With an inner disciple status, you'll have more say within the sect."
"Hurry back, don't delay on the way, and be cautious."
Her earnest words didn't irritate Lu Chengfeng. Instead, he listened quietly, their eyes meeting in a shared moment of warmth.
Feeling slightly flustered under his gaze, Luo Suyi hesitated, her words trailing off. "In any case… be careful… I'll… wait for you to return."
"Alright." Lu Chengfeng gently pressed her jade-like hand and said softly, "Rest assured, I'll handle everything."
With that, he turned and walked toward the door. Pausing briefly, he looked back at her one last time before closing the door, catching a glimpse of her looking back at him.
As the door closed with a soft creak, blocking the view of her beautiful silhouette, Lu Chengfeng couldn't help feeling a slight sense of loss.
"Truly, the gentle embrace is a hero's tomb; the ancients did not deceive," he sighed to himself. In that brief moment, he almost wished he could stay by her side forever. But he shook his head, his eyes gradually regaining clarity. "A man should have ambitions beyond the comforts of a woman's bed!"
"Of course, a beauty by my side is still a necessity. After all, I'm cultivating for the sake of growth, not indulgence."
Murmuring to himself, Lu Chengfeng quickly left the inner courtyard. Outside, two elderly servants, responsible for cooking and cleaning, awaited his instructions. They were poor women from Linyun Town at the mountain's base, working here to support their families. If their children showed talent, they might even have a chance to join the sect.
"Madam is still resting in her room. Prepare the meal and bring it to her once she awakens," Lu Chengfeng instructed, considering for a moment. "Perhaps it's time to find a few maids to tend to Suyi's needs."
With the thought set aside, he skipped breakfast and quickly made his way down the mountain.
But as he reached the mountainside, he heard a commotion. Looking ahead, he saw figures moving, accompanied by shouting and cursing.
"You fools, get out of the way!"
"How dare you block Elder Xue's path? Are you courting death?"
Lu Chengfeng's expression immediately darkened. Below Zhao Changzhen, Bixiao Peak had three direct disciples and dozens of nominal disciples who handled patrolling, guarding, and errands.
Unlike direct disciples, who inherited their master's teachings, nominal disciples were more like attendants or guards. If the master was in a good mood, he might pass down a few techniques.
After Zhao Changzhen's demise, many of these nominal disciples had dispersed, seeking other opportunities, leaving only a few behind.
Seeing two older nominal disciples lying on the ground, groaning in pain, Lu Chengfeng took a deep breath. Channeling his inner energy with the Azure Sea and Sky technique, he felt a fierce resolve spark in his gaze. Gathering his strength, he leaped forward, resembling a lone bird soaring through the mountains.
"Stop! Who dares to wreak havoc on Bixiao Peak?"
"Invading another elder's peak and assaulting sect disciples—is the sect's law meaningless to you?"
"Do you truly believe the blades of the Discipline Hall are dull?"
Even before his arrival, Lu Chengfeng's angry voice thundered through the mountain, reverberating like a clap of thunder.
As he approached, he saw the towering figure of a man, eight feet tall, clad in black iron armor and carrying a red-tasseled spear. This burly figure emanated a menacing aura, exuding a wild and arrogant energy that made one's blood run cold.
It was none other than Xue Dulong, the chief disciple of Elder Xiao from Canglong Peak. Xue Dulong had trained in the Thirty-Six Black Wind Demon-Breaking Spear technique and Canglong Peak's inner technique, Canglong Returns to the Sea, for over thirty years.
Seeing Lu Chengfeng charging down the mountain, Xue Dulong bared his teeth in a vicious grin, his voice dripping with malice. "Yo
u came just in time, you wretched brat."
"Lu Chengfeng, today I'm taking your dog life!"