บท 9: Chapter 9: “Husband, It’s Late…”
In the depths of Lu Chengfeng's consciousness, a faint golden glow radiated from the center of his brow, spreading throughout every corner of his body. The sensation was like being immersed in a warm spring. Zhao Changzhen's decades of swordsmanship and inner cultivation, honed through relentless practice, now flowed directly into Lu Chengfeng. It wasn't just a matter of memory—his entire being felt as if it had undergone years of rigorous training, refined to perfection.
Heart and sword merged, sword and body became one. As the Cold Cicada Sword danced through the air, sharp and lethal sword energy extended an entire foot from the blade's edge, making the bamboo leaves around him flutter like they were caught in a deadly storm.
Reaching the tenth level in swordsmanship marked a qualitative transformation, the most visible sign being the manifestation of sword energy. This energy was intensely sharp, capable of cutting through nearly anything in its path, greatly enhancing the wielder's destructive power.
With sword energy attained, Lu Chengfeng now had the qualifications to roam the martial world, to journey into the unknown and make a name for himself. Without reaching the tenth level of mastery, a martial artist was barely more than a pawn on the grand chessboard of the world, easily crushed if they overstepped.
If not for his mastery of the tenth level of the Bixiao Sword Art, allowing him to extend his sword energy a foot beyond the blade, he would have never pierced the defenses of the Iron-Arm Ape during his trial.
At this moment, his heart weighed down with unresolved frustration, the killing intent in his sword strikes grew sharper. Unknowingly, the intense practice began to help him absorb the essence of his newfound abilities even faster.
After nearly an hour of tireless practice, he naturally transitioned into the thirty-third move of the sword technique, making his sword energy colder and deadlier.
"At the eighteenth level, the sword energy can extend three feet. With each additional foot of length, the energy undergoes a transformation, growing even more fearsome, with a power to match."
"The length of the sword energy is just the outward display; the essence lies in the way swordsmanship commands one's spirit, mind, and body, unleashing strength far beyond the body's limits."
"With each foot added, the wielder's strength undergoes an immense transformation."
"Let's continue!"
Compared to his previous training, Lu Chengfeng's speed of improvement under the effects of the Widow's Gift was astonishing. Every moment was filled with newfound insights, each move refined to near perfection.
Completely immersed in the mysteries of the Bixiao Sword Art, Lu Chengfeng barely noticed as the sky darkened. Finally, with a metallic clang, he sheathed his sword, only to realize his arms were heavy and sore, barely able to hold up.
He had trained all night yesterday and today had thrown himself into relentless practice. With his Blue Sea, Clear Sky Technique only at the seventh level, his body couldn't sustain such intense exertion. His muscles and bones now throbbed in protest.
"I need to stop here."
Lu Chengfeng knew that any further practice would cause internal injuries that would be difficult to recover from, so he decided to pause. He glanced at the little bamboo hut, now shrouded in darkness, sighed, and turned to leave.
"The past is best left behind; let it go."
Returning to his small courtyard, he noticed a warm light flickering from his bedroom window. Through the thin gauze of the window, he could faintly see a woman sitting by the table, her chin resting on her hand in quiet waiting.
Standing outside the door, Lu Chengfeng took a moment to collect his thoughts, smoothing out the lingering turmoil within him. Then, he pushed open the door and entered.
As the door creaked open, Lu Chengfeng's gaze fell on Luo Suyi, seated at the dressing table.
Tonight, she wore a soft yellow gown. Unlike the bright red wedding attire, this dress had a refined elegance that gave her an air of grace and poise. Yet, her figure, with its graceful curves and radiant beauty, was only enhanced by this modest attire, exuding a quiet allure.
"You're… you're back?" Luo Suyi stood up quickly, a pleased smile brightening her face as she spoke.
"Yes, I'm back. How was your day? Have you eaten? Are the dishes the maids prepared to your liking?" As he spoke, Lu Chengfeng closed the door behind him.
Luo Suyi walked over, took his sword without a word, and hung it carefully on the wall. Then she moved to stand in front of him, helping him remove his outer robe.
"Everything's fine. You don't need to worry. The two old maids are very kind and thoughtful, and their cooking is wonderful. They kept me entertained with stories, so I didn't feel bored."
"But you've been gone all day… I heard that the morning brought some trouble with Xue Dulong. Are you all right? Did you get hurt?"
As she spoke, she led him to the washstand, where a basin of water was already prepared for him to wash his hands. She gently rolled up his sleeves, then handed him a towel after he finished washing, carefully drying his hands for him.
She moved with such ease, every gesture so natural and seamless, as if they had been married for years, as if they shared an unspoken understanding.
With her gentle attentions, Lu Chengfeng felt his weariness and frustration quietly melt away. Warmth filled his chest, and he looked at her with a tender gaze.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. This is still Bixiao Peak, after all; Xue Dulong wouldn't dare act recklessly. Plus, someone from the Disciplinary Hall was present. He suffered a setback and left in a hurry."
Luo Suyi pressed her hand to her chest in relief, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "That's good… I'm glad you're safe."
"You must be tired after a long day. I asked the maids to keep some food warm for you. Would you like to eat now?"
Seeing her worry and care for him, Lu Chengfeng's heart swelled with warmth. He looked at her, thinking she was the image of a devoted wife, and it made everything feel worthwhile.
"Yes, but join me, won't you?"
At his invitation, Luo Suyi rang a small bell, and the maids quickly arrived at the door.
"Madam, is there something you need?" one of them asked.
"Please bring in the dinner I had you keep warm for the master," she instructed.
"Right away!" The maid acknowledged the request and left promptly.
A moment later, the two maids entered with the food. Though it was a late dinner, the meal was hearty—a pot of golden millet porridge, a plate of braised beef, crispy-on-the-outside meat cakes, and three small side dishes.
Lu Chengfeng was truly hungry. With his intense training regimen, his appetite had grown large. Without further ado, he dug in with enthusiasm.
Luo Suyi had waited for him to return before eating, so she joined him at the table. Seeing him enjoy the meal, she found herself eating more than usual as well.
Before long, the table was empty.
"Shall I ask the maids to bring more?" Luo Suyi asked, patting her stomach in embarrassment, wondering if she had eaten too much and left him wanting.
Seeing her self-conscious expression, Lu Chengfeng chuckled. "I'm not a bottomless pit. I couldn't eat more if I tried. Let them clear the dishes."
Luo Suyi gave instructions to the maids, who promptly tidied up and left, closing the door behind them.
As silence filled the room, a soft, golden glow cast their shadows gently against the walls. Luo Suyi suddenly felt a slight tension in the air, her breath catching as her face flushed, her flawless skin tinted
with a rosy hue.
"Husband, it's late… Shall I help you wash your feet?" she asked softly.
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง