Finest Servant

Chapter 392 Discovery of the Fairy

When he returned to the tent, Luo Ning was tidying up and was greatly taken aback by his appearance. She hurriedly grabbed his sleeve, exclaiming, "Big brother, what happened to you?"

"Oh, I was walking too hastily and accidentally tripped, falling into a pit," Lord Lin said without batting an eye, grinning all the while. Yet in his heart, he was relishing the delightful sensation that Miss Xu's tender hips and chest had brought him.

"Fell into a pit?" Ning'er looked him up and down, obviously not quite believing it. "Big brother, you always walk with the stride of a dragon or a tiger; how could you be so careless today? Look at all this mud on you; take it off quickly so I can wash it for you."

Having a wife was indeed wonderful; there was no need to worry about anything. Lord Lin cheerfully took off his jacket, along with his underwear, throwing them away. Luo Ning's face turned red, and she scolded, "Big brother, you're so naughty! Who told you to take off so cleanly? No wonder Miss Xu said you have thick skin. Oh, what's this?"

Her gaze was drawn to Lord Lin's neck, where there was a red area, filled with neat and clean bite marks, and some faint lipstick, which could be clearly seen under the lamp.

"Oh, when I fell into the pit, a hedgehog bit me accidentally. It's no big deal; it will heal by tomorrow," Lin Wanrong hurriedly covered his neck, jokingly said.

"Oh—" Luo Ning seemed to understand, nodding her head, her delicate fingers lightly touched his forehead as she smiled and said, "So a hedgehog bit you. A hedgehog bite is indeed a rare occurrence; big brother's luck truly makes Ning'er envious. However, there's one thing that seems strange to me. When Miss Xu returned just now, she was also soaked and covered in mud. Big brother, did she fall into the water pit as well?"

This girl was clever and bright; it was impossible to deceive her. Lord Lin laughed heartily, shamelessly saying, "Perhaps, that water pit is quite big, so ten or eight people falling into it wouldn't be a problem. Ning'er, is there any hot water? It's been days since we had a mandarin duck bath; I miss it a lot. Why don't we share a bath tonight? And big brother can teach you something new, called 'oil massage'; it's very creative, I believe you'll like it."

Even though she knew he was using this as an excuse to change the subject, hearing her husband's teasing, Miss Luo could not dare to retort, even though her heart was burning. Her long, slender, white neck blushed slightly, and she scolded, "Don't talk nonsense; Miss Xu is next door, be careful she hears you and is embarrassed!"

‘Embarrassed? Embarrassed my foot! She just did a "chest push" for me, even more unrestrained than you,’ Lord Lin thought, smirking and saying no more.

He ordered a few soldiers to prepare the hot water and sent a few buckets to Miss Xu next door. Luo Ning then began to help her big brother bathe.

Spring rain on a spring night, deep within the woman's quarters with red makeup, waves of steam rising, reflecting Ning'er's jade-like cheeks, making them appear alluringly beautiful, as if adorned with the finest rouge. Lord Lin's heart felt restless, and from the bucket, he reached out to explore Miss Luo's body, finding soft, smooth touches everywhere, like caressing the finest silk.

‘My little Ning'er's skin is no worse than that of Seo Jang Geum,’ Master Lin mused, touching her with delight. His large hand moved forward, lightly pressing on her soft chest. Luo Ning let out a soft cry, her body going weak, and she shyly glanced at him. "Big brother, don't tease Ning'er like this. I can't bear it."

Seeing the seductive look in her eyes, Master Lin's heart burned with desire. He was about to pull her closer when Luo Ning dodged with a giggle. "Big brother, don't be naughty. Let's finish washing first."

The two of them played around, and although they were on the march, they found a unique joy in the moment. Luo Ning carefully washed his back and, upon seeing the deep bite marks on his neck, lovingly stroked the area and scolded, "Who did this? How could they be so cruel?"

Master Lin, relaxing in the tub, took a deep breath and playfully splashed water at Luo Ning, who squealed with delight. "Ning'er, don't you trust me? Do you think I'm the type to suffer a loss?" He wiped water droplets from his face, a mischievous smile appearing. "That hedgehog bit me, but I pulled out its spines. We're even; neither of us lost."

Luo Ning knew his character well. There was no one in the world who could get the better of him. But to leave him in such a state, that person was no simple individual.

The two were affectionate, touching and teasing each other, finally finishing the bath. Luo Ning then said sweetly, "Big brother, I'll go next door to check on Sister Zhiqing. She's frail and got caught in the rain. I hope she hasn't caught a cold."

Thinking of Xu Zhiqing's stubborn face, Lin Wanrong didn't know what to say. He thought it was a good idea to send Ning'er to check on her, lest she become upset. He nodded, then suddenly remembered something. He found a bottle of medicinal wine and handed it to Luo Ning. "Miss Xu twisted her foot. Go check on her and apply this medicine. I'll have someone make ginger soup for both of you to dispel the cold. This spring rain won't stop for days, so take care of yourselves."

Luo Ning gave him a sweet smile, hugged his neck, and kissed him on the cheek, saying shyly, "My love, you are so kind!"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, touching her soft cheek. "Of course I'm good, especially to my precious Ning'er. Tell your Sister Xu to learn from you—learn your gentleness, your passion—so she can find a good husband like me."

Luo Ning laughed coquettishly, shot him a glance, and went off, full of charm.

The situation was becoming dangerous ahead. Hu Bugui led his men forward, reporting back every half hour, but they found no sign of the enemy or the scout who had signaled with fireworks. Lin Wanrong felt uneasy, unable to sleep, as if a significant disaster awaited him.

Luo Ning had gone to Xu Zhiqing's tent, and it had been a while since she left. He strained his ears and heard the soft conversation and laughter of two women from the neighboring tent. He wondered what they were talking about, what made them so happy.

Lin Wanrong slept in a daze until midnight when he suddenly felt a soft little hand gently nudging him. A beautiful, delicate voice rang in his ear: "Wake up, wake up quickly!"

"Ning'er, you're back. Get under the covers quickly, and big brother will warm you up." Master Lin, still half-asleep, rolled over and pulled the woman into his arms. A delicate fragrance wafted into his nostrils, and her body felt soft and boneless, utterly comforting to touch.

"You're asking for death!" The woman angrily rebuked, a flash of silver light in her hand striking Lin Wanrong's buttocks.

"Ah—" Master Lin jumped out of bed as if his butt were on fire, bellowing, "Who poked my butt? Come, drag them out and beat them with a hundred heavy planks—"

The woman, dressed in white as pure as snow, glanced at him dismissively and stood silently in the tent, ignoring his threat as if she hadn't heard it at all.

"Is it you?" Recognizing the beautiful face of the woman, Master Lin's sleepiness vanished instantly. His eyes widened as he stared at her intently: "Fairy Sister, it's been a long time, and your little brother has missed you. Come, let's hug!"

Ning Yuxi lightly dodged his bear hug, her beautiful eyebrows slightly raised, casually saying, "Weren't you going to beat me with planks? What happened, changed your mind?"

"How could I?" Master Lin's face twisted into a lecherous smile: "Beating Fairy Sister with planks, how could I do such an outrageous thing? If there's beating to be done, I should do it myself. Wow, Fairy Sister, after a few days without seeing you, your white dress surpasses snow, your long hair floats, and you stand quietly in my tent. You're like a fairy come to this world, making my heart beat wildly. Truly, you are a person among immortals."

Ning Yuxi didn't know who this 'fairy' was, but from his tone, she understood that he was praising her. Accustomed to compliments, Ning the Fairy didn't take it to heart, smiling at him: "I am no immortal, but Master Lin, you're becoming more divine. With just your mouth, you can turn rivers and seas, forcing others to admit defeat."

"You flatter me," Master Lin beamed, "I'm just a common person, scraping by to feed my family. How could I compare to Fairy Sister, a person like an immortal, untouched by the mundane world? By the way, Fairy Sister, what brings you here? I left for Shandong in a hurry and thought you hadn't followed."

As he spoke, he eyed Ning Yuxi, regretting in his heart that if he had known it was her earlier, he could have pretended to be asleep and pushed her down, saving much trouble. Fairy Ning's figure was more appealing in certain areas than Miss Xu.

"I, of 'Jade Virtue Fairy Hall,' have a weighty word. Since I promised to protect you, I naturally wouldn't leave you unattended. I've followed you to Shandong, and you've been netting and collecting silver all the way, making quite a commotion," Ning Yuxi spoke slowly, seemingly unaffected by his gaze.

Seeing Ning Yuxi's calm and peaceful demeanor, Master Lin felt somewhat puzzled. What exactly was Fairy Ning? Beautiful, always dressed in white, that was all well enough, but why did she remain untouched by mud while others were soaked like drowned chickens in the rain? Not even a drop of rain seemed to have touched her. Strange!

"Turns out, Sister has been with me all along, vowing to live or die together, with a love stronger than gold, never leaving or forsaking me. Little brother is truly touched," Lin Wanrong said, tears of gratitude in his eyes, and tenderly offered, "It's cold outside; I fear it may chill you, Sister. Please come under the covers, and we can chat intimately."

Ning Yuxi's eyebrows flicked, and she snorted softly, "Stop with your smooth talk. If you don't want to die, follow me."

"Follow you? Where to?" Lin Wanrong was startled. "Yuxi, be clear with your words. I've recently been overly merry, and my mind is still foggy."

This man was shameless by nature. Ning Yuxi's eyebrows furrowed, and without another word, she grabbed his sleeve, marching him outside. It was the dead of night, and the rain was unrelenting. There was a faint light in Miss Xu's tent, suggesting that Ning'er was still talking to her.

As they exited the tent, the raindrops mixed with a biting chill hit their faces. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but shudder. Seeing Ning Yuxi walking briskly ahead without a word, he hurriedly stopped and said, "Yuxi, where are you taking me? It's all rain and mud outside, and I've just bathed and changed clothes!"

"Shut up! Don't call me Yuxi again!" Ning Yuxi's face showed faint anger, and with a flick of her slender hand, a silver needle hit his buttocks. Lin Wanrong yelped softly, thinking to himself, ‘She always strikes my buttocks, it seems Fairy Sister also appreciates a beautiful backside, quite like me.’

Ning Yuxi took hold of his sleeve, her body as graceful as a swallow in the wind, gliding effortlessly, her feet untouched by the ground, moving swiftly atop the continuous line of tents in the rain.

Lin Wanrong suddenly realized a serious problem; if Ning Yuxi could enter his camp so easily, so could others. If an enemy with such martial prowess existed, he would be doomed. His protective forces were too weak, thank goodness Yuxi was on his side.

His face became solemn, "Fairy Sister Ning, tell me, in this world, how many people besides you could easily enter and leave my camp?"

Ning Yuxi smiled proudly, "In this vast world, only two or three people can treat a hundred thousand soldiers as if they were nothing. Besides me, perhaps my Junior Sister An can. Why, are you afraid someone will assassinate you?"

Hearing that only two or three people could break in, two of whom he was acquainted with, Lin Wanrong's mood lifted, and he chuckled, "I'm not afraid of being killed, I have Fairy Sister to protect me. Sister, I'm really fragile, so you must stay by my side at all times."

Ning Yuxi sighed softly and shook her head, "I really don't know why Qingxuan chose you? If she were to choose a husband, there are plenty of outstanding men in the world. Why did she pick you?"

Hearing her mention Qingxuan, Lin Wanrong was immediately filled with rage, and he sneered, "Fairy Sister, Qingxuan has much better taste than you. Among the countless men in this world, only I, Lin San, can be close to her heart. You float above the ground, high and mighty; how can you ever experience the most sincere emotions of this world?"

Speaking of Qingxuan had touched Lin San's sore spot, his face turned as black as coal, and he even lost the mood to tease Ning Yuxi.

The world had finally become quiet, and he fell silent. Fairy Ning gave a faint smile, finding it both mentally and physically taxing to match wits and strength with this fellow. But once Qingxuan was brought into play, everything was settled. Perhaps there was truth to the idea that everything in the world could counteract one another.

Fairy Ning, dressed in white as pure as snow, moved like lightning, pulling him along at a brisk pace, heading up the mountain. With this highly skilled woman at his side, he no longer had to worry about falling into the mud. It felt safer than climbing the mountain with Xu Zhiqing, but it lacked the warmth.

‘If Miss Xu learns that I'm missing in the middle of the night, I wonder what she will feel. She'll probably be cheering,’ Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled. He glanced sideways at Ning Yuxi to find Fairy Ning's long hair fluttering, her delicate face shimmering with a faint glow, reflecting her cheeks in a way that was both beautiful and captivating, stirring his heart. After being quiet for a moment, he began to feel restless and sneakily reached out his hand, sliding it along her sleeve toward Ning Yuxi's pale wrist. Just as he was about to touch her, he heard a faint hum, and a flash of silver light from Fairy Ning's hand, as a silver needle swiftly flew out. Lord Lin's quick reflexes allowed him to hastily withdraw his hand, feeling a chill as the needle returned to Fairy Ning's hand.

Lord Lin gave a sly grin, "I was just testing you, Fairy Sister. Don't mind it. With this touch, I've confirmed that Fairy Sister has incredibly quick reactions, and great martial arts skills. I feel very safe following you."

"Hush—" Speaking, Fairy Ning stopped, her delicate and fair little finger raised to her lips as she hummed softly, "Don't talk."

They stood atop the mountain, surrounded by jagged and towering rocks, the scenery both magnificent and majestic. The mountaintop was a cliff, split into two parts in the middle, with each side extending out several dozen feet. The smooth and steep cliffs on both sides were difficult to climb. Below the cliff was a bottomless abyss, and the cold wind howled, terrifying and chilling to the bone.

Lord Lin stood at the edge of the cliff, peering down. Before his sight could reach far, he felt a sensation of dizziness. He felt a chill all over, clenching his teeth, his face showing a rigid smile: "Fairy Sister, what a mood you're in, bringing me up the mountain in the dead of night. Do you want to stargaze with me?"

Fairy Ning looked at him, lightly stroking her hair and said softly, "Are you afraid?"

"Standing on the edge of a bottomless cliff, if I'm not afraid, then I'm not human, I must be a ghost," Lin Wanrong frankly admitted. "But Fairy Sister, bringing me here in the middle of the night, I'm afraid I'll be scared to death by you before being killed by the enemy."

"You're honest for once," Fairy Ning nodded and smiled. "Scared to death? Is your courage so small? When bullying Miss Xu, I saw you had courage bigger than the sky."

Fairy Ning's martial arts were exceptional, elusive like a mythical dragon. Naturally, it would be challenging to keep anything from her. Lord Lin's heart suddenly stirred with a wild thought. Since Fairy Sister knew everything, had she been secretly watching and learning when he was with Ning'er in the "rear-entry" position?

With this thought, it felt as if hundreds of ants were crawling over his heart, causing unbearable itchiness. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard Fairy Ning say, "Look, what is that?"

Where Ning Yuxi pointed, was precisely the steep cliff of the opposite precipice, at a distance of several dozen feet from the top of the cliff, and a winding official road was passing not far below.

"What is it? I don't see anything!" Lin San's eyes darted around, and the distant scene was rather vague, making it difficult to discern clearly. Concentrating for a moment, he saw the smooth, steep cliff across the way, almost impossible to climb. At the place Ning Yuxi pointed to, faint glimmers of light seemed to be seeping out. The glow was extremely weak, and if not for his excellent vision and Ning Yuxi's guidance, he certainly would not have detected anything unusual there.

"A cave?" This time he saw it clearly; the place where the light shone through was indeed a small cave. The entrance was small, and the terrain was concealed, situated on the steep cliff's mid-slope, almost impossible for anyone to discover.

"The scouts you sent out; several teams, I fear, will not be found," Ning Yuxi said, her voice calm as she stood gracefully upon the rocky cliff. The gentle breeze caressed her long hair, making her seem ethereal and enchanting, like a fairy gracing the world.

"How do you know?" Lin Wanrong was astonished. "Have you seen them?"

Ning Yuxi did not answer his question but sighed lightly, "Whether I've seen them or not is not important. What's important is that they set off fireworks, alerting those behind, and completed the scout's task. They can die without regret now."

She took a small paper bag from her sleeve and tossed it to him. "Look at this, what is it?"

Unfolding the paper bag, a pungent smell hit his face. The bag contained a fine gray powder, and he didn't know what it was. Lin Wanrong grabbed a handful, feeling it carefully, and his face changed dramatically, "Gunpowder! This is gunpowder! Damn it, this is gunpowder!"

Hearing his coarse words, Ning Yuxi frowned and nodded at him, "At least you have some insight; this is indeed gunpowder. Ordinary people would not recognize it."

"Fairy Sister, where did you get this gunpowder?" Lin Wanrong's expression was solemn, his brow furrowed, and a heavy stone seemed to weigh on his heart.

Seeing his worried face, Ning Yuxi didn't answer his question but smiled, "Do you remember what I said earlier? Follow me if you don't want to die. Did I deceive you?"

"Alright, Yuxi, you were right." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Please tell me, where did you get this gunpowder?"

Ning Yuxi snorted in annoyance and turned to leave. At such a crucial moment, that fellow would surely try to stop her, she thought. After walking a few steps without hearing anyone following, she stole a glance back, only to see Lin San standing still, smiling at her.

"Fairy Sister, you have the right to leave. However, if something happens to me, my dozens of wives and brothers will go around proclaiming that 'Jade Virtue Fairy Hall' deceives the world and breaks promises. Ah, this really isn't the result I want." Lin Wanrong said, winking.

"An insignificant person taking advantage!" Ning Yuxi secretly huffed, her expression returning to normal, calmly saying, "I arrived here only a few moments earlier than you. I found this gunpowder on the opposite cliff. It seems to be some residue, but I don't know what they want to do with the gunpowder. The bandits in the cave on the other side are very vigilant. I couldn't get close, and fearing a change, I went down the mountain to find you."

Damn it, he really owed Ning Yuxi for this. The enemy was hiding in such a concealed place that it would be difficult for ordinary people to find. The scouts sent ahead must have been silenced because they had accidentally discovered this cave.

But what were these bandits planning to do with the gunpowder? What could be done with such a small amount? Could it be for cooking wild chickens over a fire?

His gaze fell on the dimly glowing cave, and after a moment of thought, he asked, "Fairy Sister, how do you think the bandits got down into this cave?"

"What's so hard about that?" Ning Yuxi smiled faintly. "They could tie a large basket at the top of the mountain and lower it down slowly. Not only a few bandits, but even a thousand-pound boulder could be lowered that way."

Basket, cave, gunpowder. His eyes slowly moved downward, looking at the winding official road on the mountain's slope, and a light flashed in his mind, exclaiming, "Oh no, they want to blow up this cliff!"

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