“Young Hero Chu, if you please?” The representatives of the other three sects had already taken the stage. Chu Ruo felt with ninety-nine percent certainty that this was deliberate; of all people, it had to be the Sect Leader of Flying Eagle Fort who chose the participant from the Hundred Flowers Palace. It was truly a stroke of misfortune.
“Fort Master Liu, the Holy Envoy has been unwell lately and is likely unfit for combat. I ask that the Fort Master choose someone else.”
No one from the Hundred Flowers Palace expected these words to come from Nan Yunshuang. Her voice remained as icy as ever. Chu Ruo knew, of course, that Nan Yunshuang wasn't acting out of concern. In her eyes, Chu Ruo was a useless waste whether she had martial arts or not. She only cared about whether the Hundred Flowers Palace could win this duel, not about Chu Ruo’s life or death.
This final match was no longer a one-on-one duel. Instead, all four sects would take the stage simultaneously. The stone arena was different from the previous ones; it had to be large enough to accommodate eight people and allow them to move freely. This ancient stage featured four massive stone pillars carved with soaring dragons and phoenixes, though the surface was marred by countless blade scars and sword notches. In some places, the patterns had been worn smooth and white, while others were cracked or dented. It was easy to see how many masters had fought here in the past—who had emerged as the ultimate victor, and who had suffered a crushing defeat. Years later, no one would remember the names, only this stone platform remained as a witness to their former glory.
Liu Songhe stood upon the stage, his smile a mask of falsehood. “Young Hero Chu is young and promising, having become a Holy Envoy in such a short time. Moreover, you are a rare martial arts prodigy. Why decline?”
Yin Liuli, Duan Ning, and Nan Gongyan all felt a sinking sensation in their hearts. Chu Ruo had lost her martial arts; if she went up now, she wouldn't just lose—she might lose her life. One of them spoke up immediately, “It is as the Great Protector said. Our Holy Envoy is currently unable to compete. We hope the Fort Master will show some leniency…”
“Ah, I am merely following the rules of this assembly. Only those of the rank of Head Disciple or higher may be chosen. As the Holy Envoy of your esteemed palace, how can Young Hero Chu not take the stage? If you say she is ill, then perhaps my eyes are failing me, for I simply cannot see it.” Although each sect used different titles for their top disciples, their ranks were mutually recognized. To avoid harming the innocent, the selection was limited to Head Disciples and above. By all logic and protocol, it was perfectly reasonable for Chu Ruo to be called up.
On the stage, Xiong Feng of the Sea Dragon Gang scratched his head. “I reckon this brother might truly be feeling under the weather. Fort Master Liu, why not just pick someone else?”
Beside him, Gu Yutian fanned himself with a folding fan and interjected, “If I may offer a word, since these are the rules, they must be upheld. Holy Envoy Chu is standing right there. If she refuses to take the stage, I fear people will start whispering that the Hundred Flowers Palace simply cannot afford to lose…”
His words were as biting as they could be, implying that the Palace was too cowardly to let her fight. Chu Ruo was just about to speak when Xiao Guo’er, for the first time in her life, blurted out without permission, “But our Holy Envoy, her martial arts are use—”
“Xiao Guo’er!” Chu Ruo turned to stop her. Though the sentence wasn't finished, most people understood the implication. To think that the grand Holy Envoy of the Hundred Flowers Palace had lost her martial arts! They settled in, eager to watch the impending disaster.
At this point, Lin Jianghong of Green Willow Villa couldn't bear it and spoke up, “Since things have come to this, it’s better to choose someone else.”
“Not so. Young Villa Master Lin, once chosen, one must take the stage.” Liu Songhe’s smile grew even more radiant. “If Holy Envoy Chu is truly unwell, it is not strictly necessary for her to come up. I have long heard that Young Palace Mistress Nan has surpassed her predecessor. I am sure she is more than capable of taking on several opponents at once.”
Under the watchful eyes of the entire martial world, refusing to go up would be a massive humiliation. They would say the Holy Envoy was a coward who feared for her life, leaving the Little Viper to fight a lonely battle where everyone would gang up on her. Fuming, Chu Ruo scrambled onto the stage. “Fort Master Liu is absolutely right. Rules are rules. Don't worry, I, Chu Ruo, am not that pathetic. Let’s do this.”
Nan Muxue also flew onto the stage. Just as Chu Ruo drew her blade, Ice Slayer, Shen Wanxiong of the Sword Casting Villa spoke. “Blades and swords have no eyes. This election for the Alliance Leader is for the peace of the martial world. Everyone, please set aside your weapons. This will be a contest of skill, ending at the first touch. In one hour, the last person remaining on the stage will be the victor and the new Alliance Leader.”
The four Great Protectors looked grim. Chu Ruo had no martial arts; she might have been able to defend herself for a while with a divine weapon like Ice Slayer, but this rule was essentially a death sentence. Chu Ruo frowned, realizing this was targeted specifically at her. Yet, what could she say? Gritting her teeth, she set Ice Slayer aside. Nan Muxue stood by her side, the sunlight glinting off her. Chu Ruo opened her mouth and called out, “Master.”
Nan Muxue looked at her with a faint smile. “It’s fine. Do you remember what I told you?”
“Of course,” Chu Ruo smiled back. “And do you remember what I said?”
They spoke no more. Sometimes, all that was needed was a silent turn to face the enemies before them.
A dark cloud drifted over, bringing a chill to the scorching arena that made one’s skin crawl. As the monk Zhi Zhen announced the start, the eight people at the four corners moved simultaneously, charging toward the center. A great battle was inevitable.
Naturally, Chu Ruo retreated halfway through her charge—no point in throwing her life away. As expected, the disciple from Green Willow Villa was easily punched off the stage by Xiong Feng of the Sea Dragon Gang. Xiong Feng then looked at Lin Jianghong; being a somewhat chivalrous man who didn't like hitting women, he shifted his gaze to Chu Ruo. Thinking he shouldn't strike someone who looked defenseless, he changed targets again and fixed his eyes on the Little Viper.
*Thump.* Chu Ruo’s heart leaped into her throat. The two from Flying Eagle Fort were already fighting Nan Muxue, and Xiong Feng’s punch was no joke. Three against one would be impossible. However, in the next second, she realized her worry was misplaced. Xiong Feng didn't look like he wanted to fight her at all; the way he looked at Nan Muxue was pure, unadulterated admiration. He looked like a man staring at a goddess. Chu Ruo immediately felt a surge of annoyance. *That damned Little Viper, attracting trouble wherever she goes.*
As if she had heard her, Nan Muxue glanced back at her before continuing her battle against Liu Songhe and his disciple. Xiong Feng scratched his head and joined the fray with a curse. “Dammit, two against one? What kind of men bully a lady? Miss Nan, I’ll join you!”
*Phew, thank goodness.* But just as she stopped worrying about others, it was her turn. Gu Yutian smiled thinly. “Then I shall be the one to test Holy Envoy Chu!”
Seeing the folding fan closing in, Chu Ruo scrambled to the left to dodge it, looking quite disheveled. She pointed at him, “We said no weapons! You’re despicable!”
“Villa Master Shen said no blades or swords,” he replied, pointing at his fan. “This is merely a paper fan. What harm is there?”
He even glanced at Shen Wanxiong and Zhi Zhen below the stage. Zhi Zhen looked like he wanted to speak, but Shen Wanxiong preempted him. “Since it is a paper fan, it is indeed harmless enough.”
*Go to hell,* Chu Ruo thought. The bias was blatant. Fine, she had to rely on herself. She stepped forward with her left foot, ready to bolt at any moment. “Come on then! I’m going to knock you off this stage!”
While the battle raged on stage, Zhi Zhen pressed his palms together. “Amitabha. Villa Master, this old monk still feels that Master Gu’s actions are somewhat inappropriate.”
“Master, the match ends at a touch. While blades have no eyes, fists and feet can also be lethal. We have tried our best to avoid that. Gu Yutian has not broken any rules. It is just a paper fan; let him be.”
“But Patron Chu…”
“Since we are choosing an Alliance Leader, one must step onto the stage prepared for the worst. Let us speak no more and see who emerges victorious today.”
Zhi Zhen sighed helplessly and closed his eyes to chant sutras for those on stage.
Chu Ruo had already circled around Gu Yutian four or five times. Fortunately, she knew how to use the stone pillars, and her movements were agile. After several exchanges, she hadn't been touched, though she was panting heavily. Nan Muxue wanted to help, but Liu Songhe and his disciple saw through her intentions and kept her pinned down. The situation was at a stalemate.
*This won't do. I need a plan.* She scanned the area and spotted Lin Jianghong. Since her disciple had been knocked off, she had been wandering the stage aimlessly, unable to join any of the fights. She was even stomping her foot in frustration. “You lot! Why won't anyone fight me? Come on!”
Chu Ruo almost laughed. She had never seen anyone like this. Suddenly, Gu Yutian’s fan left his hand, flying straight toward her. Lin Jianghong saw it and performed a graceful somersault, kicking the paper fan away. The fan veered off, but the force of the impact made her stumble back several steps, showing how much power was behind it.
“Young Villa Master Lin,” Gu Yutian said as he caught his fan, his face still wearing that smile. “Do you not realize that everyone on this stage is your enemy? Why save her?”
“I know that!” she snapped, lifting her chin. “Don't take me for a fool. Chu Ruo is an enemy, but so are you! I just can't stand people who take advantage of others like you do.”
“I intended to deal with one first, but this makes things easier. I’ll take you both at once.”
“Wait,” Chu Ruo whispered a few words to Lin Jianghong while covering her mouth. The two of them nodded and stood side by side. “Come on then!”
Gu Yutian looked at them and ultimately lunged at Chu Ruo. The reason was simple: defeating Lin Jianghong would be effortless. He wanted to injure Chu Ruo first to distract Nan Muxue, then use Lin Jianghong to block Liu Songhe’s attacks before seizing victory. He flew forward, aiming straight for Chu Ruo’s face.
Just as he was about to strike, Chu Ruo suddenly jerked her head. Gu Yutian felt a surge of alarm. Sure enough, over a hundred silver needles shot out from her hair, flying straight at him. He retreated frantically to dodge, but several needles still grazed him. He was left with bloody streaks on his face; luckily, they missed his eyes and vital points. He touched the three light scratches on his cheek and glared at her with a sinister, dark smile. “Needles hidden in your hair? What a vicious trick.”
Chu Ruo put her hands on her hips. “Right back at you. If you weren't so underhanded, I wouldn't have had to use this.” She then shouted to Shen Wanxiong below, “Villa Master Shen, these aren't blades or swords either, right?”
Shen Wanxiong was displeased. Looking at the Ice Slayer sitting by the Hundred Flowers Palace’s seats, his expression soured further. But since he hadn't stopped Gu Yutian from using a fan, he couldn't say anything now. He could only stiffen his face in silent consent.
“Fine. I underestimated the Holy Envoy. This time, I won't be so careless!”
He stood tall, gathering internal energy in his hands. After a moment, he focused his breath and lunged at Chu Ruo with the force of a charging tiger. He was unstoppable, his momentum shattering everything in his path. Chu Ruo was backed against a stone pillar with nowhere to run…
“Ruo’er!”
Nan Muxue saw this and turned to rush back, but Liu Songhe was already on her. Xiong Feng and the Flying Eagle Fort disciple also closed in. At this moment, the paper fan in Gu Yutian’s hand was sharper than any blade. The white surface was about to slash down; it was easy to imagine it soon being stained with hot, crimson blood.
Success or failure hinged on this moment. Gu Yutian looked on with arrogant triumph as his fan neared Chu Ruo’s throat, already imagining how he would dodge the spray of blood. In that split second, before he could even blink, Chu Ruo—with a look of panic—caught the fan.
“You!” He was shocked, and so was she.
“I… I actually caught it!”
*Crack!* The sound of a whip striking the ground echoed. In the next second, Gu Yutian felt a tightening around his waist. Lin Jianghong had snared him with her nine-section whip. With an excited shout, she threw him with all her might. Gu Yutian was hurled off the stage. He looked at his hands in disbelief. “I won! I actually won! I knocked someone off!”
Because Chu Ruo had caught the fan, the backlash of internal energy, combined with the force of being thrown, caused Gu Yutian to suffer internal injuries. He spat out a mouthful of blood. He lay on the ground, pointing a trembling, vengeful finger at Chu Ruo. “You… you! *Pfft*—*cough, cough*…”
“Oh, don't get so excited. Someone, quickly take Master Gu down for treatment,” Chu Ruo gestured. Since it was a martial arts assembly, there were doctors present. Members of the Sea Dragon Gang immediately came to carry him away.
“Master!” Xiong Feng shouted anxiously. “Sea Dragon Gang disciples, listen up! You must save him at all costs, or you’ll answer to me!”
“Young Gang Leader,” Liu Songhe interjected, seizing the opportunity to instigate. “Chu Ruo has seriously injured your man. Why help the Hundred Flowers Palace? Join me instead. Let’s take down Chu Ruo and avenge Master Gu.”
Xiong Feng thought for a moment and waved him off. “Miss Nan once saved my life. I, Xiong Feng, will not…”
“In that case,” Liu Songhe struck out with an unexpected palm, knocking Xiong Feng off the arena. “Then I am sorry! If you won't help me, I’d rather not have another enemy. The fewer people on this stage, the better.”
Xiong Feng landed right by the Sea Dragon Gang’s area. He stared at Liu Songhe in disbelief. “You sneak-attacked me! You despicable coward!”
“Young… Young Gang Leader,” Gu Yutian called out weakly.
“Master Gu, how are you?”
“I’m fine. I just need to… regulate my breath,” Gu Yutian smiled bitterly. “Young Gang Leader, you are too trusting. One must always… be on guard.”
“Fine. I might not have won in a fair fight anyway. But I feel terrible that you were injured because of this, Master.”
“It matters not. It seems the position of Alliance Leader is not for us this time. *Cough, cough*…”
On the stage, Nan Muxue was fighting Liu Songhe again. Chu Ruo was pacing anxiously on the sidelines. Lin Jianghong, perhaps emboldened by her victory over Gu Yutian, proactively attacked the Flying Eagle Fort disciple. That disciple was of the same generation as Liu Shaopeng, and his cultivation was not to be underestimated. Chu Ruo held her head; this woman was surely a fool.
“Ruo’er!”
Nan Muxue shouted again. Chu Ruo realized that while she was lost in thought, Liu Songhe had charged toward her. She immediately crouched down. “Don't hit me… don't hit me!” He got closer and closer. “Don't… hit… me!”
*Thump!*
“You old fossil,” Chu Ruo stood up and brushed her hands. “I was waiting for that.”
Everyone present saw it clearly. Just as Liu Songhe was about to strike, Chu Ruo’s palms shot out first, hitting the target dead center. Caught completely off guard, Liu Songhe was sent stumbling back dozens of steps. He stopped just inches from the edge of the stage, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
Lin Jianghong’s eyes widened. “You!”
“Haha!” Chu Ruo waved to the Hundred Flowers Palace members below. “Didn't expect that, did you? Surprised? Shocked?”
Liu Songhe wiped the blood away. “Your martial arts aren't gone!”
She sneered. “That’s a funny thing to say, Fort Master. When did I ever say my martial arts were gone?”
Shen Wanxiong interjected, “Your own disciple said so just now…”
“Xiao Guo’er, what did you say just now?”
Xiao Guo’er shouted back, “I said the Holy Envoy’s martial arts are… exceptionally good!”
“Hear that? I don't know why you were all in such a hurry; you didn't even let our disciple finish her sentence. Besides, you thought I was defenseless and tried to force me up here. Whether I have martial arts or not is my business. Isn't this stage meant to be a contest of strength?” *You hypocrites.* “The Villa Master has been making things difficult for me repeatedly. One might think the Sword Casting Villa holds a deep grudge against the Hundred Flowers Palace and is targeting us specifically.”
Chu Ruo saw a professional, fake smile appear on Shen Wanxiong’s face. “The Holy Envoy is quite the joker. There is no need to listen to baseless rumors.”
She turned back, satisfied. Liu Songhe had recovered. He and his disciple stood together, while Nan Muxue and Chu Ruo stood side by side. Lin Jianghong was stuck in the middle, also taking a defensive stance. The final clash was about to begin.
“Time is running out,” Liu Songhe glanced at the long incense stick that marked the hour. “In that case, let’s settle this with one final move.”
No one spoke. The five of them gathered their internal energy, ready to strike. A moment later, they charged at each other.
*BOOM!*
Another massive explosion. The collision of five sources of internal energy was no small matter. Everyone felt a powerful shockwave; dust and sand filled the air, obscuring their vision. Chu Ruo was, after all, still young. She saw Liu Songhe give her a sinister smile. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but instead, a tiny needle shot toward her eye. The five of them were currently locked in a palm-to-palm struggle; though their strengths varied, they were maintaining a temporary balance. Chu Ruo hadn't expected this trick and instinctively recoiled to dodge. The circle of energy broke, and she was sent flying by the shockwave. Nan Muxue immediately abandoned the fight, striking one last palm at Liu Songhe before rushing to catch her. Liu Songhe was hit; his disciple and Lin Jianghong were also unable to withstand the force and were blown backward.
Chu Ruo struggled to look. The disciple was definitely going down. Liu Songhe seemed like he might be able to stabilize himself. Without thinking, she pulled out her slingshot and fired a mud pellet at random. It hit the mark. Liu Songhe was already at the end of his tether; the mud pellet was the final straw that broke his balance. He fell straight off the stage. Nan Muxue caught Chu Ruo and was sliding back steadily, but it looked like she wouldn't be able to stay on the stage either. Beside them, Lin Jianghong screamed, “Help me!”
The girl was flying toward a stone pillar with several sharp, jagged edges. This woman was truly unlucky—even more so than Chu Ruo. To fall so precisely… if she hit that, she’d be dead for sure. Chu Ruo couldn't bear it and gave her a kick. That kick sent Lin Jianghong back onto the stage. This meant the new Martial Arts Alliance Leader was…
“Green Willow Villa, Lin Jianghong.”
The disciples of Green Willow Villa were stunned at first, then they erupted into cheers. No one had expected her to win. In the betting dens, the Young Villa Master had been a massive underdog. The bookies were going to make a fortune.
“Are you alright? Are you hurt?”
Chu Ruo hung her head, not daring to look at Nan Muxue. “I’m… I’m fine.” She blamed her own meddling hands—or rather, her meddling leg. But at least the father of that "Great Roc" hadn't won; that was a small mercy.
“Then let us go,” Nan Muxue gave her orders. “Withdraw to Tianyou immediately and stay at the Xue-Ruo Pavilion.”
“We?” Chu Ruo looked up. “Aren't you coming?”
“I will find you… all in half an hour. There is a rule that sects cannot seek revenge during the assembly. Now that the competition is over, enemies will be looking for blood. Slaughters are inevitable. There are still many disciples in Tianyou, and besides, there is no reason to stay here any longer.”
***
“Nan Muxue actually lost?”
Bai Shanni swept everything off her table in a rage. “Dammit! Such a perfect opportunity to topple the Hundred Flowers Palace! Nan Muxue, you will fall by my hand! You will!”
***
Tianyou, Xue-Ruo Pavilion.
“How did your martial arts return?” Duan Ning and the others crowded around Chu Ruo.
“La la la! Actually, they returned a long time ago. Ever since I woke up from the Dream Fulfillment poison, Muxue discovered that the poison suppressing my Hundred Flowers Gu had been neutralized. I think the two poisons canceled each other out, so I’m back to having only the Hundred Flowers Gu. But Muxue and I agreed to keep it a secret. We knew they’d try to target me if they thought I was defenseless, so we played along the whole way. I didn't think they’d actually fall for it. It’s a pity we fell short at the end, sigh.”
Duan Ning rolled her eyes. “It’s because you couldn't resist playing the hero for a pretty girl. You and Muxue really fooled us all.”
“Well, you know…” Chu Ruo gave a dry laugh. What else could she do?
Nan Muxue returned on time. A disciple led her to the room, where Chu Ruo was indeed waiting. The table was covered with food. Nan Muxue smiled and walked toward the bed, with Chu Ruo following like a puppy. “You look like a fool. Did you cause more trouble?”
“No! After causing such a mess, how would I dare?”
“What mess did you cause?”
Chu Ruo’s hands fidgeted restlessly. She murmured, “If it weren't for my kick, Lin Jianghong wouldn't be the Alliance Leader.”
Nan Muxue was about to drink some tea; Chu Ruo immediately ran to the table to bring it to her. She took a sip and said, “It was within expectations. In fact, it was part of my plan.”
“Plan??? What plan? You mean you intended for her to win from the start?”
“Liu Songhe, Gu Yutian, and Shen Wanxiong were working together. I simply refused to let them have their way.”
“I suspected as much. You could have easily caught me and stayed on the stage,” Chu Ruo sat down. “So why let Lin Jianghong win?”
“If the Hundred Flowers Palace had won, it would have played right into certain people’s hands. For example, your Miss Zhier…”
Chu Ruo interrupted, “Don't start that again. You mean the Heavenly Demon Sect?”
“I cannot read their Palace Master, Tu Aozi, but his sister, Bai Shanni—I am certain that if we had won today, the Heavenly Demon Sect would have emerged to throw mud at us, making us the target of the entire martial world.”
“But you lost. How will you explain this to your mother when we go back?”
“That is another reason. Mother wants the position of Alliance Leader so badly; there must be a secret behind it.”
“Oh, so you couldn't let her have her way either?”
“If I were to fight her directly, I would have no chance of winning. I am merely seeking survival. I do not know what she is planning, but if she succeeds, not only us, but the entire martial world will be plunged into chaos.”
What kind of person would make her own daughter speak of "seeking survival" so cautiously? Chu Ruo felt a pang of heartache and pulled Nan Muxue into her arms. “It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m here.”
Nan Muxue hugged her back. “There is one more thing.”
“What?”
“The banknotes.” She never hid anything from her. “I bet on Green Willow Villa to win.”
Chu Ruo’s jaw dropped. “You…”
Nan Muxue chuckled. “What, are you surprised?”
“Beyond surprised! That… that was totally unexpected!”
“The betting dens make their money through ill-gotten gains. What is the harm in taking some from them?”
“So you disappeared for half an hour to collect the money?”
“Shen Ruoxuan went. He and I placed the bet together.”
The Martial Arts Assembly was such a massive event that the betting dens welcomed all wagers. Lin Jianghong was such a dark horse that almost no one had bet on her. The bookies had made a lot of money, so taking some back was only fair. “So, how much did you win?”
Nan Muxue tilted her head in thought, looking quite adorable. “Probably… almost all the money wagered this time is with me now. Half for me, half for Shen Ruoxuan.”
“And how much is that?”
“Enough to buy ten Hundred Flowers Palaces. Probably more.”
*Probably more.* Chu Ruo was floored. “You… you’re a tycoon!”
“This money is enough for us to start our own sect. The money of the Hundred Flowers Palace isn't mine; it seems like I manage it, but Mother has always had Yunshuang watching me. With this money, no matter what happens in the future, I can take you away. We will live without worries for the rest of our lives, and it’s enough to ensure Ning’er and the others live well too.”
Talk about planning ahead. “This isn't just 'living well,' you’re filthy rich. If I stay with you, I’ll really be a kept man.”
Nan Muxue pinched her cheek. “Why stay with me? You have Young Villa Master Lin now. You were so protective of her; how do you have the face to stay here?”
Chu Ruo leaned in. “I just like pestering you.”
Nan Muxue picked up the book *Master, Have Mercy*. “I saw the later parts. You spent the whole time praising your Miss Zhier for being gentle, kind, and understanding, while I am just a 'vicious little viper'…”
Chu Ruo kissed her. “I love you even if you’re vicious. I’m sticking to you.”
“You’re sticking to my money.”
“Muxue,” Chu Ruo stood up and looked at her. “Do you remember what I asked you on the stage today? I told you that I would never be a stumbling block for you again. No matter what lies ahead when we return, I will walk with you. I will never let go of your hand again.”
Nan Muxue smiled, then pushed her down onto the bed. She leaned over, looking down at her. “I also told you that in this world, only I can bully you. No one else is allowed to harm my Ruo’er in the slightest.”
“By the way, Nan Yunshuang followed your orders and went back first. Duan Ning and the others want to see you to discuss what comes next.”
“Later,” Nan Muxue suddenly gave an ambiguous smile. “Right now, I have more important business.”
Chu Ruo was confused. “You’re going out again?”
Nan Muxue rolled over, pulling Chu Ruo on top of her. She hooked her arms around her neck. “What do you think?”
*Oh my god, this is too much temptation.* Chu Ruo quickly tilted her head back to prevent a nosebleed. Was the Little Viper… hinting at something? No, no. She asked cautiously, “Did I… did I do something to upset you again?”
Chu Ruo was prepared to be kicked out of bed, but instead, her collar was pulled down. The woman beneath her initiated a kiss and guided Chu Ruo’s hand to her waist, resting it on her belt. If she didn't understand by now, she really was a fool. “Muxue, you…”
“Ruo’er,” Nan Muxue called her name, her voice full of deep affection. “I’ve waited long enough.”
Chu Ruo felt her eyes grow moist. It was a tear of profound emotion. She spoke no more. With such a beauty before her, how could she not comply? She knew that when they finally became one, it would be the taste of true happiness.
***
