The Frost Beneath Her Veil - Chapter 23

“Xiao Jiu, do not panic. Keep your mind clear and cast away all distracting thoughts,” the woman said. Dressed in white, she appeared as pure as a lotus. Her slender hand gripped Yin Jiuruo’s firmly, and her body surged with abundant spiritual energy.

The familiar sweet fragrance enveloped her, and Yin Jiuruo calmed down amidst her terror, realizing she was still in her own room. However, Fu Qing had used her arts to forge a golden cage from which there was no escape.

As the final stroke of the restriction was completed, Fu Qing finally looked up to meet Yin Jiuruo’s gaze. Unsurprisingly, she saw a light like that of a small, trapped animal in those pure black eyes—a mixture of adoration and alarm.

It was just like when she had first encountered Yin Jiuruo in Peach Blossom Town.

Below Hexue Peak, the Sect Leader and several elders of the Canglan Sect stood with Shen Cangli, waiting anxiously.

“The Venerable One has always cared for the common people and prioritizes the greater good. This time she has merely trapped Yin Jiuruo to ensure everything is foolproof; there will certainly be no errors.”

“I only wonder why the demonic energy from the Outer Lands was able to break through the rift. Could it be that it sensed we have set the Great Demon-Slaying Array and is looking for an opportunity to destroy it?” The Sect Leader stroked his white beard, his eyes filled with gravity.

“You and I must guard the array well. Changfan has planned this for a thousand years, not hesitating to sacrifice herself and condescend to marry Yin Jiuruo just to let this natural-born wretch be happy for one more moment,” Shen Cangli said, her eyes full of pity. “I truly do not know how much grievance Changfan has suffered, or how much more she must sacrifice…”

According to Shen Cangli’s wishes, they should have simply kept Yin Jiuruo locked in the Gamo Heart Tower until the time was ripe. Unfortunately, the ancient array required the heart’s blood of one with “Sinner’s Bones” at the moment of their ultimate despair. It had truly been difficult for Fu Qing to maintain this pretense with Yin Jiuruo for over a decade.

Thinking of the grievances Fu Qing had endured, Shen Cangli felt an unbearable pang of heartache.

The elders, sensing Shen Cangli’s anger, hurried to say, “Young Master Shen, there is no need to be angry. The Venerable One carries a great sense of righteousness. Once the demonic energy is purged, she will surely fulfill her promise to marry you.”

Hearing this, Shen Cangli’s expression gradually softened, and her face regained some color.

Inside Linyue Residence.

Fu Qing gently held Yin Jiuruo, her spiritual energy traveling through the girl’s internal organs. She asked softly:

“Xiao Jiu, is your spiritual aperture swirled with black mist again? Is your blood boiling?”

Sensing the pity in Fu Qing’s dark phoenix eyes, Yin Jiuruo nodded obediently.

“This is the pollution of the demonic energy from the Outer Lands. It was my negligence that led to the necessity of keeping you here.”

Seeing Fu Qing blame herself, Yin Jiuruo boldly reached out to touch the woman’s silk-soft hair.

“I should have told Master earlier. I was worried it would affect our wedding, so…”

A flash of cold severity quickly crossed Fu Qing’s eyes, only to be replaced by concern and comfort. “I will naturally protect you.”

“Thank you, Master,” Yin Jiuruo coughed involuntarily. The invasion of the demonic energy seemed to be growing heavier, leaving her body weak and powerless. Noticing her worsening state, Fu Qing held her even tighter. She would not allow anything to happen to Yin Jiuruo at least not yet.

Fragile and gasping for breath, Yin Jiuruo was suddenly met with a lapful of warm fragrance and soft jade. She saw the woman’s collar slightly disarrayed and the corners of her eyes flushed a pale red as she gazed at Yin Jiuruo with total receptivity.

She could glimpse the scenery beneath the woman’s robes, a thin ribbon wrapping around a cool, white, and delicate curve. The ribbon felt as if it might break at any moment, revealing snowy, crimson spring colors and a sweet, tempting fragrance.

Yin Jiuruo awkwardly averted her gaze, only to hear Fu Qing’s voice, which sounded like soft, moist spring leaves.

“Xiao Jiu, I have settled all your little animals. In a few days… I will take you to see them.”

“Good. Master, that peacock is very vain; remember to let it live by the pond.”

“I will.”

“And Xiao Huo… it likes eating parasol leaves now,” Yin Jiuruo’s eyelids were heavy. Her every breath was filled with the woman’s sweet fragrance, and the light, fleeting touches of their tongues were no longer superficial but grew increasingly deep.

“I will pick the freshest ones for it,” Fu Qing’s voice was hoarse from the excessive kissing.

“Also, Feng Qi said she wants the head table at our wedding. And Senior Sister Chong You… I miss her; I haven’t seen her in a long time.”

“Alright. In a few days, I will call Chong You and Feng Qi back.”

Wrapped in the woman’s warm, fragrant embrace, Yin Jiuruo felt at peace. She seemed to see high-flying lanterns lighting up the starry sky, with snow and fire falling—a beauty that seemed to pierce through eternity.

Suddenly, Fu Qing felt a wetness on her hand. Yin Jiuruo was silently weeping.

“Xiao Jiu, what is it? Are you unhappy that we are moving the wedding forward?”

“No, I am very happy. I am only afraid that such a wonderful day will end too soon.”

The woman’s breath hitched slightly. She gently patted Yin Jiuruo’s back to soothe her. “It won’t.”

“Master, will you always stay by my side?”

“I will. And what about Xiao Jiu?”

“I will naturally love Master forever,” Yin Jiuruo forced her eyes open and said seriously. “No matter what happens, Xiao Jiu will always love Master.”

“Good. Then Xiao Jiu must not break her word.”

“I won’t… break my word.”

Yin Jiuruo fell asleep again. In her dream, many people seemed to be calling her “Your Highness,” urging her to flee as far as possible. But why flee? Was someone trying to kill her? Who was it?

When she opened her eyes again, Fu Qing was still there with her. For a moment, she didn’t know the time or place.

The woman had delicate brows and red lips, her eyes like clear frost, and her body glowed with celestial light. The only difference was the magnificent, elegantly embroidered red wedding robe in her hands, decorated with cloud-like patterns.

Fu Qing leaned down, her breath fragrant as orchids, and said tenderly: “The auspicious hour for our wedding is approaching. Come, try on your wedding dress.”

Seeing that Yin Jiuruo was still dazed and groggy, the woman’s clear and alluring eyes filled with a pool of watery light. “Xiao Jiu, do not miss the hour of our wedding night.”

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