Hearing this, Ning Xuefei's body trembled violently, a flash of terror in her beautiful eyes. Hu Hong's words were like a dagger striking the deepest secret in her heart.
It turned out that the foundational technique of the Immortal Palace's Ning Clan was called 'Immortal's Wish.' It required Ning Clan couples to be naturally drawn to each other through Yin-Yang resonance. Combined with the clan's two secret treasures, 'Xuan Shuang' and 'Qing Hua,' which were hidden within the bodies of the clan's inheritors, they symbolized the harmony and legacy of the Immortal Palace. If the two holders practiced dual cultivation, the Yin-soft power of the 'Xuan Shuang' holder would merge with the Yang-hard power of the 'Qing Hua' holder, significantly boosting their cultivation and bringing their bodies and spirits to a peak state. However, if the two did not practice dual cultivation for a long time, the Yin-Yang imbalance would lead to internal injuries. The 'Xuan Shuang' holder would gradually become cold and weak, while the 'Qing Hua' holder would have an excess of Yang energy, to the point of their Qi and blood flowing in reverse.
Because Ning Xuefei was unwilling to let Wei Wuyuan know this secret, nor did she want to help him achieve his goal of gathering all Seven Great Treasures, she had refused to cooperate with him. Now, the Yin-cold power of the 'Xuan Shuang' within her was out of control, eroding her meridians for a long time, causing her spiritual power to decline and her body to weaken day by day. She even faced the threat of death. To suppress the backlash of the cold energy, she had long exhausted her mental and physical strength. In the dead of night, the cold poison would seep into her bones, causing her unbearable agony.
She had thought no one knew of this fatal weakness, yet Hu Hong had seen through it with a single sentence. Could it be that the 'Night's Heart Grass' of Hundred Flowers Island truly possessed such secret-probing abilities? She bit her red lip. As her full, alluring chest heaved, a patch of pinkish-white tender flesh was revealed between her swelling breasts. The deep cleavage created by her large bosom swayed with her ragged breathing, sending out ripples that carried a captivating, fleshy fragrance.
Seeing the changing expression on her face, Hu Hong knew his words had struck her right where it hurt. Even at this critical juncture, he didn't forget to seize the opportunity to appreciate her voluptuous, enchanting, and peerless beauty. He swallowed again and said, "Your Majesty, you bear a deep sea of blood feud, carry the rise and fall of the Ning Clan on your shoulders, and must constantly guard against the wolfish ambitions of Wei Wuyuan. Under such immense pressure, to also suffer the torment of this backlash... even a body of iron couldn't withstand it for long!"
Ning Xuefei bit her red lip tightly and said nothing. Hu Hong took a step forward, his gaze burning as he looked at Ning Xuefei, and continued, "Your Majesty, the Night's Heart secret treasure of my Hundred Flowers Island can effectively harmonize the Yin and Yang energies within a cultivator's body, nourish damaged meridians, and stimulate latent life potential."
Seeing her reaction, Hu Hong knew his words had swayed her. He was secretly overjoyed, but maintained a calm and composed appearance, standing with an air of grace as he said solemnly, "The Wei Clan has been acting rebelliously for many years. Wei Wuyuan controls everything with an iron fist, intending to stir up a storm of blood. In recent years, I've heard he covets the secret treasures and has been searching for them everywhere. My Hundred Flowers Island has long been on secret alert."
"The Devine Emperor killed your late husband. You have endured humiliation for years, holding a great hatred in your heart. If the Ning Clan were to join forces with my Hundred Flowers Island, with the strength of my Hu Clan to aid you, why worry that we cannot turn the tables? Although I am shameless and base, I understand your desire for vengeance even more. The internal arts of Hundred Flowers Island are highly skilled in harmonizing and restoring vital energy. I risked coming here today, willing to help you recover from your injuries. If the Ning Clan can rise again and curb the expansion of Wei Wuyuan's power, that is the most urgent matter at hand."
As Hu Hong spoke on and on, Ning Xuefei's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. She looked at his handsome face and the serious way he spoke. This man truly had a fine appearance, making it hard not to feel some goodwill towards him. She actually felt that his proposal seemed quite good, and her heart wavered slightly.
She had long heard the secret legends of the 'Night's Heart Grass' of Hundred Flowers Island, said to be able to probe the flow of Yin and Yang energies. Could it truly have such a divine effect? She pondered silently. If Hu Hong had only perceived the cold energy by chance through a secret technique, then this was a stroke of luck. This man was lecherous and base, yet he seemed like a life-saving straw sent from heaven. Her heart was in turmoil, and her killing intent lessened slightly. Her hatred for Wei Wuyuan ran deep to the marrow of her bones, probably deeper than the combined hatred of everyone else in the world. As long as it could cause him pain and make him struggle, she was willing to do it.
Seeing her beautiful eyes lost in thought, a look of contemplation on her face, her willow-leaf brows and almond-shaped eyes, her mature beauty like a jade flower, still full of the charming allure of a gorgeous, melancholic woman even in her sorrow, Hu Hong found himself more and more enamored as he watched. He quickly continued, "In this battle, the Devine Emperor has the advantage of the present, but you have the advantage of the future. Although my Hu Clan's power is not as great as the Immortal Palace's, we are skilled in strategy and are willing to serve you. I am at your beck and call."
Ning Xuefei's beautiful eyes flickered as she glanced at Hu Hong. Her gaze was like a pool of clear water gently disturbed. She retracted her sword energy and stood gracefully beside him, saying coldly, "I will spare your life for today. We can discuss the rest later. Allow me to think it over. You may leave now."
Hu Hong knew this great beauty had been persuaded by his words, and there was no rush. He immediately bowed with a flourish, lowered his head, and said, "I would not dare to disturb Your Majesty's rest. When you have time, please consider my proposal. Whether it is right or wrong, whether to advance or retreat, I trust you will make your own decision."
As he finished speaking, he lowered his head and saw the white waistband Ning Xuefei had thrown as a flying sword still on the ground. Next to it were scattered her thin gauze waistband and a bundle of fragrant undergarments. A pair of white lace panties. He bent down to pick them up. They still faintly carried Ning Xuefei's body scent. He picked up the white lace panties, holding them in his palm. The lace fabric still retained the warmth from having just been on its owner's body, along with a faint, alluring scent mixed with her arousal. The piece of fabric that covered her most private core was soaked with a sticky, honey-like fluid, making it semi-transparent. A few ambiguous, crystal-clear strands could still be faintly seen hanging from it.
"You..." Ning Xuefei's face flushed slightly as she whispered in a soft rebuke. Her beautiful eyes darted, and her heart trembled secretly. To think this intimate garment of hers had been taken by this lecherous rogue. She felt vaguely that this was improper.
Hu Hong also knew he couldn't stay long. He looked up and gave Ning Xuefei one last deep look. Ning Xuefei happened to be looking back at him. In the candlelight, her complexion was as clear and lustrous as jade, her beauty breathtaking. The thin gauze could not hide her magnificent figure of full breasts and a curvaceous rear, yet her expression was one of sorrow, her willow-leaf brows tightly furrowed. Hu Hong knew she was caught in a struggle of indecision. He met her gaze for a moment, then bowed his head again and turned to leave the bedchamber.
Hu Hong's gaze was profound as a slight smile touched his lips. He knew that no matter how noble Ning Xuefei's status or how unparalleled her martial arts, she was still a woman, and a pitiable woman burdened by hatred and suffering. Today, she had forgiven and spared him even after he spied on her during her intimate affairs. From now on, he knew that even if he crossed her boundaries again, he would always find some shameless way to smooth things over.
Whether it was that stunningly beautiful, cold, and proud face, or that exquisite, full, and enchanting figure, he would absolutely not let such a fine woman slip away. He was determined to pursue her to the very end.
At the same time, Mo Xingyun was alone in the study of Ning Xuefei's bedchamber's inner hall, searching for the hidden compartment his parents had used for secret codes. Relying on his memory, he found the hidden compartment behind a bookshelf. He reached in, twisted the handle, and opened the stone slab disguised as a door. Inside, a rolled-up piece of vellum was laid out, ornately decorated and clearly a valuable item.
Mo Xingyun thought to himself that this was no place to linger. He quickly tucked the vellum into his robe. He had been maintaining the 'Hidden Dragon's Demonic Shadow' art with his inner strength, but by now, so much time had passed that his inner energy was more than half-depleted, and he was starting to feel he couldn't keep it up much longer.
He slipped out of the study and saw his mother using her sword energy to threaten Hu Hong. Seeing the two of them locked in a verbal sparring match, he guessed that Hu Hong's life was as good as over and that they were too preoccupied to notice his side. Seizing the opportunity, Mo Xingyun quickly slipped out along the stone wall at the edge of the bedchamber.
That Hu Hong had actually committed the vile act of peeping on his mother during her intimate affairs. He was a lecherous man with nothing but a pretty face. His death would be well-deserved, Mo Xingyun thought with disdain.
Mo Xingyun's trip to the Immortal Palace had been quite fruitful. Not only had he scouted out the enemy's situation, but he had also learned of the discordant marital relationship between his mother, Ning Xuefei, and Wei Wuyuan. This meant she had not willingly thrown herself into Wei Wuyuan's arms. In his heart, he forgave his mother a little, knowing she had been living an unhappy life. His feelings were a mix of joy and sorrow; he didn't know whether to be happy for himself or sad for his mother. His thoughts were incredibly complex.
He shook his head, warning himself to keep a clear head. The first priority was to leave this place. He quickened his pace, swiftly descending the mountain to leave the Immortal Palace. Here, he no longer needed to use the "Hidden Dragon Demonic Art" technique, relying instead on the shadows of the trees to hide and advance.
*****
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