After that, Bai Ling arrived at Moonshadow City.
She entered through the main gate without concealing her aura or altering her appearance. Her black robes fluttered in the wind, eyes sharp as she calmly walked to the guards and produced her Assassination Hall identity token.
The guards, upon receiving it, froze like stone. Their eyes widened in disbelief—who would dare provoke the Assassination Hall, and to such an extent that one of its captains had to come personally?
They knew the captains of the Hall were hidden yet powerful figures. The City Lord himself had issued instructions that their identity tokens were not to be ignored. And among the captains, only one woman carried this particular token—Bai Ling.
"L-Lady Bai… please pardon our rudeness," one of the guards stammered.
"We were just performing our duties…"
Bai Ling walked up to him, leaned in, and whispered softly,
"No need for such formalities. I've come to pay a visit… to your City Lord Zhou."
They didn't dare delay. The path was instantly cleared.
A few moments later, Bai Ling arrived at the City Lord's Mansion—a magnificent estate as elegant as the moon hanging in the night sky. The entrance opened into a vast flower garden with neatly trimmed hedges and petals that danced in the wind. In the center stood stone tables and chairs carved from celestial jade.
But Bai Ling had no interest in scenery. She walked directly into the assembly hall, where several ministers were reporting duties and presenting memorials.
When the ministers noticed the black-robed woman with an icy aura and a face beautiful enough to steal breath, they froze. Sweat trickled down their brows, and a look of fear took over.
The City Lord, seated at the top while reading documents, noticed the change. He lifted his gaze and calmly said,
"All ministers, return to your duties. The meeting is adjourned until tomorrow."
None questioned it. They bowed and quietly exited.
The City Lord pushed aside the memorials and ordered,
"I want to be alone for a moment."
The guards and servants withdrew. The personal guard nodded silently and left, shutting the door.
Finally, the City Lord leaned back and said,
"Hm… Miss Bai. Long time no see."
"Yes," Bai Ling replied. "It has indeed been a while. How is Rongrong?"
He sighed,
"She's been emotionless… like a statue. We've tried every known physician and alchemist. No cure has been found."
Bai Ling's expression didn't change.
"I asked my master. He said her condition is due to her unique constitution. That's why she became emotionless."
The City Lord gave a long look.
"May I ask why you've come to Moonshadow City?"
"Nothing special," she replied lightly. "Just to kill someone."
He blinked.
"Oh? And who might that unfortunate soul be?"
"A disciple from Frost Cloud Pavilion."
"A… disciple?" He paused.
"Will there be… a lot of destruction?"
"Hmm," she tapped her chin. "Maybe just a few courtyards, a large field, a couple of pavilions… hard to say."
The City Lord sighed heavily.
"I understand…"
---
Soon after, Bai Ling left the hall.
The City Lord clapped twice, and a white-robed figure appeared without a sound.
"Send someone from the Shadow Guards to keep an eye on her," the City Lord ordered. "Don't interfere. Just observe."
"Yes, my lord," the figure responded and vanished just as silently.
The City Lord rested his head in his hand and muttered,
"What a huge loss…"
------------
Moonshadow City --- Spirit Lake Courtyard
After the gentle morning breeze passed, Li Chen, who had been sleeping beneath Yu Qingci, slowly opened his eyes. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly — fairies were truly fairies. Their beauty, charm, and allure could enchant both one's heart and soul.
As he looked down, he found Yu Qingci awake, resting on his chest. She seemed immersed in her own world, sometimes drawing small circles on his skin with her fingers, sometimes placing gentle kisses. She resembled a masterful painter, wholly absorbed in her art.
Unaware that Li Chen was already awake, Qingci continued her affectionate motions. Slowly, Li Chen moved his hand and gently placed it on her waist, then his fingers slid lower with playful intent.
Startled, Yu Qingci glanced up, her cheeks flushed.
"You… you beast! Are you still not satisfied after ravaging me last night...ah....?" she whispered with a mix of embarrassment and mock annoyance.
Li Chen chuckled softly.
"What's wrong with loving my wife and caring for her well-being?" he teased, but didn't stop his mischievous motions.
Qingci held his hand, trying to push it away — halfheartedly. "I don't need your care…" she murmured, though her breath grew heavier. Despite her protest, her body betrayed her enjoyment.
"Husband… please… my sister Lingxue and our son are already awake..." she pleaded, hiding her face in his chest.
"Oh? You call him 'your' son now?" Li Chen raised a brow. "Why not give him a sibling to play with?" His tone carried a teasing gentleness.
Her cheeks turned even redder as she shook her head.
"You…!"
He laughed and gently kissed her forehead.
"Let's bathe together," he said, rising with her in his arms. She gave a soft yelp of surprise as he carried her like a feather-light child toward the bath area.
From inside, soft splashing could be heard, along with giggles and murmured affection.
"Ahh.. no... Ummm...Ya..."
"Stop stop stop....not there ....Yes..."
"Bam... Bam....", He slapped on her rear end and lifted her legs and then.
"Don't husband.... Please.... one at a time."
Some time later, the couple emerged, their skin glowing, robes neatly arranged. Li Chen helped dress her with utmost care, tying the sash around her waist with practiced ease.
Their morning had just begun, filled with warmth, trust, and quiet joy — the kind that came from deep connection rather than words.
Just as they stepped out of their room, hand in hand, ready to greet Su Lingxue and little Xuan, a sudden ripple spread across the courtyard's protective formation—like a stone dropped into still water.
Li Chen's expression instantly turned serious. He stepped forward, shielding Yu Qingci with a flick of his sleeve, and narrowed his ey
es at the invisible disturbance in the air.
His voice turned cold and sharp.
"Who's there? Show yourself."
-------------