“Mm. That’s about right. Although there’s still some distance to go, you can start by wandering the Jianghu a bit, give it a try. Perhaps, it might leave a good path for your future self.”
“Since this comes from Mister’s discerning eye, I, Wujin, shall obey. After leaving Zhaoge, I wish to visit the border.”
“Oh? Why the border?” Xu Ping’an asked with interest.
There weren’t many things that could pique Han Wujin’s curiosity. Could something have happened at the border?
“Although Wujin is devoted to sword cultivation, he is, after all, a man of Great Qi. In recent years, I’ve heard that the Xiongnu at the border have been growing stronger and sometimes make incursions. If I’m to go somewhere, I should go to the border and see what’s going on in the Xiongnu Royal Court.”
“Mister… what do you think?”
Han Wujin’s gaze turned toward Xu Ping’an.
Xu Ping’an shook the cup of cloudy wine in his hand.
“That’s something you don’t need to ask me about. Follow your heart. Go wherever you want. Nowadays, in the Great Qi World, there aren’t many places you can’t reach, right?”
“I wouldn’t say that. Except for places inhabited by immortals, most places are accessible.”
“If that’s the case, then go as your heart desires. Wherever you want to see, just go.”
“Thank you for your words, Mister.” Han Wujin nodded.
“And where do you plan to go next, Mister?”
“Me?”
Xu Ping’an was momentarily taken aback, then glanced back toward his bedchamber.
“I’ll probably go to the Liuyun Sect.”
“Is it because of her?”
“Mm, naturally, because she’s my Lady. You know me—I’m a sentimental man.”
“You are a man of passion, Mister. That’s only natural.”
“Mm. If something happens in the future and you want to find me, either ask around at the Liuyun Sect or come to my little courtyard. You know where it is.”
“Understood.”
After three rounds of drinking, with no food left, the two were already slightly tipsy.
The wine in the pot was nearly gone. Han Wujin poured half a cup for Xu Ping’an and half for himself.
“This is all that’s left. Let’s use this cup to bid farewell, Mister.”
Han Wujin raised his bamboo cup and stood to face Xu Ping’an. Xu Ping’an didn’t waste words; he also stood and raised his cup to him.
“Mister, take care. If anything happens, I will come for you. Wujin takes his leave.”
With that, he downed the cup in one gulp. Xu Ping’an nodded.
“Wishing you a safe journey.”
He also drained his cup, and the moment he set it down, the bamboo pot and cup on the table vanished, reappearing at Han Wujin’s waist.
Han Wujin stepped out of the pavilion and turned back to clasp his hands in salute to Xu Ping’an.
Xu Ping’an folded his left hand over the right in front of him and bowed.
No words were exchanged. By the time Xu Ping’an stood up, the pavilion before him was already empty.
This was probably what friendship between men was like.
No need for words; everything was conveyed through the wine.
In this era, a farewell could mean not seeing each other for years, or even over a decade.
That was why people cherished every meeting.
Especially among close friends.
Xu Ping’an was no exception. He gazed at the star-studded sky, lost in thought.
It seemed like he was silently praying for his friend’s safety, or perhaps reminiscing about their recent farewell.
He turned and headed straight to his bedchamber.
“My Lady has already warmed the bed; I can’t waste that…”
Thinking of the bed with its faint scent of her, Xu Ping’an quickened his pace.
Back in the room, as expected, the figure he longed to see was curled up under the covers.
Xu Ping’an quietly lifted the quilt, took off his outer garment, and slipped in beside her.
“Mm~ Husband, it’s so cold~”
“Mm~ It is a bit chilly outside. Looks like it’ll rain these days.”
Xu Ping’an answered casually, wrapping the delicate woman who burrowed into his arms.
“Husband…”
“Mm?”
“You know…”
“I do.”
“I have an old friend…”
“Still seriously injured and unconscious…”
“No need to ask me; you’re my Lady, and your old friend is my old friend. When shall we depart?”
Pei Qingxuan slowly lifted her head, her eyes like the starry sky, moist with tears.
“I knew my husband was the best~ We’ll leave three days from now, as you said.”
“You~ Could it be you’re just reluctant to leave because you’re infatuated with my charm?”
“Mm~ Husband~”
Hearing the soft, reluctant moan in her embrace, Xu Ping’an grinned.
A wife like this—what more could a husband ask for?
Outside, she was the sect leader, an untouchable beauty known throughout the world.
Inside, she was tender as water, her body seeming boneless, full of love and longing, with everything revolving around him.
Xu Ping’an held Pei Qingxuan contentedly.
The Lady shrank back slightly.
“Hm? What are you doing?”
Xu Ping’an was taken aback and reached out, only for the Lady to dodge his hand and then nestle closer.
“Husband has had quite a bit to drink; he must be uncomfortable. I think this way, Husband will feel better. Awooo…”
“Mm!”
Warmth enveloped him, gentle and lingering. Xu Ping’an let out a muffled groan from the stimulation.
Ever since the Innate Alluring Bones awakened in this girl, she hardly ever left his side during the day.
It was hard to imagine how those with Innate Alluring Bones survived before.
Were they all married off?
Or forcibly restrained?
Either way, it wasn’t a good situation.
But this Lady… she had just fought all day and drank at least a jin of wine earlier. Although the alcohol content wasn’t high, it was still alcohol.
And now she was in the mood again.
At this rate, one day he’d definitely be drained dry.
Could it be… he really had to use the Nine-turn Golden Pill?
“Psst~ Where did you learn this move!?” The girl passed him a book from under the quilt.
“Phoenix Wind Moon Ten Thousand Hands”
The descriptions inside were incredibly detailed.
Each picture was accompanied by a dense page of small text explaining the move — how to execute it, the angles of force, and so on.
Looking at it gave Xu Ping’an goosebumps.
Even as a seasoned reader of manuals, he’d never seen such a meticulous teaching book!
No wonder the ancients really knew how to have fun.
But thinking about it, adults back then didn’t have many pastimes.
So naturally, the more time spent, the more refined their skills became.
But… others mastering it was one thing. His own Lady studying these books to gain knowledge was a little overwhelming.
He wasn’t some lustful demon; was she really learning these things to please him?
He flipped to a page that had no pictures, only detailed descriptions.
“So that’s it. This move is Entwining Coiling Lick? The ancients really knew how to play!”
Under the starry sky and silver moonlight, unknowingly, the whole night passed.
Early the next morning, Xu Ping’an adjusted his collar as the young eunuch led him to the Hall of Central Harmony.
Today was another day for the Emperor of Great Qi’s follow-up consultation. Actually, Xu Ping’an had declined several times.
But that stubborn old emperor insisted on calling him every time.
The meaning was clear enough: he wanted to curry favor and win him over.
However, just as Xu Ping’an stepped into the main hall and bent to salute, he caught sight of a familiar figure.
“Zhier… Greetings, Mister.”
The lively little girl stood before him.