Lin Xiao was instantly thrilled. Without any unnecessary words, he scooped Su Qingning up by the waist. She instinctively hooked her arms around his neck. From her reaction, Lin Xiao knew she was rapidly opening her heart to him.

This is definitely a good thing.

Carrying the feather-light Su Qingning, he entered the room and gently placed her on the bed. Yet, she refused to let go. With a helpless sigh, Lin Xiao climbed onto the bed as well. Su Qingning curled up in his arms like a docile cat. They could feel each other's breath, each other's heartbeat, and even the love flowing between them.

An unknown amount of time passed before Su Qingning's breathing grew deep and even. Lin Xiao knew she had fallen asleep. He carefully rolled out of bed.

That intimidating, murderous aura was still present. Of course, Lin Xiao had to go and confront its source.

When the villa's main gate opened slowly, Lin Xiao saw a dark figure standing in the night. It was Bei Kuang, whom he hadn't seen in days.

This old geezer is like a bad penny, always turning up. He's intent on killing me.

Bei Kuang was momentarily startled upon seeing Lin Xiao, then a rare smile touched his lips. This old man was normally stern and serious, so seeing him smile was quite a surprise. However, due to his advanced age, the smile looked particularly eerie.

But an even greater surprise was yet to come. After his smile faded, with a sudden THUD, Bei Kuang knelt before Lin Xiao. This action truly shocked him.

Just as Lin Xiao was about to speak, Bei Kuang announced in a clear, loud voice, "Bei Kuang pays homage to the Dragon Lord! From this day forward, I will be your most loyal subordinate!"

Huh? What's going on?

Lin Xiao was utterly baffled.

"Get up first!"

"As you command!" Bei Kuang stood, his eyes filled with reverence as he looked at Lin Xiao.

"What are your orders, Dragon Lord?"

"I have a question for you. Are you out of your mind?"

"Dragon Lord, I am not mad. I have simply learned the truth," Bei Kuang responded.

"Where did you learn that I am the Dragon Lord?"

"From your master!"

No wonder.

Lin Xiao nodded. "Alright, I understand. Since you've put it that way, it wouldn't be right for me to refuse you. You can follow me from now on."

Bei Kuang's face lit up with joy, and he nodded vigorously.

"As you command, Dragon Lord! I swear to follow you to the death. I would not hesitate to sacrifice my own life!"

"Then we'll see how you perform."

"Understood," Bei Kuang replied. "Dragon Lord, if there is anything you need, you have only to command me!"

"I know. It's late. Scram."

"As you command!"

After they parted ways, Lin Xiao turned and went back into the villa. He had just closed the door when his phone suddenly rang. The call was from the princess of the Cherry Blossom Country.

Lin Xiao answered.

"Master, I have now contacted six members of the Dragon Slaying Plan. What are your instructions?"

Lin Xiao smirked. This dog works quite efficiently.

"Tell them I'm in Jinling City. If they want the Map of Mountains and Rivers, they can come and find me."

"Master, I... I don't quite understand!"

"Understand what?"

"You want them to fight over the Map of Mountains and Rivers?" Xiang Nai asked cautiously.

"It's too complicated for your intellect. Just do as I say!"

"Very well."

Lin Xiao hung up immediately. To be frank, he had no intention of letting them fight over the Map of Mountains and Rivers. He was inviting them to their deaths.

「The night passed peacefully.」

The next morning, when Su Qingning awoke, the first thing she saw was Lin Xiao watching her. They were only a few centimeters apart. Su Qingning felt her cheeks flush under his gaze, and she shyly buried her head in his chest.

Lin Xiao chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, asking gently, "How did you sleep?"

Su Qingning murmured a response.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

She lifted her head to look at him. "Not really. Are you? I can go make you breakfast!"

"Sure!"

The young woman was about to get out of bed without another word, but Lin Xiao didn't release her just yet. He boldly stole a peck on her lips. Amidst her shy embarrassment, he finally let her go.

After watching her leave, Lin Xiao lay back on the bed, a blissful expression on his face.

After breakfast, Su Qingning drove them out. They bought some items for paying respects and then headed straight for her father's final resting place. The burial site was somewhat desolate. Su Qingning explained that they had specifically chosen this auspicious place for her father because he had never been fond of crowds. It was peaceful here. Lin Xiao nodded in understanding.

Finally, she led him to her father's tombstone. Only a portion of her father's ashes were buried here; the rest were kept at home. Though Lin Xiao didn't know the reason behind this decision, he respected their choices.

Before Su Qingning could kneel, Lin Xiao was already on his knees.

"Dad, I'm sorry I'm late. I should have come to see you sooner, but things have been incredibly busy, hence the delay. Please don't be mad. I brought your favorite liquor. I'll have a drink with you in a bit!"

Su Qingning didn't know whether to laugh or cry at his words. The man is a true social maverick. He had turned such a solemn occasion into something almost comical. But honestly, she could feel his sincere respect for her father.

Su Qingning knelt as well, laying out the offerings she had prepared.

Lin Xiao opened the liquor bottle and skillfully poured several cups. He poured a few out for her father first, then drank a few himself.

"Dad, now that we've had a drink, we're family," Lin Xiao said, his tone full of sincerity. "Don't you worry about Qingning. I'll protect her with my life. If you can hear me in the great beyond, you can rest in peace."

Su Qingning's eyes instantly reddened. Having been married to Lin Xiao for some time now, she truly felt how well he protected her. Despite all the harrowing experiences they had been through, she had never once been harmed.

Following his lead, she spoke. "Dad, Lin Xiao isn't lying. He treats me very well and protects me. I'm truly happy now. Mom wanted to come, but I was afraid it would make her too sad, so I didn't bring her. But don't worry, she's doing well, too."

Without realizing it, her eyes had become completely bloodshot. Lin Xiao knew she was deeply saddened. How could she not be? That was her beloved father. Now, she could only speak to him across a mound of earth.

"Honey, may I speak with my father alone for a moment?"

"Of course. Take your time. I'll wait for you nearby."

Su Qingning shot him a grateful glance.

Lin Xiao turned and walked away. He only stopped once he was several dozen meters away. Looking around at the desolate surroundings, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Just then, a sinister voice suddenly echoed in his ears.

"What a fine place to kill someone, out here in these desolate hills."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.