Chapter Ninety: The Two Women Scheming Against Xiao Yu

With Dai Heng’s death, the night assault finally drew to a close. The main instigator of the rebellion, Ferreira, hung his head like a withered eggplant as he was dragged away by the soldiers of the Heaven Dou Empire, while the entire camp resounded with the jubilant cries of victory.

At that moment, Ye Lingling hurried over, her face clouded with worry as she addressed Xiao Yu, “Brother Xiao Yu, come quickly—go see Huo Wu! Her condition isn’t looking good!”

What!

Xiao Yu’s expression changed instantly. He had assumed that while Huo Wu had taken a blow from Dai Heng, the man’s real aim had been to rescue Ferreira at that moment. Had he truly struck to kill with that very first attack?

“Hurry and take me to her!”

Anxiousness gripped Xiao Yu’s heart. That wild girl, she absolutely must be all right!

Ye Lingling led him through the throng of prisoners being escorted, straight to the rear camp where Huo Wu’s tent stood. Without hesitation, Xiao Yu flung aside the tent flap and strode in.

He found Huo Wu lying on her bed, eyes tightly shut, delicate brows furrowed, her pain plain to see.

“Brother Xiao Yu, I did everything I could!” Ye Lingling closed her eyes, bowing her head to avoid his gaze. “Huo Wu’s injuries are just too severe. My soul power is still too weak.”

“Huo Wu, you little maniac!”

Unable to hold back, Xiao Yu called out, crossing the room in two quick strides to her bedside.

“Cough… cough, you… you’re here!” Huo Wu forced her eyes open, gazing at the man now so close by.

“Don’t speak, save your strength,” Xiao Yu said, his nose stinging unexpectedly at the sight of her. If he were honest with himself, he had never truly known how to feel about Huo Wu. Even their relationship had only solidified through Ye Lingling’s persistent urging. After he and Ye Lingling had finally crossed that last threshold, he understood Huo Wu’s feelings, but still kept her at arm’s length, always finding an excuse.

Yet Huo Wu had come, alone and far from home, to join him at Nine Star Academy. All these years, she had stayed, asking for nothing in return. Even knowing her place in his heart could never surpass Ye Lingling’s, she had never hesitated to follow him into battle.

For a moment, Xiao Yu felt like a scoundrel. Looking at the beautiful, fragile girl before him, a wave of emotions flooded his heart.

“No… I must say it now. If I don’t, I might never have the chance again!” Huo Wu’s breath came fast. She stretched out her arms toward Xiao Yu. “Hold me, will you? You’ve never even held me once.”

“All right,” Xiao Yu replied softly, sitting on the edge of the bed, gathering Huo Wu into his arms. He brushed aside a lock of her azure hair and gazed at the usually boisterous girl, now so helpless and weak. For the first time, two tears silently traced down his ever-composed face.

“Why are you crying?” Huo Wu suddenly laughed, reaching out to wipe his tears. “I never thought I’d live to see the day you’d cry for me. My life has been worth it.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. You have a long life ahead of you!” Xiao Yu caught her hand, gently kneading her soft palm. “There’s still so much of me you haven’t seen yet. From now on, whenever you want, I’ll let you see.”

“It’s a promise, then!” Huo Wu didn’t pull her hand away. Instead, she caressed his face with it.

Xiao Yu couldn’t help but hold her even tighter. Huo Wu nestled into his arms, a faint smile of happiness curving her lips.

They held each other for a long time. When Xiao Yu finally looked down, Huo Wu was already gazing up at him. Their eyes met, and Huo Wu’s lips gently pressed to his.

“Xiao Yu, will you take me?” she whispered after their kiss, her head once again resting on his chest. “I want to be your woman, just like Lingling.”

“Your injuries are too serious. How could you bear such exertion? Be good, listen to me, get well first,” Xiao Yu said, even as his desire flared. There was no way he could allow himself such indulgence with someone so gravely hurt.

Huo Wu shook her head like a stubborn child. “Lingling already told me my wounds are too severe—even she isn’t confident she can heal me. Her martial spirit is even stronger than Nine-Hearted Begonia now, but if she can’t do it, what hope do I have? Let me be willful, just this once, before I go.”

Xiao Yu tried to soothe her like a child. “Silly girl, Lingling’s martial spirit is powerful, but her soul power is still low. I’ve already sent word to the sect, asking Grandpa Ye to come. With his help, you’ll be fine.”

“I don’t believe you!” Huo Wu pouted. “You’re just trying to comfort me. You’re already planning to fly away with Lingling, never to be bothered by anyone else.”

“How could I?”

Xiao Yu pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “How could I ever lie to you?”

“Then swear it!” Huo Wu lifted her head from his chest, fixing him with her gaze. “Swear on your martial spirit that you’ll marry me and treat me well.”

“All right, I swear on my martial spirit,” Xiao Yu said, raising his hand and extending four fingers in oath. “From this day forward, I will marry Huo Wu, cherish her, and make her happy for all her days.”

“You said it yourself!” Huo Wu suddenly wriggled free of his embrace, her lips curving into a smile, her cheeks flushed and her bright eyes shining with delight. There was not a trace of weakness left in her.

“What the—did you just fake your death?” Xiao Yu was startled, but at once realized what had happened. Ye Lingling was now standing quietly at the edge of the tent, and his anger flared. “Well, well, Lingling! You actually helped her trick me!”

It was no wonder Xiao Yu had been fooled—Ye Lingling had always seemed so sincere. He never imagined she’d lie to him like this. If he’d only used his spiritual sense for a moment, he’d have realized Huo Wu’s frailty was all an act.

“I don’t care, you swore!” Huo Wu had already recovered her usual fiery spirit. “If you dare go back on your word, I’ll make sure the entire continent knows Xiao Yu of Nine Star Palace is a heartless scoundrel!”

Ye Lingling laughed softly. “You can’t blame him, Huo Wu has dropped enough hints to fell a mountain, but he’s as dense as a block of wood. Brother Xiao Yu, treat her well. Tonight, I’ll leave you two alone.”

With that, Ye Lingling stepped back, preparing to leave.

“Not so fast!” Xiao Yu channeled his soul power, reaching out to pull Ye Lingling into his arms. “The two of you conspired to deceive your husband. Tonight, I’ll show you what it means to uphold the law of the household!”

As he spoke, Xiao Yu sent out a ripple of soul power, sealing off the tent completely. At once, spring’s warmth blossomed within…