Chapter 57

Chapter 57

A Woman’s Hair

Lu Chengfeng looked at Zhao Ling’er kneeling in the wind and snow, feeling a surge of pity in his heart.

Zhao Changzhen had committed many evil deeds in his life and practiced the dual cultivation technique of harvesting yin essence. The possibility of him having offspring was extremely low.

Zhao Ling’er’s birth mother was a woman who had been kidnapped and forced into dual cultivation with him. She unexpectedly became pregnant.

However, her vital essence had been severely damaged by the practice, and she died from complications during childbirth.

Lu Chengfeng’s words after Zhao Ling’er’s appearance weren’t meant to manipulate her.

He slowly walked forward and helped her up from the snow, ignoring her struggles.

“Ling’er, do you trust me?”

Zhao Ling’er stared at him blankly, her body swaying, barely able to stand.

“The enemy is powerful, far beyond your capabilities. Since I vowed to avenge Master at his grave today, I will not go back on my word,” Lu Chengfeng said firmly.

“The reason I didn’t reveal the person’s name is because I was afraid you’d act impulsively after knowing.”

“Just focus on your cultivation in the sect. Leave everything else to me. I will bring that person’s head to Master’s grave.”

“Senior Brother…” Zhao Ling’er finally broke down, throwing herself into Lu Chengfeng’s arms and sobbing uncontrollably.

“Senior Brother, I thought you didn’t want me anymore. Why don’t you want me? You haven’t come to see me for so long. I feel so terrible, so terrible.”

“Father is dead, and now you don’t want me either. What should I do… Wuwuwu…”

Lu Chengfeng held her in his arms, letting her cry and vent freely. Eventually, Zhao Ling’er cried herself to sleep in his embrace.

He sighed, took off his outer robe, and covered her with it. Then, he gently lifted her and carried her towards the bamboo hut they had built together.

He knew that Zhao Ling’er probably hadn’t had a peaceful sleep in a long time. She was exhausted and overwhelmed, and this outburst of tears was perhaps a good thing.

Arriving at the bamboo hut, Lu Chengfeng stayed by her side until evening, when Zhao Ling’er finally woke up.

Even in her sleep, she kept murmuring “Senior Brother” and “Father,” her words heartbreaking to hear.

“Senior Brother, don’t go…” Zhao Ling’er suddenly screamed, sitting up abruptly.

“I’m here, Junior Sister. Don’t be afraid!” Lu Chengfeng was sitting by the bed and quickly held her cold hand.

Zhao Ling’er turned and saw him, finally snapping out of her dream. After composing herself for a moment, she suddenly said, “Senior Brother, can I lean on your shoulder?”

Lu Chengfeng held her in his arms, letting her lean on him. Despite the warmth and softness in his embrace, he felt no lust, only pity and heartache.

Zhao Ling’er nestled closer, seemingly craving his warmth. “Senior Brother, do you remember when we were young? Whenever Father went down the mountain, you would sneak me into town…”

Lu Chengfeng listened to her quietly as time passed.

When it was completely dark, and the bamboo hut was pitch black, Zhao Ling’er suddenly whispered, “Senior Brother, take me.”

Lu Chengfeng’s body stiffened for a moment. Then, he held her tightly. “Ling’er, stay. Please? Let me take care of you, for the rest of your life.”

“Hehe.” Zhao Ling’er seemed to have regained her usual playfulness and wit. “As expected, Senior Brother understands me best. You knew what I meant without me even saying it.”

“But I won’t. I refuse to stay on Bixia Peak and be beneath Senior Sister. You were supposed to be mine, but she snatched you away first.”

“I want you to always remember me, to always care about me. Even if I’m not by your side, I want to be the one you can never forget.”

“Senior Brother, take me!”

Zhao Ling’er sat up slightly, her delicate hands undoing her belt. She slowly parted her robe, revealing her blossoming curves. A faint, virginal fragrance filled the air.

Even in the darkness, Lu Chengfeng could see clearly. He cupped the young woman’s face in his hands and said with tenderness, “Silly girl, why do you have to do this?”

“Senior Brother, there’s no room in my heart for anyone else. Do you want me to remain unmarried and alone for the rest of my life?”

Zhao Linger slowly moved, revealing her jade-like upper body, pure and elegant, with alluring curves and a hint of sensuality.

“Or do you think my body isn’t as tempting as Luo Suyi’s?”

Lu Chengfeng kissed her deeply, silencing her words, and gently pushed her down.

The wind and snow howled outside, and the thatched hut seemed to tremble.

The young woman was innocent and delicate, and Lu Chengfeng initially intended to be gentle. However, Zhao Linger was unwilling to let him stop. She actively sought his affections, like a passionate lover, completely different from her usual self.

The night passed, and the wind and snow finally ceased at dawn. A thick layer of snow had accumulated on the roof of the thatched hut.

Zhao Linger lay on Lu Chengfeng, held tightly in his arms. “Senior Brother, am I good? How do I compare to Luo Suyi?”

Lu Chengfeng felt a headache coming on. He hadn’t expected the young woman to be so bold and straightforward in this regard. Such a question was truly difficult to answer.

He simply patted her buttocks playfully. “What nonsense are you talking about? How can you compare yourself like that? You’re unique, there’s no need to compare yourself to anyone.”

Zhao Linger bit his chest hard, leaving two rows of teeth marks.

“Girl, are you a dog?” Lu Chengfeng winced in pain.

“Hmph, you’re not allowed to use your inner energy to heal it. I want Luo Suyi to see this,” Zhao Linger said triumphantly. “I want her to know that she can never compare to me.”

Lu Chengfeng was both amused and exasperated. If it weren’t for the fact that this little girl was truly insatiable, he would have given her a good lesson.

The two lingered for a while longer before Zhao Linger took the initiative to get up.

“Senior Brother, dress me and comb my hair. Remember to style it in a woman’s bun.”

Lu Chengfeng’s heart tightened upon hearing this. For a woman to wear her hair in a bun signified that she was now a married woman, no longer a young maiden. It was a hairstyle typically worn after marriage.

Zhao Linger, unmarried, was asking for a woman’s bun. He couldn’t imagine how much gossip it would cause.

But looking into her sparkling eyes, how could he refuse?

They sat by the bedside, Zhao Linger facing away from him. Lu Chengfeng used a bamboo comb left in the room to gently comb her hair.

“I heard Second Senior Sister say that in some places in the south, the bride’s mother combs her hair before the wedding.”

“The first comb is for a smooth life.”

“The second comb is for a long and happy marriage.”

“The third comb is for wealth and prosperity for future generations.”

The young woman murmured, styling her hair into a woman’s bun for this man in this small, dark, and old bamboo hut.

***

Zhao Ling’er left, departing with a carefree air. Unlike when she arrived, there were no tears or lingering attachments. Dressed in red, with her hair in a woman’s bun, she exuded an indescribable charm and allure.

Only then did Lu Chengfeng realize that his former Junior Sister had truly grown up.

He watched her red figure walk away until it disappeared completely before coming back to his senses.

“I should go back first. Some things need to be settled.”

With that, he turned and headed towards his courtyard.

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