Chapter 115: The royal guards are here

Chapter 115: The royal guards are here

It was afternoon; Feng Yun, Zhao Mingxi and others were standing on the open ground of the City Lord’s mansion.

Feng Yun put the old man sword saint in the store to take care while he came with Zhao Mingxi to the city lord’s mansion.

Zhao Mingxi received a letter that her mother had sent an escort team to bring her back safely.

"They arrived earlier than I expected." Zhao Mingxi looked into the sky and said.

"Do you think the disturbance of the Black Plain mountains has something to do with their earlier arrival? They might have gotten a hint of the situation of the Black Plains mountains; the people are mysteriously disappearing in the Black Plains mountains. The Black Plain City might not be safe anymore; your mother should worry about your safety." Feng Yun said with a thoughtful look.

He hasn’t paid attention to the mysterious disappearance of the people in the mountains. Even other big figures are not taking this seriously; as long as it didn’t affect the Black Plain City, they won’t interfere.

Although Feng Yun has no business in the mountains, he couldn’t neglect it. As long as it won’t affect his business, he won’t interfere either. The Black Plain mountain range is a dangerous place; this was a hub of powerful and ferocious beasts.

At this time, a huge flying ship appeared on the horizon, coming toward the city. Soon it reached the city lord’s mansion, docked on the open field in front of Feng Yun and others.

A group of imperial guards stepped down off the ship, their movements disciplined and precise.

They wore sky-blue cloaks with silver embroidery. Each of their uniforms bore the insignia of the Azure Dragon Imperial Palace—the golden sigil of a coiled dragon surrounded by nine stars.

At their front was a slender, middle-aged man with neatly tied grey hair, his calm features betraying nothing. Unlike the others, his robes bore an additional crest—the personal sigil of the Empress herself.

The man stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Highness."

"Hmm." Zhao Mingxi nodded and said with a soft smile, "Uncle Long Wu, I didn’t expect Mother would send you."

"Well, it is a matter of your highness’s safety; I have to come personally." Long Wu said with a smile. "I am glad to see you are doing well in this city."

"You have come a long way; have a short rest. We will leave tomorrow." Zhao Ming spoke.

"As you wish, your highness." Long Wu hesitated for a moment and then nodded.

"By the way, who is this?" Long Wu looked at Feng Yun and said.

"This is Feng Yun, a very good friend of mine." Zhao Mingxi said as she introduced Feng Yun, "Feng Yun, this is Long Wu."

"Greetings!" Feng Yun greeted Long Wu. Long Wu nodded in acknowledgement. Long Wu gave a careful glance to Feng Yun, trying to inspect him.

...

That evening, the residence was quiet again. The guards waited outside respectfully, making no demands beyond the stated escort.

Zhao Mingxi and Feng Yun spent most of their time in her room, sitting across from him without a word. They drank quietly, without the usual banter.

"I will miss you," she said, breaking the silence.

Feng Yun said. "I will miss you too."

"I will come to the capital city to propose marriage to you." Feng Yun gave her a gentle smile and said.

A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, though her eyes shimmered faintly.

Then Feng Yun leaned forward slightly, his tone firm and filled with quiet promise. "I will come to the capital city to propose marriage to you."

Zhao Mingxi’s eyes widened, then curved into a teasing smile. "Remember your word. If you dare not come, I will come myself to your house, tie you with a rope, and drag you with me."

Feng Yun chuckled, his deep laughter filling the quiet room. "Oh? You think you can beat me?"

"Yes, I can," she retorted proudly, her playful spirit returning. "Do you want to see?"

Before he could answer, Zhao Mingxi giggled softly and moved toward him. Her steps were graceful yet unrestrained, the faint fragrance of her perfume preceding her as she reached his side. Without hesitation, she slipped onto his thighs, her delicate weight pressing against him as she folded her arms around his neck.

Her soft, dark hair brushed against his cheek as she leaned closer. With a mischievous smile curving her lips, she whispered, "Don’t forget I am a princess of the Azure Dragon Empire... and you are a resident of the Azure Dragon Empire. That means you have to obey me."

Feng Yun’s hands instinctively circled her slender waist, holding her closer. His lips curved in a half-smile. "Obey you? Since when did cultivators bow their heads to princesses?"

"Since this princess said so," she replied with mock authority, narrowing her eyes playfully.

Their laughter mingled, low and soft, yet beneath it pulsed the heaviness of parting.

Zhao Mingxi’s teasing expression softened, her breath fanning against his skin as she leaned in until their foreheads touched. "Yun... promise me once more," she whispered, her tone trembling slightly. "Promise you won’t disappear from my life."

Feng Yun tightened his hold on her, his voice low but unwavering. "Even if heaven and earth collapse, I will find my way to you."

Her lips parted slightly, and before another word could escape, Feng Yun tilted his head and claimed them in a kiss.

It was not rushed. It was deep and tender, carrying the unspoken weight of longing and farewell. Her arms tightened around his neck, pulling him closer, as though she could anchor him to her with sheer will.

The kiss deepened, breaths mingling, until the world outside — the guards, the looming departure, even the danger beyond the Black Plains — seemed to fade into nothing. Only the two of them remained, caught in their own flame.

Zhao Mingxi shifted slightly, her body pressing closer against him. Her heartbeat pounded against his chest, each thump betraying emotions she usually masked behind her playful arrogance. She broke the kiss only to whisper against his lips, "Don’t make me wait too long."

Feng Yun brushed a strand of hair from her cheek, his thumb lingering along her soft skin. "You won’t have to."

Her cheeks warmed, a faint flush blooming as she lowered her gaze. But instead of retreating, she leaned in again, initiating another kiss — this one hungrier, filled with the urgency of knowing tomorrow would separate them.

The lantern light flickered, painting their shadows onto the walls as their figures moved closer, entwined in the fragile yet fierce bond of lovers standing on the edge of parting.

The night stretched long, each moment a mix of tenderness and passion, sealing promises not with words but with every touch, every lingering glance, every breath they shared.

...