BXBX NOVEL Chapter 63: Discussion In Dinning Hall
Later that evening, as the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, the three found themselves gathered around the dining table. The air hung heavy with unspoken tension, yet there was an undercurrent of a strange normalcy. A feast fit for royalty awaited them, a testament to the Xia Family's wealth and power.
Roasted Snow Lion, its succulent meat infused with a subtle sweetness from rare honey flowers, graced the center of the table.
Plates piled high with Spirit Turtle soup, its emerald broth simmered with potent herbs known to enhance cultivation, flanked the main course.
Spicy Phoenix Feathers, the meat of a rare bird known for its fiery kick, sat next to a platter of Jade Dragon Rice, each pearl of rice glistening with a faint jade aura.
The table practically overflowed with other delicacies, each dish prepared from the meat of beasts at the Core Formation Realm cultivation base, their very essence nourishing the bodies and souls of those who partook.
Xia Bingling watched intently as Qingwu savored a bite of the Snow Lion meat, a rosy flush creeping up her daughter's cheeks.
It wasn't hard to piece together the events of the afternoon – the lingering scent of Qingwu's perfume clinging to Wang Li's robes, the way their gazes lingered a beat too long across the table.
Xia Bingling sighed inwardly, a mixture of resignation and helpless acceptance washing over her.
The forbidden fruit had been tasted, and there was no going back.
Breaking the tense silence, Xia Bingling cleared her throat.
"I've doubled the guard presence at the northern Herbal Garden," she announced, her voice steady. "Additionally, I've provided them with several temporary defensive array formations. They should be able to hold off any small-scale attacks for a considerable amount of time."
Wang Li nodded thoughtfully, taking a large gulp of Plum Blossom Wine, a beverage brewed with rare flowers that left a sweet aftertaste on the tongue.
"A wise move," he commented, swirling the wine in his goblet. "We need to ensure our resources are protected. However, defense is only half the battle. We also need to consider the offensive."
He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with a glint of strategy.
"There are several cultivation families who hold Ye Fan in low regard. Families who have suffered losses at his hands. Perhaps we can forge alliances with them, even if it's an unspoken understanding."
Xia Bingling narrowed her eyes, but a flicker of approval crossed her face.
"I was already contemplating exploring that avenue," she admitted, "reaching out to the Sun and Moon families perhaps. They wouldn't hesitate to stand against anyone threatening their interests, especially someone like Ye Fan."
Qingwu, oblivious to the deeper meaning of their conversation, beamed at the mention of alliances. This was the kind of decisive planning she admired in Wang Li, his mind always a step ahead. She glanced at him, a silent agreement passing between them.
Suddenly, a glint of realization dawned in Qingwu's eyes.
"Speaking of allies, I just received a message from Senior Sister Liu Xue! She'll be arriving at the manor tomorrow morning!"
Wang Li and Xia Bingling locked eyes for a fleeting moment, a silent conversation passing between them.
"Wonderful news, Qingwu," Xia Bingling said, a slight smile gracing her lips. "Now, listen closely. Once Liu Xue has settled in, I need you to… well, let's say embark on a little mission."
A shadow of concern crossed Qingwu's face. "Mission, Mother?"
"Yes," Xia Bingling continued, her voice serious. "There have been reports of a pack of Wind Lightning Wolves establishing a den near the northern caves. We need resources for strengthening the array formations at our outposts, and those wolves are known to possess valuable materials."
Qingwu nodded, her usual enthusiasm returning. "Hunting Wind Lightning Wolves! Sounds exciting! But what about Senior Sister Liu Xue?"
"Liu Xue? Don't worry about her," Wang Li interjected, his voice smooth and calming. "I'll handle welcoming her and, well, discussing a few matters."
Qingwu's brow furrowed slightly. "Discussion with her? "
"Yes," Wang Li replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "Matters concerning the unfortunate allegations surrounding the Wang Family." He squeezed Qingwu's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, I won't reach any conclusions without you. You'll be back before anything is decided, okay?"
Qingwu seemed satisfied with this reassurance. A smile returned to her face, brighter than ever. "Alright, Mother. I'll head out as soon as I help Liu Xue get settled in."
Xia Bingling let out a sigh upon hearing her daughter's response, a mix of emotions swirling within her.
Dinner came to an end with a flourish of delicate pastries and fragrant spirit tea. As the last servants cleared the table, a playful tension settled between Wang Li and Qingwu. The stolen glances, the lingering touches under the table – a silent conversation only they understood.
"Well," Wang Li stretched languidly, leaning back in his chair, "that was quite the feast. I must say, your chefs have a way with Cloudmist Hare."
Qingwu giggled, a soft chime that filled the room. "Of course, Li! It's not every day we have Core Formation beasts for dinner."
A sly grin spread across Wang Li's face. "Speaking of beasts," he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "perhaps later tonight, we could explore some… wilder territory."
Heat flooded Qingwu's cheeks. "Li!" she swatted at him playfully, "you're incorrigible!"
Xia Bingling, watching the exchange with a wry smile, excused herself from the table. "Alright, you two lovebirds have had your fun for the night. I'm retiring to my chambers. Remember, Qingwu, what we discussed about the Wind Lightning Wolves."
Qingwu nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, Mother! I'll assemble the best team and have those beasts howling at the moon by nightfall."
Once the dinner was over, Qingwu and Wang Li excused themselves, heading towards Qingwu's room with flirtatious glances thrown over their shoulders. Reaching her quarters, Qingwu playfully shoved him against the door, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"So," she began, a teasing smile playing on her lips, "what exciting cultivation techniques did you have in mind for me tonight, Li?"
Wang Li chuckled, a low rumble that sent a delicious shiver down her spine. "Perhaps," he drawled, his voice husky, "we could practice some… advanced breathing exercises." He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. "The kind that requires synchronized movements and complete focus."
Qingwu giggled, batting her eyelashes playfully. "Oh really? And what exactly are these movements you speak of?"
Their banter continued, filled with suggestive innuendo and playful touches. They danced a seductive waltz around the room, their laughter echoing off the walls. Time flew by, measured in stolen kisses and heated glances.
Finally, a heavy yawn escaped Wang Li's lips. "As much as I'd love to delve deeper into those… techniques with you, Qingwu," he admitted with a feigned grimace, "I fear that this tireless cultivator requires a bit of well-deserved rest."
Qingwu's smile faltered slightly. "Oh," she mumbled, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice.
"Don't worry, my love," he reassured, cupping her face and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Tomorrow promises to be a busy day, especially with Liu Xue arriving. But rest assured, once this situation is resolved, we'll have plenty of time for… advanced cultivation."
Qingwu blushed a deeper shade of red, nodding in agreement. Leaning up, she planted a lingering kiss on his lips, a silent promise of the delights to come.
With a final lingering look, Wang Li reluctantly turned to leave. As he disappeared down the hallway, a sly smile spread across his face. He wouldn't be heading towards his own quarters just yet.
Instead, his steps carried him towards another part of the manor, a destination he knew all too well. Xia Bingling wasn't surprised to see him at her door. The tension in the air crackled with unspoken desires. Without a single word, they were drawn together, clothes shed in a flurry of urgency.
The night that followed was a symphony of passion. Xia Bingling surrendered to Wang Li's touch, his hands roaming freely over her curvaceous body.
Her moans echoed through the chamber, a stark contrast to the playful laughter that had filled Qingwu's room earlier. He reveled in the luxurious feel of her soft skin and generous curves, each touch a reminder of the forbidden thrill they shared.
The rest of the night melted into a blur of heated exchanges, their bodies intertwined in a whirlwind of pleasure. Exhausted but content, they finally drifted off to sleep well past sunrise.
The morning light found Wang Li stirring first. He disentangled himself from Xia Bingling's embrace, careful not to wake her. With a silent chuckle, he showered and dressed quickly, leaving a lingering kiss on her forehead.
Emerging from her chamber, he took a deep breath, the invigorating morning air a stark contrast to the smoldering passion of the night.
He had a busy day ahead – charming Liu Xue, navigating the political landscape, and of course, finding more opportunities to steal moments with the two women who both held a piece of his heart, albeit in vastly different ways.