Sunlight filtered through the curtains and spilled into the room. Ye Fan woke up early and turned to look at Xiao Longnü sleeping soundly beside him, his heart filled with happiness and contentment.
He gently stroked Xiao Longnü's cheek, feeling her warmth and softness, and couldn't help leaning down to press a light kiss to her cheek.
Recalling the events of the previous night, Ye Fan thought to himself: although he and Xiao Longnü had already shared intimate moments, he had strictly guarded the final line of defense and had not crossed that ultimate threshold.
Because Xiao Longnü had shown some reluctance, Ye Fan did not force the issue; however, Xiao Longnü had still offered him a certain compensation.
Just then, Xiao Longnü stirred and slowly opened her eyes, her gaze still somewhat hazy. When she saw Ye Fan, a shy blush crept across her face. She quickly closed her eyes and buried her head deep beneath the covers, not daring to look at him again.
Seeing this, a smile touched the corner of Ye Fan's mouth as he softly asked, "What's the matter? Are you shy?"
Xiao Longnü's face flushed even brighter. She gave a slight nod, her voice as thin as a mosquito's hum as she replied, "Mm..."
Continuing to tease her, Ye Fan said, "What did you say? Speak up a little!"
Finally summoning her courage, Xiao Longnü raised her head and gazed at Ye Fan with eyes full of deep affection.
Blushing deeply, she said, "Once you marry me, I'll give you everything." As soon as the words left her mouth, her face turned crimson, resembling a perfectly ripe apple.
Hearing this, Ye Fan grasped Xiao Longnü's hand tightly and responded tenderly, "Don't worry, I will definitely marry you."
Xiao Longnü nodded shyly, then buried her head back beneath the quilt, savoring this sweet and warm moment.
Sunlight streamed through the clouds, illuminating Ye Fan's face. Dressed in simple attire, he slowly stepped out of the small courtyard they had purchased in Gucheng.
As usual, he bought some simple food at the market and returned home with a satisfied smile.
As soon as he stepped through the door, Ye Fan called out, "Long'er, time for breakfast!"
Before long, Xiao Longnü emerged from her room, and the two of them sat together in the courtyard to enjoy their quiet morning meal.
During the meal, Ye Fan suddenly spoke up, "Long'er, if I want my cultivation to break through once again, it might take a little while longer. Therefore, I plan to make a trip to Xiangyang to see if I can collect the complete Nine Yin Manual. Perhaps I can find the inspiration I need there to break through to the Xiantian Realm."
Xiao Longnü nodded slightly and looked at Ye Fan tenderly. "Wherever Brother Ye Fan goes, I will follow."
Ye Fan smiled and replied, "Very well, let's set off in four days."
Outside the city gates of Xiangyang, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü stood side by side. Ye Fan gently patted Xiao Longnü's shoulder and smiled. "Let's go, let's go inside and take a look."
They passed through the gates and walked along the street, searching for a suitable inn.
Soon, they found one that looked decent enough.
Ye Fan pushed open the door, and a waiter immediately hurried over, asking enthusiastically, "Are you two guests stopping for a meal, or staying the night?"
Ye Fan replied, "Get us a superior room, and bring up some of your best wine and dishes."
The waiter nodded repeatedly and led Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü to a guest room upstairs.
Opening the door, the waiter smiled and said, "Here is your room, honored guests. The wine and food will be brought up shortly."
Ye Fan nodded, took a few copper coins from his tunic, handed them to the waiter as a tip, and said, "Hurry up with the food."
Happily accepting the coins and offering repeated thanks, the waiter left the room.
A short while later, the waiter arrived at the doorway carrying a tray of food and wine.
He knocked gently, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. After placing the dishes on the table, he respectfully said to Ye Fan, "Your wine and dishes are ready, honored guests. Please enjoy. If you need anything else, just call for me." With that, the waiter bowed out and closed the door behind him.
Looking at the table full of food and wine, Ye Fan turned to Xiao Longnü and said gently, "Come, try these dishes and see how they taste. Though I'm sure they can't compare to the meals I cook."
Xiao Longnü smiled faintly. After tasting a few bites, she softly said, "They truly aren't as delicious as the dishes Brother Ye Fan makes."
Hearing this, Ye Fan laughed, and the two of them chatted as they ate.
After the meal, Ye Fan said to Xiao Longnü, "Tomorrow, I plan to visit Guo Jing's estate and incidentally gather some news about the whereabouts of the Nine Yin Manual."
Xiao Longnü nodded in agreement. She knew how important the Nine Yin Manual was to Ye Fan and hoped she could help him find the manual as well.
Early the next morning, warm sunlight streamed through the window.
After waking up, washing up, and changing their clothes, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü prepared to head out to Guo Jing's estate.
Ye Fan wore a green scholarly robe that gave him an elegant and dashing appearance, while Xiao Longnü was dressed in flowing white, looking like an immortal fairy descending to the mortal realm. Leaving the inn, the two strolled leisurely down the street.
Before long, they arrived before the gates of Guo Jing's estate. The main gates were tightly closed, but numerous guards patrolled the surrounding area.
Ye Fan stepped forward and stated his business to the guards. The guards looked Ye Fan up and down before one of them turned and went inside to announce their arrival.
After a moment, the guard returned and told Ye Fan they could enter. Thanking the guard, Ye Fan led Xiao Longnü into the estate.
Once inside, Ye Fan beheld a spacious courtyard adorned with lush flowers, plants, and trees.
Not far away stood a grand hall, which was presumably where Guo Jing received guests.
Walking along the covered corridor, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü quickly reached the entrance of the hall. A servant standing by the door politely bowed and escorted them inside.
The hall was exquisitely decorated, with calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls and tables and chairs neatly arranged. Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü took their seats in the guest chairs to await Guo Jing's arrival.
Not long after, Guo Jing strode into the hall, closely followed by a graceful, dignified woman.
Seeing Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü, Guo Jing smiled, cupped his fists, and saluted. "Young Master Ye, Lady Long, welcome. What brings you to visit us today?"
Ye Fan stood up and returned the salute with a smile. "You are too courteous, Hero Guo. I presume this gracious lady beside you is Madam Huang. My purpose in coming here today is to seek your guidance regarding the Nine Yin Manual."
Guo Jing frowned slightly and asked with a puzzled look, "Young Master Ye, why bring this up so suddenly?"
Ye Fan shared the intelligence he had gathered with Guo Jing. Hearing this, Guo Jing furrowed his brow, his expression turning solemn as he gazed into the distance, seeming to fall into deep thought.
After a moment, he slowly spoke, "So that's how it is. It seems the whereabouts of the Nine Yin Manual have indeed attracted widespread attention. However, this matter is something we should discuss with my wife."
Huang Rong looked at Ye Fan with a hint of suspicion in her eyes, then softly asked, "Young Master Ye, could it be that you are interested in the Nine Yin Manual?"
Ye Fan smiled faintly, nodded, and replied, "Indeed. Although the portion of the Nine Yin Manual in my possession is incomplete, it has already benefited me immensely.
Therefore, I am very curious to know if a complete version of the Nine Yin Manual could help me break through my current realm."
As he spoke, the corners of Ye Fan's mouth lifted slightly, and an aura of formidable and sharp energy instantly emanated from his body, like a long-dormant tiger about to awaken.
With a solemn expression and steady strides, Guo Jing stepped forward, firmly standing in front of Huang Rong like an unshakeable mountain.
Huang Rong gently patted Guo Jing's shoulder, a flash of shrewdness in her eyes, and smiled as she said, "According to reports from my scouts, in three days the Mongol army will launch an all-out attack on Xiangyang City.
If you can successfully kill their commander-in-chief, the *Nine Yin Manual* will be presented to you without reservation."
Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Ye Fan's face, and he replied in a calm tone, "Very well, I will do my best. I shall take my leave now."
With that, he turned and walked out of Guo Jing's estate, accompanied by Xiao Longnü.
Huang Rong and Guo Jing stood quietly in place, watching the departing figures of Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü.
Huang Rong sighed softly and said to Guo Jing, "This man's cultivation is unfathomable and his strength is terrifyingly great. I fear he is already approaching the Xiantian Realm."
Guo Jing nodded, a trace of worry flickering in his eyes.