"What? I have to go on missions too?" Xuefeng asked, disbelief etched on his face. As the Young Master of the Liu Clan, he had naively assumed his days would be spent peacefully training and honing his skills, not venturing out on dangerous expeditions.
Wuying folded her arms and gave him a pointed look. "You don't have to, but I do. As a member of the Shadow Guards, it's my responsibility. And if you're serious about growing stronger, you'll join me. Think of it as a part of your training." Her tone brooked no argument.
Xuefeng sighed, already feeling the inevitability of it. Well, maybe this is a good opportunity to search for the Spirit Herbs Ling needs, he thought. He'd promised Ling he'd look for the rare herbs this month, and sooner or later, he would need to leave the safety of the clan.
"When are we leaving?" he asked, trying to sound resigned rather than reluctant.
"Tomorrow morning," Wuying replied, her stern expression softening. "Do you want to eat out tonight?" She laced her arm through his, her cheerfulness disarming him.
"Of course," Xuefeng said, then hesitated. "By the way, Princess Shan is leaving soon." He watched her closely, curious to see her reaction.
"Yeah, she told me earlier." Wuying's smile didn't falter. "Looks like I'll have you all to myself now."
"And you didn't bother to tell me?" Xuefeng teased, feigning offense.
"You should be grateful I haven't punished you for cheating, and now you dare to complain?" She pinched his arm playfully, though her eyes carried a knowing gleam. It wasn't hard to deduce the nature of his relationship with Princess Shan.
Xuefeng coughed awkwardly, eager to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Have you thought about which academy you'll join in the future?"
"Hmm," Wuying mused, her gaze turning thoughtful. "I'll go wherever you go."
Her quick answer caught him off guard, but he couldn't hide his smile. "I'm happy to hear that."
As they left the training room, Wuying began explaining their mission. "Our target is a Rank 4 Nightmare. It's been responsible for several recent deaths near Moon Lake, on the outskirts of Phoenix City. Its strength is comparable to a Spirit Lord, so it won't be an easy hunt."
Xuefeng raised an eyebrow. "A Rank 4 Spirit Beast for my first mission? Don't you think that's a bit much?"
"When I proposed this to your father, he agreed without hesitation," Wuying said with a chuckle. "He told me to put you through hardships so you can grow into a real man."
Xuefeng rolled his eyes. "Well, thank you, Father. I feel so loved."
"Don't worry." Wuying leaned closer, her tone softening. "I'll be with you. I won't let anything happen to you."
Her reassurance helped, but the description of the Nightmare still made his stomach churn. "What exactly is this thing? I couldn't find much about it in the clan's library."
"It's a rare Spirit Beast that looks like a massive spider," Wuying explained. "It feeds on human blood, using its sharp teeth and eight legs as weapons. Its agility makes it a difficult target. We also have to watch out for other cultivators. A Nightmare's Spirit Artifact is highly coveted."
Xuefeng grimaced. "Couldn't we have started with something less horrifying? Like a deer hunt, maybe? You had to pick a vampire spider."
"Your Spirit Art can destroy a Rank 5 Spirit Puppet. You just need to hit it once to kill it. Are you scared?" Wuying teased, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.
"I'm not scared," Xuefeng protested, though his voice wavered slightly.
"It's already decided," Wuying said firmly, her teasing giving way to excitement. "If we kill it, you get the Spirit Artifact. Think of it as our own little adventure."
"Wait, it's just the two of us? No backup?" Xuefeng asked, his voice rising. He had assumed a squadron of Shadow Guards would accompany them.
"Just us," Wuying confirmed, her smile widening. "Isn't that romantic? The beauty and the prince, battling against evil."
Before Xuefeng could reply, a sweet voice interrupted his thoughts. "I'm back."
Princess Shan appeared in the doorway, her blue imperial robe flowing elegantly around her. The subtle slit in the fabric revealed a glimpse of her graceful legs, and her slightly damp hair framed her face in soft waves. Her eyes zeroed in on Wuying clinging to Xuefeng's arm, and the faintest smirk played on her lips.
Wuying held her ground, her grip on Xuefeng's arm tightening ever so slightly. The unspoken challenge passed between them was palpable.
"I already have transport ready," Princess Shan said sweetly, walking closer. Her gaze flicked to Xuefeng. "No need to accompany me. I'll miss you, though." Without warning, she leaned in and kissed him, her lips lingering just long enough to leave Wuying bristling.
Wuying barely had time to react before Princess Shan pulled away, her smile sentimental. "Take good care of him while I'm gone." She gave Wuying a provocative glance before turning on her heel and leaving, her confidence radiating with every step.
Xuefeng stared after her, still processing what had just happened. He barely noticed the sharp pain in his arm until he glanced down to see Wuying glaring at him.
"Ehem," he coughed, trying to recover. "She kissed me. I was defenseless."
"Hmph," Wuying huffed, turning her head away.
"Come on," Xuefeng pleaded, stepping closer. "I thought you two were getting along."
"I tolerated her because her skills were useful to you," Wuying snapped. "That doesn't mean I agreed to your little... moments."
Xuefeng leaned in without warning and kissed her with the same intensity Princess Shan had. When he pulled away, he smiled gently. "There. I've erased her kiss with mine. Happy now?"
Wuying's scowl softened, though she still feigned annoyance. "I don't mind you having other girls," she murmured, placing a hand on his chest. "As long as I'm in your heart. Will you keep a place for me?"
The vulnerability in her eyes struck him deeply. Rejecting her now would have made him a scoundrel.
"As long as you have a place for me in yours," Xuefeng said sincerely, caressing her cheek, "you'll always have one in mine."
Her smile returned, lighting up her face. "Hehe, it's a deal. Now go clean yourself up—you stink. We've got dinner plans, remember?"
"Okay, okay," he laughed, kissing her on the forehead before heading off to freshen up. For now, at least, the storm seemed to have passed. But with these women in his life, Xuefeng knew peace was a fleeting luxury.