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Lu Lingqi, her breath catching in her throat, allowed him to lead her. The bed, draped in soft silk, beckoned, a haven of intimacy amidst the chaos of their lives. As he lowered her onto the plush mattress, her eyes met his, wide with a mixture of fear and anticipation. Lie Fan, sensing her apprehension, leaned down and kissed her forehead, his voice soft and reassuring. "Don't worry, Qi'er. I'll be gentle."
Lu Lingqi closed her eyes, her body trembling slightly. She reached up and clung to him, seeking comfort and strength in his embrace. Lie Fan held her close, his arms wrapping around her, soothing her anxieties with the warmth of his body.
He began to undress her, his movements slow and deliberate, his touch gentle and reverent. As he peeled away the layers of silk, his eyes traced the contours of her body, admiring the delicate curves, the smooth skin, the subtle scars from past battles.
Lu Lingqi, her eyes still closed, felt his gaze upon her, a blush creeping up her neck. She felt exposed, vulnerable, but also strangely exhilarated. This was new territory for her, a realm of intimacy she had only glimpsed in her dreams.
Lie Fan, sensing her nervousness, whispered words of encouragement, his voice a low rumble in the quiet chamber. He kissed her neck, his lips tracing a path down to her collarbone, sending shivers down her spine.
Lu Lingqi gasped softly, her body arching against him. She opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his, a plea for guidance, a silent question of whether she was doing it right.
Lie Fan smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness. He leaned down and kissed her deeply, a passionate kiss that consumed them both. He explored her mouth with his tongue, tasting her sweetness, his hands tracing the curves of her body, awakening a fire within her.
As he moved lower, exploring her body with his hands, Lu Lingqi gasped, a mixture of pleasure and surprise. She felt a new sensation, a tingling warmth spreading through her, leaving her breathless.
Lie Fan, sensing her arousal, moved slowly, deliberately, exploring her body with a reverence that deepened the intimacy between them. He whispered words of love and encouragement, his voice a soothing balm against her growing apprehension.
As he reached the pinnacle of their shared exploration, Lu Lingqi cried out, her body arching against his, her hands clutching his hair. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the intensity of their shared passion.
In the aftermath, they lay entwined, their bodies still trembling from the release. Lie Fan held her close, his heart filled with a profound sense of love and contentment. He felt so connected to Lu Lingqi right now, their soul so deeply entwined.
Lu Lingqi, nestled in his arms, felt a sense of peace she had never experienced before. She had given herself to him completely, body and soul, and in return, she had received a love that was both fierce and tender.
As they lay there, the silence in the chamber was broken only by the soft rhythm of their breathing. Lie Fan gently stroked her hair, his eyes filled with a love that was both profound and enduring.
Soon, sleep claimed both of them, their bodies and minds utterly exhausted from the intensity of their shared passion. The chamber was quiet, the soft glow of the early morning sun beginning to filter through the curtains.
Lie Fan stirred first, his warrior instincts sharpening as his consciousness returned. Slowly, he opened his eyes, his gaze falling upon Lu Lingqi, nestled against his chest, her face peaceful in slumber.
A gentle smile spread across his face as he watched her, the morning light illuminating her delicate features. She looked serene, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior he had fought alongside countless times. Leaning down, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead, careful not to wake her.
He carefully began to untangle himself from her embrace, moving with the practiced grace of a man used to stealth. Once free, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and began to dress, donning his tunic and belt before slipping on his boots. With a final glance back at Lu Lingqi, still lost in her dreams, he quietly exited the chamber.
Meanwhile, back in the chamber, Lu Lingqi stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, she lay still, her mind processing the events of the night before. A blush crept across her face as realization dawned, what had happened between her and Lie Fan wasn't a dream.
Her fingers brushed against the silken sheets, a shy smile playing on her lips. She felt a warmth bloom in her chest, a mixture of happiness and a newfound sense of closeness to the man she had given herself to. Slowly, she tried to sit up, but a sharp twinge of discomfort made her wince.
The pain was fleeting, quickly replaced by a sense of joy that eclipsed everything else. She glanced at the empty spot beside her, her fingers trailing over where he had been. Her heart swelled with affection, knowing that even in his absence, she carried his warmth with her.
Outside, the camp was beginning to stir. Soldiers moved with purpose, their preparations evident as Lie Fan walked through the encampment. His presence commanded respect, and men saluted him as he passed. His focus, however, was on ensuring everything was in place for their departure from Zhongshan.
Lie Fan made his way to the command tent, where his trusted officers were already gathered. Maps and scrolls were spread across the table, and the air was thick with the weight of decisions to be made. Huang Zhong, seeing Lie Fan entering, greeted him with a curt nod and a salute.
"Lord Lie Fan, the troops are ready," Huang Zhong reported. "Supplies have been loaded, and final checks are underway."
Lie Fan nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the map of their planned movements. "Good. Ensure the men are well-fed before we march. A strong army is one that moves on a full stomach."
As the hours passed, the camp buzzed with activity. The sun climbed higher, casting its golden light across the encampment. By noon, everything was ready. Lie Fan stood tall, clad in his armor, a commanding figure atop his trusted horse, Pangu. His presence exuded authority and confidence, the very embodiment of a leader born for the battlefield.
Beside him, Lu Lingqi rode her own steed, dressed in her battle armor. The sight of her, both fierce and beautiful, was enough to inspire the troops. Her eyes sparkled with determination, though a faint blush still lingered on her cheeks from the morning's memories.
Lie Fan glanced at her, his expression softening for a moment. "Are you ready, Qi'er?" he asked, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
She nodded, her grip on the reins firm. "Always," she replied, her tone steady.
Their brief exchange was interrupted as a messenger approached, bowing deeply before handing Lie Fan a report. He scanned the document quickly before raising his head to address the officers around him.
"Everything is in order," he announced. "The Qilin Army will lead the march back to Xiapi. Huang Zhong, Liu Ba, you will take the Qinglong Army to Julu and establish your station there. Dian Wei, Chen Deng, the Baihu Army is to head toward Chenliu. Ensure the cities and our border are well-defended while the men remain disciplined."
The officers saluted, their voices ringing out in unison. "Yes, my lord!"
With the commands issued, Lie Fan raised his arm, signaling the troops to move out. The ground shook as thousands of soldiers began their march, their armor glinting in the sunlight. The Qilin Army led the way, Lie Fan at the forefront, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
Lu Lingqi rode beside him, her presence a symbol of unity and strength. Behind them, the banners of the Qinglong and Baihu Armies fluttered in the breeze, their respective commanders guiding their forces toward their assigned destinations.
On the other hand, Gongsun Gong and his army also prepared to depart for Xiangping. His role was critical, keeping Goguryeo in check and maintaining stability in the region. Before leaving, Gongsun Gong sent a final message to Lie Fan, pledging his continued loyalty and dedication to his cause.
Far to the south, in a secluded village nestled within the mountainous heart of Jing Province, Zhuge Liang sat in a modest room filled with the faint aroma of aged scrolls and ink.
The soft rustling of paper and the occasional creak of wooden chairs were the only sounds as he faced his three venerable masters, Sima Hui, Huang Chengyan, and Pang Degong. Their stern gazes fixed on him, the gravity of the moment etched deeply into their wise, weathered faces.
Before Zhuge Liang lay an imposing stack of papers and scrolls, each one representing a test in a myriad of disciplines, military strategy, governance, agricultural development, economics, mathematics, literature, and more.
This was no ordinary examination. It was the culmination of the rigorous tutelage under these three legendary scholars, a final trial to prove his worth and readiness to step into the chaotic world beyond the village.
Zhuge Liang's expression was resolute, his typically calm demeanor tinged with a seriousness that reflected the enormity of the task. The news of Yuan Shao's demise had reached even this remote haven, the shockwaves of his foolish attack on Cao Cao at Luoyang and the subsequent collapse of his power reverberating across the land.
His benefactor and future lord, Lie Fan, ever opportunistic and strategic, had seized the moment, consolidating his power and annexing Yuan Shao's vast domain in a single, masterful campaign.
This news had spurred Zhuge Liang into action. The time to remain in seclusion, refining his knowledge and biding his time, was over. He had approached his three masters with a formal request to take the test, surprising them with his resolve.
Sima Hui had raised a skeptical eyebrow, his hands clasped behind his back. "Are you certain, Kongming? This is not a decision to be taken lightly. The test encompasses every facet of governance and strategy. A failure would mean waiting an entire year before attempting it again."
Huang Chengyan, his voice more measured, added, "Your talent is undeniable, but timing is crucial. This test is as much about preparation as it is about skill. Are you sure you wish to proceed now?"
Pang Degong, always the most candid, chuckled softly. "You've always been confident, perhaps overly so at times. But confidence alone will not see you through this test. The questions are designed to challenge even the sharpest minds."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0