Above the forbidden area of the Li family's back mountain, a place usually inaccessible to ordinary people, was now in complete disarray. Countless birds, beasts, and trees suffered in the turmoil. Deep in the valley of the back mountain, at its far end, lay a cold pond bordered by several osmanthus trees. Perhaps due to the late autumn, the blossoms were all withering, scattering over the pond's surface, creating ripples. A graceful figure leaned against an osmanthus tree, her gaze seemingly fixed on the water, yet appearing as if she noticed nothing at all.
"Boom—" Suddenly, a loud sound, like something huge falling, shook the entire valley. Only then did the woman glance back, and after a moment, she smiled lightly, "At your age, why are you still acting like a little devil? Are you here to see me or to show off your prowess?"
Li Yi's breathing was heavy. His furious dash here had pushed his anger to its peak. If someone dared to provoke him now, he would probably slap them dead instantly. However, upon reaching this woman, he didn't know why, but the anger he had held in for so long dissipated under her indifferent gaze, making him even want to flee.
Li Bing no longer seemed cold; in this place, she seemed to have shed all pretense. Her cold demeanor had dissolved into a faint smile. Yet, this smile seemed to keep people at a distance. Li Yi was at a loss for words. He had come here to confront her, to ask why she was getting married without telling him. But now, he was completely flustered. What right did he have to ask her? What standing did he have to question her? They hardly had a deep relationship; their encounters were few. How could he possibly broach the topic? After all, they were only cousins in name, albeit without blood relation.
After a long silence, Li Yi sighed softly, "Cousin... don't you have anything to tell me?"
Li Bing smiled lightly, "What do I have to tell you... Li Yi, don't forget, our relationship isn't that close."
Li Yi's eyes twitched slightly, and after a moment, he said softly, "Then why this morning..."
"Did I hear you ruined Mo family's young mistress?" Li Bing suddenly said coldly.
"That... that..." Li Yi chuckled bitterly, "If I tell you I was framed, would you believe me?"
"I believe!" Li Bing said softly, "But these days, your relationship with Nana seems quite good."
"I see her as a sister."
"And Ruoyun?"
"Ruoyun..." Li Yi's expression became complicated, and after a moment, he sighed, "Ruoyun has deep feelings for me, I can't let her down... But, but..."
"There are no buts," Li Bing suddenly chuckled bitterly, "Why are you explaining this to me..."
"Because, because..." Li Yi looked perplexed, his heart an unknown mix of feelings. Did he like her? But if it wasn't love, then what was it? Seemingly amused by Li Yi's awkward expression, Li Bing observed him for a while before smiling gently, "Alright, I won't ask you about these things. But as compensation, stay with me to watch these osmanthus flowers in the pond."
Li Yi dared not refuse. He stepped forward, standing beside Li Bing, looking into the pond. The white osmanthus flowers floated gently on the water, creating ripples when the wind blew. After a long while, Li Yi finally sighed softly, "It's beautiful."
Li Bing sighed deeply, "Indeed, it's beautiful... I've always loved this place. I used to bathe here alone, but you, the little devil, always had the audacity to sneak a peek. Are you going to honestly tell me today how many times you've watched?"
Li Yi's breath hitched, unable to answer, only managing a bitter smile. Fortunately, Li Bing didn't dwell on this topic. She crouched down, her slender hand gently sweeping over the water, then suddenly smiled, "If it weren't for the cold water, I might have bathed again today."
This conversation led to an awkward silence between them. Seeing Li Yi's hesitation, Li Bing sighed softly, "Little devil, you're always so bold. If you have something to say, just speak. You're not like yourself today."
"I... I..." Li Yi shook his head, finally resolving himself, "Cousin Li Bing... I heard... you're getting married next month..."
Li Bing's figure imperceptibly shivered, then she smiled softly, "You know about that? Uncle Han must have told you. What, did you come today just to talk about this?"
Li Yi nodded, then shook his head, before finally speaking earnestly, "Yes! It's about this! Cousin, you're such a person! Who knows what kind of man Nalan He is. If you marry him, I... I won't allow it!"
Li Bing fell silent for a while, then sighed softly, "I've met Nalan He. He's much better than you, little devil. I'm satisfied with him... Besides, it seems you don't have the right to say 'not allowed,' do you?"
Li Yi gritted his teeth and said, "When I say no, it means no!" Unable to hold back a laugh, Li Bing replied, "What, little rascal, you took advantage of your sister this morning and now you want to take responsibility?" Seeing Li Bing's expression, Li Yi felt an inexplicable surge of impulse. He clenched his teeth and whispered, "Anyway, it's just not allowed! If you want a reason now, I'll give you one right away!" Shaking her head, Li Bing spoke softly, "Little rascal, what reason can you give me, you... uh..." As Li Bing reacted this way, Li Yi, with a hardened heart, suddenly embraced her waist and leaned in, kissing her lips, forcibly silencing her mid-sentence...
Li Yi's actions could be described as extremely bold. Li Bing's body trembled slightly, as if electrocuted, probably never having anticipated Li Yi's move. She struggled feebly, trying to break free from Li Yi's arms, but at that moment, she seemed to forget her own strength as a Warrior, merely patting Li Yi's chest weakly. However, soon her feeble resistance slowly faded, and a moan escaped from deep within her throat, her arms eventually hooking around Li Yi's neck. Then, the two of them fell onto the grass...
Holding Li Bing tightly in his arms, Li Yi felt the warm, soft, and sweet body filled with deadly allure. Li Bing's lips were cool and soft, with a hint of osmanthus fragrance, igniting a fire within Li Yi, stirring an eager thought in his heart. Pressing down on Li Bing, he kissed her lips passionately, his actions growing increasingly bold. His hands slid down Li Bing's shoulders and deftly opened her clothes, slipping inside. Beneath the thin robe, Li Bing's skin was smooth and silky, yet cool to the touch. Li Yi found this sensation incredibly delightful. Unlike any woman he had known in his previous life, none had given him this feeling. Li Bing could not help but let out a low moan, muffled by Li Yi's mouth, but this soft sound only fueled the fire in Li Yi's heart. His hand slid to Li Bing's waist, her body soft yet firm due to constant cultivation, her slender belly flat and toned. With one hand, Li Yi embraced her, while the other quickly moved up, touching her chest gently. This sensation was utterly different from that in the morning, driving Li Yi to madness. Almost frantically, he wanted to strip off all of Li Bing's clothes. His hand, initially around her waist, swiftly moved downward. Li Bing trembled, seemingly aware of Li Yi's intentions. She struggled fiercely, turning her face aside, whispering, "No... no... Li Yi, brother, no..." But Li Yi just grunted, as if he hadn't heard, moving his lips downward, gently sucking at her chest. "Mmm—" Another long moan escaped Li Bing, her body arching like a cat's, but then she struggled even harder: "Stop! Stop it... Li Yi, brother, please... please don't..." Li Yi paused for a moment, looking up at Li Bing. Her face was flushed, a far cry from her usual icy demeanor. She quickly lowered her gaze, biting her lip, silent. Li Yi sighed, "I'm sorry, I offended you... I... I..." At a loss for words, he gently released her and closed his eyes. Seeing Li Yi like this, Li Bing whispered hurriedly, "It's not... not what you think, it's just... just..." She sighed deeply, "I can't... Li Yi, brother, you should know... my marriage to the Nalan family represents the honor of the Li family. If... if that happens, our Li family's reputation will be completely ruined!" Li Yi suddenly became furious, coldly saying, "After all this! You still think of marrying into the Nalan family! Do you need a reason not to marry? Now you are already my, Li Yi's, woman, and you still think of running away!?" "If you still think so, then I won't be polite!" Saying this, Li Yi pushed Li Bing to the ground again, ready to act forcefully. Li Bing trembled, and after a moment, she sighed, "Little rascal, if you want to do that, then do it... But if you do, don't blame me for the consequences!" "So, you still want to marry into the Nalan family!?" Li Yi's eyes almost blazed with fire. "Yes!" "Why!?" "Why!?"Li Bing's eyes flickered with a hint of sadness. After a moment, she sighed softly and said, 'This is my parents' dying wish... If I can't fulfill it, wouldn't it be unfilial of me... So, little brother Li Yi...' At this point, she slowly pushed away the stiffened Li Yi, calmly dressed herself, then lowered her head to glance at him. Suddenly, she leaned down and gently kissed the corner of Li Yi's mouth before letting out a sigh. With a touch of melancholy, she gracefully departed... Li Yi's face turned cold, feeling the lingering fragrance on his lips. After a moment, he waved his palm, and a thin veil of Qi suddenly blasted onto the water pool. 'Nalan He! Trying to steal a woman from young master!? You're doomed!'"