Chapter 59 (Paying Homage to Heaven and Earth)
The two faced off, with Ning Jue stubbornly refusing to admit what had happened the day before, and using this as an excuse to refuse to teach Bai Hua the Lone Goose Sword Technique.
Bai Hua angrily put down her chopsticks, her eyes wide as she glared at him: "Whether I learn sword techniques or not is not important, since I am just an ordinary person without any martial arts talent. But you must not break your promise, sir. That would be contrary to the conduct of a gentleman."
Ning Jue looked back, her tone light and languid as she asked, "Who wants to be a gentleman? I've never claimed to be. Besides, we certainly didn't reach the level of complete intimacy last night. At least in my opinion, we could have been even closer."
His gaze slowly warmed, making Bai Hua's cheeks flush red.
She suppressed her embarrassment, turned her eyes away, and pursed her lips, slightly annoyed.
Ning Jue asked again, "Isn't that right?"
Bai Hua looked up, her expression vivid, as if she could no longer bear it, and raised her hand to punch him in the chest twice.
That's not enough to vent my anger.
When she spoke again, her voice was filled with resentment, yet also tinged with a hint of grievance.
"Please come with me, young master."
Ning Jue raised an eyebrow, wondering what she was up to, and got up to follow her.
Actually, my banter with her earlier was just teasing her. I've already taken her body, so how can it not count as taking her? Right now, she's fully entitled to know the secret of his Lone Goose Sword Technique.
And he was willing to tell her.
"Okay, don't be angry anymore, I just..."
Before he could finish speaking, Bai Hua led him to the bedside and interrupted him, saying, "Young master, lift it up and take a look."
Her gaze fell on the couch, and Ning Jue followed, somewhat puzzled.
At the moment, the bed had not been tidied up yet. Two chrysanthemum pillows were casually draped together, and the brocade surface was rubbed into countless wrinkles. The quilt was not folded and was piled up in a limp mass, like a ravaged peony. In addition, the thin bed curtains were scattered around the edge of the bed, making the whole thing look very messy.
Ning Jue hesitated as he reached out, unsure of where to move.
Bai Hua reminded her, "Lift the blanket."
Ning Jue glanced at her, then looked away and did as she said.
A white handkerchief was conspicuously placed on the pile of blankets, standing out starkly against the floral pattern of the bedding.
Ning Jue's gaze was naturally drawn to it, and he quickly realized that Bai Hua was pointing him to this handkerchief.
He reached out his hand, and seeing that Bai Hua did not object, he thought to himself that he was probably right.
He grabbed a corner of the handkerchief with his thumb and forefinger, and easily lifted it, revealing a striking splash of red.
This is……
Ning Jue was taken aback for a moment, but quickly understood.
This is the blood that a virgin will shed on her body during her first night with her husband.
Ning Jue was a little surprised because he had been too restrained and hadn't gone far enough last night; he thought that would have prevented it from happening.
Bai Hua watched him deep in thought, holding the handkerchief, her eyes slowly reddening, her voice barely audible: "Young Master said we weren't intimate, but I've already bled because of you, doesn't that count..."
So that's where the source of my grievances came from.
Seeing that she was about to cry, Ning Jue panicked. In his anxiety, he didn't know what to say to comfort her, and blurted out, "I'll teach you..."
Bai Hua couldn't hold back her tears and they fell.
She felt she might be being a bit dramatic, but she just didn't like that what happened last night didn't hold any weight in the young master's heart.
For her, it was no different from sleeping together.
But the young master remained so calm afterward, and when facing her, he only replied with two words—"I'll teach you."
What does this mean?
It seems that in his eyes, physical intimacy and learning sword techniques are an exchange.
Bai Hua wanted to obtain his Lone Goose Sword Technique, but her final decision to agree was not out of selfishness. Rather, it was because his duel with the Umbrella Immortal was dangerous and his life was uncertain. To ensure he would have no regrets, she was willing to muster the courage to set aside the shame of a young lady and be with him without any formal matchmaker.
This decision was difficult, but she doesn't regret it. She just doesn't want her clear intentions to be used as a bargaining chip.
She would feel it wasn't worth it.
Seeing that she remained silent for a long time, Ning Jue thought for a moment and said, "How about I teach you now? The complete manual of the Lone Goose Sword Technique has seventy-nine moves. The first forty moves are not a secret. Many friends in the martial arts world who are destined to be with the Ning family have learned a few moves, and some people have even obtained the complete manual. But the thirty-nine moves in the last part of the manual are unusual. They are the secret of the Ning family. Apart from the Ning family members, they are only passed down to their closed-door disciples, generation after generation, to promote the Lone Goose Sword Technique. This is the most authentic sword style in the martial arts world."
Bai Hua glanced at him, a hint of defiance in her eyes: "I'm neither a closed-door disciple nor a member of the Ning family, so how can I learn?"
Ning Jue took her hand and replied seriously, "After yesterday, you are definitely mine now."
Bai Hua didn't care. She still had a temper, and her words were sharp and unusually aggressive: "As you said, young master, we weren't intimate yesterday, nor were we formally married. Why does that count? Or is it that anyone who has been touched by a member of the Ning family is qualified to explore the secrets of the Lone Goose Sword Technique? If that's the case, what if some charming young master is promiscuous? Wouldn't the secrets of the second half of the Lone Goose Sword Technique become widely known? Other martial artists wouldn't need to put in any extra effort to explore it; they could just send a beauty, devise a scheme, and easily succeed."
Before Bai Hua realized that she was the spy in the scheme, she blurted out these words.
Upon hearing this, Ning Jue's expression became more serious. He first explained on behalf of his master: "Master's feelings for his mistress have always been the same. As for me, I would never act frivolously or promiscuously. The Lone Goose Sword Technique has only been passed down for two generations, so the situation you described does not exist yet. In the future, my disciples will only be held to even higher standards."
Bai Hua belatedly realized that her words were disrespectful to her elders and involved the Sword Saint's reputation. The fact that the young master didn't directly anger her was already a sign of respect.
She lowered her eyelashes, realizing she had overstepped her bounds, and quickly reined in her aura, also transforming from the self-righteous one into the guilty and evasive one.
Ning Jue glanced at her, his eyes showing no reproach. It was just a normal conversation; he didn't have many taboos.
Bai Hua remained silent, and so did he.
During the stalemate, he calmly folded the red-stained handkerchief and tucked it into his sleeve.
Bai Hua didn't notice until later when she thought about it and looked around the bed without finding it, so she guessed that Ning Jue had taken it.
That's not some precious thing; it should be thrown away or discarded, or at least washed first before being put away.
She couldn't help but feel her face burning. She reached out to take her hand back, but didn't say so directly because she was embarrassed.
Ning Jue raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance: "What?"
Bai Hua huffed, "Why did you keep that thing, young master?"
Ning Jue didn't hide the fact that he had taken it himself, replying, "A souvenir."
Bai Hua's ears burned, and she was speechless again.
Ning Jue said, "You just said that because we haven't gone through the ceremony, we're not qualified to see the Lone Goose Sword Techniques. Actually, back in Danzhou, we already offered incense to my master and mistress together in the Ning family ancestral hall. They raised and taught me, just like my parents. So, the only thing we're missing is to worship heaven and earth."
Bai Hua remained silent.
Ning Jue got up on his own and walked to the cabinet. On the middle shelf were the wedding clothes sent by the maids of the manor. He unfolded the groom's one, which was bright red, with details, a good style, and a size that fit him well.
With his clothes draped over his arm, Ning Jue asked Bai Hua, "If the temporary ceremony is a bit simple, can you accept it?"
Bai Hua met his gaze and was slightly taken aback. At that moment, his eyes shone brightly, with a light he never showed before.
"I……"
While she hesitated, Ning Jue had already brought the tray containing the bride's dress over for her to see. After confirming that the size was still suitable, Ning Jue's anticipation grew even stronger.
After paying respects to the elders, bowing to heaven and earth, and drinking the nuptial wine... if all of this can be accomplished under special circumstances, the ceremony can be considered complete.
Bai Hua clutched the hem of her wedding dress, her heart pounding.
She asked, "Would it be a regret for you, young master, if I did not answer?"
Ning Jue replied, "Did I forget what I said when Jiang Shen'er asked me? If life and death are determined by fate, then my last wish is to marry you."
Bai Hua didn't hesitate any longer and reached out to hug him.
...
As night fell, the two lit many candles in the room. A draft blew in, and the dim yellow flames flickered and swayed.
Bai Hua and Ning Jue changed into their wedding attire one after the other. The red light made their faces look radiant. They smiled at each other, clinked glasses, and then raised their wine cups together to drink the nuptial wine.
This wine is not strong; it's very mild.
Bai Hua had already tasted it when Jiang Shen'er hosted them last time.
Next came the wedding ceremony.
Ning Jue held two cushions in his left hand and Bai Hua's hand in his right, and walked into the empty courtyard, standing under the brightest moonlight.
They exchanged another glance.
Since they changed into their new clothes, the two of them couldn't help but look at each other, because they looked good and because they felt warm inside.
Ning Jue looked away and placed the cushions on the stone bricks on the ground, one on each side.
The two reached out their hands in unison, supporting each other as they bent their knees, holding hands as they knelt together on the mat.
The hem of her wedding dress was layered together, fluttering in the night breeze like flowing rosy clouds.
Ning Jue looked up and solemnly began to speak: "The bright moon bears witness that today I pledge my love to you, regardless of the changing times or circumstances. No matter how turbulent the outside world may be, my heart will always be with you, and my vow will never waver..."
The two held hands even tighter.
Bai Hua also spoke up: "No matter how dark the wind and rain, we will hold hands tightly, overcome all dangers together, and pray for peace and well-being."
The two exchanged a glance, then looked forward again and bowed.
After the ceremony, Ning Jue, not wanting to delay, prepared to immediately demonstrate his sword skills to her.
Bai Hua whispered a reminder to him, "The couple hasn't bowed to each other yet..."
Ning Jue smiled, his eyes no longer seeming like a deep abyss, but rather like a warm pool rippling with gentle waves.
If the two of them really have a chance, he will definitely make up for it with a proper wedding ceremony. Right now, he is doing this to put her at ease, to put her at ease knowing the secret of the Lone Goose Sword Technique, and to put her at ease being closely connected with him.
After bowing to each other, Ning Jue's expression was solemn.
After getting up and observing Bai Hua's reaction, Ning Jue, seeing that she was quite satisfied, asked, "Without further ado, let me teach you now."
There really isn't any time to waste anymore.
It's already evening, and the remaining thirty-nine sword moves are so secretive that they're probably not easy to learn. I might have to stay up half the night.
But if this delays my rest, will it affect your competition tomorrow?
Bai Hua voiced her concerns, and Ning Jue reassured her: "Don't worry, it's not as difficult as you think. Time will pass quickly. Besides, we have other important things to do tonight, in addition to teaching you swordsmanship."
Bai Hua only thought about serious matters: "What other serious matters are there?"
Ning Jue: "You'll find out soon enough."
...
Bai Hua was initially worried that the sword moves in the second half of the chapter might be too difficult for an ordinary person like her who had no sword-fighting background to remember.
As a result, after witnessing the young master deliberately slow down his movements to complete the dance, she carefully and quickly discovered the key.
In fact, there are patterns to be found in them.
The sword techniques in the first and second halves of the chapter are not disconnected or completely unrelated, but rather correspond one-to-one, as if they were connected from beginning to end.
Take footsteps, for example.
In the first few movements, the right foot is in front and the left foot is behind, forming a T-stance. In the later movements, the left foot is in front and the right foot is behind, completely reversed.
There's also the direction of the arm swinging the sword: first, the left shoulder drops, intending to gather momentum, then the right arm drops at the elbow, forming a full-moon shape...
In short, the second half of the Lone Goose Sword Technique is a variation on the original form, so she doesn't need to memorize it from beginning to end. As long as she remembers the rules, she can deduce the entire technique from start to finish.
No wonder the teaching requirements for the sword techniques in the second half of the Lone Goose Sword Technique are so strict, and it cannot be revealed to anyone other than family members and closed-door disciples. It turns out that there is such a rule.
If outsiders discover the key to this technique and quickly deduce the remaining thirty-nine sword forms from the previous chapters, then the direct lineage will have no advantage whatsoever. Without the barrier to entry, the renowned Lone Goose Sword Technique will soon become commonplace.
Thinking of this, Bai Hua suddenly felt a little uneasy.
If the sword techniques in the second half of the chapter were too difficult, that would be fine; she simply couldn't memorize them all, even if she wanted to.
But now that she knows the secrets of swordsmanship and has figured out the patterns, the pressure on her mind and body is obviously much greater.
The first choice is whether or not to betray the trust of someone who cares about your brother's safety.
If she doesn't do it, her brother's life may be in danger.
But if he does it, the young master will inevitably become an unworthy disciple, betraying the trust placed in him by the Sword Saint in passing on his sword techniques. How will he then establish himself in the world?
Bai Hua felt as if her heart was being torn in two.
...
After the sword dance, Ning Jue took off his wedding dress and went to the water room to take a bath. After he came out, Bai Hua went in to take a bath as well.
After they had both finished getting ready, they sat down facing each other and remained silent for a moment.
The room was too quiet, and Bai Hua felt uncomfortable, so she took the initiative to start a conversation: "Young Master is going to have a martial arts competition with Jiang Shen'er tomorrow. She left early this morning and hasn't returned to the manor yet. Is she not taking it seriously, or is she afraid?"
Ning Jue smiled and said to her, "Umbrella Fairy has the reputation of being one of the four great masters of the martial arts world. In fact, many people have taken the initiative to challenge her. She has been living a low-key semi-retired life in the martial arts world for the past two years, but she was very warlike in previous years. Do you know how many wins and how many losses she has in the records that can be found?"
Bai Hua asked curiously, "How many wins and how many losses?"
Ning Jue said, "In seventy-two life-or-death battles, she only lost three. Her strength is certainly not bad. She is not afraid of a junior like me."
Hearing him say that, Bai Hua's heart, which had calmed down slightly, clenched again.
She knew that duels were commonplace for people in the martial arts world, but she had never been used to fighting and killing. Seeing the young master sign the life-or-death contract, looking like he was determined to fight to the death, was enough to terrify her.
In case something really happens...
She was terrified that the "what if" scenario might happen.
Bai Hua sniffed, then hugged Ning Jue's neck, her voice trembling slightly, "Young Master, could you please not be so reckless tomorrow? Try to avoid him if possible. I... I'm so scared..."
Ning Jue put his arm around her back, patted her gently to comfort her, and calmly replied, "Life and death are in the hands of fate."
These four words made Bai Hua even more uneasy and her chest feel tight.
Seeing that she looked unwell, Ning Jue wanted to comfort her, so he spoke again: "Don't worry, Jiang Shen'er promised that she would let you go no matter what the outcome is. Besides, Chen Fu and the others are outside the manor, and they will definitely be able to meet you."
These words implied a dying wish, and Bai Hua immediately raised her hands to cover her ears, refusing to listen any further.
Ning Jue looked at her helplessly, raised his hand and rubbed the tip of her nose, there was nothing he could do about it.
It's getting late.
Ning Jue glanced out the window, got up and extinguished the three candles in the room, then walked back to Bai Hua, bent down and picked her up horizontally, carrying her to the bed.
There was only one bed in the room, so the two of them slept together.
But Bai Hua had no intention of being intimate with him again. After all, there was a tough battle to fight tomorrow, and she couldn't afford to waste her energy the night before.
The two lay down on the bed, and Bai Hua was about to roll over to one side to give him enough space when he unexpectedly blocked her by the waist.
Their eyes met, and Ning Jue didn't wait any longer before pressing down and kissing him.
"...Young master, aren't you going to rest?"
Just now, he not only performed the Lone Goose Sword Technique in its entirety himself, but also taught her step by step. All in all, he spent more than an hour practicing his internal energy. How could he not be tired?
Bai Hua wanted him to get some rest.
However, Ning Jue did not appreciate her kindness and kissed her fiercely. He only managed to reply to her during a moment of respite: "No rest, let's take care of business first."
Bai Hua blinked, her face flushing red.
She then realized that the real matter the young master had been preoccupied with during their bowing ceremony was actually about having sex with her...
Her thoughts quickly returned, and she could no longer afford to be distracted.
Ning Jue was aggressive, not only demanding kisses but also touching, completely without restraint. This was entirely different from the more restrained and slow exploration the previous night. The two had worn wedding attire and bowed to heaven and earth; the situation was naturally different now.
He skillfully removed her clothes and gently bit her rounded shoulder, but dared not use force.
Finding it pointless through her clothes, he tore off her pinkish-white halter-neck bra and tossed it aside. His fingers moved with controlled ease, and Bai Hua quickly lost her balance, unable to move, feeling only spasms and numbness throughout her body.
Ning Jue teased her, giving her a meaningful look and deliberately asking, "Do you know what this looks like?"
Bai Hua had no energy to play riddles with him; her eyes were blank and bewildered, and she didn't respond.
Ning Jue asked and answered himself, his interest only growing. He explained the riddle himself: "It's like grabbing a handful of soft cheese tofu. Have you ever eaten soft cheese? It's a famous snack in Jingqi."
Bai Hua could tell that this wasn't a compliment.
After realizing what had happened, she glared at him with red eyes, her gaze wet and pitiful, looking like she had been bullied.
Ning Jue stared at her and smiled, "I'll try it first, and then we can compare the tastes of the two when we travel to Jingqi together later."
Bai Hua couldn't understand how he could speak so calmly and naturally.
If someone else heard this, they might actually think it was serious talk.
Bai Hua curled her toes and her eyelashes trembled. She felt she needed to grasp something to feel safe, so she tightly gripped the Shu brocade quilt, tearing out countless folds, like pebbles thrown into a lake, creating ripples.
It's been a long, long time...
But she still couldn't relax, staring blankly at the bed curtains above her head, occasionally letting out a soft moan, but unable to utter a word.
Of course, besides the faint humming, there were also soft, continuous slurping sounds in the quiet room.
She grabbed the bed sheet with one hand, and Ning Jue's hair with the other.
Soft cheese is a specialty of the Great Yanjing (modern-day Beijing). To be able to taste it in Guocheng in the southern region is to make it even more precious. It must be eaten slowly and gently, savoring its aroma and licking it slowly, so as not to waste the opportunity.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
