Chapter 55: Xia Bingling Sends Communication Talismans

Wang Li and Xia Qingwu soared through the air, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues. A group of Xia Family guards followed discreetly behind them, maintaining a respectful distance to allow for privacy. The tension of the recent encounter had eased, replaced by a comfortable silence that blossomed into something more.

Qingwu, a playful glint in her eyes, stared at Wang Li. "You know," she said, her voice laced with a hint of flirtation, "I'm glad you're coming back to the manor with me."

Wang Li chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his face. "The feeling's mutual, Qingwu. Spending some time with you after all this... it's something I was looking forward to as well."

Turning serious, he asked, "So, how does it feel, being a Nascent Soul cultivator?"

Xia Qingwu's face lit up. "Amazing," she declared, her voice brimming with excitement. "Thank you for everything, Li. Without your guidance and support, I wouldn't have broken through so quickly."

"You did all the hard work," he countered, a hint of pride in his voice. "But I'm happy I could help."

She grinned. "The power difference is incredible. Especially with my flame attribute. I'm using all my sect contribution points in the Jade Lotus Palace to get my hands on anything related to fire – herbs rich in flame essence, rare alchemy pills, even advanced Nascent Soul flame techniques."

He raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you're serious about mastering that element."

"Deadly serious," she confirmed. "And Mom's been pulling out all the stops too. She's been using the Xia Family's resources like crazy, participating in auctions and markets, anything to find more flame-attuned resources for me."

A wave of warmth washed over Wang Li. Her dedication to cultivation was admirable, but it was the love and support of her family that truly touched him. He squeezed his fist in silent determination. "They won't regret it, Qingwu. You'll become a powerful force to be reckoned with."

"Speaking of resources," he continued, a playful glint returning to his eyes, "I might just have a few things hidden away that could be of use. Consider it a little gift from your dear lover."

A blush crept up Xia Qingwu's cheeks. "That would be wonderful, Li," she murmured into the wind.

Their conversation took a more personal turn then, laced with unspoken desires. "Once we reach the manor, and after we deal with Mother," Xia Qingwu began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I was hoping... maybe you could visit my chambers?"

Wang Li's pulse quickened. He understood her meaning all too well. A sly grin spread across his face. "Now, Qingwu, you know I wouldn't miss an opportunity to spend time with you alone."

Her cheeks flushed a deeper crimson, but her eyes held a fiery resolve. "Make sure it's a long visit," she said, her voice barely audible but firm. "I... I want you to feel completely satisfied."

Wang Li chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. "Don't worry, Qingwu. I have no plans of stopping until you're begging for mercy."

A shy smile graced Qingwu's lips. "Oh, I wouldn't want it any other way," she murmured, her voice a provocative purr. "I'm all yours, Li. Body and soul."

The playful banter ceased, replaced by a charged silence. The journey continued, their destination drawing closer. Yet, the shared intimacy of their conversation hung heavy in the air.

"Very well," she conceded, her voice laced with frosty determination. "I will make this announcement."

With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a stack of communication talismans. Her voice, firm and unwavering, echoed through the hall as she recorded the message – the Xia Family's official stance on Ye Fan's proposal and the return of the dowry.

Hundreds of talismans, imbued with her voice, flew out the windows, carried by unseen currents.

They would find their targets, influential figures and news associations who would spread the message far and wide.

The announcement, a necessary countermeasure in this brewing war, had been made.

But as Xia Bingling looked at Wang Li, a silent question hung in the air – would it be enough?

Wang Li met the questioning gazes of both Qingwu and Xia Bingling with a nonchalant shrug. "We wait," he said simply. "Let's see how the world reacts. Public perception is a fickle beast, but hopefully, our announcement will sway public opinion in our favor."

He shifted his attention to Qingwu, a playful glint in his eyes. "Now, with that business settled," he purred, his voice a husky whisper, "shall we head to your chambers?"

A blush stained Qingwu's cheeks. "Li," she whispered, her voice laced with mock reprimand, "must you speak of such things in front of Mother?"

A sly smile spread across Wang Li's face. He knew exactly what he was doing. His words, seemingly innocent, carried an unspoken message aimed directly at Xia Bingling. The mention of his visit to Qingwu's chambers was a subtle declaration – a way to inform the Matriarch, without explicitly saying it, of the nature of his relationship with her daughter.

Xia Bingling understood his veiled message all too well. A cold fury simmered beneath her carefully maintained facade. The audacity of this demonic cultivator, flaunting his closeness to her daughter! However, she was powerless to react in the moment. She needed to maintain control, to avoid giving Wang Li any satisfaction.

With a forced smile, Xia Bingling nodded curtly. "Go," she dismissed them, her voice devoid of warmth.

Qingwu, oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around them, cast her mother a quick, shy glance before turning to walk out. Wang Li, a provocative glint in his eyes, followed her out of the council hall, leaving Xia Bingling alone with a burning sense of rage.

As soon as they were out of sight, Qingwu playfully swatted at Wang Li's arm. "Honestly," she teased, "sometimes you're too much."

Wang Li chuckled, pulling her close. "Just keeping your mother on her toes," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.

Reaching Qingwu's chambers, the heavy oak door swung open with a soft creak. Inside, the air hung thick with the scent of exotic incense and blossoming orchids.

The moment the door shut behind them, Qingwu discarded her facade. Her shy demeanor melted away, replaced by a passionate intensity. Stepping closer to Wang Li, her hand brushed against his arm, sending a jolt of electricity through him.

"Finally," she murmured, her voice a husky whisper. "We can be ourselves now."