Meanwhile, Qingwu, brimming with youthful energy, turned to Liu Xue. "Senior Sister," she chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "how about a spar? I'd love to see how much stronger I have become!"
Liu Xue wasn't expecting this sudden challenge, but a thrill ran through her. Sparring with Qingwu, an early Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, could be a valuable way to assess her own improved abilities after her cultivation breakthrough. "Sure, why not," she replied, a hint of a smile gracing her lips.
The two beauties rose, their movements filled with an eagerness to test their mettle. "We'll head to the fields then," Qingwu announced. "We can spar there."
"Excellent," Wang Li responded, draining the last of his tea. "We'll come to watch once we finish our tea."
With a final nod, Qingwu and Liu Xue disappeared through the council room doors, leaving Wang Li and Xia Bingling alone.
Wang Li's demeanor shifted subtly. The playful charm was replaced by a predatory glint in his eyes.
He leaned forward, his gaze lingering on Xia Bingling's alluring curves.
"You know," he began, his voice low and husky, "you have the most delectable figure I've ever seen. It's hard to resist you, especially when we're alone like this."
Xia Bingling met his gaze, a spark of amusement dancing in her eyes. "That bold, are we?" she replied, her voice a sultry purr.
Wang Li placed his cup on the table with a decisive clink. In a swift movement, he reached out and captured her arm, the heat of his touch sending a delicious shiver down her spine.
"Bold?" he chuckled, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "Let's call it... appreciating the beauty in front of me."
He then pulled her closer, the silk of her dress brushing against his leg. Before she could react, he swept her off her feet and placed her on his lap, her breath catching in her throat.
The audacity of his move caused a flicker of surprise across her face, but it was quickly replaced by a knowing smile. He was a dangerous game, this young man, but a thrilling one, nonetheless.
As he settled her comfortably on his lap, their bodies pressed intimately together, he leaned in further. The scent of her perfume filled his senses, a heady mix that only fueled his desires. He deliberately ground his groin against her curvy hips, a silent provocation.
His warm breath caressed her ear as he whispered in a husky voice, "I simply can't get enough of you, Xia Bingling. Your beauty, your passion... you intoxicate me."
Xia Bingling couldn't help but let out a soft moan, a mixture of pleasure and amusement swirling within her. This was a dangerous dance they were engaged in, a dance that could have far-reaching consequences. But for now, she allowed herself to get swept away in the current of his desire.
As their lips met in a passionate kiss, their conversation ceased, replaced by heated whispers and urgent touches. The air crackled with barely contained desire, the only sounds the rasp of silk against skin and the muffled moans escaping their lips.
They were oblivious to the world outside the council room. Lost in their own passionate whirlwind, Wang Li and Xia Bingling explored each other's bodies with a practiced ease. His hands roamed freely beneath her silken dress, igniting trails of fire on her skin. Her fingers, nimble and experienced, danced across his chest, their touch sending shivers down his spine.
Liu Xue offered a polite smile, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her features. "Thank you, Matriarch. The spar has been... enlightening."
The afternoon unfolded in a flurry of activity. They watched as Qingwu and Liu Xue sparred, offering occasional pointers and words of encouragement.
Later, they all sparred together, the air filled with the clash of steel and the lighthearted banter of friends.
As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and red, they called a halt to their training. Exhausted but exhilarated, they gathered under a large tree for refreshments.
"It's been a productive day," Wang Li declared, wiping sweat from his brow. "Qingwu, your progress is remarkable."
Qingwu, her face flushed with pride, beamed. "Thank you, Li."
He then turned to Liu Xue, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Well fought, Liu Xue. Your control is truly impressive."
Liu Xue offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Wang Li."
The atmosphere was pleasant, filled with a sense of camaraderie. For a moment, the tension that had been simmering beneath the surface seemed forgotten.
However, as Qingwu launched into an animated description of the spar, Xia Bingling couldn't help but steal a glance at Wang Li. His eyes met hers, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them.
A shiver ran down her spine. The memory of their stolen kiss, the heat of his touch, was still fresh in her mind. This dangerous game they were playing, this secret dance of forbidden desires, was exhilarating yet terrifying.
She knew it wouldn't last, that the web of lies and deceit they were both entangled in could unravel at any moment. But for now, she couldn't resist the allure of stolen moments, the thrill of the forbidden.
As Qingwu continued to chatter excitedly, Xia Bingling allowed a small, knowing smile to play on her lips. This was a dangerous path they were on, but for now, she was content to walk it with Wang Li by her side, even if it meant leading them both to a perilous end.
As the day drew to a close, casting long shadows across the Xia Family Manor, Xia Bingling issued a series of discreet orders. Several of her most trusted guards, men known for their unwavering loyalty, were summoned to her private chambers. There, in hushed tones, she outlined her plan.
"You shall travel to the Broken Sword Kingdom," she instructed, her voice firm and unwavering. "Our safehouses there hold three individuals – Wang Xiangyi, Wang Yaqi, and Wang Ruyan. Your task is to escort them safely to this manor."
The guards exchanged a silent glance, a flicker of unease crossing their features. Rumors about Wang Xiangyi's alleged demonic cultivation were rife, and the thought of bringing her into their midst was unsettling.
However, none dared to question Xia Bingling's orders. A curt nod was their only response, their loyalty overriding any doubts they harbored.
With nightfall painting the sky a dark canvas, the guards departed, their figures blurring into streaks of light as they soared towards the Broken Sword Kingdom.