The moon cast an ethereal glow upon the Xia Family Manor as Wang Li and Xia Bingling emerged from the council room. The lingering effects of their passionate encounter were evident in Xia Bingling's slightly unsteady gait.
Wang Li, being an attentive companion, offered her a supporting arm, a gesture that elicited a subtle smile from the Matriarch.
While Xia Bingling was accustomed to Wang Li's fiery ways, even she had to admit that their afternoon session had been particularly vigorous.
As they entered the dining hall, the warm aroma of freshly prepared dishes greeted them. Wang Xiangyi, Wang Li's captivating cousin, was already seated at the table, her fiery red dress mirroring the vibrant life that seemed to emanate from her. Her aunts, Wang Raqi and Wang Ruyan, were also present, their faces etched with concern after the events at the Stone Mountain Sect.
"Li!" Wang Xiangyi greeted her cousin, her voice laced with excitement. "How did the negotiations with those envoys go?"
Wang Li offered a reassuring smile. "Excellent, Xiangyi," he replied. "The Xia Family stands to gain a significant influx of resources from these agreements." This was a carefully worded response, one that alluded to the procured resources without revealing the true extent of the "negotiations."
Xia Bingling, now in full control of her movements, chimed in with a formal nod. "Indeed, Wang Li has secured a most advantageous result for our family," she stated, addressing him as "Wang Li" to maintain a facade of professionalism.
The veiled intimacy between Wang Li and Xia Bingling was entirely lost on the others. Wang Xiangyi, ever focused on the bigger picture, pressed on with another question. "Excellent news, Li!" she exclaimed. "With these new resources, the Xia Family can truly reach new heights."
The conversation flowed, with updates on the cultivation world and lighthearted banter. Throughout it all, Wang Xiangyi, Wang Raqi, and Wang Ruyan remained blissfully unaware of the steamy undercurrents between Xia Bingling and Wang Li. They saw only the formal interactions of a son-in-law and the mother-in-law who is a respected Matriarch.
Suddenly, the topic shifted. Xiangyi, her expression turning serious, brought up the Stone Mountain Sect. "Li," she said, her voice low, "have you read the news scrolls? What do you think about the situation at the Stone Mountain Sect?"
News traveled fast in the cultivation world, and a news scroll containing the details of the Stone Mountain Sect's demise had found its way into Wang Xiangyi's hands. She, aware of Ye Fan's true personality and his demonic essence, wasn't fooled by Ye Fan's act of "rescuing" the disciples.
A frown creased Wang Li's forehead. Ye Fan's rise to power was a thorn in his side. "Indeed," he confirmed, "and this development presents a potential problem."
Xia Bingling spoke up, "So, what's the plan?"
Wang Li pondered for a moment. "We need more information," he declared finally. "An investigation into the events surrounding the Stone Mountain Sect's demise is crucial. We need to find a former disciple or elder of the Stone Mountain Sect, someone who witnessed the events firsthand."
As the night wore on, their moans and whispered endearments filled the room. Wang Li, a master of seduction, explored every inch of Xiangyi's body, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. Xiangyi, a willing participant, surrendered to the pleasure, her own desires igniting in response.
Their movements became a whirlwind of passion, a storm of emotions unleashed. Time seemed to melt away, the only reality the heat of their bodies intertwined. With a final gasp, Xiangyi reached a peak of ecstasy, her body trembling in his arms. Wang Li followed suit moments later, their shared release echoing through the silent night.
Exhausted but content, they lay entangled in each other's arms. Moonlight painted their skin with an ethereal glow, a stark contrast to the raw emotions that had just unfolded. A comfortable silence settled upon them, broken only by the soft sound of their breathing.
~~
The first rays of dawn painted the room in a gentle rose hue as Wang Li finally stirred. Gazing at Xiangyi's sleeping form, a satisfied smile played on his lips. The memory of their shared pleasure was still fresh, a delicious echo of the night's events. His cousin, her beauty both delicate and fierce, always left him breathless.
He knew their encounters would continue, a secret indulgence hidden from the outside world. But for now, duty called. Slipping out of bed with practiced ease, he washed away the remnants of the night and donned his finest attire. Stepping out of his room, he headed straight for Matriarch Xia Bingling's quarters.
He knocked softly on her door, a hint of intimacy in his tone as he addressed her. "My dear," he called out, "may I come in?"
"Li?" Xia Bingling's voice, still slightly husky from their earlier encounter, floated through the door. "Come in, of course."
He entered the room, his eyes sweeping over Xia Bingling, who looked both composed and alluring. Despite the shared passion of the evening on the previous day, a professional air surrounded them as they began their discussion.
"We need to initiate the recruitment process today," Wang Li declared, his voice firm.
Xia Bingling nodded, her expression contemplative. "Indeed," she agreed. "But who will oversee the recruitment?"
Wang Li met her gaze, a confident glint in his eyes. "Leave that to me," he said, a hint of a challenge in his voice. "I have a knack for finding hidden gems, those who possess talent and loyalty."
A slow smile spread across Xia Bingling's face. She trusted Wang Li's judgment completely. "Very well, Li," she conceded. "The recruitment process is in your capable hands. Choose wisely, for the future of the Xia Family rests upon our decisions."
Wang Li's smile widened. This was exactly the response he had hoped for. With Xia Bingling's approval, he was free to implement his vision, to mold the Xia Family into a force to be reckoned with.