Chapter 129: Xia Bingling's Heavenly Tribulation

The aftermath of their passionate encounter hung heavy in the air. A shared glance passed between them, a silent acknowledgment of the forbidden intimacy they had just shared. With a wordless understanding, they rose, their naked bodies momentarily exposed before they made their way towards the bathroom.

The bathroom, a haven of tranquility, boasted a steaming hot spring pool that beckoned them. Stepping into the soothing water, a sigh of contentment escaped Xia Bingling's lips. Her worries, for a brief moment, melted away in the warmth.

Wang Li stepped into the pool, the warm water enveloping him with a soothing caress. Xia Bingling wasted no time, joining him. Her movements were graceful yet purposeful as she positioned herself behind him, her full figure pressing against his back.

"Let me help you relax," she whispered, her voice husky and sensual. Her large breasts brushed against his back, sending shivers down his spine. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the warmth and the gentle ministrations of his secret lover.

Her hands, imbued with spiritual energy, moved with practiced ease, washing away the tension and fatigue of their passionate encounter. It wasn't just a physical cleansing, but a deeper, more intimate connection.

"You haven't mentioned how the Wang Family is faring," Xia Bingling said, her voice breaking the comfortable silence.

"The rebuilding efforts are progressing well," Wang Li replied, relishing the soothing touch of her hands. "The resources from your Xia Family have been a boon, and the recruitment of talented individuals is well underway."

He then went into detail about his plan to recruit talented outer sect disciples from the Emerald Sea Palace, Crimson Rock Sect, and Golden Bell Temple. He explained how he would offer them a chance to elevate themselves, coupled with the allure of marriage within the Wang Family.

Xia Bingling's eyes sparkled with approval. "A brilliant strategy, Wang Li," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "Those sects won't miss a few outer sect disciples, but you'll gain a significant boost in manpower. And let's not forget the women of your family," she added with a knowing smile.

"Indeed," Wang Li chuckled. "My sisters and other female members within the family crave stability too. This will not only strengthen our manpower but also provide them with suitable partners."

He stole a glance back at Xia Bingling, his heart swelling with a possessive pride. "Besides, who better to judge talent than myself? Each man chosen will not only be strong in cultivation but also possess a good character and pleasing disposition."

Xia Bingling leaned in closer, her ample bosom brushing against his bare back, sending a jolt of renewed desire through him. "I have no doubt, my love," she murmured, her voice laced with a hint of playful suggestiveness. "You always knew how to choose the best... for various purposes."

Their conversation continued, a blend of passionate confessions, strategic plans, and a delicious sense of shared power and forbidden love. They reveled in the luxurious setting, the warmth of the spring water amplifying the intimacy of their connection.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they decided to end their secret rendezvous. Xia Bingling helped Wang Li dry off, her touch lingering longer than necessary. He savored the feeling, the knowledge of his power over this powerful woman fueling his ego.

They donned fresh clothes, a mask of composure settling upon their faces. A final, lingering kiss sealed their unspoken pact – a promise of stolen moments and passionate encounters.

With a mischievous grin, Wang Li made his exit. Leaving through the window was a precaution, a way to avoid arousing suspicion. After all, a night spent with the Matriarch wouldn't exactly raise eyebrows if he left openly in the morning.

He navigated the familiar corridors and managed to return to his assigned chamber. He then slipped inside like a ghost returning home. Relief washed over him, coupled with a simmering excitement for the challenges and pleasures that awaited him.

A sliver of morning light sliced through the window, breaking the peaceful slumber within Xia Qingwu's chamber. Before the light could fully rouse her, the door creaked open with a whisper. Wang Li, his face etched with a playful smile, slipped inside.

The first bolt of lightning, an electrifying serpent of purple energy, arced down from the heavens. The air itself seemed to scream with the intensity of the strike. With a coordinated effort, Wang Li and Qingwu poured their spiritual energy into the formation, deflecting the majority of the bolt's power.

Xia Bingling, bathed in the residual energy, roared in defiance. This was her moment, her battle against the heavens for the right to ascend. The tribulation had begun, and the fate of their family hung in the balance.

Four bolts of purple lightning had assaulted Xia Bingling, each one a searing testament to the tribulation's power. With every strike, the barrier shimmered and pulsed, absorbing the brunt of the attack yet allowing a fraction of the energy to reach Xia Bingling. She panted heavily, sweat beading on her brow.

Thirty percent of her spiritual energy already expended, she knew the hardest blows were yet to come.

Suddenly, a tremor passed through Wang Li. His eyes, activated with his Heavenly Fate Pupils, scanned the horizon. A flicker of golden aura, a color reserved for destinies of immense potential, pierced his vision. A chill ran down his spine. Only one person he knew possessed such a destiny - Ye Fan, his archenemy.

Understanding dawned upon him. Ye Fan must have sensed the impending tribulation and planned his ambush. He was likely lurking somewhere within the Xia Family territory, waiting for the opportune moment to disrupt Xia Bingling's ascension.

Fury surged through Wang Li. He was confronted with a cruel dilemma. Leaving his post meant jeopardizing the integrity of the barrier, exposing Xia Bingling to the full wrath of the lightning. Yet, staying meant allowing Ye Fan to approach unrestricted, potentially jeopardizing them all.

Gritting his teeth, Wang Li made his agonizing choice. He had to intercept Ye Fan before it was too late.

With a swift movement that startled both Xia Qingwu and Xia Bingling, Wang Li vanished from his position. The unexpected withdrawal left them bewildered. The tribulation was far from over, and they hadn't sensed any external threat. Confusion hung heavy in the air.

"Ye Fan is here!" Wang Li's voice echoed, carried on the wind. "Qingwu, maintain the barrier and weaken the lightning for your mother. Don't falter!"

Both women were taken aback. They hadn't detected Ye Fan's presence. Wang Li's sudden action left them confused, but his commanding tone left no room for argument.

"I'll keep him occupied!" Wang Li declared, already sprinting away. His anger burned hot, fueled by Ye Fan's audacity. This time, he wouldn't let the young prodigy get away with it.

Meanwhile, Ye Fan, concealed within a nearby grove, watched in disbelief. How had Wang Li known he was there? Had he anticipated the attack? But then, his gaze swept across the field, noticing the absence of any other cultivators. Realization dawned.

Wang Li hadn't anticipated Ye Fan's presence, but he likely sensed him in the last few minutes. Despite the tribulation and the weakened defenses, Wang Li had chosen to confront him alone.

A slow grin spread across Ye Fan's face. This, he realized, was a perfect opportunity. Wang Li, isolated and likely weakened, was the ideal target.

"You really are an idiot," Ye Fan drawled, his voice laced with arrogance. "Coming here alone will be your final mistake."

Wang Li stopped short, a mere stone's throw away from Ye Fan. He remained silent, a cold glint in his eyes. With a practiced flick of his wrist, his sword materialized, a brilliant blade crackling with energy.

Without a word, he launched into an offensive. The Yang Scorching Slash, a fierce technique that scorched the air and left a trail of searing heat, was unleashed. The attack tore through the air, a testament to Wang Li's formidable power.

Ye Fan, surprised by the immediate attack, barely managed to deflect the blow. The resulting shockwave sent tremors through the grove, and a distant rumble echoed from the field where Xia Bingling faced her own tribulation.