Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 33

For an instant, Feng Tianzong looked so angry he seemed to laugh. He asked Huo Fenghua, “You mean you want me to try it?”

Huo Fenghua wore a smile and tested the waters. “You’ve never experienced it, so you don’t know. If you really try it, you’ll definitely like it.”

Feng Tianzong neither confirmed nor denied it. He only said, “Then do you know how to serve someone?”

Upon hearing this, Huo Fenghua hurriedly said, “You mean if I make you feel good, you’ll let me top?”

The corner of Feng Tianzong’s mouth lifted slightly.

Huo Fenghua immediately said, “It’s a deal. No taking it back.” He raised a hand to undo Feng Tianzong’s collar, slid his upper garment off and draped it over his arm, revealing a solid, flat chest and abdomen. Then he leaned in, first taking Feng Tianzong’s Adam’s apple between his lips and giving it a light bite, then kissing his way down until he reached his chest and closed his mouth around one nipple.

Feng Tianzong looked down at him, his face still calm.

Huo Fenghua sucked and licked at the nipple, using every trick he had. One hand stroked Feng Tianzong’s lower abdomen, fingers tracing along the clear lines of his abs, while the other hand slid down his lower back to his hips and gave his firm ass a squeeze.

As he attended to Feng Tianzong, he kept glancing up to read his expression. When he saw Feng Tianzong’s face grow a shade more serious, he knew it was working, and he smiled faintly and continued kissing and caressing him.

At this point Feng Tianzong said, “To the bed.”

Huo Fenghua immediately smiled. “All right, as you command, General.”

When Feng Tianzong rose, he stripped off his top. With an easy turn, he sat down on the bed, spreading his long legs. There were many healed scars on his body, all hammered into him on the battlefield.

Huo Fenghua climbed onto the bed and knelt between his legs. He reached out to loosen his belt and tugged his trousers down a little, exposing an already half hard penis.

Feng Tianzong leaned lazily back against the stacked quilts at the head of the bed, watching Huo Fenghua’s movements without moving at all himself.

Huo Fenghua reached up and took hold of that thick length. He drew a breath and thought that it wasn’t the first time anyway, so why care, then lowered his head and opened his mouth to take the large tip in.

The half-hard shaft quickly stiffened fully in the wet warmth of his mouth, filling it. Huo Fenghua tried to take more, but it was difficult, so he pulled back. One hand kneaded Feng Tianzong’s balls while the other steadied his cock as he licked it with his tongue.

Feng Tianzong found it amusing and asked, “Have you tasted what it’s like?”

Huo Fenghua glanced at him and didn’t answer.

Feng Tianzong said, “Open your mouth. Take it deeper.”

Huo Fenghua lifted his head. “General, that thing of yours is too… formidable. I can’t swallow it.”

Feng Tianzong gave a snort. “You give up too quickly.”

Huo Fenghua lowered his head again and took him into his mouth. This time he forced himself to relax his throat and take more.

Feng Tianzong suddenly pressed a hand to the back of his neck and pushed his head down, and at the same time drove his hips up, thrusting himself deep into Huo Fenghua’s mouth.

Huo Fenghua felt his tongue pressed down hard, the huge cock almost forced into his throat. He gagged in pain and reached up to push at Feng Tianzong.

Seeing tears squeeze out at the corners of Huo Fenghua’s eyes, Feng Tianzong fisted his hair and lifted his head, pulling himself off.

Huo Fenghua glared at Feng Tianzong in resentment.

The next moment, Feng Tianzong yanked him close and kissed him on the lips.

At first Huo Fenghua still struggled, but Feng Tianzong kissed him while one hand stroked his cheek and neck. His palm was rough with calluses, yet when it brushed over smooth skin it sent shivers through him.

Feng Tianzong tugged Huo Fenghua’s clothes open, keeping him kneeling in front of him, then lowered his head to kiss his neck and chest. His tongue circled the pale red areola, biting until the nipple was glossy with moisture and standing hard.

Huo Fenghua’s breathing quickened. Both hands braced on Feng Tianzong’s shoulders. When he felt Feng Tianzong tug his trousers down, he blurted, “Wasn’t it agreed?”

Feng Tianzong looked up at him. “Have you served me well?”

Huo Fenghua was thinly furious. “My throat still hurts right now and you’re saying I didn’t serve you well?”

Feng Tianzong wrapped his hand around Huo Fenghua’s erection and thumbed the tip. “Aren’t you on top?”

Huo Fenghua froze, then flared. “I said I wanted to fuck you!”

Feng Tianzong’s voice held no clear emotion. “Did you say it? Did I agree?”

Huo Fenghua shoved at him, trying to climb off the bed, but Feng Tianzong caught both his legs and dragged him down onto him. The cleft of his ass landed right against the stiff heat beneath.

Feng Tianzong spread Huo Fenghua’s legs and pushed straight into the tight entrance.

Huo Fenghua’s face twisted in pain and he struggled to shove him off, but Feng Tianzong’s hands were like iron clamps. No matter how Huo Fenghua cried out, Feng Tianzong forced himself until he was buried all the way in.

Once inside, Feng Tianzong didn’t move. He pressed Huo Fenghua’s head to his shoulder and kissed his forehead.

Huo Fenghua was drenched in sweat. Not just his head, but his whole body was coated in cold sweat. That hollow weakness from being ill came back over him. Leaning against Feng Tianzong’s shoulder, he said weakly, “You really are despicable and shameless.”

Feng Tianzong stroked his back, his voice softening. “Does it still hurt?”

Huo Fenghua didn’t answer. He only cursed, “You broke your word.”

Feng Tianzong smiled. “I’ll let you be on top the whole time.” He supported Huo Fenghua’s hips and began to pull out slowly, then push back in just as slowly with gentle movements.

Huo Fenghua hugged his shoulders and let out a low gasp.

Feng Tianzong bit his lower lip and murmured, “Don’t you like it?” Then he sped up slightly, driving his hard cock deep into Huo Fenghua, rubbing against the wet, tender inner walls and pressing into the sensitive spot inside.

Huo Fenghua moaned.

With the repeated thrusting, Feng Tianzong felt that sitting made it hard to put strength into it. He held Huo Fenghua tight, kept himself sheathed inside him, and rose to his knees, lifting Huo Fenghua with him. He told him, “Hold on.”

Huo Fenghua blinked. “Hold what?”

Feng Tianzong looked up again. “Hold the beam above.”

This bed had a wooden crossbeam for hanging a mosquito net. The weather had been cold these days, so the net was put away, but the beam was still there.

Huo Fenghua looked up and panicked. “How can that work?”

But Feng Tianzong had already let go of his waist and instead gripped his legs. Huo Fenghua tipped backward. Instinctively he reached up and grabbed the wooden beam to keep his balance. The beam was meant for a mosquito net, but it was fairly sturdy. He held on tight while his legs were lifted and spread by Feng Tianzong’s hands. Feng Tianzong drove his thick cock into him and began thrusting into him.

The creak of the wooden bed mixed with the wet sounds of pounding echoed through the room.

Huo Fenghua felt like he was about to go insane. The pleasure built in layers, making his dick swell as it continued to leak precum, leaving traces along his abs. But even though Feng Tianzong’s hands supported part of his weight, hanging from the beam with both arms for so long was agony. If he let go, he would fall back onto the bed, so he could only moan and beg, “General, I can’t.”

Feng Tianzong’s breathing was heavy. “No, you wanted to be on top.”

Huo Fenghua said, “No more, no more. Anywhere is fine, I can’t hold on.”

Feng Tianzong still had the leisure to laugh softly. “No.”

Huo Fenghua hardened his heart and simply let go, letting his body fall backward.

In the end, Feng Tianzong didn’t have the heart to be completely ruthless. He caught him in his arms, then turned Huo Fenghua over so he knelt on the bed with his back to him and took him from behind.

Huo Fenghua tried to collapse forward and brace himself, but Feng Tianzong wouldn’t allow it. He held him tight, bodies pressed together, one hand stroking his chest while the other held his erection, gently stroking it.

Still not recovered from illness, Huo Fenghua couldn’t last long and came in Feng Tianzong’s hand.

Seeing that he was running out of strength, Feng Tianzong wrapped an arm around his waist and fell back with him, leaving Huo Fenghua lying on top of him. With his legs bent, he thrust upward slowly from below, both hands holding Huo Fenghua, caressing him gently.

Huo Fenghua felt light and pleasantly languid. He turned his head slightly, rubbed his cheek against Feng Tianzong’s nose, and closed his eyes.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 32

Feng Tianzong mounted first. When he turned back, he saw Huo Fenghua sneezing repeatedly. As Huo Fenghua walked over, the wind pressed his clothes tight to his body, making him look thin and fragile. So when Huo Fenghua reached him, Feng Tianzong pulled him up onto the horse and had him sit in front of him.

With his back against Feng Tianzong’s chest, Huo Fenghua immediately felt much warmer. He didn’t understand why he’d been fine just a moment ago, yet after a few sneezes he suddenly lost all energy, his nose clogging up too.

In a muffled voice he said, “I’ve caught a cold¹.”

“What?” Feng Tianzong spoke, and Huo Fenghua felt the slight vibration of his chest.

Huo Fenghua said, “What am I supposed to say, then, that I’ve caught a chill¹? How long until we reach a town? I think we’d better find a doctor to prescribe me something.”

¹Clarity: The first time he said it, it’s using the modern term, which is why Feng Tianzong didn’t understand, while the second time is more old-fashioned/historical.

With one hand on the reins, Feng Tianzong lifted the other and touched Huo Fenghua’s forehead. It felt slightly warm.

Huo Fenghua turned his head. “Do I have a fever?”

Feng Tianzong didn’t answer. He only said, “Close your eyes and rest for a while.”

Upon hearing this, Huo Fenghua did as told. He leaned back into Feng Tianzong’s arms and drowsily closed his eyes. Before long, he truly fell asleep.

It felt like a heavy sleep. When he woke again, he felt something soft beneath him and warmth all around. He tried to turn over but his whole body ached. At the same time he heard someone say, “He’s awake.”

Feng Tianzong’s voice replied, “It’s fine.”

Huo Fenghua opened his eyes and found himself in a crude, simple room, lying on a bed. A brazier burned beside the bed and the heat wafted towards him, making his forehead break out in a fine sweat.

Feng Tianzong sat on a stool by the brazier. Standing in front of him was someone else, Song Wei, the man who had previously left to track down Gu Guangji.

The two of them must have been talking for a long time. Huo Fenghua’s waking interrupted them briefly, and then Feng Tianzong continued, “Take this letter to Peng Po. Tell him that while I’m away, he needs to watch for Shao Feijie sending people to raid the camp.”

Song Wei lowered his voice. “Shao Feijie knows you’re not in the camp, General. He’ll definitely make a move.”

Feng Tianzong fell silent in thought for a moment. “He won’t be sure whether I’ll return to the camp or not. He’ll try to probe. Keep things ambiguous, with truths and falsehoods mixed together. Don’t let him read the situation clearly. If Peng Po is confident, he can even set an ambush and lure him into attacking the camp. If he’s not confident, it’s better to play it safe.”

“Yes!” Song Wei answered.

Feng Tianzong turned his head toward the bed. Just then, Huo Fenghua rolled over and was looking back at him too.

“And one more thing. Huo Fengnian is very likely already dead,” Feng Tianzong said to Song Wei.

“Dead?” Song Wei was shocked. “How could he be dead? Is the General certain?”

Feng Tianzong suddenly smiled. “I’m certain. Remember this. Huo Fengnian is dead. If Huo Fengnian ever appears in Xichou in the future, then it’s definitely Shao Feijie having Huo Fengnian’s younger twin brother, Huo Fenghua, impersonate him. And Huo Fenghua is already my male concubine.”

Song Wei froze, then answered, “Understood.”

Feng Tianzong waved a hand. “Remember everything I told you. Go back.”

Song Wei dropped to one knee. “Yes, General. This subordinate takes his leave.”

After Song Wei left the room, Huo Fenghua let out a heavy breath and realized even his breathing felt scorching. He said, “You’re disgusting. If the Xichou side really believes Huo Fengnian is dead, the Xichou army’s morale is bound to waver.”

Feng Tianzong didn’t care. “If I were Shao Feijie, I’d find a young child elsewhere in the royal bloodline and prop him up as emperor. Why obsess over you two brothers?”

Huo Fenghua sighed. “That’s loyalty. You wouldn’t understand.”

Feng Tianzong leaned in and touched his forehead, then immediately withdrew his hand. “Your fever’s starting to subside.”

Huo Fenghua lifted the quilt a little and sat up, seeing he was only wearing a thin inner robe. He touched his own forehead too and asked, “Is this an inn?”

Feng Tianzong said, “No. It’s a villager’s house in a mountain village. We’re still some distance from a town. I was worried you wouldn’t hold up, so I found a nearby village and borrowed a room.”

Huo Fenghua asked again, “Did you get a doctor?”

Feng Tianzong lifted a hand to straighten his sleeve, then slowly said, “I did. What, are you that afraid of dying?”

Huo Fenghua nodded. “Terrified. These days, if you get seriously sick even once, you might not recover. Better to be careful.”

Feng Tianzong gave a short, amused snort. “The doctor already took your pulse and wrote a prescription. I asked the homeowner here to decoct it for you. It should be about ready.”

As he finished speaking, someone knocked outside and brought the medicine in.

It was a young girl delivering it. Huo Fenghua suddenly remembered the days he and Su Zeyang had spent recuperating in a mountain village, and he couldn’t help murmuring, “I wonder how Senior Brother is.”

Feng Tianzong took the bowl, shut the door, and lowered his head to stir the black decoction with a spoon. Hearing that, his face chilled. “You miss him that much?”

Huo Fenghua glanced at his expression and hurriedly said, “I’m just worried about him. Aren’t you worried too?”

Feng Tianzong carried the bowl to the bedside and sat down. “We already agreed. Once we find him, you’ll fake your death and leave Yujing.”

Huo Fenghua said, “Yeah. We agreed.”

Feng Tianzong scooped up a spoonful, blew on it lightly, and brought it to Huo Fenghua’s lips. “When the time comes, don’t tell him the truth. Let him think you’re dead too.”

Huo Fenghua stared at the spoon near his mouth, dazed for a moment. Then he shrank back. “Don’t feed me like that. It tastes even more bitter. Give it to me, I’ll down it in one go.”

Feng Tianzong looked at the bowl, tipped the spoonful back in, and handed the whole bowl to Huo Fenghua.

Huo Fenghua took it, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one breath. He handed the bowl back, his whole face scrunching up as he spat out a single word, “Bitter!”

Feng Tianzong took the bowl and watched him for a moment, then carried it out. When he returned he had a small paper packet. He sat by the bed, opened it, and took out a piece of malt sugar.

“Open your mouth,” he said.

Huo Fenghua obediently opened up and let him place it inside.

A sweet, clean taste spread instantly. Chewing the sticky malt sugar, Huo Fenghua said, “So sweet.”

Feng Tianzong said, “Sweet?”

Huo Fenghua smiled at him. “General, want to taste it?” Without waiting for an answer, he looped his arms around Feng Tianzong’s neck and leaned in to press their lips together.

At first Feng Tianzong tasted bitterness, the residue of medicine still on Huo Fenghua’s lips. Then, when he opened his mouth, he tasted the sweetness from inside. The soft, sticky malt sugar tumbled between them, gluing their mouths together. They couldn’t separate for a long time.

When Huo Fenghua finally pulled away, a thin strand of syrup still clung to the corner of his mouth.

Feng Tianzong lifted his hand and wiped it away with his thumb.

Huo Fenghua asked, “When do we leave?”

Feng Tianzong said, “Tomorrow.”

“Why?” Huo Fenghua was puzzled. “Aren’t you in a hurry to find Senior Brother? Why waste a day here?”

Feng Tianzong said, “You’ll drink two more doses. If you pass out again in the middle of the road, it’ll be even more trouble. Aren’t you afraid of dying?”

Huo Fenghua quickly said, “Yeah, I’m afraid.” The truth was, he just missed Su Zeyang a little, missed holding him and breathing in that faint sandalwood scent. He figured he was only feeling so fragile because he was sick.

That night, darkness fell early. After Huo Fenghua finished his medicine, he sat on the bed bored out of his mind. He threw on his clothes, climbed down, and as soon as he cracked the door open, a blast of cold wind shoved him back inside.

He looked at Feng Tianzong, sitting by the brazier in silence, and asked, “Are we still within Zhuyue City’s territory?”

Feng Tianzong glanced at him. “This is Xichou. But the nights are bitterly cold. Stay inside.”

Huo Fenghua walked up to him. “General, you’re sitting here alone without a word. What are you thinking about?”

Feng Tianzong didn’t answer.

Huo Fenghua bent at the waist and leaned in to peer at him. “Thinking about my Senior Brother?”

Feng Tianzong said, “What are you trying to do?”

Huo Fenghua straddled his lap. “General, since we’re idle anyway—”

Feng Tianzong leaned back slightly. “You’re better already?”

Huo Fenghua raised a hand to cup Feng Tianzong’s face. After a deep kiss, he lowered his voice at Feng Tianzong’s ear and asked, “General, have you ever been fucked? Want to try it?”

---

Kinky Thoughts:

Lol, Huo Fenghua really loves poking the bear.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 31

The one who burst in through the door was Shao Feijie. The moment he entered, he saw most of Huo Fenghua’s snow-white body exposed, and Feng Tianzong sprawled on top of him in disarray, motionless. With no time to think, Shao Feijie swung his Blood Drinking saber in a bright arc and slashed toward Feng Tianzong.

But before the blade could touch Feng Tianzong’s back, Feng Tianzong’s long whip suddenly looped around Shao Feijie’s ankle and yanked. Shao Feijie toppled backward, and Feng Tianzong flipped up in the same instant, snapping the whip back and lashing down at Shao Feijie’s face.

Shao Feijie steadied himself and twisted aside to avoid the whip. His saber flashed as he swept it across.

Feng Tianzong lowered himself and slid off the side of the bed, kicked at Shao Feijie’s knee, then reached up to seize the saber hilt.

Huo Fenghua hurriedly sat up, yanked his clothes and trousers into place. When he climbed down from the bed his legs went soft, and he quickly grabbed the bedpost to steady himself.

In the span of a few exchanges, Feng Tianzong and Shao Feijie had already traded several moves. But the room was narrow, and neither the Fu Long Whip nor the Blood Drinking saber could be properly swung.

With a soft whooshing sound, another arrow shot in through the window, flying straight at Feng Tianzong. Feng Tianzong tipped his head back and barely avoided it, the arrowhead almost grazing the bridge of his nose. Shao Feijie’s saber followed immediately, slicing toward Feng Tianzong’s legs. Feng Tianzong’s whip flicked out from his side, the tip winding around Shao Feijie’s wrist and forcing the saber’s angle off, just barely saving him.

Huo Fenghua watched in terror. He lunged to the window, shoved both shutters wide open, and shouted into the darkness, “Jia Duo, I know it’s you! If you’ve got the guts, shoot me dead!”

Outside was pitch-black and silent, and no more arrows came.

Seeing Feng Tianzong and Shao Feijie still tangled together, Huo Fenghua suddenly got an idea. He climbed out through the window. The moment his feet hit the ground, a gust of force swept at him. He threw his arms up to block, barely parrying four rapid strikes before his hands and feet turned chaotic. He stumbled back a few steps and said, “Martial Uncle, why are you in such a hurry to kill your own?”

Wen Heyi withdrew his hand and gave a snort. “You’ve said that line before.”

Huo Fenghua said, “And clearly you didn’t take it in, so I’m reminding you again.”

Wen Heyi asked, “Where do you think you’re going?”

Huo Fenghua pulled his clothes tighter around himself. “I saw you weren’t showing up, so I came out to look for you.”

Wen Heyi said, “Now you’ve found me. Come with me.” He reached out to grab Huo Fenghua’s arm.

Huo Fenghua dodged quickly. “Martial Uncle, don’t rush. I’m still waiting for my General and your Marshal to settle who wins.”

Wen Heyi tilted his head, studying him, a little surprised. “Your General? That’s what I don’t understand. You’d rather go back with Feng Tianzong and be a male concubine than come back with us and be emperor. What kind of logic is that? What exactly is in your head?”

Huo Fenghua smiled. “Is a fugitive emperor who’s always hiding really better than living in silk and eating delicacies in the General’s Manor? Besides, I already said I like men. You keep trying to force me to marry a woman. Aren’t you making things hard for me?”

Wen Heyi asked, “Then which man do you actually like, Su Zeyang or Feng Tianzong?”

Huo Fenghua deliberately lowered his voice. “Martial Uncle, you wouldn’t know. Senior Brother and the General each have their own… strengths. If you’re interested, I can take you to experience it sometime?”

Wen Heyi smiled gently. “That… really isn’t necessary.” Before the last word had even landed, he struck. This time he was so fast Huo Fenghua couldn’t block at all. Wen Heyi clamped a hand around his throat.

At the same time, Feng Tianzong’s voice rang out from inside the room. “Let him go!”

Huo Fenghua looked back through the window. Feng Tianzong had already taken Shao Feijie’s saber and was holding the blade to Shao Feijie’s neck. Huo Fenghua couldn’t help blurting out in delighted admiration, “General, you’re amazing!”

Wen Heyi tightened his grip on Huo Fenghua’s throat and asked Feng Tianzong, “What, General Feng? You want to trade?”

Feng Tianzong didn’t hesitate. His cold voice carried over. “I dare kill Shao Feijie. Do you dare kill him? Stop wasting words. Let him go.”

Wen Heyi laughed softly. “General Feng, do you know this person seduced your wife and slept with him behind your back? Why bring him back to Donglin? Hand him to us and we’ll deal with him. We guarantee he’ll never see Su Zeyang again in this lifetime.”

Feng Tianzong didn’t get angry. He only sneered. “Why are you so determined to take him back to Xichou? Could it be the real Huo Fengnian is already dead?”

Wen Heyi said unhurriedly, “Take a guess.”

Feng Tianzong gave a low snort and didn’t keep circling with him. “Let Huo Fenghua go now, and I’ll spare Shao Feijie’s life. Otherwise I’ll kill Shao Feijie first, then come for you. Guess which of us will win?”

Shao Feijie’s face turned ashen. He had fought Feng Tianzong more than once and he knew he was no match for him. Wen Heyi wasn’t either, which was why they’d tried to use Huo Fenghua as an inside accomplice to assassinate Feng Tianzong.

But with the first strike failing, their chance was gone. If they kept tangling, as Feng Tianzong said, they wouldn’t kill Huo Fenghua, but Feng Tianzong would have no hesitation killing them. In the end, it was simply a loss.

Shao Feijie could only say in a deep voice, “Heyi, let them go.”

Wen Heyi understood the calculation. He released his grip on Huo Fenghua’s throat. Huo Fenghua immediately clutched his neck and coughed a few times under his breath.

Feng Tianzong said to him, “Go get a horse.”

Huo Fenghua glanced at Wen Heyi and backed toward the stables.

Feng Tianzong said, “I believe Marshal Shao is a man who keeps his word. We can each take a step back today and meet again on the battlefield another day.”

Wen Heyi drawled, “You’ve already taken Huo Fenghua, and you still want to talk about each side taking a step back?”

Feng Tianzong gave him a look. “Wasn’t Huo Fenghua someone you people stole from my manor in the first place?”

By then, Huo Fenghua had already ridden a horse over and stopped in front of Feng Tianzong. Feng Tianzong told him to bring it closer. Keeping Shao Feijie pinned, Feng Tianzong backed away slowly, wary of a surprise arrow, until he reached the horse. Still holding the Blood Drinking saber, he flipped up onto the horse and landed in front of Huo Fenghua, then told Huo Fenghua to ride at once.

With Huo Fenghua behind Feng Tianzong, the others didn’t dare shoot. After they’d run a bit farther, Feng Tianzong tossed the Blood Drinking saber onto the ground, took the reins from Huo Fenghua’s hand, and increased their speed.

With one arm wrapped tightly around Feng Tianzong’s waist, Huo Fenghua suddenly reached the other hand forward and touched Feng Tianzong’s face.

Feng Tianzong said, “What are you doing?”

Huo Fenghua murmured by his ear, “General, you were so fierce just now. And the way you looked with my cum on your face was especially tempting.” He meant it. Watching Feng Tianzong hold the saber to Shao Feijie’s throat with that cold, ruthless expression, and yet with obscene traces of cum smeared across his face, sliding from his thin lips down to his sharp jaw, Huo Fenghua’s thoughts had surged and desire had stirred.

Feng Tianzong’s tone turned cold. “I won’t kill you, but I can castrate you. Believe it or not?”

Huo Fenghua immediately withdrew his hand and said very respectfully, “I believe it. I was acting up. General, please don’t lower yourself to my level.”

He knew Feng Tianzong wasn’t like Su Zeyang. He couldn’t help provoking him, but once he did, he got scared and instinctively tried to placate him.

Feng Tianzong felt the fluid on his face had already dried in the wind. He didn’t wipe it off and kept riding hard. By the time the sky began to brighten, they reached a river. The horse was exhausted, so Feng Tianzong stopped and told Huo Fenghua to dismount and rest for a moment.

Huo Fenghua had been blasted by cold wind the whole way. His hands and feet were icy, and what little he’d eaten last night was long gone. He was starving and thirsty. He dropped onto the riverbank, scooped up a handful of water, and drank, immediately hissing at the freezing cold.

Feng Tianzong led the horse to a patch of grass and let it graze, then walked to the river and sat on a large rock.

Huo Fenghua crouched in front of him and lifted a damp cloth to Feng Tianzong’s cheek.

Feng Tianzong didn’t dodge. He only watched him with a cold expression.

The wet, cold cloth wiped carefully along Feng Tianzong’s nose bridge and the corners of his mouth. Huo Fenghua cupped Feng Tianzong’s face with one hand, his own fingers red from the cold. When he finished and stood to leave, the hem of his robe brushed across Feng Tianzong’s cheek.

Feng Tianzong felt an itch bloom on his cheek. The more he tried to suppress it, the more unbearable it became. He leaned forward, staring at his reflection in the river, and plunged his entire face into the water.

He opened his mouth and let cold water flood in, gulping several mouthfuls before jerking his head up again. His hair flicked water into the air, droplets falling back to the surface in a thin trailing line.

Huo Fenghua sat not far away, staring at him. The slightly upturned corners of Feng Tianzong’s eyes and his thin, austere lips now carried a vivid flush of red. The beauty of a hard, resolute man was almost breathtaking. Huo Fenghua suddenly thought of Su Zeyang, not for any particular reason, only because he finally understood a little why Su Zeyang had married Feng Tianzong.

Feng Tianzong’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he asked, “What are you looking at?”

Huo Fenghua kept staring without even blinking. He didn’t feel awkward at all. He only said, “I think you and Senior Brother will definitely have a happy marriage and grow old together.”

As he said it, a sudden wave of melancholy rose up in Huo Fenghua. He turned his gaze to the river, then spaced out. He thought that once they found Senior Brother, and he left the General’s Manor, he should stop gambling with the money. It was better to head east, find a prosperous coastal city, open a gambling house and become the boss himself. Every day he’d listen to dice and copper coins clattering, and he couldn’t help feeling cheerful again.

When that time came, he would definitely go to a brothel first and sleep with a pretty girl, just to see if he could still be a man. If it turned out he truly liked men more, then he’d just find a man instead. His thoughts drifted. Should it be a tall, burly warrior type, or someone soft and delicate? Maybe he should try both.

They rested by the river for nearly an hour before Feng Tianzong stood up and told him to set off.

Huo Fenghua snapped back to himself. When he tried to stand, he realized his hands and feet were stiff with cold. The chilly wind swept over him, and he sneezed several times in a row; his head turning dizzy and his vision going fuzzy.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 30

Huo Fenghua sat by the brazier to warm himself. As his hands gradually loosened from the cold, he turned his back to Feng Tianzong and carefully looked at the note. There was only a word written on it: “Wen.”

He immediately tossed the note into the brazier, where it burned into ash.

What “Wen” could it be? Of course it was his Martial Uncle, Wen Heyi.

Before sleeping, Huo Fenghua lay down on the bed first. He watched as Feng Tianzong checked the doors and windows and bolted everything from the inside. Only then did Feng Tianzong return to the bedside. He didn’t even undress. With one finger hooked around the handle of his long whip, he sat at the edge of the bed, leaning back against the headboard.

Huo Fenghua rolled over and lay on his stomach, propping his head up with one hand as he looked at him. “You’re sleeping like that?”

Feng Tianzong only said, “Go to sleep.”

Huo Fenghua blinked. “Why be so vigilant, General?”

Feng Tianzong gave him a cold look and didn’t answer.

After a moment, Huo Fenghua pushed himself up and knelt on the bed. He leaned toward Feng Tianzong slowly. Just as he was about to press his lips to Feng Tianzong’s, Feng Tianzong suddenly raised a hand to block his mouth and said coldly, “What are you doing?”

Huo Fenghua smiled, took Feng Tianzong’s hand, and toyed with it in his palm for a moment. Then he leaned to his ear and murmured, “There’s an ambush.”

Feng Tianzong looked at him without changing expression. He abruptly tightened his grip, yanked Huo Fenghua into his arms, slipped his fingers under the hem of his clothes, and with his lips brushing Huo Fenghua’s neck, said softly, “So what did the note you got say?”

Huo Fenghua froze slightly. Straddling Feng Tianzong’s leg with his knees apart, rubbing close cheek to cheek, he said, “You saw it?”

Feng Tianzong didn’t answer. His hand slid along the resilient line of Huo Fenghua’s waist, slowly up to his chest. His index and middle finger pinched one nipple, while his thumb pressed and teased.

Huo Fenghua’s breathing turned ragged.

Feng Tianzong said, “Moan louder.”

Huo Fenghua glanced toward the door. He wasn’t sure if someone was hiding outside listening, so he deliberately let out loud moans.

Only then did Feng Tianzong murmur, “They’ll definitely be listening, but they won’t dare get too close. They’re afraid I’ll notice. Still, with you making noises like that, they’ll hear it.”

Huo Fenghua wanted to snort, but what came out was, “General, be gentler.”

Feng Tianzong tugged and toyed with his nipple. “Isn’t this what you wanted?”

Huo Fenghua wrapped his arms around his neck. Their clothes rubbed together with soft rustling sounds as he said, “Wen Heyi and Shao Feijie are definitely here. I don’t know how many people they’ve got lying in wait outside.”

His robe was loose, and the friction made it slip further open, exposing a broad stretch of pale chest. Feng Tianzong pulled him tighter around the waist and asked, “How many of you were there when you came to Zhuyue City?”

Huo Fenghua felt Feng Tianzong harden. He couldn’t help getting stirred too. Through their trousers, he ground his own slowly stiffening erection against Feng Tianzong’s, panting and moaning while still whispering into his ear, “Three of them in total.”

Feng Tianzong’s gaze darkened. “They didn’t have time to call in troops. And if they had a lot of men waiting, they wouldn’t need to wait for a moment. They’d have moved already.”

Huo Fenghua deliberately let out a loud “Mm…” then whispered, “If it’s just the three of them, and the two of us, we still have a chance.”

Feng Tianzong couldn’t help giving a cold snort. “Three of them, and I still have to drag you along. Where does that confidence come from?”

The corners of Huo Fenghua’s eyes were flushed red. He lowered his head, staring at Feng Tianzong’s sharp, thin lips, then suddenly leaned in and took them into his mouth, making a wet sound. Feng Tianzong didn’t push him away this time. It was as if he understood his intent, and he cooperated, letting the kiss turn loud and messy with slick, wet smacks. When they finally parted, Huo Fenghua tipped his head back and gulped air, and even Feng Tianzong felt his desire grow heavier.

Huo Fenghua asked, “When do you think he’s planning to make a move?”

Feng Tianzong instead said, “What did she write on that note? Wasn’t it for you to work with them from the inside?”

Huo Fenghua shook his head. He rested his forehead on Feng Tianzong’s shoulder, both hands stroking Feng Tianzong’s taut body. “She didn’t write anything.”

Feng Tianzong thought for a moment, then suddenly shoved Huo Fenghua down onto the bed and pressed on top of him, kissing his neck as he said, “Then it was to warn you to be careful when they strike, so you don’t ruin their plan.”

Huo Fenghua found it almost funny. He didn’t know where Wen Heyi got the confidence to think Huo Fenghua would abandon Feng Tianzong and go with them. Maybe Huo Fenghua had played along too well back in Zhuyue City, making Shao Feijie and the others lower their guard around him.

Feng Tianzong’s kisses drifted lower, to Huo Fenghua’s chest. He took one nipple into his mouth and sucked hard.

Huo Fenghua arched his head back and moaned, spreading his legs without thinking, letting Feng Tianzong kneel between them.

Feng Tianzong played with his nipple for a long time, then lifted his head to look at Huo Fenghua’s bright red, wet lips and finally kissed him. After releasing him, he took Huo Fenghua’s earlobe between his lips and gave it a light bite.

Breathless, Huo Fenghua said, “So when do you think they’ll move?”

Feng Tianzong considered it. “If there aren’t more people waiting, then they’ll strike tonight. If it were me, I’d wait for the moment a man is weakest, when he has the least guard up.”

Huo Fenghua said, “When is he coming?”

That was too blunt. Feng Tianzong didn’t answer, which was as good as admitting it.

Huo Fenghua laughed. “General, it’s time to test your acting.”

That was what he said, but in the end, the one truly forced to “act” was Huo Fenghua himself. Feng Tianzong withdrew from him and leaned back against the inner side of the bed, closing his eyes and sitting in meditation. If they kept rubbing like that, it wouldn’t be acting anymore. He’d genuinely lose control and press Huo Fenghua down hard and take him for real.

Huo Fenghua lay there, moaning and writhing, as sweat soaked him. By the time his throat went hoarse, he was still moaning, “General, stop, I can’t take it.”

Feng Tianzong kept his mind collected, his senses sharpened. He knew there was likely no one right outside, but Huo Fenghua’s voice was so loud that even several rooms away, it could be heard. His fingers rested on the whip’s handle, ready for any movement.

Huo Fenghua’s hoarse voice grew more obscene as he went. He was exhausted too. To keep the performance going, he simply shoved his trousers down and gripped his hard cock, pumping it up and down while rocking the bed, pretending they were fucking. He was a bit annoyed that Feng Tianzong refused to cooperate, leaving him to play this one-man show with such difficulty.

In the end, Huo Fenghua began to climax. He let out a sticky, shameless moan, wide-eyed as he stared at Feng Tianzong’s fierce, dazzling face. He tilted slightly to the side, still gripping himself, and came onto Feng Tianzong’s face.

Feng Tianzong’s eyes flew open. His gaze was vicious and razor-sharp. After that act of mischief, Huo Fenghua immediately wilted. He drew his legs together, curled his body, lowered his head, and pressed his face near Feng Tianzong’s knee, nuzzling obediently.

For a moment the room fell quiet, except for Huo Fenghua’s harsh breathing that still hadn’t settled.

Thick fluid slid slowly down Feng Tianzong’s cheek. Before he could even lift a hand to wipe it away, several arrows whistled through the air in quick succession. Sharp and fast, they pierced the window paper and shot straight toward the bed.

Seeing three arrows fly in from outside and sink into the bed, Huo Fenghua screamed. Then the room went quiet again.

And after that brief silence, someone smashed the door open and burst inside.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 29

Huo Fenghua woke after sleeping for a while and heard faint movement in the room. He opened his eyes and peeked. Feng Tianzong was sitting by the table, apparently writing a letter.

Thinking of how debauched he’d been on that very table earlier, Huo Fenghua couldn’t help flushing. He closed his eyes again.

Feng Tianzong finished the letter, folded it a few times, opened the door, and handed it to Cong Wenhao who was standing guard outside. Then he shut the door, returned to the bedside, and said coldly, “Since you’re awake, get up. We still have to travel.”

“Travel?” Huo Fenghua sat up at once. “Where to?”

Feng Tianzong stood at the bedside. “You’re taking me to find Su Zeyang.”

Huo Fenghua was still a mess. His lower abdomen and his ass were uncomfortably sticky. He pulled the quilt aside a little and didn’t bother covering himself in front of Feng Tianzong. “I really don’t know where Senio… Young Master Su went.”

Feng Tianzong said, “Song Wei came back with word that you and Zeyang slipped out of the inn together, and you even rode the same horse. I tracked you for a long time, and in the end I only found you. I didn’t see Zeyang at all. I know Zeyang doesn’t treat you like he treats others. I can’t understand how he could bear to leave you with Wen Heyi and go off alone.”

That jabbed right where it hurt. Huo Fenghua let out a long sigh. “I told you before, but you wouldn’t listen. I wasn’t even finished and you pinned me down and threw your weight around. Now you’re questioning me again.”

Feng Tianzong gave a cold snort. “Speak honestly!”

Huo Fenghua thought, snort all you want, as if it was me who forced you. He said, “I’m sticky all over. Have someone bring me water so I can bathe.”

The tip of Feng Tianzong’s whip slid out from his sleeve.

Seeing it, Huo Fenghua hurriedly said, “It was that night at the inn. Wen Heyi suddenly showed up and said he’d seen a formation at Luofeng Ridge with your name carved on it…” This time he truthfully told Feng Tianzong everything that had happened at Luofeng Ridge from start to finish.

Feng Tianzong sat by the bed and listened in silence the whole time. Huo Fenghua’s account was clear and orderly, and he mentioned the Yu family’s woodworks and Feng Tiansheng by name. It didn’t sound fabricated. Feng Tianzong frowned slightly. “He said he went to find Gu Guangji?”

Huo Fenghua said, “He said he was going to ask Master how to break it, but I don’t know where Master is.”

Feng Tianzong weighed it. Really, he could take Huo Fenghua to Luofeng Ridge and find out whether he was lying. But at this moment, he was more desperate to find Su Zeyang. And whether the cursed formation at Luofeng Ridge was real or not, once he found Su Zeyang, the truth would come out.

Seeing Feng Tianzong hesitate, Huo Fenghua waited quietly. After a moment, Feng Tianzong stood up, went outside, called Cong Wenhao, and gave a few instructions.

When he returned, Feng Tianzong said, “I’ve told them to bring you water. After you bathe and change, we leave.” He had Cong Wenhao take a letter to Peng Po and return to the army camp to hold things down, while Song Wei was sent to investigate Gu Guangji’s whereabouts.

It would’ve been easier for him to move without Huo Fenghua, but right now he didn’t trust leaving Huo Fenghua with anyone. What he feared most was that Shao Feijie and the others would snatch him again. After turning it over in his mind, he decided to keep Huo Fenghua with him.

Huo Fenghua didn’t know any of those considerations. He only said, “Bringing me along is useless. I told you I don’t know where Senior Brother and Master are.”

Feng Tianzong said, “If you help me find Zeyang, I’ll let you go.”

Hot water had already been brought into the room. Huo Fenghua was naked as he got out of bed and walked toward the tub. He froze at those words. “What did you say?”

Feng Tianzong looked at him and said heavily, “After we find Zeyang, we go back to Yujing. You’ll pretend you’re seriously ill and can’t get up. I’ll summon a doctor to treat you, but you’ll ‘die’ despite treatment. Then I’ll give you a sum of money, and you’ll slip out of Yujing and live under an assumed name. But I have two conditions. First, for the rest of your life you’re not to return to Xichou. Second, you’re not to see Su Zeyang again.”

Huo Fenghua didn’t hesitate for a second. “A gentleman’s word is binding. I agree. When the time comes, General, don’t forget your promise either.”

He sank into the tub and took a long, comfortable hot bath. When he got out, he changed into a newly bought set of coarse cloth clothes, though they couldn’t hide his handsome looks at all.

Cong Wenhao and Song Wei went off to carry out their orders. Only Feng Tianzong and Huo Fenghua remained. They left the inn. It should’ve been one horse each, but Huo Fenghua said, “I can’t ride.”

It wasn’t that he truly couldn’t. He’d ridden plenty while following Wen Heyi, but once the horse went fast he always got jittery. He thought to himself, ‘It’s like driving. If there’s a driver, why would I drive myself?’

Feng Tianzong didn’t waste time with him. After mounting, he held out his hand.

Huo Fenghua grabbed Feng Tianzong’s hand, stepped into the stirrup, and swung onto the horse, sitting behind him.

When Feng Tianzong urged the horse forward, Huo Fenghua’s body tipped back. He hurriedly wrapped his arms around Feng Tianzong’s waist.

Feng Tianzong said coldly, “Keep your distance.”

However, Huo Fenghua didn’t listen. He hugged him tighter, pressed his head to his shoulder, and said, “We’ve already done filthier things. Why care about this?” As he spoke, he slid his hand over Feng Tianzong’s lower abs through the coarse cloth, feeling solid, hard muscle. He couldn’t resist groping at his chest too, thinking that Su Zeyang was still softer and nicer to hold, fragrant and gentle. Still, when it came to what he had down there, Huo Fenghua had to admit defeat.

Feng Tianzong said, “Touch me again and I’ll throw you off the horse.”

Huo Fenghua laughed. “Then throw me off. I don’t even want to go with you.”

Feng Tianzong stopped wasting words and increased their speed, leaving Zhuyue City before nightfall.

Once outside the city, the two of them rode one horse across a vast, bleak plateau. Huo Fenghua felt cold wind pouring in from every direction. He clung to Feng Tianzong even tighter. “Let’s find somewhere to stay before it gets dark.”

For a long stretch beyond here was nothing but wilderness with only low shrubs that didn’t fear the cold; there wasn’t even a single tree big enough to block wind and rain.

Huo Fenghua didn’t want to sleep out in the open. With sunlight it was bearable, but he was afraid that once it got dark he’d freeze to death outside.

Feng Tianzong didn’t answer, but he did spur the horse faster. Before nightfall they reached a cluster of buildings near the border between Zhuyue City and Xichou, though it could barely be considered a village. There were just a few lonely houses, one of which was a tea stall and the other an inn.

The inn was like a farmhouse courtyard, with only three guest rooms.

When they arrived, all three rooms were empty, but Feng Tianzong only took one. He and Huo Fenghua would share.

Huo Fenghua didn’t care. After entering, he shut the doors and windows tightly, lit the charcoal brazier, and sat by the stove warming himself. After a while he felt that wasn’t right, went back to the window, cracked it open a thin sliver, and peered outside.

Feng Tianzong took off his cloak and tossed it by the bed, then asked the inn’s runner for some warm food.

A little later, a young girl knocked softly outside the door. “I’m bringing supper for the two honored guests.”

Huo Fenghua was closer to the door. When he opened it, he saw a gentle-looking girl with delicate features standing outside. He smiled at her at once. “Thank you, miss. Sorry to trouble you.”

Seeing how handsome he was, the girl couldn’t help lowering her head with a shy smile. She carried the tray in with both hands, set two dishes and two bowls of rice on the table, and said, “Please enjoy.”

Huo Fenghua kept watching until the girl left. After he shut the door, he sat down at the table and called to Feng Tianzong, “General, time to eat.”

Feng Tianzong came over and sat down, but he didn’t pick up his chopsticks right away.

Huo Fenghua had been traveling for half the day and was starving. He grabbed his bowl and chopsticks and shoveled rice into his mouth. After a while he noticed Feng Tianzong watching him. “General, why aren’t you eating?”

Feng Tianzong said, “I was afraid someone might have poisoned the food. Now it’s safe to eat.”

Huo Fenghua choked on a grain of rice and erupted into a violent coughing fit. After a long while, holding his chest, he glared at Feng Tianzong in indignation, then buried his head and continued eating.

After dinner, the girl knocked again, wanting to come in and clear the bowls.

Huo Fenghua took the initiative to stack the dishes into the tray, opened the door, and handed it to her.

The girl blushed as she thanked him. When she took the tray, her soft fingers brushed Huo Fenghua’s palm, and her face turned even redder.

After the girl left the room, Huo Fenghua couldn’t help rubbing his palm. Aside from that brief soft touch, there was now a note in his hand, slipped into his palm by the girl just then.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 28

Huo Fenghua was both shocked and terrified. His neck was still entangled in Feng Tianzong’s whip, and he couldn’t pull it off with his own hands. He wanted to push Feng Tianzong away, but he knew that resisting would only provoke the other man’s anger, and he would inevitably suffer even more.

So, when Feng Tianzong’s hard, thick cock forced its way into his ass, Huo Fenghua took a deep breath, trying to relax his body to allow Feng Tianzong to enter more easily.

Even so, Huo Fenghua was in so much pain that tears welled up in his eyes. After all, that area was too dry and tight. While relaxing his body, he softly pleaded, “General, please, be gentle.” Most men are more responsive to gentleness than to force.

Perhaps his pleading had an effect, for Feng Tianzong stopped after fully entering him, breathing slowly, and reaching out to pinch his chin.

Before Huo Fenghua could even sigh in relief, Feng Tianzong suddenly pulled out and then thrust in again violently.

“Ah—” Huo Fenghua cried out in pain. When he opened his mouth, Feng Tianzong inserted his fingers into his mouth. The long fingers pressed against the base of his tongue, while the thrusting below continued without pause, completely withdrawing and then fully penetrating into him again.

Huo Fenghua didn’t dare to close his mouth and bite his fingers, only whimpering as he let Feng Tianzong insert his fingers deep into his throat, causing him to gag repeatedly, which simultaneously caused his hole to clench.

Feng Tianzong’s breathing became rapid. Even though he didn’t want to admit it, Huo Fenghua’s body was warm and soft inside, the tender flesh wrapping tightly around his dick. After the initial dryness of the first penetration, it quickly became moist, and the thrusting became smoother. Compared to Su Zeyang, Feng Tianzong had far more experience and skill in this matter. Since Huo Fenghua’s body was receptive to him, he changed angles as he kept thrusting, searching for that sensitive spot inside Huo Fenghua, until he felt Huo Fenghua’s throat suddenly tighten. He withdrew his fingers from his mouth and thrust harder into that spot.

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help but cry out, a sound full of lust that made his own face flush and his body tremble, his fingers gripping the edge of the table. The pain in his ass had become numb after repeated penetration. He knew that the place Feng Tianzong was thrusting into was his prostate. He understood that every man would feel something when that area was pressed, but what frightened him was that the feeling of being filled and rubbed made his whole body tremble with pleasure.

He unconsciously accommodated Feng Tianzong, relaxing his hole to let him in, then reluctantly clenching it, not wanting him to leave. He couldn’t suppress his cries of overflowing lust, even though he wanted to scold himself for being shameless.

At this moment, Feng Tianzong suddenly loosened the long whip wrapped around his neck, withdrew from his body, and grabbed his arm, flipping him over to lie supine on the table.

Huo Fenghua was caught off guard. His eyes were hazy and his cheeks were flushed, while his cock stood erect between his legs. All this was clearly visible to Feng Tianzong.

Feng Tianzong sneered, “It seems you like it.”  With that, he grabbed his legs with both hands, spreading them completely apart, and once again fully thrust himself into Huo Fenghua.

After a groan, Huo Fenghua vaguely thought to himself, ‘What’s wrong with me liking it? You’re raping me, and you won’t even let me enjoy it? What kind of logic is that? I’m going to enjoy it. Let’s see what you can do about it.’

So, he cried out even louder. Feng Tianzong thrust against his body, causing him to slide uncontrollably backward. His head, no longer supported by the table, tilted back; his Adam’s apple trembling violently. His pale body was completely exposed before Feng Tianzong, and his hard, aching cock was pressed against his slightly concave lower abs due to his thinness, swaying from side to side with his movements.

Huo Fenghua struggled to lift his head as he reached out to grab his dick.

Feng Tianzong, however, said sharply, “Don’t touch it.”

Huo Fenghua’s movements froze, and he shamelessly pleaded, “General, please, I can’t take it anymore.”

Feng Tianzong often exchanged flirtatious and playful words with Su Zeyang in bed. When he said to Su Zeyang, “Beg me,” Su Zeyang would always say with flushed cheeks, “Please enter me,” but his tone was mostly calm and affectionate, completely different from Huo Fenghua’s desperate pleading.

In fact, Huo Fenghua was right; Su Zeyang was like a white plum blossom, unattainable. Even when Feng Tianzong fucked him fiercely in bed, he never dared to torment him excessively, as if he were a reflection in a mirror or a moon in the water*, afraid that a forceful touch would shatter him like a bubble.

*Metaphor referring to something that is illusory, fleeting, and difficult to grasp or achieve.

But Huo Fenghua was a different story. His pleas sounded sincere and heartfelt, as if he truly couldn’t bear Feng Tianzong’s actions any longer, his body becoming as soft as spring water. This aroused Feng Tianzong’s sadistic desires as a man, making him want to torment him even more, to see him helplessly writhing, to see him uncontrollably shedding tears.

So Feng Tianzong repeated, “Don’t touch it!”

Huo Fenghua, with tears in his eyes, glared at him hatefully, clenching his hole causing it grip tightly to Feng Tianzong’s cock.

Feng Tianzong’s breath hitched, and he spread Huo Fenghua’s legs wider, fucking him even harder. This time, Huo Fenghua’s body swayed, almost knocking the table over. He could only cling to the edge of the table with both hands to keep himself from falling, but he had no energy left to comfort himself.

Feng Tianzong attacked him again with a storm of thrusts. Huo Fenghua felt his penis swelling to the extreme. Because his head was tilted back, his throat was dry, itchy, and burning. He opened his mouth and let out a startled cry before managing to say, “General, no more…”

“No more?” Feng Tianzong looked at him; his body didn’t seem to want to stop.

Huo Fenghua let out a long “Mm—” and shook his head vigorously, scattering sweat everywhere, before saying, “I can’t take it anymore. Stop, please stop?”

Feng Tianzong answered him mercilessly, “No.” It wasn’t that he really didn’t want to stop, but he himself couldn’t stop either, completely immersed in the wet and hot embrace of the other’s body.

Huo Fenghua didn’t know if he wanted Feng Tianzong to stop or not; he only felt that his body had reached its limit of endurance. His cock was swollen and aching, and the pleasure had accumulated to a terrifying degree. Eventually, his whole body tensed, tightly gripping Feng Tianzong’s cock inside him, that was grinding against that sensitive spot. His penis suddenly trembled, and he came, spilling out streams of cum onto his abs.

After cumming, Huo Fenghua’s whole body went limp, without a trace of strength left, and his body slid towards the edge of the table.

Feng Tianzong grabbed his waist and lifted him up. Maintaining their connected position, he carried him a few steps and pressed him against the wall, telling him to hold onto his shoulders. “Hold on tight.”

Huo Fenghua had no strength left. The moment Feng Tianzong let go, he would slide down, so Feng Tianzong had to support his knees with both hands, pressing his back tightly against the wall, and began thrusting again. However, as a result, Huo Fenghua’s back was chafed painfully against the rough wall, so he could only use all his strength to hug Feng Tianzong’s shoulders. He panted continuously, digging his fingernails into Feng Tianzong’s skin.

Feng Tianzong paused, and whispered in his ear, “Are you seeking death?”

Huo Fenghua loosened his fingers, his head resting weakly on Feng Tianzong’s shoulder, his words broken and fragmented by Feng Tianzong’s thrusts. “General, you… You’re so cruel, you’re… you’re using your cock, ngh, roughly thrusting it into my ass, and—and you’re still scolding me. I—”

Perhaps his words were too vulgar; before he could finish a complete sentence, Feng Tianzong began thrusting in and out rapidly. His back muscles tensed and he panted besides Huo Fenghua’s ear before spilling inside him.

After cumming, Feng Tianzong couldn’t support himself anymore and slowly knelt on the ground, his legs bent. Huo Fenghua was still hugging his shoulders, straddling him with his legs apart, feeling Feng Tianzong’s cock throbbing inside him.

Huo Fenghua felt like he was dying and coming back to life, his whole body feeling languid and unwilling to move.

Until Feng Tianzong picked him up, threw him onto the bed, and he rolled to the inner side of the bed, comfortably wrapping himself in the blanket and closing his eyes.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 27

After confirming Huo Fenghua’s identity, Pan Yan gave no outward reaction. He merely had a servant relay the message. “It has been verified that this man is not Xichou’s eldest prince, Huo Fengnian, but General Feng’s household male concubine, Huo Fenghua. His qualification to compete is hereby revoked. Expel him from the tournament grounds.”

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help lifting his head, but he didn’t see Wen Heyi or Shao Feijie on the viewing stand. He knew there was no room left to maneuver. Seeing Feng Tianzong’s face like ice, he didn’t dare provoke him again and could only fall docilely silent.

At this moment, Pan Yan suddenly called out clearly, “General Feng, please take your person with you.” His manner was courteous and he gave Feng Tianzong plenty of face.

Feng Tianzong cupped his fists and thanked him, then gripped Huo Fenghua’s wrist and led him out of the arena.

Even after the two of them left, the spectators inside continued to buzz with discussion. Hardly anyone paid attention to the martial heroes still competing.

Huo Fenghua stumbled along under Feng Tianzong’s grip. Once they were out, he saw two men waiting. One was Cong Wenhao, the other Song Wei. Both wore plain cloth, traveling in disguise.

Cong Wenhao stepped forward and cupped his fists. “General, you found him?”

Feng Tianzong’s voice was icy. “Back to the inn first.”

Huo Fenghua was dragged the whole way, pleading, “General, ease up a little.”

Feng Tianzong didn’t answer. He hauled him straight into his room at the inn and slammed the door shut.

Huo Fenghua lurched into the square table inside, nearly knocking it over. He steadied himself with effort, turned around, and hurriedly said, “General, please calm down. We can talk this through.”

Feng Tianzong said, “Where did Su Zeyang go?”

Huo Fenghua took a breath. “I don’t know. He didn’t tell me when he left.”

Feng Tianzong let out a cold laugh. “Didn’t you leave the inn together? You even rode only one horse.”

Seeing the fury in Feng Tianzong’s eyes, Huo Fenghua rushed to explain. “General, listen to me. It’s complicated, but Young Master Su leaving on his own was entirely for your sake, not mine.”

“For my sake?” Those words only enraged Feng Tianzong further. He stepped in, seized Huo Fenghua’s wrist, flipped him over, and forced him face-down on the table. He grabbed the already-torn clothes on his back and ripped them even more. “Then who is this brand for?”

Huo Fenghua had nothing to say.

Feng Tianzong pressed his fingers against the poplar-leaf mark, drew a deep breath, and closed his eyes briefly as he tried to steady his emotions.

Goosebumps rose across Huo Fenghua’s waist. At this point he couldn’t care whether he was betraying Su Zeyang or not. Keeping himself alive came first. So he said, “He insisted on branding me. I didn’t agree. From start to finish, he forced me. I haven’t wronged you, General.”

“What did you say?” Feng Tianzong’s tone turned abruptly colder.

Huo Fenghua was still sprawled on the table, not yet realizing he’d triggered a towering rage. He kept talking. “General, Young Master Su’s the one who’s being unfaithful. Don’t blame me. I’ll help you find him and drag him back. Next time you should use iron chains to keep him leashed up so he can’t run again.”

Feng Tianzong clamped a hand around Huo Fenghua’s throat and lifted his head. “What did you say? Say it again.”

Huo Fenghua couldn’t breathe smoothly. Only then did he realize Feng Tianzong was even angrier. He didn’t dare babble anymore. He grabbed Feng Tianzong’s hand with both of his, trying to pry a small gap between those fingers and his neck.

Feng Tianzong said, “He seduced you? Then I’ll see just how many of his marks you’re carrying!” As he spoke, he yanked Huo Fenghua’s clothes with his other hand, tearing through layers in an instant.

Huo Fenghua was stripped bare. This body had taken plenty of injuries, but the skin was naturally smooth. Given time, most wounds healed without leaving much trace. Only the two brands on his lower back remained starkly visible.

Feng Tianzong released his grip on Huo Fenghua’s throat.

Huo Fenghua coughed a few times and shoved Feng Tianzong away as he retreated to the corner of the room. He didn’t care that he was completely naked. He just rubbed his neck and said, “General, there isn’t anything else. Between him and me, it really isn’t what you’re imagining. The one he truly loves is you. With me it was just playing along.”

Feng Tianzong stared at him. “You said he was unfaithful and seduced you.”

Huo Fenghua’s head felt dizzy and swollen. “I was talking nonsense. If Young Master Su were going to stray, it’d be like a white plum blossom straying*, pure and cold, lofty and untouchable. Other than you, General, who could possibly tame him? This time he left because he went to find someone to remove your curse.” He rushed the words out, afraid that if he spoke any later he wouldn’t get the chance.

*He’s referring to the idiom “A red apricot branch reaching over the wall”, which is a metaphor for a wife having extramarital affairs. However, he replaced red apricot with white plum blossom (allusion or purity, coldness, restraint), highlighting how absurd it is for Su Zeyang to be unfaithful to Feng Tianzong. 

Feng Tianzong asked, “What curse?”

Huo Fenghua said, “A curse to make the Feng family line die out, no sons, no heirs.”

Feng Tianzong gave a cold laugh. “To save your own life, you’ll do anything. Any despicable trick, you’ll use.”

Huo Fenghua froze. “I’m telling the truth.”

Red tinged Feng Tianzong’s eyes. He was furious beyond measure. Suddenly his right hand flicked, snapping out the Fulong Whip. The long whip lashed up, and the tip coiled around Huo Fenghua’s neck, dragging him back to the table.

Once again, Huo Fenghua was pinned down on it, but this time Feng Tianzong pressed his whole body down over him. In his ear, his voice was cold as winter. “I want to see exactly what you taste like, to make him—” He didn’t finish, as if unwilling to say that name. One hand stroked Huo Fenghua’s smooth, soft waist, fingers pinching his faintly pink nipple until desire flared. Then he stripped down his pants and pressed his hard length against the cleft between Huo Fenghua’s ass.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 26

Huo Fenghua sat down and was handed a wooden tag with a number on it. It was his number. He casually hung it around his neck, when he suddenly heard an uproar ripple through the whole tournament ground. He looked up and saw that the city lord, Pan Yan, and his daughter Pan Zishu had appeared on the second floor viewing terrace at the front.

Pan Yan was lean and solid. Though he wasn’t young anymore, his eyes were still sharp, and he was full of energy. Pan Zishu wore a veil, so her face couldn’t be seen clearly, but her skin was snow-white and her figure slender. She ought to be a stunning beauty.

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help standing up, wanting to get a better look at Pan Zishu. In an instant, another idea formed in his mind. If Pan Zishu really was a great beauty, why didn’t he simply go along with it and use Shao Feijie’s support to marry her?

If he did that, he’d have the city lord of Zhuyue City as his father-in-law, and a gorgeous woman like Pan Zishu as his wife. Then he could dig in his heels and refuse to follow Shao Feijie in restoring the kingdom. Could Shao Feijie really just seize him and drag him away? That would be far better than being at Shao Feijie’s mercy and unable to escape.

With that thought, the unease that had been haunting him finally settled. He sat back down and suddenly laughed.

A few people beside him were looking at him. He found it odd and glanced around, only to realize everyone else had hung their number tags on their chairs, and he was the only one wearing it around his neck. He quickly took it off and hung it on the left armrest of his chair.

When he looked up again, Huo Fenghua vaguely felt Pan Zishu was looking in their direction, amusement in her eyes. He didn’t know if it was his imagination, but he lifted his chin and smiled back at her.

After waiting a little longer, the marriage competition officially began.

There were three platforms in the center of the arena. Each round called up six people. The numbers were split into three pairs, and each pair fought. The loser left, and the winner stepped down to prepare for the next round, then another pair went up to fight.

Huo Fenghua sat below and watched, his heart pounding. Every participant seemed highly skilled. If he went up with his pitiful, half-baked tricks, he figured he wouldn’t last even two exchanges.

Of course, there were weaker ones too. When they ran into real experts, the match ended in two or three moves. They retreated, and the next pair quickly filled in.

After half an hour, Huo Fenghua heard his number called. He stood, took off his cloak, and went up by the steps beside the platform. His entrance lacked a bit of swagger. He knew plenty of people simply leapt up onto the stage, but the platform was high, and he was afraid he wouldn’t make it and would embarrass himself, so using the stairs felt safer.

In the end, his opponent went to the edge and tried to leap up, but came up just short, tripped at the lip, and pitched forward.

Laughter burst out all around. Huo Fenghua felt secondhand humiliation for the man too, thinking, why would you even do that?

They faced each other, cupped their fists in greeting, and took their stances.

Huo Fenghua always set his stance beautifully, but the moment they traded blows, his weakness showed. They went back and forth for more than ten exchanges, and he suddenly realized his opponent was just as mediocre as himself.

And that man liked to roar low in his throat whenever he attacked, sounding terrifying, but his moves were clumsy, his strength lacking, and his reactions slow. After more than twenty exchanges, the man backed up to the edge of the platform, tangled his own feet, and fell off.

The referee immediately declared Huo Fenghua the winner.

Huo Fenghua looked dazed and confused. He lifted a hand and waved, then went down, still not understanding how he’d just won his first match.

The second match would be the next day.

That night, Huo Fenghua asked Wen Heyi whether his opponent had been arranged in advance, since he’d been so weak. Wen Heyi only smiled and told him to guess.

Huo Fenghua was convinced something was fishy about this whole tournament. Maybe Pan Yan really had been persuaded by Shao Feijie and was taking the chance to marry his daughter off to him. If so, then he could probably win tomorrow’s match with his eyes closed.

The next day, Huo Fenghua climbed onto the platform full of confidence. This time his opponent was an elderly man with hair already gone white.

In the viewing seats, people were murmuring to each other. Huo Fenghua couldn’t help turning his head toward the second-floor terrace again. He kept feeling Pan Zishu was looking this way.

He turned back and saluted the old man.

Yesterday, that old man had looked vigorous. He’d fought dozens of exchanges and defeated his opponent. Today, though, he looked sickly and listless. Either he hadn’t rested well, or he’d suddenly come down with an acute illness at this critical moment.

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help finding it a little funny. He raised a starting posture and was just about to strike when someone suddenly shouted, “Hold it!”

The noisy arena fell instantly silent. With that shout, a tall, slender figure leapt lightly from the spectator stands. In a nimble flip, he landed on the very platform Huo Fenghua was on.

The arena steward pointed at him and bellowed, “Who are you? Why are you barging onto the platform?”

Who was he? Huo Fenghua, in shock, stumbled backward again and again. The man was Feng Tianzong.

The Feng Tianzong he’d seen yesterday hadn’t been an illusion at all. Somehow, he’d slipped away from the garrison in Xichou and chased him all the way to Zhuyue City.

Feng Tianzong had taken off his armor and changed into a brown cloth outfit, but his presence was undiminished. He seized Huo Fenghua’s wrist and called out, “City Lord, wait. This man’s identity is fraudulent. He shouldn’t be allowed to continue competing.”

The steward hesitated and didn’t dare decide on his own. He looked up toward the city lord’s stand.

The entire arena had gone quiet, and Feng Tianzong’s voice carried clearly to Pan Yan.

Huo Fenghua immediately whispered urgently, “General, you can’t joke about this.”

Feng Tianzong didn’t even look at him, only letting his lips curve faintly.

Pan Yan stood and walked to the edge of the terrace, looking down at Feng Tianzong. He murmured something to a servant at his side, and the servant shouted, “Who are you, sir? If this man isn’t Huo Fengnian, then who is he?”

Feng Tianzong tightened his grip on Huo Fenghua’s wrist and lifted his chin. “I am Feng Tianzong, the Great General of Donglin’s Expedition Army. This man is not Xichou’s eldest prince Huo Fengnian. He is the male concubine of my household, named Huo Fenghua.”

The moment he said it, the arena erupted. Spectators, and even contestants still fighting on the platforms, began murmuring. Even Pan Zishu could no longer sit still. She stood and went to Pan Yan’s side, looking in their direction.

Cold sweat poured down Huo Fenghua’s forehead. He shouted, “This man is spewing nonsense. None of it is true. City Lord, you mustn’t believe him! Huo Fenghua is my younger brother, a hostage in Donglin. We’re simply twins, and we look alike!”

Pan Yan’s brows knit tightly as he murmured some instructions to his servant.

The servant shouted, “General Feng, you claim this man is your male concubine Huo Fenghua. Do you have proof?”

Feng Tianzong smiled slightly. “Of course.” Before the words had even finished leaving his mouth, he yanked Huo Fenghua into his arms, pressing chest to chest. With his other hand, he tore open the cloth at Huo Fenghua’s left lower back, exposing a phoenix-shaped brand. “Among Donglin nobility, wives and concubines must bear the husband’s household brand on the lower back. City Lord, you may have someone inspect it closely. Is that not the phoenix mark of my Feng family on his waist?”

Huo Fenghua froze. He instinctively reached to touch his lower back, but Feng Tianzong caught his wrist and murmured into his ear, “Behave and you’ll suffer less. Don’t move.”

Pan Yan sent someone down to examine the mark on Huo Fenghua’s lower back.

Up in the viewing stands, Shao Feijie’s expression was hard as stone. He gripped the Blood Drinking Saber at his waist and looked ready to leap onto the platform, but Wen Heyi stopped him. “If you go now, it won’t change anything. Pan Yan will definitely hold you to account over this. We should leave Zhuyue City as soon as possible.”

Shao Feijie slowly loosened his grip on the saber hilt and replied coldly, “We leave.”

Meanwhile, Pan Yan’s servant had come down onto the platform and bent to examine the brand carefully. He suddenly let out a soft “Eh?” and said, “Why is there another one?”

The torn edge of the cloth on the right revealed a reddish trace. He hooked the fabric aside to look and found there was another brand there too.

Hearing that, Feng Tianzong lowered his gaze. He saw a poplar-leaf-shaped brand on Huo Fenghua’s right lower back. His expression turned icy. He clamped down on Huo Fenghua’s wrist so hard that Huo Fenghua couldn’t help crying out in pain.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 25

Zhuyue City lay in the southwest, but it was built on a plateau. The closer they got, the colder the weather became, while the sunlight grew harsher and more intense.

In the mornings, Huo Fenghua would wrap a sable-fur cloak over his clothes. By noon he’d be sweating from the heat and had to take it off, and at the same time he still needed to wear a bamboo hat to shield himself from the blazing sun.

As they traveled, they kept pushing Huo Fenghua to practice martial arts.

They spent nearly a month on the road. By the time they reached Zhuyue City, Huo Fenghua had at least managed to acquire some rudimentary kung fu. He could strike a pose that looked convincing enough, and he could barely block two or three of Wen Heyi’s moves. Any more than that and he was done.

When they arrived, Huo Fenghua sat on horseback and stared at the towering walls and the lofty bronze city gates, finally understanding what “rich enough to rival a nation” really meant.

It was midday. The gates stood open. Guards in white fur-lined jackets held spears and stood on either side, and they didn’t conduct strict searches on those entering or leaving.

After Huo Fenghua entered the city, he instinctively looked back up at the walls. Only then did he realize the gate was in fact heavily defended. Dozens of elite soldiers were stationed along the top, longbows in hand, carefully watching every person who passed through.

Zhuyue City was vast and densely populated. Unlike war-torn Xichou, the city bustled with prosperity. Shops lined the wide streets, and countless vendors called out as they hawked their goods. Walking along, you didn’t see a single beggar. Everyone looked well-fed and at ease.

They rode at a slow pace. It took nearly half an hour before they reached the guest lodge Zhuyue City had prepared for the young martial artists coming to compete in the marriage competition. The lodge was spacious as well. Huo Fenghua asked the steward who received them and learned that one lodge housed twenty to thirty contestants, and with their attendants, a single lodge could accommodate fifty or sixty people.

And because Huo Fenghua was entering under the identity of Huo Fengnian, his status was special. The steward arranged for the four of them to stay in a small side courtyard.

They had only just settled in when Shao Feijie left the lodge with Jia Duo, leaving Huo Fenghua and Wen Heyi in the courtyard. Wen Heyi picked up a long bamboo pole from somewhere and used it to rap at Huo Fenghua, urging him to hurry up and practice.

Huo Fenghua caught two of Wen Heyi’s moves barehanded. Then the bamboo pole snapped down on his palm. He shuddered in pain and tried to snatch the pole, but Wen Heyi flicked his wrist. The end of the pole slipped lightly out of Huo Fenghua’s grasp, and with a turn he smacked Huo Fenghua on the backside.

“I’m done,” Huo Fenghua said, annoyed as he walked over and sat on a stone bench, rubbing his stinging palm.

Wen Heyi said, “With those flowery punches and embroidered kicks, how are you supposed to marry the city lord’s daughter?”

“It’s not like I want to marry her,” Huo Fenghua said. “You’re the ones forcing me. Besides, even if I spend these last few days training without eating or sleeping, do you think that means I’ll be able to marry the city lord’s daughter?”

Wen Heyi twirled the bamboo pole and sat down on the stone bench beside him.

Huo Fenghua glanced at him and lowered his voice. “Martial Uncle, is Marshal Shao off greasing palms?”

“Greasing palms?” Wen Heyi’s gaze drifted over.

Huo Fenghua smiled. “With my skills, what marriage competition could I compete in? Shao Feijie brought me all this way, so it can’t be just for show. If he’s got some other plan, then he must be going to pull some strings.”

Wen Heyi smiled back. “So who do you think he’s gone to pull strings with?”

Huo Fenghua propped his chin on one hand. “Shao Feijie is the Grand Marshal of Xichou’s armies, a high-ranking general. He must know some powerful figure in Zhuyue City, like a general or something…”

“He went to see the city lord,” Wen Heyi suddenly said in a quiet voice.

Huo Fenghua was a little surprised. “So he really does have ties with the city lord.”

Wen Heyi’s fingers slowly rubbed along the slender bamboo pole. “Ten years ago, Zhuyue City wasn’t as prosperous as it is now. It was still a vassal territory of Xichou. Back then, the city lord, Pan Yan, personally went to Xichou’s capital Huijing with his daughter Pan Zishu to present tribute. That’s when Marshal Shao met Pan Yan. And by coincidence, your brother Huo Fengnian got along well with Pan Zishu. Pan Yan even joked about marrying Pan Zishu to Huo Fengnian. This time, Marshal Shao rushed here to ask whether Pan Yan still remembers what he said back then.”

Huo Fenghua froze. “Was it just something he said in passing, or was it an actual betrothal?”

“Marshal Shao said it was just in passing,” Wen Heyi replied. “But the late emperor held a banquet in the palace to receive Pan Yan and his daughter, and he said it in front of all Xichou’s civil and military officials. After all, a gentleman’s word is his bond.” As he finished, he tapped Huo Fenghua’s hand lightly with the bamboo pole.

“So that’s what this is about,” Huo Fenghua finally understood the purpose of the trip. “But Xichou’s fallen. If I were Pan Yan, I’d never marry my daughter to a prince of a ruined nation. Helping Xichou restore itself would be too hard, and the price would be too high.”

Wen Heyi watched him for a while, then sighed. “That’s what’s boring about you. Isn’t doing what can’t be done the fun of life? If I were Pan Yan, I’d marry my daughter to Huo Fengnian, then march east under the banner of restoring Xichou. First recover Xichou’s lands, install Huo Fengnian as a puppet emperor, and once the timing is right, strike down Donglin in one go and unify the Central Plains. Then find a chance to assassinate Huo Fengnian and take the throne myself. Wouldn’t that be far more interesting than clinging to a tiny Zhuyue City?”

After hearing that, Huo Fenghua suddenly felt a chill crawl up his spine. “Martial Uncle… are you planning to do the same? Help Xichou restore itself and then kill the puppet emperor and take the throne?”

Wen Heyi smiled gently. He lifted Huo Fenghua’s chin with the bamboo pole and said softly, “Good Disciple, what do you think?”

Huo Fenghua slapped the bamboo pole away, shivering with goosebumps. “Martial Uncle, stop joking.”

They waited at the lodge until after dinner before Shao Feijie returned with Jia Duo.

The first thing Shao Feijie did was call Wen Heyi into his room. He shut the door and spoke with him in private for nearly two hours. During that time, Jia Duo kept watch over Huo Fenghua, giving him no chance to eavesdrop. Afterward, Huo Fenghua tried to ask Wen Heyi what Shao Feijie had said, but Wen Heyi kept dodging the question and never told him a single honest word.

So the days passed in a blur of training, eating, and sleeping. One morning, Huo Fenghua woke to find Wen Heyi already sitting in his room. A brand-new set of clothes lay on the round table.

Wen Heyi said, “Put on the new clothes. Today you’re going to the marriage competition.”

Huo Fenghua took a deep breath and realized he was actually nervous.

Pan Zishu’s marriage competition was set at a drill ground in the south of Zhuyue City. Earlier, Huo Fenghua had asked the lodge steward and learned that nearly four hundred contestants had submitted name cards to participate, from the Central Plains and from the borderlands and foreign tribes alike.

To ensure fairness, the city lord himself drew lots to assign each contestant an opponent and a round. Only by winning your round could you advance.

Matches were held on the central platform. Because blades had no eyes, and this was supposed to be a happy occasion, each bout would stop at “a touch is enough.” If the weaker fighter insisted on clinging stubbornly, they only needed to be forced off the platform for the other side to be declared the winner. When the final victor emerged, he would still have to spar once with the city lord’s daughter, Pan Zishu. Only if he won could he take her hand.

The matches began at dawn that day. Huo Fenghua changed into a new light-yellow outfit. Feeling it was too cold, he still wrapped himself in the sable cloak, a ring of soft white fur around the collar that made his skin look like gleaming snow.

On the way to the drill ground, Wen Heyi remarked, “With how frail you look, if I were the city lord, I wouldn’t marry my daughter to you either.”

Huo Fenghua pulled his cloak tighter and replied with, “Cold.”

When they reached the drill ground, Huo Fenghua saw a sea of people. Besides the contestants, Zhuyue City’s citizens had come from the surrounding areas to watch. They had to dismount while still far away and proceed on foot. By the time they squeezed their way inside, they were sweating all over.

The grounds were enormous. For this marriage competition, tall viewing stands had been built all around to accommodate spectators. Directly in front stood a newly built two-story pavilion. On the second floor was a viewing terrace. In the middle sat a broad chair, and beside it was another chair draped in pale pink gauze, presumably for the city lord and his beloved daughter. Neither had appeared yet, and the terrace was guarded only by many strong young soldiers.

As someone who had submitted a name card, Huo Fenghua was separated from Wen Heyi and the others after entering and was led to the front-row seating for contestants.

Alone, he felt uneasy. He looked up and scanned the stands, trying to spot Wen Heyi. But after searching left and right, he didn’t see him. Instead, in a corner of the stands, he caught sight of a familiar face, handsome and sharp.

Feng Tianzong!

Just then, someone behind him shoved him. He stumbled and turned around to see a poorly dressed young contestant pushing him aside, telling him not to block the way.

Huo Fenghua moved away a little. When he looked up again, the spot was already empty. The Feng Tianzong he’d seen a moment ago seemed like a phantom, but it still gave him a vicious fright.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 24

Su Zeyang left just like that, catching Huo Fenghua completely off guard. Huo Fenghua had been thinking that as long as he stayed by Su Zeyang’s side, he’d still have a chance to slip away, but Wen Heyi showed him not a shred of mercy. He grabbed the shackles on Huo Fenghua’s wrists and dragged him back out the way they’d come.

Huo Fenghua had spoken to Wen Heyi without the slightest courtesy before. Now he was uneasy, and he asked carefully, “Martial Uncle, where are you taking me?”

Wen Heyi let out a cold laugh. “Where would you like me to take you?”

Huo Fenghua forced a smile. “How about nowhere. Once we’re out of this cave, you and I go our separate ways.”

“In your dreams!”

Huo Fenghua said, “Martial Uncle, you’re someone so capable. Why follow Shao Feijie? Why don’t you and I start our own faction? No, we don’t even need to. Let’s go back to the Xianyuan Sect, recruit troops, and rebel.”

Wen Heyi looked at him. “Rebel against who?”

“Obviously rebel against Donglin,” Huo Fenghua said. “You like fighting wars. I’ll appoint you Grand Marshall of all the armies under heaven. You lead the troops and fight to your heart’s content. Who cares about Donglin or Xichou, we’ll beat them all into the ground. Then we’ll establish the Xianyuan Kingdom. I’ll be emperor, and you can be whatever you want.”

“We rebel against Donglin,” Wen Heyi drawled. “Do you think Feng Tianzong would let us off? Wouldn’t your Senior Brother come after you then?”

Huo Fenghua snorted. “He doesn’t want me anymore, so why should I care?” The words came out sounding even to himself a little plaintive. Then he added, “Fine, then we kill Feng Tianzong, tie Senior Brother up and take him back. I’ll chain him in my room so he can’t go anywhere.”

Wen Heyi said, “You’re really devoted to him.”

Huo Fenghua laughed. “Devoted, not exactly. If I become emperor, I’ll have three thousand beauties in my harem. If he behaves, I’ll spoil him. If he doesn’t, I’ll make him watch me favor my consorts every day.”

By then, they’d crawled out of the cave. The sudden light stabbed into Huo Fenghua’s eyes and made him lift a hand to shield them.

There was only one horse left outside. Su Zeyang had already ridden off on the horse they’d come on.

Even though he’d known that would be the case, Huo Fenghua still stood there dazed until Wen Heyi grabbed him by the back of the collar and tossed him onto the saddle.

Wen Heyi swung up behind him, made Huo Fenghua sit in front, and urged the horse forward.

Seeing they weren’t going the right way, Huo Fenghua said, “Martial Uncle, weren’t we going back to the Xianyuan Sect to recruit troops? Where are we going now?”

Wen Heyi answered lazily, “Recruiting troops doesn’t happen without money. I’m taking you to raise silver first, so we’ll have the means.”

“Where are we raising it?” Huo Fenghua asked.

“Of course we’re going to find Shao Feijie,” Wen Heyi said. “You’re a Xichou prince. Who knows if the Xichou royal house has some hidden trove or secret treasure. Once you and Shao Feijie reunite, we dig up the treasure, then we kill Shao Feijie and go back to the Xianyuan Sect and set ourselves up as kings.”

Huo Fenghua thought it over. “That’s a great idea. Martial Uncle, you really are something.”

After that, both of them fell quiet, with only the pounding hoofbeats of the horse.

A moment later, Huo Fenghua said, “Wait. Martial Uncle, you’re lying to me, aren’t you?”

Wen Heyi chuckled twice. “Guess.”

Huo Fenghua didn’t actually think his nonsense would persuade Wen Heyi, but the thought of being dragged back to Shao Feijie’s side, forced to live as “Huo Fengnian,” exhausted him.

He let out a heavy sigh, stared at the jagged mountains around Luofeng Ridge, and went silent.

Along the way, Wen Heyi stayed extremely guarded, leaving him no chance to run. The wrist shackles were also a huge nuisance. The moment he raised his hands even a little, they clinked.

They traveled for three days and linked up with Shao Feijie’s forward scouts. After that, Huo Fenghua was watched even more tightly. He gave up on trying to escape and decided he’d figure it out once he was back at Shao Feijie’s side.

If Shao Feijie still wanted him to impersonate the Xichou crown prince, then he couldn’t keep guarding him like a criminal forever. When the time came, Huo Fenghua could put on an act, make Shao Feijie believe he truly meant to follow them and restore the kingdom, and eventually they’d loosen their vigilance.

But when Huo Fenghua saw Shao Feijie again, it wasn’t at Tiantou Stronghold.

Feng Tianzong had led troops to attack Tiantou Stronghold. Shao Feijie caught wind of it and didn’t want a head-on clash, so he withdrew the garrison ahead of time, retreating into the endless primeval forest along Xichou’s border. This time, it would be even harder for Feng Tianzong to track them down.

Yet Huo Fenghua didn’t meet Shao Feijie in that forest camp either, but in a remote border town in Xichou. The place hadn’t been touched by the war, and no Donglin troops were stationed there. It was poor, but the people’s lives were still relatively peaceful.

Wen Heyi brought Huo Fenghua into a tavern in town. The two went in one after the other. The iron shackles on Huo Fenghua’s wrists were conspicuous, but in wartime ordinary people didn’t dare meddle, so no one had asked questions along the way.

Inside the tavern, Shao Feijie had changed into a merchant’s outfit, reining in the murderous aura he usually carried. He sat drinking at a table in the corner. Only one attendant was with him. When Huo Fenghua looked closely, he recognized him as someone familiar: Jia Duo, the man who’d gone to Yujing to bring him back to Xichou.

Back then, between Jiang Yuan and Jia Duo, Jia Duo had actually been quite polite to him.

Wen Heyi took Huo Fenghua forward and sat down at an empty spot at Shao Feijie’s table.

Before Shao Feijie could speak, Huo Fenghua placed both hands on the tabletop and smiled. “Marshal Shao. Long time no see.”

Shao Feijie looked him up and down. “What are you trying to do, Huo Fenghua?”

Huo Fenghua put on a startled look. “What did you call me, Marshal Shao? I’m Huo Fengnian. Why are you calling me Huo Fenghua?”

Hearing that, Shao Feijie looked to Wen Heyi.

Wen Heyi sneered. “This brat wants to play tricks. Ignore him.”

Huo Fenghua said, “Mr. Wen, that’s not right. You said you wanted me to cooperate with Marshal Shao. Isn’t Marshal Shao’s whole plan for me to pretend to be Huo Fengnian? Am I not acting convincingly enough?”

Shao Feijie didn’t bother with him. He said to Wen Heyi, “The lord of Zhuyue City is holding a martial-arts competition to choose a husband for his daughter a month from now. I’ve already had someone submit the Crown Prince’s name card. If we set out now, we’ll arrive right around early next month.”

“Huh? What?” Huo Fenghua cocked an ear. “A martial arts competition for marriage?”

Wen Heyi picked up the wine jug on the table and poured himself a cup. “Yep. We’re planning to get you a wife.”

Huo Fenghua was genuinely shocked. His mouth fell slightly open as he swept his gaze over the three faces in front of him, then landed back on Wen Heyi. “Mr. Wen, it’s not like you don’t know. I… prefer men. How am I supposed to marry a woman?”

Shao Feijie frowned faintly.

But Wen Heyi didn’t change expressions at all. “The Crown Prince has four secondary consorts. I’ve never heard anything about you preferring men.”

Huo Fenghua said, “Those four were just a smokescreen. The one I truly like is still a man. If you and Marshal Shao don’t believe me, I, Huo Fengnian, can swear to Heaven.”

“Enough!” Shao Feijie finally couldn’t take it anymore. “You will behave yourself and take part in Zhuyue City’s marriage competition, and you will marry the city lord’s daughter!”

Zhuyue City was a major city in southern Xichou. Though it was called a “city,” it actually covered a vast area. Beyond the main city were several smaller satellite cities, essentially like a small southwestern kingdom, and the lord of Zhuyue City was effectively a king.

This time, the city lord’s daughter’s marriage competition had been announced widely: regardless of birth or status, any man who submitted a name card to Zhuyue City could participate. The only condition was that the participant could not already have a lawful wife. Huo Fengnian had several secondary consorts but had never married a principal wife, and with the chaos of war, those consorts had all died in the flames of conflict. So now his participation could be considered proper and legitimate.

At this point, Huo Fenghua still didn’t understand all of Shao Feijie’s calculations. He leaned forward slightly and asked, “Marshal Shao, I don’t know martial arts. How am I supposed to enter a martial arts competition?”

Shao Feijie said, “Starting now, you train relentlessly day and night.”

Huo Fenghua let out a short “Ha,” thinking it was absurd beyond belief.

But Wen Heyi said seriously, “Don’t you have the internal cultivation manual sect leader Senior Brother gave you?”

Huo Fenghua looked at him.

Wen Heyi said, “Starting today, I’m teaching you martial arts.”

That day, Shao Feijie and his men didn’t rush to leave the town.

That night in the guest room, Shao Feijie used his Blood Drinking saber to chop off the shackles on Huo Fenghua’s wrists. Huo Fenghua crouched on the floor with his wrists resting on a stool, watching Shao Feijie lift the long blade with trembling nerves. “Marshal Shao, can you actually do this? Don’t cut my hands off too.”

Shao Feijie didn’t even look at him. Before Huo Fenghua could react, the blade fell in a sudden flash, severing the shackles perfectly without nicking his hands in the slightest.

When Huo Fenghua pulled his hands back, his legs went weak and he nearly couldn’t stand. He rubbed his wrists lightly and exclaimed, “What a blade. What a technique!”

Wen Heyi sat on a stool nearby, holding the internal cultivation manual he’d confiscated from Huo Fenghua’s chest. “Now that the shackles are off, starting now you train properly.”

Even without Wen Heyi forcing him, Huo Fenghua had always wanted to learn martial arts. Otherwise he wouldn’t have apprenticed himself to Gu Guangji in the first place. After Gu Guangji gave him the manual, he’d studied it for a long time on his own, but he could never find the correct path for many of the acupoints and qi-circulation methods. Su Zeyang never guided him either, so up to now he’d learned nothing and couldn’t keep up with internal training.

If he could truly take this chance to learn, then escaping in the future would naturally become much easier.

So he nodded at Wen Heyi. “Please give me guidance, Martial Uncle. I’ll study seriously.”

From that day on, they traveled slowly toward Zhuyue City, and Wen Heyi taught him the sect’s martial arts along the way. At night they practiced the internal cultivation method, and during the day Wen Heyi taught him a basic set of fist techniques.

With someone teaching him, Huo Fenghua got started quickly, but his progress was slow. Wen Heyi said Huo Fenghua was smart and his bones were well suited, but it was a pity he was already too old. Starting now, it would be hard for him to truly achieve much.

While holding a horse stance, Huo Fenghua asked Wen Heyi, “Martial Uncle, do you think if I train like this for a month, I’ll be able to enter that marriage competition and marry that city lord’s daughter?”

Wen Heyi was sprawled on a low tree branch nearby, lazily flipping through a book. “Do you think you can?”

“I don’t,” Huo Fenghua said. “That’s why I’m telling you early. I’m afraid you’re wasting your effort.” As he spoke, he glanced at Shao Feijie, who wasn’t far off, making a fire and roasting meat.

Wen Heyi closed the book. “Marshal Shao has his own plan. You don’t need to worry so much.”

Huo Fenghua thought for a moment, then lowered his voice. “Does Marshal Shao already have ties with the lord of Zhuyue City? Is sending me to the competition just a pretense, and the real plan is to borrow Zhuyue City’s wealth and troops to restore the kingdom?”

Shao Feijie had heard him. He lifted his head and shot him a look, saying in a low voice, “Don’t talk nonsense!”

Huo Fenghua quietly pursed his lips.

Wen Heyi smiled at him. “You’re not completely wrong, and not completely right. Once we get to Zhuyue City, you’ll know what it’s really for.”

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