Wang Li's hands dipped beneath the flimsy nightgown, sending a jolt through Xia Bingling. He cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing against the taut peaks. A playful pinch sent a gasp escaping her lips, a mixture of pain and unwanted pleasure.
"Enjoying yourself, Matriarch?" he purred, his voice laced with a cruel amusement.
"No," she spat, defiance flickering momentarily in her voice. "This is… degrading."
He chuckled, a dark sound that echoed in the stillness of the room. "Degrading?" he mocked, his fingers circling a nipple. "Your body seems to have a different opinion."
Her moans betrayed her, a low, guttural sound that contradicted her words. Hatred warred with a strange, unfamiliar heat that bloomed within her. She hated his touch, hated the way her body responded despite itself.
"Actually," Wang Li continued, his voice a husky whisper, "that announcement wasn't the only reason for my visit. It was just a necessary step to put Ye Fan in his place." He trailed a kiss down her neck, his lips lingering on the sensitive spot at the base.
Xia Bingling inhaled sharply, a strangled cry escaping her lips. His touch, though unwelcome, sparked a fire she couldn't control. "What… what else do you want?" she managed, her voice breathless.
He pulled back slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You," he said simply.
A low moan escaped her lips, this time a sound of raw desire rather than protest. "Why?" she whispered, the question tumbling out before she could stop it.
"Because," he said, his voice dropping to a seductive rasp, "you have a very… captivating body." He squeezed her breast again, his fingers lingering. "And frankly, Matriarch, I find it… irresistible."
He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. "Don't get me wrong, I adore Qingwu. She's vivacious, passionate… But there's some undeniably… forbidden thrill to this… arrangement." His hand moved lower, sending a jolt through her core. "A thrill I intend to indulge in for quite some time."
A guttural sound, half-moan, half-grunt escaped her lips. Her body was betraying her, her will slowly dissolving under his touch.
Wang Li's grin widened. He noticed the shift, the way her resistance was crumbling.
"A week," Wang Li whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "That's how long I'll be staying at the Xia Manor. And during that week, well…" he trailed off, his hand finding its way between her legs, "let's say I will make sure to keep you and Qingwu very satisfied."
As the sun began its slow rise, casting a golden glow through the window, the sounds of their intimacy filled the room. Passion mingled with the bitter tang of betrayal, a twisted dance of power and forbidden desire.
Meanwhile, a storm brewed beyond the walls of the Xia Manor. Across the vast cultivation world, the communication talismans sent by Xia Bingling had landed with a thud, their messages resonating with shock and intrigue.
From the lofty peaks of the Azure Cloud Sect to the serene gardens of the Jade Lotus Sect, from the imposing halls of the Golden Bell Temple to the bustling marketplaces of major cities, the news spread like wildfire. Ye Fan, the rising star, the Demon-Subduing War Hero, had been publicly rejected by the Xia Family.
Sect leaders like the Azure Peak Sect's Master Li and the Jade Lotus Sect's Elder Mei discussed the news in hushed tones, while core disciples and council members speculated on the reasons behind such a sudden and public refusal. Why would the Xia Family refuse such a prestigious offer? What could have motivated their decision?
Ye Fan's reputation, once soaring high, now faced the prospect of a significant tarnish.
The cultivation world, ever eager for gossip, awaited the next development in this unexpected drama. Would Ye Fan retaliate? Would the Xia Family face repercussions for their public rejection? Only time would tell.
The very next day, individuals loyal to Ye Fan scurried through the cultivation world, whispering accusations about the Xia Family's clandestine alliance with demonic cultivators.
Within a day, whispers of the "demonic alliance" between the Xia Family and the Wangs reached the ears of every major sect and noble family. From the serene Jade Lotus Sect, where female disciples honed their ice-based techniques, to the bustling Azure Peak Sect known for its swordsmanship, the rumor sparked heated discussions.
Even the righteous sects like the Emerald Sea Palace and the Crimson Rock Sect buzzed with the news. Noble families, both allies and rivals of the Xia Family, listened intently, their faces etched with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
This was bold, even for Ye Fan.
But unfortunately for Ye Fan, his timing was off.
News of the Xia Family's public rejection of his marriage proposal had already reached every corner of the cultivation world. His subsequent accusations thus carried a distinct whiff of sour grapes. People listened with skepticism.
"He's just bitter about getting rejected," scoffed a young cultivator at the Golden Bell Temple. "Accusing them of being demonic? Now that's a desperate tactic."
Without concrete proof, Ye Fan's claims fell flat, dismissed as the ramblings of a jilted suitor. The cultivation world moved on, eager for the next juicy gossip.
A few days later, whispers of the public's reaction filtered back to the Xia Family Manor.
Wang Li, Xia Qingwu, and Xia Bingling sat together, a seemingly innocent meeting.
Xia Bingling and Wang Li were careful not to betray their secret in front of Qingwu, though Wang Li couldn't resist a sly wink, or a suggestive lick of his lips directed at the Matriarch. Xia Bingling, under her stoic mask, felt a shiver crawl down her spine. Years of cultivation hadn't dulled her awareness of his subtle provocations.
Qingwu, oblivious to this silent exchange, continued to gently stroke Wang Li's head as he lay comfortably in her lap.
A pang of hatred, quickly suppressed, shot through Xia Bingling.
Here was her daughter, innocent and trusting, showering affection on the man who held her strings.
The meeting turned to business. Xia Bingling cleared her throat. "My scouts report a lackluster response to Ye Fan's accusations. They haven't gained any traction."
Wang Li simply nodded, a sly glint in his eyes that sent another tremor through Xia Bingling. He spoke calmly, "See, Matriarch? The plan is working beautifully."
She shot him a glare, fierce yet containing a hint of… something else? He smirked, enjoying her conflicted expression.
Blissfully unaware, Qingwu chimed in. "So, what's next? How do we further discredit him?"
Wang Li met her gaze, his voice low and reassuring. "We strike another blow. Now, Qingwu, I need you to contact…"
He paused for dramatic effect, a playful glint in his eyes. Xia Bingling felt a surge of annoyance – even his pauses were calculated.
"Liu Xue from your Jade Lotus Sect."
Recognition dawned on Qingwu's face. "Senior Sister Liu?"
"Precisely," Wang Li continued. "Liu Xue is one of my… allies. She's been looking into…" he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "the truth about the Wang family."
Surprise colored Xia Bingling's face. She hadn't been aware of this. Wang Li had another card up his sleeve.
"She wants to clear the Wang Family's name of any demonic ties," he explained to a wide-eyed Qingwu. "If Liu Xue can uncover the truth behind the Wang family's demise, it will expose Ye Fan as a liar who has built his reputation on slander."
The gears seemed to turn in Qingwu's head. A slow smile spread across her face. "That's brilliant! We can expose him for the fraud he is!"
"Exactly," Wang Li said, a satisfied smile mirroring hers. "So, Qingwu, I want you to invite Liu Xue here to the manor."
Xia Qingwu nodded vigorously, understanding dawning on her features. "I will do that immediately."
"Excellent," Wang Li said, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
Wang Li then turned his gaze towards Xia Bingling, a sly smile playing on his lips. "And Matriarch," he began, his voice dripping with a veiled threat, "Liu Xue will need access to the ruins of the Wang Family Manor. Any resources, artifacts, anything that could help her uncover the truth – I expect you to make it available."
Xia Bingling clenched her jaw, her resentment simmering beneath the surface. She knew Wang Li was exploiting her, using her own resources against Ye Fan. But she had little choice. Her own reputation, her position, and perhaps even Qingwu's happiness were all tied to Wang Li's success.
"The Xia Family will offer Liu Xue all the assistance she needs," Xia Bingling conceded, her voice cold.
A satisfied glint flickered in Wang Li's eyes.
With the plan laid out, Wang Li rose from the bed, stretching languidly. He leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on Qingwu's forehead, sending a shiver down her spine. "Alright, my love," he murmured, his voice husky with unspoken desires. "Let's head back to your room. I have a feeling tonight will be particularly… productive."
His eyes flickered towards Xia Bingling with a fleeting glint of amusement dancing in them.