Top Soldier Pursued by a Beauty

As he spoke, the atmosphere in the villa immediately fell silent.

Ling Feng's eyes, sharp as blades, were fixated on Zhao Dong, while Lin Qingyun's hand unconsciously tightened around her teacup.

Zhao Dong was silent for a moment. After three seconds, he said to Ling Feng, word by word, "You should know about Xiao Hongtian coming to the East Sea. You also know what I did."

"What did you do?"

Ling Feng stared intently at Zhao Dong. Beside him, Lin Qingyun clutched her teacup, her voice low. "Cousin, Zhao Dong is truly willing to sacrifice his life for me. I don't know if his feelings for me are genuine, but I know that if I'm ever in danger, he will unhesitatingly throw himself in front of me."

Ling Feng was slightly stunned. He looked deeply at Zhao Dong, took a sip of tea, and then slowly said, "But Qingyun, you must understand that what you two have isn't really love. You ended up together by a twist of fate, all because of that absurd incident back then. When something like that happened, you shouldn't have acted so rashly; you should have told us immediately."

Lin Qingyun fell silent, then gave a bitter smile. "And say what? What good would telling you have done?"

For a moment, Ling Feng was at a loss for words.

Lin Qingyun continued in a quiet voice, "Cousin, I have my own share of troubles. If I had gone back then... my father would have put me under house arrest. I really don't want to marry Xiao Hongtian. Marrying him would ruin my life."

"But because of your willfulness, because you refused to marry him, the relationship between the Lin Family and the Xiao Family has become very tense. You know this. The Lin Family's true strength can't compare to the Xiao Family's. Because of that previous incident with Xiao Hongtian, the Xiao Family has been putting pressure on your family from all sides. Your father has been worn out with anxiety lately."

Lin Qingyun smiled coldly. "He wouldn't be."

Ling Feng sighed. "Qingyun, he is your father, after all, and also my uncle. Yes, he should bear responsibility for my aunt's death, but... he didn't want to see your mother pass away either. Am I right?"

With red-rimmed eyes, Lin Qingyun said, "I don't know. All I know is that he's very happy now with his woman. They even have a son who's only three years younger than me! In his eyes, I'm not his real child. Only that boy is."

Ling Feng sighed softly. "Qingyun, your resentment runs too deep. Come back with me. Go back, marry into the Xiao Family... or you could marry into another family. You would live a happy and fulfilled life. Why bother staying in this insignificant place?"

Ling Feng glanced at Zhao Dong, then shook his head in disappointment. "He's still too weak. Sure, among his peers here in the East Sea, he might be considered outstanding. But in the Provincial City, he amounts to nothing. The heirs of those families in the Provincial City are far stronger than him."

Nearby, Zhao Dong said nothing, sullenly puffing on his cigarette.

Lin Qingyun shook her head and said softly, "Cousin, let's not talk about this anymore. I'm not going back. If you still see me as your sister, then please don't disturb my life. If you've come to the East Sea for a visit, you are more than welcome. But if you're only here to take me back, then you can leave."

Ling Feng gritted his teeth. "Qingyun! Why are you so stubborn?! Do you have any idea what kind of power the Xiao Family wields in the Provincial City? Now that the Xiao Family is in power, the figure backing them has reached a height we can't even imagine! If we oppose the Xiao Family, your family and mine will both be ruined! Besides, in what way is Xiao Hongtian not good enough for you? Do you know why he hasn't come to the East Sea recently?"

Lin Qingyun frowned. "Why?"

"Because he's devoting all his efforts to cultivating in seclusion! His strength has reached an unimaginable level. As for this Zhao Dong, he's no match for him at all! From what I know, Xiao Hongtian will be coming out of seclusion in a few days, and then he'll come straight to the East Sea. When that happens, death will be the only path for Zhao Dong, and you'll undoubtedly be taken back!"

Lin Qingyun's face turned pale, and Zhao Dong's hand, holding his cigarette, paused.

So Xiao Hongtian has been cultivating in seclusion... I'm currently at the seventh level of Qi Refinement, able to fight cultivators at the seventh or eighth layer of the Grandmaster realm. I wonder what level of strength Xiao Hongtian has reached... He and I are fated to fight to the death. It's either him or me.

The day he came to the East Sea would surely bring a bloody battle. A sense of urgency washed over Zhao Dong.

Just then, Lin Qingyun looked at him and asked in a low voice, "Zhao Dong, are you scared?"

Zhao Dong started, then shook his head and stubbed out his cigarette. "I'm not scared."

Ling Feng said coldly, "Not even afraid of death?"

"What's there to fear about death? In eighteen years, I'll be a hero again. Once you step onto the path of cultivation, retreating even a single step will shatter your Dao Heart! I am not afraid, and I will not retreat!"

Ling Feng stared deeply at Zhao Dong, remaining silent.

Finally, Lin Qingyun asked again, "Cousin, is this the only reason you came?"

Ling Feng said gravely, "There's another matter."

He glanced at Zhao Dong, and perhaps because of his presence, Ling Feng didn't elaborate. He stood up, gave Lin Qingyun a profound look, and said, "Qingyun, I'll be in the East Sea for a few days. Just contact me if you need anything. It's getting late. You should get some rest. I'm leaving."

With that, Ling Feng headed for the villa's exit. Seeing Zhao Dong still sitting, he said irritably, "Aren't you leaving?"

Zhao Dong frowned. "This is my woman's house, so it's my house. Whether I leave or not is none of your business."

Ling Feng trembled with anger. "You're courting death! Get out here right now!"

"I'm not going anywhere! You can leave, but I'm sleeping here tonight."

Ling Feng's face was dark with rage. He turned to Lin Qingyun. "Qingyun, are you two living together?"

Before Lin Qingyun could speak, Zhao Dong threw an arm around her shoulders, grinning at Ling Feng. "We've been living together for a while now. We've been trying to make a baby every night. We need to give my wife a big, healthy son."

"You—"

Ling Feng felt the world spin, nearly spitting up a mouthful of blood in his fury. His precious sister... had been taken by Zhao Dong?

A flush of mortification crept onto Lin Qingyun's face. She shot Zhao Dong a fierce glare before finally saying to Ling Feng, "Cousin, you should go."

Puffing with rage, Ling Feng shot Zhao Dong one last, icy glare, then turned and left. The villa door slammed shut.

After Ling Feng was gone, Lin Qingyun tried to push Zhao Dong away, but he suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace. She let out a soft cry, her face flushing scarlet. "Zhao Dong, what are you doing?"

Zhao Dong smiled. "Weren't you the one who told me not to leave?"

Biting her lip, Lin Qingyun said with a blush, "I was afraid my cousin would lose his temper and kill you!"

"Oh! So you were worried about me!"

A wicked smile appeared on Zhao Dong's face as he leaned in, their faces drawing closer.

Lin Qingyun could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin. Her cheeks burned, and her body tensed, her own breathing growing unsteady.

Zhao Dong slowly moved closer, and closer still.

Feeling the solid breadth of his chest, Lin Qingyun was lost in a daze.

Just as he was about to kiss her lips, she turned her head away.

Zhao Dong froze, looking at her with some dejection. Lin Qingyun bit her lip, her gaze flickering evasively, a complex mix of emotions in her eyes.

He shrugged and, without a word, picked up another cigarette and started smoking.

Lin Qingyun watched him, pursed her lips, and whispered, "Are you... mad at me?"

Zhao Dong glanced at her but said nothing.

Biting her lower lip, she walked over and gently squeezed his hand, a look of apology on her face. "Are you really mad?"

Zhao Dong grunted. "Why wouldn't I be? Didn't you say you were my wife? Is this how a wife acts?"

Lin Qingyun pouted, a hint of grievance on her face. "Zhao Dong, I..."

"You what? Then explain yourself."

Zhao Dong stared at her. She lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly.

He intentionally put on a stern expression and let out a long, dramatic sigh. "Sigh... It's not your fault. It's mine. I lack charm and I'm not good enough for you. I know you've never really thought much of me. Qingyun, I'm sorry. I've dragged you down. If you want to pursue a better life, I'm willing to let you go. It's better than you being tormented by staying with me like this."

Lin Qingyun kept her head down and didn't speak, but her shoulders were trembling.

Zhao Dong glanced at her. "Forget it. I know you don't want to deal with me. I'm leaving. Goodbye."

He turned and started to walk away. He had only taken two steps when he heard a faint, hoarse cry from behind him.

"Zhao Dong!"

He froze. Just as he was about to turn, Lin Qingyun ran up from behind and hugged him tightly.

Zhao Dong was momentarily stunned. Feeling the softness of her body, his mind went blank.

This was the first time Lin Qingyun had ever initiated physical contact with him!

Even if it was just a hug!

At that moment, waves of warmth flooded Zhao Dong's heart. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and asked softly, "What's wrong?"

Behind him, Lin Qingyun held on, pressing her face against his back.

He thought he felt a cool wetness against his back. Were they... tears?

He turned his head to look and stiffened slightly. Lin Qingyun's eyes were red, tear tracks staining her cheeks.

"What's wrong with you?" he asked, alarmed.

Lin Qingyun wiped her tears, lifted her head, and bit her lower lip. Her eyes red, she gazed at him mournfully. "Zhao Dong, do you really want me?"

Zhao Dong was startled. "What kind of question is that?"

"I'm asking, do you want me?"

He was momentarily speechless, then nodded. "Of course, I do. You're so beautiful; of course, I want you."

"Good!"

Without another word, Lin Qingyun stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips.

"You..."

Before he could finish, his words were cut short by the soft touch of her lips. He froze, completely dazed.

Her lips are so cool... and mesmerizing...

His mind went blank.

He simply stood there, eyes wide open, staring at the woman before him, at the tear stains on her face, feeling her surrender and her resolve.

After what felt like an eternity, Lin Qingyun pulled back from the kiss, looked at him, and said faintly, "Don't you want me? Fine... Tonight, I'll give myself to you. I'm giving myself to you willingly."

As she spoke, her hands went to her clothes, taking them off one by one.

Zhao Dong watched the scene unfold, swallowing hard. It all felt so surreal.

Soon, a beautiful sight was revealed before him.

His breathing grew ragged, and a demon seemed to stir in his heart.

Lin Qingyun crossed her arms in front of her chest. With red-rimmed eyes, she looked at Zhao Dong and said with a tearful smile, "Don't you want me? Come on."

Zhao Dong was speechless. "Qingyun, you..."

"What, are you hesitating? It's now or never."

Zhao Dong trembled. He truly didn't want to pass up this opportunity, but...

Finally, a firm resolve took root in his mind.

He hesitated no longer and took a step forward...