RPDPHW Chapter 22

Outside the window, the cold wind rustled, and snowflakes drifted down.

The chill seeped through the cracks in the door, creeping into the room.

The oil lamp on the table flickered with the wind, its weak flame wavering on the verge of extinguishment, yet stubbornly casting a faint glow for those within.

The brazier, meant to provide warmth, remained unlit, abandoned to the side.

Yet at this moment, the bone-chilling cold filling the room seemed unnecessary, for a warmth akin to springtime had already enveloped the space.

The bed trembled slightly, and atop the soft cotton quilt, two graceful figures entwined in a lingering kiss.

The heavy outer garments that once covered them had long been shed by Gu Qingyin, though neither could recall exactly when.

Their chests pressed closely together, with only a thin layer of fabric between them, allowing that soft, burning warmth to seep into Gu Qingyin’s very heart.

Gu Qingyin’s heart trembled violently, shaken by that softness and searing heat.

She pulled away slightly from Zhong Shujin’s lips, resting her forehead against hers as she panted softly and asked in a low voice, “Ajin, are you cold?”

“Mm… so hot…”

Zhong Shujin rubbed against Gu Qingyin, her breath uneven, carrying an unmistakable heat.

Gu Qingyin’s eyes curved with laughter—she hadn’t expected such a clumsy trick to bring her this much delight.

Her hand was already on Zhong Shujin’s sash as she coaxed seductively, “Then… shall we undo it and cool down a little?”

“Mm… u-un… undo it… so hot…”

With a gentle flick of her fingers, the obstructing inner garment was undone in no time.

The moment her palm touched that burning skin, Gu Qingyin clearly felt the slight tremor of the person beneath her. She paused for a brief moment, lost in thought.

With warmth and softness in her embrace, who could bear to stop at a time like this?

What’s more, Gu Qingyin had drunk quite a bit of aged wine earlier. Now, with the lingering intoxication fueling her, she resumed her previous actions.

Her hand trailed along Zhong Shujin’s side, slowly slipping beneath the silk undergarment.

At the same time, she pressed a kiss to the corner of Zhong Shujin’s lips, then traced her way toward her ear, whispering softly.

“Ajin, do you like me?”

The tingling sensation from their pressed bodies spread through Zhong Shujin’s entire being. That touch brought an unfamiliar feeling—one she had never experienced before.

Unbearable, yet exhilarating.

The hand resting on her chest circled that delicate point of red, rubbing over and over again.

Again and again, over and over.

It only made Zhong Shujin’s breath hitch, her body growing even more restless.

Right now, all she could feel was the dryness in her throat and the burning heat coursing through her.

Without answering, Zhong Shujin had already tightened her arms around Gu Qingyin’s neck, pulling her in. Seizing the moment, she captured Gu Qingyin’s lips, clumsily imitating the way she had been kissed before—tentatively invading her mouth, greedily drawing in that sweet nectar.

Right now, Zhong Shujin was unbearably hot, unbearably thirsty, unbearably restless.

Pressing against Gu Qingyin eased the heat surging through her body.

Kissing Gu Qingyin soothed the dryness that burned within her.

A thin thread of silver connected their lips as Gu Qingyin pulled back slightly, tilting her head to gaze at the spring-like depths in Zhong Shujin’s eyes.

In a husky voice, she repeated, “Do you like me?”

Zhong Shujin lifted her head desperately, chasing after the only source that could quench her unbearable thirst. In a breathless, muddled voice, she murmured, “Like… I like you, Qingqing…”

A deep, radiant smile bloomed in Gu Qingyin’s eyes, laced with an even stronger desire.

“I like you too, Ajin.”

Even though she knew that Zhong Shujin’s mind wasn’t entirely clear at this moment—that the “like” she spoke of might not hold the same meaning as her own—Gu Qingyin still chose to deceive herself, to believe that their words carried the same weight.

Soft, delicate kisses trailed downward from Zhong Shujin’s lips, finding their way to the elegant curve of her collarbone.

Teeth grazed gently, tongue tracing delicate paths.

“Mm…”

Zhong Shujin arched her foot instinctively, a soft moan escaping her lips.

The slow, torturous friction had heightened her sensitivity to its peak, making her body twist ever so slightly.

“Mm… Qingqing… it feels so unbearable…”

A rush of warmth pooled low in her body, intensifying the discomfort—an emptiness so profound it left her at a loss.

Uncertain and overwhelmed, she could only clutch at Gu Qingyin’s robes, seeking something—someone—to anchor her.

Hearing Zhong Shujin’s words, Gu Qingyin’s kisses slowly trailed upward, lingering at her neck as she whispered, “Hm? Where does it feel unbearable?”

At the same time, her hand had already moved to Zhong Shujin’s chest.

Gently kneading, slowly teasing.

“Mmh…”

Zhong Shujin bit her lip, her eyes rippling with emotion.

“There… right there… it feels unbearable…”

Even though the words were difficult to say, she still confessed them honestly to Gu Qingyin.

Zhong Shujin’s untouched body was even more sensitive than Gu Qingyin had imagined.

With just a few teasing touches, she was already burning unbearably hot.

Gu Qingyin pressed a reassuring kiss to the corner of Zhong Shujin’s lips before letting her hand trail downward, slipping into her thin undergarments. As her fingers brushed against that damp, hidden place, she asked in a husky voice, “Is it here?”

Zhong Shujin drew in a sharp breath, letting out a soft, hesitant “Mm…”

Gu Qingyin licked her lips, circling the sensitive area without delving deeper. Almost instantly, she felt a fresh wave of warmth spill over, soaking into her palm.

“Mm… ah…”

At this moment, Zhong Shujin’s half-lidded, hazy expression only made Gu Qingyin even more excited.

She sat up, removed the now-damp undergarment, and fixed her gaze upon the breathtaking sight before her.

The delicate flower, still in its budding state, was already glistening with nectar.

Its core was slightly parted, the tender petals seeming to await her touch.

Without hesitation, Gu Qingyin lowered her head, using her lips and tongue to drink in the sweet nectar, savoring the alluring bloom.

It’s not only quenched her own thirst but also filled the emptiness of the person beneath her.

Lost in this sea of blossoms, it was all too easy to lose oneself completely.

Both had completely lost themselves in this sea of blossoms—one seeking the sweet nectar, the other craving the pleasure of fulfillment.

The room was filled only with the sound of heavy, uneven breaths.

As the passion finally subsided, Zhong Shujin lay limp, utterly spent.

But Gu Qingyin, on the other hand, was more energized than before. She lifted her head from between Zhong Shujin’s legs and moved to face her. The very tongue that had just brought Zhong Shujin to her peak now entwined with hers in a deep kiss.

Tasting the faintly sweet and salty essence, Zhong Shujin’s exhaustion faded away. She wrapped her lips around Gu Qingyin’s tongue, savoring it slowly.

Is this… the taste that Qingqing just savored?

Their lips and tongues remained entwined, and once again, the emptiness within her was filled.

But this time, it was no longer a tongue—it was Gu Qingyin’s fingers.

Before Zhong Shujin’s inexperienced body could even register pain, she was already sent to the peak of pleasure.

Amidst the haze of passion, she faintly heard Gu Qingyin’s voice whispering against her ear.

“Ajin, from this day forward, you are my wife! In this lifetime, I will never fail you!”

After several rounds of passion, Zhong Shujin was utterly exhausted, drifting into a hazy sleep.

Before closing her eyes, she had only one thought—from now on, can I call you “my wife”?

But before she could voice the question, sleep had already claimed her.

After carefully wiping Zhong Shujin’s body, Gu Qingyin lay down beside her, pulling her into a warm embrace before slipping into a drowsy slumber.

The faint traces of crimson on her fingertips had already transformed into blooming peach blossoms in her dreams.

On the bed, the two graceful figures lay entwined, their limbs intertwined, clinging to each other.

In this room filled with the lingering warmth of passion, they defied the bitter wind and snowstorm raging outside.

Once one has tasted the pleasure, it is only natural to crave more. Ever since their first night together, Gu Qingyin had longed to pull Zhong Shujin into her embrace every day, indulging in intimate moments of passion.

However, with two others still living in the house, she refrained from being too reckless. Instead, she limited herself to savoring those intoxicating pleasures only before they fell asleep at night.

Fortunately, just a few days later, Liu Sanniang came to bid Gu Qingyin farewell.

Although Leng Shaoying had yet to wake, her complexion was already much better. After Gu Qingyin repeatedly assured her that there was no danger, Liu Sanniang finally decided to take her back to Canglang Pavilion.

After all, having attendants to assist her would surely be better than staying here alone, tending to both Leng Shaoying and Gu Qingyin’s two little troublemakers, wouldn’t it?

It was only after they left that Gu Qingyin finally let her guard down.

These past few days, she had been constantly on edge, carefully keeping Zhong Shujin away from Leng Shaoying’s room—afraid that if Leng Shaoying suddenly woke up, she might recognize Zhong Shujin. Or worse, that Zhong Shujin’s headaches would return, triggering the lost memories of who Leng Shaoying really was.

She was afraid.

Afraid that once Zhong Shujin regained her memories, she would no longer be the naive, gullible girl who fell so easily for her tricks. Afraid that she would leave her.

So she didn’t want Zhong Shujin to remember anything. Not even a little.

Day by day, as they spent more time together, Gu Qingyin had long forgotten the original reason she had wanted to save Zhong Shujin in the first place.

Wisteria Vine?

Her master’s whereabouts?

She had long since cast those thoughts aside!

Even knowing that beauty could lead one astray, she had still lost herself in it.

In the cold of winter, no one wished to step outside and endure the chill.

Spending their days cooped up at home, it was only natural that they would fall into a life of shameless indulgence.

On the bed, by the windowsill, before the desk, in the bath, even in the kitchen—

Every corner of this apothecary bore traces of their passion.

Somehow, they managed to spend their days in blissful indulgence all the way until the year’s end.

During this time, aside from Liu Sanniang occasionally dropping by to bring supplies, drink, and chat with them, they had little else to worry about.

Liu Sanniang brought bits and pieces of news, but Gu Qingyin never dared to let Zhong Shujin hear any of it.

Liu Sanniang said, “She woke up. And the first thing she did was beat me up! Can you believe it? She actually accused me of deliberately poisoning her! Tell me, isn’t that completely unfair?”

Liu Sanniang said, “She’s been chasing me around trying to hit me these past few days, so I came here to hide and catch my breath! Honestly! How can there be such an unreasonable woman in this world…”

Liu Sanniang said, “The Qingyang Sect’s leader is despicable! He actually took advantage of this heavy snowfall to lead the major sects in an attack on the Bloodflame Cult. With the cult leader missing, things aren’t looking too good for them.”

Liu Sanniang said, “She’s gone. She returned to the Bloodflame Cult to defend it. It feels a little strange, suddenly having one less person by my side.”

Liu Sanniang said, “Xiao Guzi, are you really not planning to return her?”

After sending Liu Sanniang off, Gu Qingyin stood at the courtyard gate, eyes lowered in deep thought.

Return her?

At this point… how could she possibly bear to?

She didn’t know how long she had been standing there. By the time Gu Qingyin came back to her senses, her shoulders and hair were already covered in a layer of white snow.

As she turned around, a simple paper umbrella suddenly shielded her from the falling snowflakes.

“Qingqing! Why are you just standing here in the snow like a fool?”

The person holding the umbrella pouted, puffing up her cheeks in frustration.

Was she angry?

She was probably upset that Gu Qingyin wasn’t taking care of herself.

Gu Qingyin curled her lips into a smile, swallowing the bitterness in her chest. Stepping forward, she pulled Zhong Shujin into a tight embrace.

Zhong Shujin quickly raised the umbrella higher, ensuring it covered them both, while her other hand hesitantly patted Gu Qingyin’s back.

“Qingqing? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing… I just suddenly wanted to hold you.”

Gu Qingyin nuzzled lightly against Zhong Shujin’s ear, but in her heart, she let out a silent sigh.

Ah Jin, I’m sorry. Just let me be selfish this once.

The Bloodflame Cult was situated on high ground, its terrain easy to defend and difficult to attack, surrounded by layers of intricate traps and mechanisms. If they chose to hold their ground, they could surely exhaust their enemies into retreat.

Gu Qingyin knew this well.

After all, if they didn’t have real strength, how could a cult like theirs have stood firm in the martial world for hundreds of years?

She understood that when Liu Sanniang said things weren’t looking good, it wasn’t because the Bloodflame Cult lacked the ability to defend itself. It was because they had lost their leader, and without someone to rally around, their morale was in chaos.

Liu Sanniang wanted her to send Zhong Shujin back—to restore order, to stabilize their people.

If morale was restored, the Bloodflame Cult would undoubtedly turn the tide and claim victory.

And yet, Gu Qingyin chose to be selfish this time.

She selfishly decided to keep Zhong Shujin by her side.

The affairs of others… she could no longer concern herself with them. Nor did she want to.

“But this morning… didn’t we already… already hug?”

Zhong Shujin’s face flushed slightly.

Hearing her shy response, Gu Qingyin couldn’t help but feel delighted.

Yes, that morning, they had just shared an intimate moment.

But even so, it still didn’t feel like enough—nowhere near enough.

She pressed a soft kiss against Zhong Shujin’s cheek before finally letting go, then took her hand and led her back inside.

“Alright, go freshen up. The village chief invited everyone to the New Year’s feast—we mustn’t be late.”

Every year on New Year’s Eve, the village chief would host a banquet at his home, inviting all the villagers to gather and celebrate in a lively feast.

This year was no exception.

Tonight, every household had come together at the village chief’s home. After the grand feast, they lit a bonfire, beat the drums, and men and women joined hands, dancing and singing joyously to welcome the new year.

Seeing the bright smile on Zhong Shujin’s face, Gu Qingyin couldn’t help but smile as well.

It seemed that Ah Jin was truly enjoying herself.

After dancing around the bonfire with the crowd, both Zhong Shujin and Gu Qingyin began to feel a little tired. So, they stepped away from the group of young men and women, taking a seat nearby to rest for a while.

Amidst the noisy atmosphere, Zhong Shujin excitedly took out a red paper packet as if presenting a treasure.

The bonfire flickered, and under its warm glow, Zhong Shujin’s face appeared even more flushed—partly due to the alcohol she had drunk earlier.

“Qingqing, look!”

“What is this?”

Gu Qingyin gazed at Zhong Shujin with a smile and asked.

“The village chief gave it to us. He said we should put it under our pillows tonight for good luck!”

“Oh, so it’s lucky money,” Gu Qingyin chuckled softly. She then took out a red paper packet from her own sleeve and handed it to Zhong Shujin. “This is my New Year’s gift for Ah Jin.”

Zhong Shujin took Gu Qingyin’s red paper packet and said with a bit of distress, “But… I haven’t prepared lucky money for Qingqing yet…”

Hearing this, Gu Qingyin chuckled softly, leaned close to Zhong Shujin’s ear, and whispered, “It’s fine. As long as you press me down, that’s enough.”

Zhong Shujin’s face instantly turned red.

She tilted her head to glance at Gu Qingyin, her gaze a mix of shyness and reproach, which only delighted Gu Qingyin even more.

Suppressing the urge to kiss the person before her, Gu Qingyin gently nudged Zhong Shujin’s hand and urged, “Hurry and open it.”

Zhong Shujin did as she was told.

A piece of crystal-clear white jade lay in her palm, with the character “Jin” engraved on it.

Staring at the jade, Zhong Shujin’s brows furrowed slightly.

This jade… felt somewhat familiar.

“Do you like it?”

Gu Qingyin’s voice sounded beside her ear.

Zhong Shujin tilted her head slightly and immediately fell into the depths of those affectionate, love-filled eyes.

With a loud bang!

Fireworks exploded beside her ears.

It was as if a firework had exploded in Zhong Shujin’s mind as well.

“The New Year is here!”

The people around them exchanged greetings and well wishes.

But Zhong Shujin simply stared straight into Gu Qingyin’s eyes, watching the reflection of the fireworks within them.

And within those eyes—taking up most of the space—was herself.

That version of herself was no longer the naive girl who stayed by Gu Qingyin’s side.

She knew now. She was Zhong Shujin, the leader of the Bloodflame Sect.

“Ah Jin, Happy New Year!”

Accompanying that gentle voice was a kiss pressed onto her forehead.

That kiss carried no desire—only an extraordinary tenderness.

Zhong Shujin closed her eyes, clutching the white jade tightly in her palm before slowly opening them again.

“Qingqing, Happy New Year.”

After the celebration ended, Zhong Shujin was no longer as joyful as she had been when they arrived. Her heart was weighed down with thoughts.

However, Gu Qingyin, who also had thoughts of her own, failed to notice this subtle change in her.

The moment they stepped into their home, she couldn’t wait any longer. She pressed Zhong Shujin onto the bed, eagerly seeking her lips.

“Mmm… No…”

Zhong Shujin turned her head away in refusal.

In the past, she would sometimes say “no” in a half-hearted, teasing manner.

So, Gu Qingyin naturally assumed that this time was no different and didn’t take her rejection seriously.

With her familiarity with Zhong Shujin’s body after all this time, it didn’t take long before she had her completely undone, unable to resist.

After several rounds of passionate entanglement, Zhong Shujin finally lay limp on the bed.

Only when the person beside her had fallen into steady breathing did Zhong Shujin open her eyes, staring blankly at the dark ceiling above.

She felt utterly humiliated.

Yes, she— the esteemed leader of the Bloodflame Sect— when had she ever been violated in such a manner?

And now, to be treated like this by another woman?

Especially when she thought about the shameless life they had been living together during this time, Zhong Shujin felt an even deeper sense of shame and anger.

In that moment, she lost control.

Her hand moved instinctively, reaching for Gu Qingyin’s neck.

Just a little pressure, and she could end this woman— this woman who had humiliated her— right here and now.

But then…

“A’Jin… don’t leave me…”

Half-asleep, Gu Qingyin murmured in a fragile whisper.

Blindly, she reached out, searching for the warmth beside her.

And when she finally pulled Zhong Shujin tightly into her embrace, she sighed softly and drifted back into peaceful slumber.

The hands that had originally wrapped around Gu Qingyin’s neck ultimately couldn’t bear to exert any force.

Not only that, but Zhong Shujin followed the instincts of her body, naturally embracing Gu Qingyin and nestling into her arms.

The familiar scent of medicinal herbs soothed her restless heart.

Gradually, that heart… quieted down.

Forget it. Just this once.

Consider it repaying the debt of saving her life.

She didn’t sleep the entire night.

Before dawn even broke, Zhong Shujin had already turned over and gotten out of bed, slipping into the garments that Gu Qingyin had personally sewn for her.

The moment she stepped out the door, she was met with the sight of Liu Sanniang sitting alone under the corridor, drinking in silence.

“Xiao Jinzi, why are you up so early?”

Liu Sanniang hiccupped from the wine, then got up and walked toward Zhong Shujin.

Zhong Shujin frowned slightly. “Why are you here?”

Liu Sanniang smiled somewhat bitterly. “Spending the New Year alone is too lonely! I came to find you two, but you were having such a good time in your room. As a lonely soul, I could only drink outside by myself.”

Hearing this, Zhong Shujin’s expression turned a bit strange.

In the room…

Having a good time…

She cleared her throat, cutting off those chaotic thoughts, and coldly asked, “Is Sister Ying very important to you?”

Liu Sanniang was stunned for a moment, then widened her eyes.

“You—you—you remembered?”

“If so, then I ask you to do me a favor. Consider it a debt this sect leader owes you. If you ever come to Xueyan Sect in the future, I will treat you as an honored guest.”

Just for the sake of this promise from Sect Leader Zhong, Liu Sanniang shamelessly agreed.

When Gu Qingyin woke up, the bed beside her was already cold.

She rubbed her aching head, planning to get up and call Zhong Shujin to go into town together to visit Liu Sanniang for the New Year.

Having been here for so long, it was time to take Zhong Shujin into town to have a look.

Unfortunately, before she could get up to find her, she had already noticed a letter placed beside her, with a piece of white jade weighing it down.

*”Qingqing, I have no way to repay the kindness of saving my life. If there is a next life, I will surely repay this debt with all my being.

This jade has been with me since childhood; I leave it with you as a token of gratitude.

The martial world is ever-changing—if fate allows, we shall meet again.”*

The handwriting carried a sharp edge, just as she had once described it—bold and forceful, firm as bone.

It was Ah Jin’s handwriting.

But in these lines, not a single word mentioned the deep intimacy they had shared.

Could this truly be her Ah Jin?

No, this was no longer her Ah Jin.

Even though she already knew it, the moment she saw the letter, Gu Qingyin’s heart still tore apart in pain.

Gripping the jade in one hand and the letter in the other, she rushed out the door without even putting on her clothes or shoes.

How could mere inner garments and trousers possibly fend off the winter’s chill?

Barefoot, she ran for miles beyond the village, her lips turning blue from the cold.

Her frozen limbs no longer felt like her own.

And the person approaching her only drove the knife deeper into her heart.

“She’s gone.”

Without a doubt, Liu Sanniang’s words were like frost upon snow, making the pain even worse.

“How do you know?”

“I prepared a horse for her. By now, she should already be riding at full speed back to Xueyan Sect.”

The cold of winter was nothing compared to the chill in her heart.

She had run all this way, fueled only by sheer will, desperately wanting to catch up to Zhong Shujin—to ask her if she truly intended to be so heartless.

But now, after hearing Liu Sanniang’s words, she felt as if all the blood in her body had frozen solid.

She collapsed straight backward, lying in the snow, gazing helplessly at the sky.

Go then. Let them all go.

If she were left alone, that would be best.

Liu Sanniang sighed and took off her thick cloak, draping it over Gu Qingyin.

“Don’t worry. I’ve already sent people to watch over her in secret. She won’t be in any danger.”

“Sanniang.” Gu Qingyin didn’t even blink, yet her tears had already seeped into the snow. “If not for my master’s instructions to honor you as an elder… I would have killed you.”

Liu Sanniang sat beside her with a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry.”

She knew exactly what Zhong Shujin meant to Gu Qingyin. And yet, she had still helped her leave.

After all, how could she not understand Gu Qingyin’s disappointment? She had betrayed her trust.

No matter how much Gu Qingyin hated or resented her at this moment, Liu Sanniang still carried her back to the medicine hut.

All the way there, Gu Qingyin simply stared blankly ahead, silent and unresponsive.

For days after, she remained trapped in her sorrow.

The once fastidious woman now neglected herself completely—she neither bathed nor moved, only sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees, staring vacantly into space, her eyes unable to focus on anything.

Every time Liu Sanniang saw her like this, she could only sigh.

This wound ran too deep.

What a pity—healers could not heal themselves.