lava

Chapter 45

Nie Chengyan remained silent, watching her with a half-smile. Han Xiao blushed furiously and suddenly turned and ran towards the door, saying, "I'll go tell Fengfeng that I will never run away from home." But she hadn't run two steps when she was entangled by a long whip. Han Xiao felt a blur before her eyes and was already rolling onto the bed. Nie Chengyan was on top of her, his eyes dark and bright, his gaze so intense that Han Xiao felt her breath heat up.

"I was wrong, Master. I will never lose my temper again. I will not be difficult anymore. I believe everything you say. If I don't understand something, I will definitely ask you. I will not dare to get sick again, and I will not run away from home..." She spoke incoherently, and finally Nie Chengyan lowered his head and sealed her lips with his.

Han Xiao's head was spinning from the kiss. She heard Nie Chengyan mutter, "You can throw a tantrum, you can be as difficult as you want. It's okay for you to be a little temperamental with your husband." Han Xiao felt both sweet and flustered. She wanted to argue that with his bad temper, he would never allow it if she really acted up. But she couldn't say anything because Nie Chengyan's hand had slipped inside her clothes. He licked the skin near her ear, as if gently breathing into it: "Run away from home? Try it."

How could she dare to try? He bit her earlobe, and she shrank her neck, not daring to utter a sound. She felt her fever rising again, and if she got sick again, she absolutely couldn't be blamed.

Nie Chengyan pulled open her clothes and sucked a red mark on her collarbone: "You are mine, Xiaoxiao, you are not allowed to go anywhere."

Author's Note: This is such a mess of melodrama!

Confused and infatuated

She was his? Han Xiao was dizzy and confused, her heart fluttering and her mind wandering after being overwhelmed by his domineering yet seductive charm. She squinted her eyes and nestled in his arms like a kitten. He sucked on her neck, his touch a little too strong. It wasn't the first time they had kissed so intimately, but he had never been so impatient as he was now.

She groaned softly as he sucked on her, but still obediently turned her head to the side, letting his head press against her neck. He slipped one hand under her clothes, caressing her skin, and placed the other hand on her cheek, holding her under his lips.

Han Xiao felt a tingling, itchy sensation on her neck. His breath was so hot that she could hardly breathe. She couldn't help but push him away, holding his shoulder. He seemed not to notice and didn't react at all, but instead bit her skin. Han Xiao couldn't bear the embarrassment and pushed him away again, this time with more force. He seemed a little annoyed and looked up at her.

"You...you're pressing down on me," she stammered, blushing as she tried to protest. He glared at her again: "I'm pressing down on you, do you think I'd press down on anyone else?"

What nonsense are you spouting? Han Xiao pushed him again: "Stop fooling around."

Nie Chengyan picked her up and rolled her over, putting her on top, and said, "Then you can be on top of me, okay?"

Han Xiao blushed even more, hurriedly supporting herself with her hands, struggling to get up, and said softly, "I don't want to press you down, stop fooling around, let's talk about serious matters."

"This is the most important thing right now." He held her tightly, preventing her from getting up, and pressed her head down to kiss her lips. She obediently returned the kiss, letting his tongue entwine with hers. He held her tighter and tighter, lying on his side and forcing her into the inner part of the bed. The light in his eyes made her a little flustered. He touched her more and more urgently, and suddenly tore open her clothes.

She let out a soft cry, but before she could cover herself, he pulled her into his arms, his large hand shoving her clothes off her shoulder and biting her shoulder. She finally realized that he wasn't just trying to scare her; he really meant it.

This realization filled her with both shame and trepidation. Earlier, she wouldn't have hesitated; she had already decided on him and was determined to give herself to him. However, he had always been protective and cherishing, promising her that they would consummate their marriage after he found the Elder of Clouds and Mist and they were engaged. Therefore, he always let her go at the last moment, and she was deeply moved by his thoughtfulness and respect. But now that she had just broken her heart for Xie Jingyun, did he want to confirm it in this way?

"Master." Han Xiao struggled slightly, panting, but he grabbed her hand and put it on his body: "Xiao Xiao, touch me too. Look, I've lost weight since you left."

These words softened her heart, and as if bewitched, she actually touched him, feeling a pang of heartache; he did seem to have lost some weight. He had difficulty walking and rarely engaged in physical activity. Aside from practicing martial arts, she had to urge him to massage and move around. She worried that he might be slacking off while she was away.

In a moment of distraction, her chest was already exposed. He kissed her while continuing to tear off her clothes. Han Xiao stammered, "You...I..." but Nie Chengyan clung to her tightly without any hesitation. Their clothes were disheveled, their hair loose, and their breaths mingled together. In the midst of their passionate lovemaking, Feng Ning's voice suddenly came from outside the door: "Xiao Xiao..."

Han Xiao was startled, and embarrassed, she tried to turn over, but Nie Chengyan grabbed her: "You dare to leave me now?" Han Xiao couldn't move, and could only whisper, her face burning red, "Fengfeng is outside..."

"I don't care if there are immortals outside." Nie Chengyan was determined to be domineering today. He grabbed Han Xiao's waist and dragged her down again. Han Xiao was distracted and glanced at the door. He slapped her on the buttocks with a "smack".

Feng Ning pressed her ear to the door, but heard nothing. She called again, "Xiao Xiao..." Long San had been summoned by Huo Qiyang and rushed over. He had only been gone for a short while to talk to his spies, and now his wife was causing trouble again. Seeing Feng Ning about to call again, he quickly pulled her back, "Feng'er, why did you come here?"

“Xiaoxiao has been arrested, and I’m afraid she’ll be bullied.” Feng Ning always speaks the truth, but Long San found it hard to believe. He pulled her outside and said, “Don’t be silly. Are you bored? Come on, let’s go do something important.”

Feng Ning pouted unhappily: "You men always side with the men. Didn't you see how fierce Lord Nie looked? Xiao Xiao must have been scolded."

"No, I won't." Long San was already calm and composed towards her: "I'm going to do something adventurous. If you're obedient, I'll take you with me."

Feng Ning looked at him seriously: "Really?" He would never be willing to take her to do anything. Long San smiled and pulled her away. When they reached the gate, they saw Xie Jingyun getting out of the sedan chair and preparing to come in. Feng Ning quickly said: "Miss Xie, you've come at the right time. City Lord Nie is looking for you. He's inside. Go find him quickly."

Xie Jingyun was taken aback. She thanked him and quickly walked inside. Long San sighed inwardly, "Brother, I really did my best. You can decide what to do next."

Inside Nie Chengyan's room, Han Xiao's eyes were brimming with tears, her clothes were half off, and her face was flushed from the heat. She was still worried about whether Feng Ning would knock on the door again, whether the door was closed properly, whether their movements were too loud, and whether someone outside would hear them. Her chaotic thoughts, coupled with Nie Chengyan's relentless pressure, left her feeling utterly bewildered and at a loss. But even in her dazed state, she knew that this was definitely not a good time to engage in such shameful acts.

"Master, Master..."

"Shut up." Nie Chengyan truly hated the inconvenience caused by his legs. He had to control her and bewitch her at the same time, using both soft and hard tactics. Otherwise, if she ran away, became unhappy, couldn't adapt, or wasn't as infatuated with him as he was, none of these were the results he wanted. He only hoped that she would be devoted to him and single-mindedly committed to him.

"Ayan, Ayan..." The more impatiently he tore at their clothes, the more panicked she became. The mix of longing and fear overwhelmed her, and she could no longer stop him. She just hugged his neck and softly called his name, begging for something, though she didn't really know what she was begging for.

"Be good, I'm right here." Nie Chengyan coaxed her gently. He sat up halfway, leaned against the wall inside the bed, held her waist and lifted her gently, placing her between his waist and legs. Then he pulled her head down and kissed her lips tenderly. He was hot and hard, while she was soft and tender.

"Ayan..." Han Xiao called out again under his lips, but he ignored her. His slender fingers began to probe. Han Xiao's whole body tensed up. She closed her eyes, wrinkled her face, and buried her head in his neck: "Ayan..." Her soft voice rang out at the same time as another clear female voice outside the door. They were both calling out "Ayan" in unison.

Nie Chengyan and Han Xiao both froze. Han Xiao looked up to examine the expression in his eyes and sensed a hint of awkwardness in him. That must be it. No matter how fake the one outside was, she still had the same face and a very similar voice as her. Xie Jingyun had such a profound influence on him that he would feel embarrassed and awkward in this situation.

"Ayan..." someone called again from outside. Nie Chengyan seemed to realize his slight lapse in composure just now, and seeing Han Xiao's flustered expression, he hurriedly explained, "It's not what you think." What could it be? Han Xiao couldn't say. When Feng Ning disturbed him earlier, he was open and generous in his anger, but now that someone else was calling from outside, he seemed to feel guilty.

Han Xiao's heart skipped a beat. She had been coaxed into being greedy by him. She was now cautious and sensitive, intolerant of even the slightest imperfection. If things weren't clear and resolved, she truly couldn't bring herself to go to bed with him. She struggled slightly, afraid of making a noise that would be heard outside, and only whispered, "Let me go."

Her actions enraged him. He gritted his teeth and said, "Don't even think about it. I've always spoiled you and let you have your way, but not today. You're mine, and only mine." He hugged her tightly, reaching out to caress her softness, enticing her to bloom for him. Mu Yuan, Xie Jingyun, and that old man he couldn't find anywhere—none of them could stand in the way of him and her. He dared not tell her how terrified he was of losing her.

Unfortunately, Han Xiao wasn't mind reader. She also had her own resentment and unease. The woman was right outside the door, and she simply couldn't submit in this situation. She struggled desperately, but he was stronger than her. He teased her, caressed her, and nibbled on her earlobe, making her tremble and melt. Han Xiao was powerless and said through tears, "Please, don't do this to me at a time like this."

"You don't want to?" He lost his patience and shouted, "Why don't you want to?"

"Please..." She couldn't explain, so she could only hug him and sob softly. Nie Chengyan glared at her, his whole body burning hot, his heart burning hot, and his mind was also hot. She didn't want to? He insisted.

His loud shout had alerted Xie Jingyun, who was about to leave. She knocked on the door again and called out, "Ayan..."

With that cry, the out-of-control Nie Chengyan restrained Han Xiao with one hand and gripped her waist with the other, lifting and pressing down hard. He penetrated her, and she screamed "Ah!" The immense pain and sorrow brought tears to her eyes.

"You are mine, and you are not allowed to refuse." Nie Chengyan said harshly, holding her tightly. Her body stiffened in pain, but he did not move rashly, pressing her head against his chest.

"I hate you." She no longer cared about anything else, having long forgotten that there was a rival standing outside the door. She shouted loudly and burst into tears.

"No."

"I hate it, I hate it so much!" She started to throw a tantrum, crying and screaming like a child.

"I hate you so much, but you're still mine." Nie Chengyan was about to explode, gritting his teeth until his temples twitched. Han Xiao struggled and twisted, but he couldn't get any leverage in his legs, so he could only support himself with his knees, holding her tightly and refusing to let go. The two of them tumbled and rolled onto the bed, their hair disheveled, their clothes half-draped and half-hanging on their bodies, looking as disheveled as could be.

Nie Chengyan's anger flared up. He reached for the soft whip at the corner of the bed, grabbed it, and tied Han Xiao's hands behind her back. Han Xiao was stunned. She opened her eyes wide and looked at him in a panic. He kissed the eyeball off her eyelashes, pressed her down on his side, hugged her tightly, and then thrust into her deeply.

He moved a few times, and Han Xiao, with her eyes closed, couldn't help but bury her head in the crook of his neck, letting out a few soft moans. Those kitten-like whimpers stirred his heart, and he pulled her face out and kissed her fiercely. This position made it difficult to control his strength, so Nie Chengyan could only use brute force. Han Xiao was in pain from the thrusts, her mouth was covered, and she couldn't speak. She twisted and struggled, instinctively kicking him with her feet. Nie Chengyan cried out "Ah!" and released her, stopping his movements, saying, "Xiao Xiao, my foot hurts."

Han Xiao was surprised and suddenly remembered his physical condition. She turned to look at his feet, but he took the opportunity to turn her over and let her sit on his lap. He sat up halfway and leaned against her, their bellies pressed together, forming an extremely intimate posture.

"You kicked my foot so hard, now it's better." He looked at her with an unprecedented allure, and smiled smugly and shamelessly, a smile that only he could see.

Han Xiao pouted, "Then it hurts too." He forced her, and even tied her up.

He pressed her waist down, pulling her into his arms, and kissed her shoulder, while his hands gently caressed her hips. Han Xiao knew the situation was hopeless, and in shame, she closed her eyes and tried to play the victim, saying, "Ayan, it hurts."

"Hmm." He reached out to massage her soft spot. "Then let me massage it for you." Han Xiao flinched at the stimulation, letting out a cry of "Ah!" She tilted her head back, panting heavily, and begged for mercy, "It doesn't hurt anymore, it doesn't hurt anymore, I was wrong..."

"What's wrong?"

"Huh?" Han Xiao's head was spinning, and she couldn't react for a moment. After a moment of confusion, she couldn't remember what he had asked, so she could only softly call out to him, "Ayan..."

Although Xie Jingyun couldn't hear clearly what was happening inside, even she, in her naiveté, could guess what had transpired. Huo Qiyang appeared, and from a distance, gestured for her to enter. Xie Jingyun gritted her teeth, turned, and walked away. After a moment's thought, she turned back and said, "Please tell Ayan that I've done everything he asked. Tell him to come see me when it's convenient." She spoke the words "when it's convenient" through gritted teeth, her voice tinged with sorrow, and her pitiful expression made her seem even more endearing. Huo Qiyang nodded in agreement. Xie Jingyun glanced again at Nie Chengyan's doorway, bit her lip, and finally turned and left.

Before Nie Chengyan could go find Xie Jingyun, an uninvited guest arrived.

Nie Chengyan and Han Xiao had just woken up from a nap. He couldn't help but laugh as he watched Han Xiao, with a stern face, tidy up for him. Their clothes were torn, and the bed was a mess. Han Xiao was furious. He had thoroughly bullied her, yet she was so willingly and dutifully cleaning, changing, combing his hair, and tidying up the house. She cursed him and herself eighty times in her mind, but she just couldn't help but want to make sure everything was done perfectly for him.

Nie Chengyan, like a satiated fox, sat lazily on the bed looking at her, his eyes shining with delight. He reached out to her and said in a coquettish tone, "Smile."

Han Xiao was carefully examining the torn clothes, wondering if they could be mended, when she heard this and replied without turning her head, "No time."

"Come over if you're free."

Han Xiao turned her back to him, clearly not going to pay him any attention. Just as Nie Chengyan was about to say something, Huo Qiyang's voice came from outside the door: "Master, Chi Yanxing has arrived."

Han Xiao and Nie Chengyan were both taken aback and exchanged a glance. Han Xiao put down the clothes in her hand, went over and pushed the wheelchair to the bedside, helped Nie Chengyan into a chair, smoothed his hair, and straightened his clothes.

"Smile."

"I'm here, I want to be with you."

Nie Chengyan looked at her and nodded: "Okay, let's go together."

Huo Qiyang was waiting for them outside the door. His expression was strange, and Nie Chengyan knew that something must have surprised him. He nodded to him, and Huo Qiyang led him into the courtyard.

Chi Yanxing was waiting in the courtyard. When Nie Chengyan and Han Xiao saw him, they suddenly understood why the murderer hadn't just poisoned Nie Chengyan, but also severed his Achilles tendons. It turned out that Chi Yanxing was also in a wheelchair.

Chi Yanxing looked younger than Elder Yunwu. He had a dignified face and a calm and upright demeanor. When he saw Nie Chengyan and Han Xiao coming over, he didn't say anything, but just carefully looked them over.

"Mr. Qishan, what brings you here?" Nie Chengyan, having seen enough, broke the silence.

"What do you think it should be?"

“My grandfather came to visit Mr. Qishan to reminisce about the past, and it’s time for him to go home,” Nie Chengyan said frankly, stating his plans.

Chi Yanxing smiled and said, "You've found out quite a lot, and we should settle things. But what I'm most interested in right now isn't you two, grandfather and grandson."

Nie Chengyan remained calm, waiting for him to continue. Chi Yanxing shifted his gaze to behind Nie Chengyan and said, "I'm here to see this girl."

A note from the author: I'm in a bad mood today. I saw some injustices on Weibo. It took me a long time to calm down and feel like writing again. I apologize for keeping you all waiting.

Chi Yanxing came to see Xiaoxiao; everyone should know what it's about, right?

Past grudges (with supplementary details)

Nie Chengyan's grip on the chair armrest tightened subtly, but his expression remained calm and composed: "What is it?"

Chi Yanxing ignored him and instead asked Han Xiao, "How did you manage to blind the Xia army's generals and soldiers so silently?"

Han Xiao leaned closer to Nie Chengyan without saying a word. Nie Chengyan didn't turn around to look at her, but said to Chi Yanxing, "The Xia army's situation is hopeless. If Mr. Qishan wants to help the Xia Kingdom, I'm afraid it's too late."

Chi Yanxing smiled and said, "Although I serve the King of Xia, I have always regarded the Nie family and the matters related to Yunwu Mountain as my private affairs over the years. My question about this eye disease is not for the sake of the Xia Kingdom."

"Private matters?" Now it was Nie Chengyan's turn to laugh, but it was cold: "I was unaware that our Nie family had a private relationship with Mr. Qishan. We have not paid him a visit for so many years, which is a great oversight."

Chi Yanxing said, "Isn't a deep-seated hatred even deeper than a normal personal relationship?" He looked at Nie Chengyan, then at his wheelchair and then at his feet, his expression unreadable.

Nie Chengyan narrowed his eyes, feeling as if Chi Yanxing's gaze was a knife piercing his heart, drawing blood. It took a lot of strength for him to control his temper. Chi Yanxing smiled slightly at this and said, "I have changed my temperament in the past few years. My thoughts on many things are different from before. Otherwise, you would not have had the opportunity to stay here so peacefully."

Han Xiao's heart tightened. She realized that Chi Yanxing was not only the imperial physician of the Xia King's palace but also used poison to aid the Xia King in invading other countries. Lian Qiao had also appeared on the front lines of the war between the two nations; they were likely powerful figures within the Xia Kingdom. Nie Chengyan and she were currently within Xia territory. If Chi Yanxing truly intended to harm them, they would likely be doomed. Thinking of this, she became nervous and unconsciously gripped the back of Nie Chengyan's chair.

Nie Chengyan, however, was not afraid. He said coldly, "You should be glad that someone has been coaxing and suppressing my temper these past few years, otherwise you would not have had the opportunity to speak to me."

Upon hearing this, Chi Yanxing tapped the armrest of his chair and thought for a moment: "As expected..."

Han Xiao was confused. What did he mean? Had Nie Chengyan done something?

Chi Yanxing said "as expected" but then laughed: "At my age, I'm not afraid of anything anymore. I dare to take responsibility for my actions. I sent someone to poison you, and I had your Achilles tendon severed. It was all to get revenge on Nie Mingchen."

Han Xiao's heart skipped a beat; Nie Chengyan had actually guessed everything. Chi Yanxing said, “Back then, Nie Mingchen and I competed in medical skills. We each treated two patients. When my patient was almost recovered, he secretly poisoned him. His poison skills were superb, and the patient died in a way that seemed reasonable. Although I knew something was wrong, I never considered such a vicious method. I lost the competition in public, knowing I had fallen into a trap, but I was too stupid to argue. At the time, I blamed myself for not being skilled enough. If my medical skills were better, I should have been able to cure him no matter what he did. Out of good faith, I retreated to the desert as agreed. But in this desolate place, as a medical student, I not only couldn't use my skills, but I was also bullied everywhere. To make a living, my wife and I had to walk a long way every day to collect herbs and treat patients for a meager fee, barely enough to survive. Life was too hard, and my wife fell ill and couldn't keep the baby. I could only comfort her that there would be plenty of time, but I couldn't see any hope for the future.”