48. Immortal Path of Verdant

Beneath the lofty imperial court, flecks of winter sunlight filtered through, casting a warm glow that shimmered on the snow-covered ground, creating an illusion of warmth. Yet, the air remained biting, piercing to the bone, making one shiver and exhale clouds of steaming white breath.

In such weather, the sunlight was dazzling, warming faces to a flush, but the pervasive chill refused to relent. Snow, inches deep, blanketed the ground, slightly melting under the sun's heat, only to draw warmth from its surroundings as it evaporated, lowering the temperature further. The cold made people tremble, yearning to retreat to cozy rooms, wrap themselves in blankets, and hibernate like bears through the winter days.

For the imperial guards stationed at the royal city, this weather was particularly loathsome, a torment of alternating warmth and cold, worse than the biting winds of a snowy night. Still, their duty to protect the emperor and the heart of the Bright Hua Empire demanded unwavering vigilance. Clad in full armor, they stood resolute, their expressions stern, not daring to slacken for a moment.

At the core of the empire, even the smallest mistake could be catastrophic. Guards at the side gates and minor paths maintained strict protocol, knowing a single lapse could cost them their position or worse, endanger their families.

Yet, the commander of the imperial guard at the city's checkpoint found himself in a quandary. He scrutinized a travel permit, examining it repeatedly, even inspecting the seams for any sign of forgery. The document bore the unmistakable imperial seal, inked in vermilion, along with the personal seal of Li, the emperor's most cherished little princess, and the privileged mark of Qing, a princess of extraordinary status. The seals' unique spiritual aura confirmed their authenticity beyond doubt.

What troubled the commander was the girl presenting the permit. Her appearance and attire were breathtaking. She wore a flowing, pale purple palace gown that clung to her slender frame, accentuating her graceful curves. Though still youthful, her figure was blossoming, with gentle curves that hinted at future allure. Her movements exuded a delicate charm, like a flower budding into bloom, yet carried the promise of unparalleled beauty to come. A glimpse of her fair, jade-like skin at her chest outshone the snow around her, and her slender neck, elegant as a swan's, supported a face that seemed to embody all the world's beauty.

Her features retained a touch of childish innocence, yet their contours were flawless, her proportions a masterpiece of nature, neither too sharp nor too soft, perfectly balanced. A light touch of makeup enhanced her look: fine eyeliner elongated her bright, expressive eyes, adding a hint of maturity; minimal rouge left her small, delicate lips a soft red, vibrant yet understated, like the finishing stroke of a painting.

Her beauty dimmed the winter sun, drawing sidelong glances from the guards, who found themselves momentarily entranced. Simply standing there, she was a vision of perfection.

It was precisely this beauty, coupled with her luxurious palace attire and an innate, regal aura, like a phoenix surveying the world, that made the commander hesitate. Her presence was commanding, naturally drawing all eyes, as if she were the protagonist in any crowd. Such a figure was clearly no ordinary person, yet she bore a permit reserved for the palace's most elite, leaving him torn between protocol and deference.

"Miss," the commander began, choosing his words carefully, "may I ask under which noble you serve? I mean no offense."

Her striking appearance and attire suggested she was either a high-ranking figure or a close confidant of one. The guards, barred from entering the inner palace without orders, were unfamiliar with its intricacies, but her beauty implied she was no mere servant.

"I am Hana, a sixth-rank lady official of Felicity Palace," the girl replied, her mood visibly subdued. After a long pause, her eyes downcast, she produced an identity jade token and handed it to the commander.

Realization dawned: she was one of Li's attendants! The commander's demeanor shifted to respect as he returned the token. "My apologies for any delay, Miss. Safe travels!"

A sixth-rank official was minor, but serving Li, the emperor's beloved little princess, was no small matter. Known as the darling of Emperor Ming and Empress Mei, Li was the only princess to hold the title of "little princess" in Felicity Palace. Offending her could spell disaster, as even a casual complaint from her could end a guard's career.

Li nodded faintly, her expression distant, and limped away from the palace gate, her ankle evidently injured. Many guards, struck by her solitary, fragile figure, felt an urge to assist but were deterred by the commander's stern glare.

None dared imagine that this girl, so delicate and vulnerable, could be the empire's famously spirited and pampered little princess.

Yet Li felt an unprecedented loneliness and pain. The physical ache paled compared to the turmoil in her heart. Today, Feng, the alchemist-warrior, had not only wounded a fairy's heart but shattered the delicate feelings of a young girl awakening to love.

She had anticipated his arrival with uncontainable joy, hurriedly donning her favorite dress and, for the first time, applying light makeup to her naturally radiant face. Shyly, she hoped to show Feng that she was no longer just a playful child but a poised, elegant lady.

But she could never compare to her sister, Qing.

"I'm here for your sister," Feng had said.

"I'm sorry."

No proper farewell, only those curt words.

*Am I truly no match for Qing?* Li wondered, tasting heartache for the first time, a bitter, searing pain that dwarfed any physical discomfort. Perhaps this was the sting of first love lost.

She didn't resent Qing or Feng. She knew it wasn't her sister's fault, nor hers. Yet a suffocating weight pressed on her chest, urging her to flee, to escape. Sadness pooled within her, threatening to spill over.

Her vision blurred as tears welled up. Sniffling, she tilted her head to the vast sky, fighting to hold them back. She regretted venturing out alone, wishing for someone to share her burden.

"Oi, oi, oi!" a voice exclaimed, as if answering her silent plea. A carriage halted nearby, and a curtain parted to reveal a plump, round face with small, squinting eyes peering out from folds of flesh. The exaggerated expression was almost comical.

"What a coincidence! Too perfect!" Wally Wang, the wealthy merchant, grinned as if the encounter were pure chance, though Li knew his tricks well.

Without a word, she lifted the carriage curtain, climbed the steps, and entered the spacious interior. The carriage was as opulent as ever, now warmed by several braziers, creating a cozy haven. She sat across from Wally, silent.

"Uh," Wally, adept at reading moods, sensed her distress. Swallowing his usual jests, he offered a sheepish smile and fell quiet.

The carriage rolled forward, the soft clop of hooves and the smooth glide of wheels, crafted with immortal techniques, masking any bumps. Only the passing street scenes and snow-covered rooftops outside hinted at their movement.

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Wally coughed, breaking the quiet. "Ahem!" He eyed Li, noting her exquisite appearance: the delicate makeup softening her youthful features, the elegant palace gown accentuating her budding beauty. She was a vision he'd never seen before.

Swallowing hard, he stammered, "Princess, you look stunning today."

Li glanced at him, surprised. She'd hoped for such words from Feng, yet here was Wally, of all people, voicing them.

"Hmph! Obviously!" she retorted, feigning irritation, though her heart warmed slightly.

Her reddened eyes and subdued demeanor betrayed her turmoil. Wally, seasoned in matters of the heart, sensed an opportunity, his mind scheming even as he feigned sympathy. *Whoever won her favor is a fool, blind to such a treasure! But this is my chance to shine.*

Stroking his chubby chin, his small eyes gleamed with mischief. A woman scorned was ripe for the taking, and he intended to seize the moment.

Adopting a somber tone, he said, "Princess, you're the most beautiful woman in the world. Who could fail to see that?"

"Look at your flawless face, no woman could compare!"

"Your graceful figure, ahem, I mean, your sacred presence, no mere courtesan could match!"

"Your elegance, those so-called beauties are nothing next to you!"

*So why did he ignore her? Or did he see her beauty and choose to look away?*

Li's thoughts drifted back to Feng's departure, her mood sinking again, her silken hair falling limply over her chest.

"Stop spouting nonsense!" she snapped, though his words eased her pain slightly, a faint crack in her defenses making her restless.

"I'm not that great," she murmured, a mix of modesty and doubt. Raised among stunning women like her mother, Mei, and sister, Qing, she knew her beauty fell short of theirs.

But Wally, shedding his usual deference, unleashed his merchant's flattery. "Not true! I'm stating facts! You're the world's greatest beauty. My admiration for you is like a ceaseless river. I'd be your loyal servant forever!"

His saccharine words, both pleasing and embarrassing, sparked Li's indignation. "Shut up!" she shouted, flustered.

To her surprise, Wally's expression softened. "Princess, do you feel a bit better now?"

Li paused, realizing his antics had indeed lifted her spirits, dispelling some of the gloom. But how had he known she was upset?

Seeing her confusion, Wally chuckled inwardly. Her naive, lovesick demeanor was familiar to him, a man who'd charmed countless women. Though regal and stunning, Li was still a young girl, no match for his cunningness.

"Because," he said gently, "your eyes gave you away."

His attempt at warmth, marred by his grotesque appearance, came off as sleazy. Li averted her gaze, muttering, "Nonsense!"

Wally sighed dramatically. "Why deceive yourself, Princess? Does he truly love you? If he did, he wouldn't leave you hurting, lost, and sad."

His words struck like needles, piercing her fragile facade. *Feng, do you really.* She sifted through memories, finding no trace of romantic affection. To him, she was just a sister, Qing's little sister. He might share bonds with Qing, Lian, or Suya, but with her, she was merely a sibling.

"Shut up!" she cried, her voice trembling with anger and regal authority, yet laced with brokenness and despair, as if fleeing from truth.

Wally sidled closer, his bulk shaking the carriage, his oily smile gleaming with intent. "Princess, if you need to cry, let it out."

Her fragile heart shattered. Clinging to his shoulders, tears streamed down, soaking his clothes with her warmth and confusion. Her slender frame trembled, her sobs a mix of grief and resentment.

Wally's fat hand rested on her shoulder, feeling her warmth through her gown. His heart raced, but he remained silent, feigning comfort while his eyes glinted with triumph.

The journey continued smoothly, but within the carriage, a pure, naive girl, wounded by love, was unwittingly ensnared by a scheming merchant. Her vulnerable heart, torn open, allowed him to slip inside, exploiting her pain.

Her soft, pliant body felt like holding a spring breeze, her delicate scent filling his senses, intoxicating him. Swallowing hard, he licked his sausage-like lips, his desire surging after days of restraint. His breathing quickened, his chest heaving, the bulge in his trousers stirring.

"Calm down," he muttered to himself, suppressing the urge to ravish her. Noticing they'd reached their destination, he said, "Princess, that man broke your heart. Forget him. Let's go have some fun, cheer you up."

Li, realizing the impropriety of their closeness, stiffened. Still reeling from her heartache, she rose, wiping her face to hide her vulnerability. "Let's go," she said hoarsely, her voice betraying her tears.

Eager to escape the awkwardness, she stepped toward the door but stumbled, her injured ankle giving way. Wally caught her swiftly, concern in his voice. "Are you hurt?"

His genuine worry softened her view of him. "It hurts," she whimpered, her pampered nature making the pain unbearable, amplified by her emotional turmoil.

"Where?" he asked urgently. She pointed to her ankle. Kneeling, he cradled her foot as if it were a priceless gem, gently lifting her skirt to reveal skin whiter than ivory, dazzling him.

Removing her silk sock and embroidered shoe, he exposed her delicate foot, marred by a bruise, purple and swollen against her flawless skin, a jarring sight that pained him. From a hidden compartment, he retrieved a jade vial, its refreshing scent marking it as a costly elixir. Pouring it onto the bruise, he spread it evenly, easing her pain as the swelling subsided.

"Phew," he sighed, "no bone damage, Princess."

He looked up, mesmerized. Her tear-streaked face, flushed with shyness, was a vision of fragile beauty, her misty eyes and quivering lips a portrait of vulnerability.

Realizing he held her bare foot, its warmth and scent overwhelmed him. His restraint snapped, desire consuming him. He opened another vial, its heady aroma intoxicating, stirring a drunken heat within them both.

The driver, sensing the situation, discreetly parked the carriage in a secluded spot and stood guard, clearly accustomed to Wally's escapades.

Li felt her body weaken, a strange heat rising within her. "Princess," Wally's voice was thick with lust, his red eyes predatory, sparking both fear and a curious thrill in her.

"W-what?" she stammered.

"Remember our last 'game'?" he panted.

Game? Her mind flashed to the circus, where he'd pressed against her, a hard, massive object, hot and terrifying, rubbing against her foot, even spraying a foul, white liquid.

Her face flushed crimson, but Wally, crazed with desire, buried his face in her foot, inhaling deeply, his hot breath tickling her sole. She squirmed, torn between disgust and a strange allure, her strength sapped by the drugged air.

He seized her other foot, baring it to admire their perfect symmetry, his boldness fueled by the aphrodisiac. Unzipping his trousers, he revealed a grotesque, oversized penis, over twenty centimeters long, thick as a child's arm, with a pointed, red tip and a bulbous base, pale and veined.

Li gasped, covering her eyes, but peeked through her fingers, her body reacting with a shameful heat. "This," Wally rasped, "is my 'meat lingzhi', or you can call it a cock."

"Cock?" she echoed, dazed, her innocence no match for his depravity.

"Let's play something more thrilling," he urged, his voice a seductive poison. Despite her protests, Feng's rejection echoed, and she relented, whispering, "What."

Wally parted her feet, thrusting his cock between them, the searing heat making her cry out. Her instinctive clamp only heightened his pleasure, her soft soles gripping him tightly. He moved rhythmically, her slick feet gliding over his shaft, the wet sounds filling the air.

She moved in sync, her body betraying her, the heat in her core building. Wally's hands roamed to her small breasts, kneading them skillfully, sparking waves of pleasure. Pinching her nipples, he sent her over the edge, her first orgasm flooding her with ecstasy, her vaginal fluids soaking her undergarments.

Simultaneously, Wally climaxed, his thick semen spraying across the carriage, staining her gown. The mingled scents of their release filled the air, dizzying and primal.

"You, how dare you!" Li snapped, shoving him away, her face burning with shame and lingering arousal.

Wally, sated, grinned sheepishly. "My apologies, Princess."

"Don't speak of this, or I'll have your entire clan executed!" she warned, fleeing the carriage.

At the door, Wally called, "Princess, next time?"

She froze, trembling, but said nothing, slipping away into the night.