Chapter 243: Chapter 242: Ma Xiaotao’s Love
Standing atop the tallest building in Star Luo City and gazing down at the sprawling metropolis, Qianran felt an indescribable sense of wonder.
He had visited the capital of the Heavenly Soul Empire on his way back from the Extreme North with Qian Renxue, but it couldn't compare to Star Luo City. Among the three empires of the original Douluo Continent, only the Star Luo Empire had endured the millennia intact. The Dou Ling Empire and the Heavenly Soul Empire were mere remnants of the once-mighty Heaven Dou Empire, split apart over time.
Star Luo's strength outshone the other two. While the Heavenly Soul Empire had the Body Sect as its guardian sect, and the Dou Ling Empire remained a quieter power, neither left as deep an impression on Qianran as Star Luo.
"You're awfully relaxed, aren't you? Wandering around Star Luo City as if nothing's happened. Don't you think the White Tiger Duke's household already knows about Dai Yaoheng? Be careful—they could come after you on their home turf," Ma Xiaotao said, suddenly appearing beside him. She leaned on the railing, her eyes following Qianran's as they admired the distant skyline.
"Dai Yaoheng's injuries aren't my fault. He's not even dead, just crippled. Why should they come for me?" Qianran replied with a shrug. If the Dai family thought he was easy prey, he wouldn't mind giving them a harsh lesson.
"That may be true, but they won't see it that way," Ma Xiaotao retorted, rolling her eyes at Qianran's indifference.
Even though Qianran seemed unconcerned, Ma Xiaotao couldn't help but worry.
No matter how confident she was in his abilities, the White Tiger Duke's household was a centuries-old legacy. Qianran's youth and boldness could lead him into trouble, and she couldn't bear the thought of him being hurt.
"You're afraid I might die?" Qianran teased, leaning closer to her. "If I die, you'll be a widow."
His fingers traced lightly over her soft figure, making her tremble.
"Who would mourn you? Don't flatter yourself. We're not even…" Ma Xiaotao's face turned crimson, her heart betraying her with its quickened beat.
Despite her attempt to downplay her feelings, Ma Xiaotao couldn't deny Qianran's unique charm. His composure in the face of powerful opponents, such as the White Tiger Duke, left her deeply moved.
Though she feared for his safety, she adored his confidence and commanding presence.
"Hm? Or are you planning to marry someone else?" Qianran asked, his tone dropping to a dangerous whisper as he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Even though Ma Xiaotao's reluctance stemmed from shyness, Qianran couldn't stand the thought of losing her.
"You don't get to decide," she retorted stubbornly.
"I do," Qianran said firmly, holding her as if to meld her into himself.
Unable to contain himself, he began planting kisses along her neck and shoulders. From her soft lips to her elegant collarbone, he left no spot untouched. Each kiss was deliberate, savoring the unique taste of every part of her.
"Qianran…"
Ma Xiaotao's voice trembled as she closed her eyes, surrendering to the unfamiliar yet thrilling sensations.
Was this what it felt like to be cherished by someone? To entrust herself entirely to another person?
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Ma Xiaotao murmured his name, her heart finally opening fully to him. She realized that letting go of her reservations brought an incredible sense of freedom and joy.
From this moment onward, she belonged only to Qianran.
Amid the skyscrapers and under the vast sky, the two shared a kiss so passionate it erased all else. For the first time, Ma Xiaotao's martial soul, tainted by her fiery temperament, didn't flare up. In its place was a pure, untainted love.
By the time Qianran finally released her, Ma Xiaotao's lips were swollen from the prolonged kiss.
Her face was flushed, her breath unsteady. Unlike Qianran, who was experienced in such things, Ma Xiaotao was a novice, leaving her dazed and slightly embarrassed.
"Xiaotao, I want to…" Qianran's voice was thick with desire as he gazed at her.
"Huh?" Ma Xiaotao blushed even deeper, glancing around nervously.
"I've checked—there's no one around. This area's restricted, remember?" Qianran said, pulling her closer. His hand rested on her curvaceous hips, his fingers trailing over her enticing figure.
Ma Xiaotao, normally so fiery and untouchable, was now soft and compliant in his arms. Her vulnerability made Qianran's heart race.
"Alright… but be careful," Ma Xiaotao whispered after a long pause, her voice trembling. She slowly knelt before him, wrapping her arms around his legs. Her pink eyes shimmered with warmth as she looked up at him, her expression filled with both affection and apprehension.
For Qianran, this was a moment of both triumph and tenderness. He felt a pang of guilt—Ma Xiaotao, a goddess in the inner court, was offering herself to him without reservation. Her status, talent, and fiery personality made her the envy of many, yet here she was, entirely his.
"Don't dirty your stockings. Put your knees on my shoes," Qianran said softly, stroking her crimson hair.
To him, black stockings were sacred and shouldn't be sullied by mere dirt. Memories of Xian Lin'er's stockings paired with honey lingered in his mind—an indulgence he still relished.
Ma Xiaotao obeyed, resting her knees on Qianran's polished shoes.
Her delicate compliance only deepened Qianran's feelings for her.
(End of Chapter)
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