Chapter 3: Suburbs I
902 Words
Then suddenly—smack!—a slap landed square on its head out of nowhere. The dragon whimpered pitifully.
[I thought I was going out to fight, that’s why I roared! Who would’ve guessed my crazy master wanted me to be some girl’s carriage instead!]
“What are you roaring for? Can’t you see you’re messing up A Nguyet’s hair?”
He rolled up his sleeves and gave the White Dragon a few more whacks before lifting her up onto its back. With a swift move, he hopped on behind her—one hand circling her waist, the other guiding the dragon. Her slender waist paired with the faint jasmine fragrance drifting from her body made his heart pound like a battle drum. Inside, he was secretly overjoyed.
[Too close. Her waist is too small. I want to bite. My heart’s beating too loud—what if she hears?!]
Her heart, too, fluttered lightly at the refreshing scent of mint clinging to him. She knew he spoiled her, which was why she always teased him endlessly. He patted the White Dragon’s back and it soared upward, piercing through layers of white clouds. The world below shrank rapidly—houses that once loomed large now looked like tiny dots.
“Sixth Brother, now the houses are as tiny as your brain.”
“At least I have a brain. Unlike someone I know.”
He always had a retort ready whenever she made her silly remarks—it wasn’t the first time she teased him like this. Once outside the city, the White Dragon descended into a forest not far from the village, so as not to frighten the townsfolk. As it retreated into his spiritual sense, it didn’t forget to throw a scornful look.
[Master, all you ever think about is A Nguyet, A Nguyet!]
Lanh Thien and Man Nguyet walked into the village. Though outside the capital, being so close to it and with the festival of praying for favorable weather taking place, the place was nearly as bustling as the city. Food stalls lined the streets like mushrooms after rain, vendors calling out to passersby. By now, the sun was high, their overlapping shadows on the ground mirroring the closeness between them. He led her into the grandest-looking tavern around. Inside, he chose the largest table, despite there being only two of them.
“What do you want to eat? Order. I’ll buy it for you.”
Head high, he spoke loudly with pride, patting the jingling pouch of money at his waist. The shopkeeper’s eyes flickered to that pouch, his face full of fawning smiles. Bowing, he kept sneaking glances at the purse, practically glowing with the thought of making a fortune.
“What a beautiful couple the two of you make. Our tavern is the finest outside the capital. Whatever you order, I guarantee it will not disappoint.”
Just those two words—beautiful couple—were enough to make him grin and toss a gold ingot onto the table. The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up like lanterns, hastily snatching it up with endless thanks.
“Bring me every dish on the menu. Whatever’s left, it’s yours.”
After a hearty feast, she suddenly turned to him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. An idea had struck her again—another way to toy with him. She stood, the little bell tied at her waist chiming softly. Turning toward the door, she took a running start and shouted:
“Little Sixth!”
Whoosh—she bolted out of sight. It took him several seconds to realize, before he leapt up and gave chase, yelling:
“What did you just call me? Stop right there, To Man Nguyet! Today I’ll beat you for sure!”
Just as he was brimming with fire, ready to give her a proper lesson, he froze in the middle of the street. His eyes widened, chest constricting, the world around him vanishing. His gaze locked on a single sight.
To Man Nguyet had fallen straight into the arms of another man.
It was a young master with refined looks. From his finely tailored robes and porcelain-white skin, he was clearly some spoiled rich son from a powerful family. With a hand around her waist to steady her, he smirked and let out mocking words:
“What lovely young lady has thrown herself into my arms? Do you want to climb onto this young master’s bed? Hmm… not bad, your figure would do well as my bedchamber maid. Hahaha!”
He and his friends roared with laughter, some even reaching out to grope at her. None of them noticed the madman a few paces away, seething with killing intent. Hoang Lanh Thien’s blood boiled hotter than ever—not even on the battlefield had he shown such murderous resolve.
He lunged forward like a wolf closing in on prey, gently pulling her behind him with one hand while seizing the young master by the collar with the other, hoisting him into the air. The young man flailed, legs kicking helplessly. His friends panicked, about to rush in, only to be blown back by a gust of icy aura. Nearby stalls were sent tumbling as well.
Hoang Lanh Thien’s voice dropped to a growl:
“And what exactly… did you plan to do… with MY WOMAN?”
His eyes narrowed, a chilling smile tugging at his lips.
- Writer
