My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1310 Insight

Once, when discussing the choice of building facade decoration materials, Ling Xue chose a relatively expensive new material according to the original plan to achieve a unique visual effect. However, Zhou Xing expressed a different opinion during the actual operation. He pointed out that although this material is beautiful, it may be easily damaged under long-term sun and rain, and it will increase the cost and difficulty of construction. Ling Xue was a little unhappy at first. She believed that she was a professional designer and considered the overall artistic effect and quality, while Zhou Xing only considered the convenience of construction. The two had a fierce dispute over this, with red faces and ears, and neither of them gave in.

But after calming down, Ling Xue began to seriously consider Zhou Xing's opinion. She carefully studied the characteristics of the new material and the actual situation at the construction site, and found that what Zhou Xing said was not unreasonable. So, she took the initiative to find Zhou Xing to apologize and said that she would re-evaluate the material selection. Zhou Xing also realized that his attitude was a bit tough, and accepted Ling Xue's apology with a smile. After this exchange, the relationship between the two people has subtly changed. From the initial unfamiliarity and resistance, they gradually became willing to listen to each other's ideas, and a tacit understanding was quietly growing.

During the intense project construction, a sudden rainstorm disrupted the original plan. The wind was howling, and the big raindrops poured down, threatening some of the unfinished structures of the building. The workers rushed around, trying to take measures to protect the construction site. Ling Xue was anxious, and her design results seemed so fragile in the face of the power of nature. Zhou Xing noticed Ling Xue's concerns, and without hesitation, he quickly organized his workers to build a temporary rain shelter and carry sandbags to reinforce the foundation. In the wind and rain, Zhou Xing's figure was like a solid lighthouse, bringing peace of mind and hope to Ling Xue. He directed his workers loudly, and his voice echoed in the sound of wind and rain: "Don't panic, everyone, quickly fix the scaffolding here!" Ling Xue looked at Zhou Xing's busy back in the rain, and a warm current surged in her heart. She also joined the rescue team regardless of her personal safety, handed tools, moved supplies, and fought side by side with the workers.

After the rainstorm, the sky gradually cleared up. The construction site was in a mess, but fortunately the key parts were properly protected. Zhou Xing and Ling Xue were soaked, but they had a smile on their faces. They sat on a pile of sandbags, breathing heavily, and their eyes showed more trust and appreciation for each other. Zhou Xing looked at Ling Xue's slightly messy hair after being wet by the rain, and couldn't help but joked: "Designer Ling, you look like a mud leg now." Ling Xue rolled her eyes at him and responded with a smile: "It's all thanks to you. If you hadn't led everyone to rescue desperately, my hard work this year would have been ruined." The two smiled at each other, and the laughter echoed in the fresh air, as if dispelling the previous haze.

At the border between the ancient magicians and Lingguo, there are countless mysterious and moving stories. Among them, the encounter between Zhou Xing and Ling Xue is like the intersection of stars, lighting up the night sky of the entire empire.

Zhou Xing, a young master of illusion, has been fascinated by the world of illusion since he was a child. His hometown, a small village surrounded by lush forests and winding streams, is a place where the art of illusion is passed down from generation to generation. Whenever night falls, the sound of melodious flutes can be heard in the village, which is the prelude to the illusionists summoning spirit beasts and weaving dreams. Growing up in such an environment, Zhou Xing has an extraordinary understanding and perception of illusion. He can not only skillfully manipulate natural elements to create breathtaking illusions, but also see into people's hearts and guide people's emotions and will with illusions.

By chance, Zhou Xing heard a legend about Ling Xue, the eldest princess of Ling State. It is said that Ling Xue is not only beautiful and intelligent, but also has a kind and tenacious heart. Her beauty is like a newly blossoming lily, elegant and refined; her wisdom is like the deep starry sky, vast and boundless. What is even more rare is that she is not arrogant because of her royal status. Instead, she often visits incognito, deeply understands the sufferings of the people, and uses her wisdom and kindness to solve problems for the people. Such a story deeply attracted Zhou Xing, and he decided to embark on a journey to find Ling Xue, hoping to see this legendary woman with his own eyes.

After several days of trekking, Zhou Xing finally arrived at the capital of Ling State. The city was majestic and magnificent, with magnificent palaces towering into the sky, and wide streets lined with shops, people coming and going, and it was very lively. Zhou Xing strolled through the streets and alleys, feeling the unique charm of this city. He heard that Princess Ling Xue often admired flowers and painted in the garden of the palace, so he decided to go there to try his luck.

When he stepped into the beautiful garden, it was as if he had stepped into a dream world. The garden was full of all kinds of exotic flowers and plants, which competed with each other in beauty under the sunshine and exuded charming fragrance. Zhou Xing walked through the flowers and came to a small pavilion. He saw a woman in a white gauze skirt sitting in the pavilion, holding a scroll and reciting softly. Her face was as delicate as a jade carving, her eyes were shining with wisdom, and her long black hair was casually draped over her shoulders. Zhou Xing was instantly attracted by her beauty and stopped involuntarily.

"Sir, why are you lingering here?" Ling Xue noticed Zhou Xing's gaze and raised her head to ask. Her voice was clear and pleasant, like spring water that refreshed the heart.

Zhou Xing was slightly stunned, then he reacted and bowed respectfully, "I am Zhou Xing, an illusionist. I have come to visit you because I have admired your highness the princess for a long time."

Ling Xue smiled slightly, with a hint of curiosity in her eyes: "Illusionist? That must be someone with magical skills. I wonder if Mr. Zhou can show me your illusion?"

Zhou Xing nodded and took out a small crystal ball from his arms. He gently injected magic power into the crystal ball, and it suddenly burst into dazzling light. As the light flickered, the surrounding scenery gradually changed. The originally clear sky became gloomy, with dark clouds, lightning and thunder. The wind howled, blowing the flowers in the garden to the ground. Ling Xue looked at all this in surprise, with a look of shock in her eyes.

"This... is this an illusion? It's so amazing!" Ling Xue exclaimed.

Zhou Xing looked at Ling Xue's expression, feeling proud in his heart. The spells in his hands kept changing, and the illusion became more realistic. Suddenly, a huge spirit beast jumped out of the clouds and rushed towards Ling Xue with its fangs and claws bared. Ling Xue turned pale with fear and quickly retreated.

"Don't be afraid, Princess. This is just an illusion." Zhou Xing said with a smile. At the same time, he retracted the magic formula in his hand and the spirit beast disappeared without a trace in an instant.

Ling Xue patted her chest and said slowly, "Mr. Zhou's illusion is really powerful. Not only can it make the fake look real, but it can also control people's hearts. I wonder if Mr. Zhou is willing to stay in the palace and bring joy and miracles to me and my people?"

Zhou Xing thought for a moment and finally nodded: "I am willing. But I am of humble origin and I am afraid I am not qualified for great use."

Ling Xue smiled and waved her hand: "Mr. Zhou, there is no need to be modest. Your talent and skills are the most outstanding among those I have ever seen. I believe you will bring more beauty to Ling Country."

From then on, Zhou Xing stayed in the palace and became Ling Xue's exclusive magician. He used his skills to perform for Ling Xue and the ministers, and he always won applause from the whole room. He also often accompanied Ling Xue on incognito visits, using magic to help the people solve their problems.

Once, they came to a remote village. The people here lived in poverty and suffered from drought all year round. Looking at the cracked land in the fields and the haggard people, Ling Xue's heart was filled with pity.

"Zhou Xing, can we do something for them?" Ling Xue asked, her eyes full of anticipation.

Zhou Xing nodded, thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness, I can use magic to create a rain to alleviate the drought."

After that, he began to prepare. He stood in the center of the village, raised his hands, and chanted something. As he performed the spell, dark clouds gradually gathered in the sky. Soon, raindrops began to fall. At first, the people thought it was real rain, and they came out of their homes and cheered. It was not until the rain stopped that they realized it was all an illusion, but the land became moist, as if it had just experienced a heavy rain.

"This... this is a miracle!" The people were amazed and knelt down to thank Ling Xue and Zhou Xing.

Ling Xue looked at the people's joyful expressions and felt a sense of accomplishment. She looked at Zhou Xing gratefully: "Zhou Xing, thank you. Your magic not only brings me joy, but also brings hope to the people."

Zhou Xing smiled and shook his head: "Your Highness, this is what I should do. It is my honor to use my skills to serve you and the people."

As time went by, Zhou Xing and Ling Xue became closer and closer. They studied and grew up together, and worked together for the prosperity of Ling State. However, their relationship was not blessed by everyone. A minister of Ling State named Li Jing had evil intentions and had always coveted Ling Xue's beauty and status. He saw that Zhou Xing and Ling Xue had a close relationship, and he was jealous. So he began to secretly plan to break them up.

One day, Li Jing found Zhou Xing and said with a smile on his face, "Mr. Zhou, I heard that your magic tricks are unparalleled in the world. Would you be willing to show them to me?"

Although Zhou Xing didn't like Li Jing, he still said politely, "Master Li, what do you want me to show you my magic for?"

Li Jing smiled and said, "It's like this. My family has a happy event recently, and I would like to ask Mr. Zhou to use magic to add some brilliance."

Zhou Xing couldn't refuse, so he followed Li Jing to his mansion. As soon as he entered the mansion, Zhou Xing felt that the atmosphere was a little wrong. Li Jing did not take him to see any happy scene, but took him to a remote hut.

"Mr. Zhou, I know you have a close relationship with Her Royal Highness the Princess. But I advise you to stay away from her, otherwise you may bring yourself unnecessary trouble." Li Jing said coldly, with a hint of threat in his eyes.

Zhou Xing frowned: "Master Li, what do you mean? The princess and I are just friends, how can you talk nonsense here?"

Li Jing sneered, "Friends? Humph, don't think I don't know what you are thinking. You are just a little illusionist, how can you possibly be worthy of Her Royal Highness the Princess? If you know what's good for you, leave her immediately, otherwise I have plenty of ways to make sure you can't stay in Ling Country any longer."

Zhou Xing looked at Li Jing's ugly face and felt angry. "Lord Li, I like Her Royal Highness the Princess and that's my business. It has nothing to do with you. If you dare to interfere in our relationship again, don't blame me for being rude."

Seeing that Zhou Xing was neither soft nor hard, Li Jing became even more angry and decided to find a way to frame Zhou Xing.

A few days later, news suddenly spread in the palace that Zhou Xing used magic to confuse people in the palace and had bad intentions. This news immediately caused an uproar. When Ling Xue learned about it, she was shocked. She didn't believe that Zhou Xing would do such a thing, but she had to face everyone's doubts.

"Your Highness, I heard that Zhou Xing is a charlatan who is good at using illusions to confuse people. He must have other purposes in approaching you, so please be careful." Li Jing fanned the flames.

Ling Xue looked at Li Jing, feeling a little shaken. She thought about every little thing between her and Zhou Xing, and felt that these things seemed a little strange. But she still decided to ask Zhou Xing for clarification.

When Ling Xue found Zhou Xing, Zhou Xing was packing up in his room. When he saw Ling Xue coming, a complicated expression appeared on his face.

"Your Highness, you are here." Zhou Xing said in a low voice.

"Zhou Xing, is the news in the palace true? Why are you doing this?" Ling Xue asked, with a trace of pain in her eyes.

Zhou Xing looked into Ling Xue's eyes, and his heart ached. He knew he was framed, but he didn't want to implicate Ling Xue.

"Your Highness, I..." Zhou Xing was about to explain when he heard footsteps outside. It turned out that Li Jing had arrived with a group of guards.

"Zhou Xing, you have been surrounded. Why don't you surrender?" Li Jing said proudly.

Zhou Xing glanced at Ling Xue and took a deep breath. "Your Highness, Princess, my feelings for you are known to all. I will never do anything to let you and the Ling Kingdom down. But now it seems that someone doesn't want us to be together. For your reputation and the peace of the Ling Kingdom, I am willing to bear all the consequences."

After saying that, Zhou Xing took the initiative to walk out of the room and followed the guards to the prison. Ling Xue looked at Zhou Xing's back as he left, feeling mixed emotions. She didn't know how to face this sudden change, nor did she know if Zhou Xing was really guilty.

In the prison, Zhou Xing was tortured. But he never said a word and just endured everything silently. He knew that if he told the truth, it might bring more trouble to Ling Xue. The only thing he was worried about was Ling Xue's safety.

Outside the palace, when the people learned that Zhou Xing had been arrested, they all pleaded for him. They had all seen Zhou Xing's magic performances and knew that he was a kind-hearted and talented person. They didn't believe that Zhou Xing would do such a thing. So, people began to organize themselves and went to the palace to petition.

Ling Xue was deeply moved when she learned about the people's actions. She began to re-examine the matter and felt that there must be many misunderstandings. She decided to investigate the matter herself and clear Zhou Xing's name.

After an in-depth investigation, Ling Xue finally discovered Li Jing's conspiracy. It turned out that Li Jing deliberately framed Zhou Xing in order to gain his own status and wealth.