My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1463 Persistence
The speaker was none other than Xiao Lie, the commander-in-chief of the Great Yan! Several deputy generals standing opposite him were anxiously advising him to assess the situation, preserve his strength, and wait for an opportunity to act.

Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, the tent flap was suddenly flung open and a figure burst in—it was Zhou Xing, who was supposed to be guarding the city! He was covered in blood, his armor tattered, clearly having just returned from a fierce battle. Upon seeing his father, he first bowed respectfully and then said urgently, "Father, you must not act rashly! I have received definite news that the enemy has laid a trap all around, waiting for our army to fall into it!"

These words caused an uproar, with everyone questioning their veracity. Only Xiao Lie stared intently into his son's eyes for a long time before slowly speaking, "I believe you this once." He then ordered a full retreat, abandoning the attack plan. A crisis was thus averted...

Hiding in the shadows, Ling Xue witnessed everything, her heart filled with turbulent emotions! It turned out that Zhou Xing was not a traitor, but a hero who risked his life to infiltrate the enemy camp and deliver intelligence! The previous misunderstanding vanished instantly, replaced by deep admiration and self-reproach... She mustered her courage, stepped out of her hiding place, and stood before everyone, frankly admitting her identity.

Facing the surprised gazes of her former comrades-in-arms, now opposing generals, she calmly said, "I am Ling Xue, the female general of the Great Yan. I lost my memory due to a traitor's plot and ended up here. Fortunately, I was rescued by Young Master Zhou and was able to save my life." Then she turned to Zhou Xing and bowed deeply to apologize, "I hope you will forgive me for my previous offenses."

Zhou Xing quickly helped her up and smiled, "It's alright. Now that the truth is out, we are allies, not enemies." He then told his father about Ling Xue's past achievements and character, which earned Xiao Lie's approving look. From then on, the two countries turned hostility into friendship, jointly resisting foreign aggression and safeguarding the peace of the border...

After the war subsided, Ling Xue returned to the General's Mansion with Zhou Xing to recuperate. During this time, she gradually regained some of her memories and her confidence and courage. Zhou Xing used his spare time to teach her to read and write and to appreciate calligraphy and painting. The two got along well and their feelings for each other deepened day by day.

On a warm spring day, Zhou Xing was strolling through the garden with Ling Xue when he suddenly stopped and looked at her earnestly, saying, "Xue'er, after spending this time together, I've realized that my feelings for you have gone beyond that of ordinary friends... If you're willing, I'd like to marry you and spend my life with you, would that be alright?"

The sudden confession caught Ling Xue off guard, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, softly agreeing. Soon after, with the blessings of both sets of parents, they held a grand wedding, becoming husband and wife, embarking on their own chapter of happiness…

Their married life was sweet and fulfilling, but they did not indulge in romantic love. Instead, they continued their military careers, protecting their country and making contributions. Whenever this wonderful fate is mentioned, it always becomes a topic of conversation... and that love story that transcended national borders has been passed down through the ages as a beautiful tale.

Winter always arrives exceptionally early in the Northern Desert. Heavy snowflakes fall, blanketing the entire valley in white. Ten-year-old Zhou Xing, traveling with a caravan through this treacherous land, was ambushed by a demonic cult. Arrows rained down, screams echoed, and the merchants fled in all directions, but none could escape their fate. In the chaos, young Zhou Xing was struck in the shoulder by a poisoned arrow and stumbled into the icy, frigid pool.

The icy water instantly soaked through his clothes, and as his consciousness began to fade, a beautiful figure leaped into the water. It was a girl of about twelve or thirteen, with a vermilion birthmark between her eyebrows, like a red plum blossom blooming in the snow. She nimbly swam to Zhou Xing's side, grabbed his collar, and dragged him towards the shore. Once ashore, she quickly tore off a piece of her skirt to bandage his wounds, her movements skillful and decisive.

"Who are you?" Zhou Xing asked weakly, his gaze falling on her distinctive attire—the clothing unique to disciples of the Demonic Sect. The girl didn't answer directly, only saying softly, "My name is Ling Xue." She then led him into a nearby cave. A campfire was lit inside, and the warmth gradually dispelled the cold. Ling Xue took out medicine she carried with her to treat his wounds. The two rarely spoke, but Zhou Xing could feel her meticulous care.

A few days later, when the search and rescue team found them, Zhou Xing was able to stand up with difficulty. Before parting, Ling Xue gave him a jade pendant engraved with mysterious patterns and whispered, "If we have the chance to meet again in the future, recognize each other with this." After saying that, she disappeared into the wind and snow. That warm and smooth jade pendant has been hanging around Zhou Xing's neck ever since, becoming an indelible memory in his heart.

Fifteen years have passed in the blink of an eye, and the boy of yesteryear has grown into a renowned swordsman in the martial world. Now, Zhou Xing, clad in a blue robe and carrying a long sword, walks the path of punishing evil and promoting good. By chance, he overhears news of the Demonic Cult in a small town in Jiangnan—this once tyrannical organization is facing imminent annihilation. Driven by an inexplicable emotion, he decides to infiltrate the Demonic Cult's headquarters to uncover the truth.

As night fell, Zhou Xing quietly scaled the wall and entered the heavily guarded headquarters. In the moonlight, a familiar figure came into view: it was Ling Xue, the one who had saved him years ago! Now, she was the sect leader's daughter, responsible for guarding the forbidden area. Their eyes met, and a tense, complex emotion filled the air. Just then, the imperial army suddenly launched an attack, flames soaring into the sky, and deafening shouts of battle.

The battle was fierce, and despite their valiant resistance, the demonic cultists were forced into retreat. Zhou Xing witnessed this, torn by conflicting emotions. On one hand, he knew it was an act of justice; on the other, he couldn't bear to watch Ling Xue fall into danger. Finally, amidst the chaos, he found the wounded and fallen Ling Xue, and without hesitation, he scooped her up and fled the battlefield. Behind them, the buildings burned fiercely, and heart-wrenching screams echoed.

The escape was fraught with hardship. Ling Xue, severely injured and with her meridians damaged, had lost all her martial arts skills. She leaned against Zhou Xing's chest, her face as pale as paper. "Why did you save me?" her voice was weak but tinged with bitterness. "You should hate me." Zhou Xing didn't answer, only quickening his pace to find safety. He knew that any words at this moment would be futile.

They stopped to rest at an abandoned temple. While treating Ling Xue's wounds, Zhou Xing discovered that she had multiple deadly poisons remaining in her body, requiring her to take antidotes regularly to stay alive. To obtain these precious medicinal herbs, he had to frequently visit the black market and even risk infiltrating enemy camps. Each time he returned covered in wounds, but he never complained.

As time passed, a subtle connection gradually formed between the two. During their nightly vigil, they shared their stories: Zhou Xing recounted how he rose from an orphan to a master swordsman; Ling Xue revealed her lonely life in the Demonic Sect and her yearning for freedom. Their conversations under the starlight drew their hearts closer, and the hatred of the past seemed to melt away. After a long period of recuperation, Ling Xue's health improved, but she still couldn't regain her martial arts skills. Considering her safety, Zhou Xing made a bold decision—to take her back to his hometown to live in seclusion. It was a small mountain village, surrounded by mountains and water, with beautiful and pleasant scenery. The villagers were simple and kind, and welcomed their arrival.

Here, they lived a simple life. Zhou Xing farmed and hunted every day, always returning with fresh food in the evening; Ling Xue took care of household chores and occasionally taught the village children to read and write. Although their material conditions were simple, they felt an unprecedented peace and happiness. Sometimes the two would sit together on the mountaintop to watch the sunset, the afterglow of the setting sun shining on them, as if drawing a warm conclusion to this extraordinary experience.

However, their good fortune was short-lived, as the imperial court did not completely let the former enemies off the hook. One night, a group of men in black suddenly attacked the village. It turned out they were bounty hunters hired by certain forces to hunt down Ling Xue. Faced with this unexpected enemy, Zhou Xing stepped forward to protect his wife and children. After a fierce battle, although they repelled the invaders, they also exposed their hiding place.

Realizing he could no longer put his family in danger, Zhou Xing decided to take the initiative to find out who was behind it all. Through extensive inquiries and investigations, he finally uncovered a shocking secret: the reason the Demonic Cult was wiped out wasn't entirely due to its numerous evil deeds, but rather involved a political conspiracy. Someone had used this opportunity to eliminate dissidents and seek personal gain. Ling Xue's father, as the cult leader, was actually one of the victims who had been wrongly accused.

Returning home with this discovery, Zhou Xing told Ling Xue everything. After listening, she remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, "So, all these years we've been living in lies..." Her eyes flickered with a complex light, a mixture of relief and sorrow. But she quickly rallied and said firmly, "We must prove ourselves!"

So the couple embarked on a journey to uncover the truth. They traveled to various places to gather evidence and formed an alliance with upright individuals to fight against the mastermind behind it all. Along the way, they faced countless life-or-death trials but also gained many sincere friendships and support. Finally, on a stormy day, they successfully revealed the truth and exonerated the innocent.

After everything settled down, Zhou Xing and Ling Xue chose to return to a rural life. Having experienced so many ups and downs, they cherished the peaceful moments they had now even more. When the first rays of sunlight shone into the house in the morning, they could see the two of them smiling at each other before getting busy with their own tasks; in the evening, they would stroll hand in hand along the country lanes, enjoying the beautiful gifts of nature.

Occasionally, old friends would visit, bringing news from the outside world, but they no longer cared about those troubles, focusing only on cultivating their own little world. Days passed by in this peaceful yet fulfilling way. Until one day, an old man passed by and saw Zhou Xing working in the fields, recognizing the jade pendant hanging from his waist…

The old man said with deep emotion, "Young man, I never imagined you would still keep this jade pendant after all these years. You are truly a man of deep affection and loyalty!" Zhou Xing smiled and replied, "This is no ordinary jade pendant. It is the most important keepsake in my life. It witnessed a legendary fate." After saying this, he looked at his wife, who was resting under a tree not far away, his eyes filled with tenderness and love.

As the sun set, the evening glow painted half the sky red and illuminated the faces of the couple who had shared hardships. They knew that no matter how many unknown challenges lay ahead, they would be fearless as long as they were together.

Springtime in the capital is always bustling with activity, and the Hundred Flowers Banquet, an annual grand gathering of noble ladies and talented men, attracts countless eyes. Ling Xue, the daughter of the Prime Minister, wore a pale pink silk dress, its hem swaying gently in the breeze, like a blooming peach blossom. She strolled through the garden, admiring the vibrant flowers, her eyes sparkling with lively charm and delicate beauty.

Suddenly, a melodious zither tune drifted over, flowing like a gentle stream into the heart. Ling Xue followed the sound and saw a young man in white sitting upright before a zither in the pavilion, his slender fingers dancing lightly across the strings. This young man was Zhou Xing, the newly appointed top scholar. He possessed a refined air, handsome features, and his focused expression while playing the zither seemed to radiate light. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on him, making the scene resemble a breathtaking painting.

Ling Xue unconsciously stopped in her tracks, gazing intently at Zhou Xing, her heart pounding uncontrollably. From that moment on, every smile and gesture of Zhou Xing was deeply etched into her mind, becoming an indelible image in her heart. Afterward, she often seized various opportunities to get close to Zhou Xing, whether it was reciting poems with him at poetry gatherings or chance encounters on his usual route, just to catch a glimpse of him and hear what he had to say. Each brief interaction with him filled Ling Xue with joy, as sweet as if she had eaten honey.

However, fate seems to love playing tricks on people. One day, Ling Xue overheard her parents' conversation and learned a secret that struck her like a thunderbolt—Zhou Xing already had a fiancée he was betrothed to since childhood. The woman's name was Su Wanrou, from a scholarly family. Although she had never met her, she had heard that she was a gentle and virtuous woman. This news hit Ling Xue like a hammer blow, pulling her back to reality from her beautiful fantasies. But even so, Ling Xue's feelings did not dissipate; instead, they grew even stronger. She was unwilling to give up so easily, secretly thinking that perhaps if she tried hard enough, she could change everything.

Ling Xue began frequently creating opportunities to spend time with Zhou Xing. She invited him to the Prime Minister's residence under the pretext of discussing poetry and literature; she also gave him handmade pastries and gifts as a way of thanking him for his help with the family business. Each time she saw Zhou Xing, she would dress up carefully, striving to present her most beautiful self to him. Zhou Xing, however, remained polite and considerate towards Ling Xue, never overstepping his bounds. He maintained an appropriate distance in his words, and his eyes revealed a restraint and aloofness.

Once, the two went on a spring outing together. The mountain scenery was delightful, with lush green grass and babbling brooks. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, Ling Xue mustered up her courage and confessed her feelings to Zhou Xing. Her cheeks flushed, and she looked at Zhou Xing with tender eyes, saying, "Since I first saw you at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, I have never been able to erase you from my heart. These days, my mind is filled with your image." Zhou Xing was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, and then a troubled expression appeared on his face. He sighed softly and said sincerely, "Miss Ling, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. To be honest, I was betrothed when I was young, and I would never dare to betray that woman in this life."

Ling Xue's body stiffened instantly, tears welling up in her eyes. But she stubbornly raised her head, refusing to shed a tear. Just then, an unexpected event occurred.