Chapter 229: Sect Master Lin, Miss Mo Chou, long time no see

Time flew by; in the blink of an eye it was late spring again, and while battles raged across the north, the Xiangfan region showed unusual peace and tranquility.

On Nine Peaks Mountain, in the rear residence study, Niu Dingtian wore a black silk robe, seated upright on a carved sandalwood master's chair, he was lowering his gaze to organize the books on the desk, as well as a row of colored clay figurines.

When Niu Dingtian raised his head, his usually calm face showed a shifting expression.

Over the past six months, regardless of outside circumstances, he had not shown his face, and rarely inquired about anything, focusing entirely on the matter of offspring.

Seeing that each of his wives' bellies remained still, he even exerted effort on Li Shuyi and Liu Xianfei, who had been sent back to the Lin'an imperial city.

But it seemed to yield no result.

Not only had no offspring arrived, but a sense of constriction pressing on himself from heaven and earth grew ever closer, as if it were right ahead.

The effect of the spirit spring water seemed to be waning.

Niu Dingtian remained silent for a moment, his eyes blazing as he looked toward the door, and said in a low voice: 'Someone come!'

Outside the door, Niu Qian'er heard the voice and quickly entered the room, walking to the desk, and softly said: 'Your Highness.'

Over the past six months, most of his capable subordinates were out campaigning, leaving the mountain somewhat deserted, and only she remained as his trusted aide he could command.

Speaking of which, she harbored some affection for Niu Dingtian, and he also had some thoughts about her.

But since none of the women could produce an egg, the problem clearly lay with him, and with the day of departure approaching, he no longer had these thoughts.

Gazing at her slender figure standing before him, Niu Dingtian pondered briefly, then asked: 'How have Guo Jing and Yang Kang been performing lately?'

Niu Qian'er startled slightly, then said: 'Guo Jing fights bravely, leading from the front, earning deep respect from the troops. Now, following Island Master Huang, he independently commands an army, facing off against the Jin-Mongol alliance at Tongguan.'

'After Yang Kang broke through Nanjing city, he led disciples of the sect to the Western Regions, saying he wanted to bring White Camel Mountain Manor under his command.'

Niu Dingtian raised his sword-brows, his clear eyes seemingly flashing with sudden brilliance as he looked at the lovely woman before him, and said: 'Qian'er, what do you think of Yang Kang becoming sect leader?'

Without waiting for Niu Qian'er's reply, his gaze fell upon the eighteen colored arhat clay figurines on the table; his fingertips unconsciously tapped the desk as he added: 'Since Guo Jing can earn deep respect from the troops, let him stay in the military to develop; if he is capable, I have no objection to later entrusting the Northern Expedition army to him.'

Niu Qian'er: '???'

She suddenly found it hard to react; hearing this, it seemed as if he wanted to entrust his affairs after death, otherwise why would he hand over such a great undertaking to two youths not yet of age?

Niu Dingtian gave a light laugh, saying: 'Just so it's decided; Qian'er, issue the order to have them return, I have important matters to convey.'

'Also, send some artisans to Kunlun Mountain, using White Camel Mountain Manor as the base, to build another Divine Sect main altar deep within Kunlun. Furthermore, order the disciples of the Flood Flag to go overseas, seek some remote isolated islands; should anything unforeseen happen in the future, this can serve as a retreat.'

As they spoke, Niu Dingtian rose and walked over to the somewhat dazed Niu Qian'er, patting her shoulder lightly, and sighed: 'Your manor master's martial arts are too high; I estimate he will soon become an immortal in heaven.'

'These few days I will transmit some profound arts to you; after I depart, you need not constantly attend to the ladies; if you do not wish to remain in the sect, you may leave on your own.'

'You need only know this yourself; before I leave, I will leave a letter, which you will then deliver to the several ladies at that time.'

Having said that, Niu Dingtian glanced at the flustered Niu Qian'er, then silently walked out of the study.

Having decided to pass his endeavors to Guo Jing and Yang Kang, he no longer wished to worry about how many subordinates they could retain or how far they would go; before departing, he only needed to leave them sufficient inner strength.

As for the several wives, what use are power and status to a woman without offspring? Rather than the one-in-ten-thousand chance of using his legacy to find a new home, he would prefer the women find a peaceful place, avoid the turmoil of the chaotic world, and spend their remaining years in safety.

Leaving the study, Niu Dingtian went to Chen Jin'er's chamber, also summoning Miss Huang and Han Xiao Ying; before the three women, he entrusted the spirit spring water from the Peach Source Cave.

Thus, it was not that he distrusted the other few women, but with many people and many voices, there is always some risk of exposure.

Entrusting the spirit spring water to the three wives who were either wise or steady, or whom he could trust completely, he could finally feel truly at ease.

At night——

Niu Dingtian again gave his all in intimate affection with the several wives.

The nearer the parting, the more he lingered over the marital bliss shared with the several women.

'Brother Niu, do you have something on your mind? Rong'er feels that tonight Brother Niu is different.'

On the bed, after pleasure, Miss Huang's jade face flushed rosy as if drunk, a pair of lotus-like arms affectionately twined around Niu Dingtian's neck, and she murmured.

Compared to the titles of husband and wife, when their feelings ran deep, she would often call out several times 'Brother Niu'.

What could be different? Nothing more than his vigor and strength being a bit greater.

Niu Dingtian slightly closed his eyes; the recent tender scene seemed to linger in his heart.

Stroking the lovely woman's warm, soft, smooth body, he whispered: 'It's been half a year, Rong'er's belly still shows no movement; Brother Niu just grew a little anxious.'

Upon mentioning this, Miss Huang instinctively touched her own belly, feeling somewhat guilty.

Madame Huai Xi had also diagnosed him several times as Brother Niu, finding everything completely normal; could it really be that we few are at fault? Sensing the anomaly in the one in his arms, Niu Dingtian patted the prominent part beside his hand, and said: 'They're all asleep, good Rong'er, let us try again; perhaps this time we will succeed.'

……

……

At midnight, after Miss Huang fell into a deep sleep, Niu Dingtian gently kissed the lovely woman's forehead, then quietly rose, dressed, and left the room.

Seeing also that he was not sleepy, he picked up a jug of Immortal Drunk and began to sip it alone in a pavilion of the inner court.

At this moment the full moon hung in the sky, moonlight pure as water, silver light filtering through the dense foliage, casting a mottled layer within the pavilion.

Niu Dingtian drank while pondering the matters he needed to convey.

The life-prolonging ability of the spirit spring water is beyond doubt; this is also the true safeguard he left for the several women.

As long as he can endure breaking through the void, relying on the sealed breath technique within his sea of consciousness, he may fully unseal it in the future, step into a higher realm, and possibly return to this world again.

He thought that the several women, relying on the remaining spirit spring water, might not be unable to await his return one day.

Thinking thus, the wine jug in his hand had run dry; just as Niu Dingtian prepared to leave, he suddenly halted his steps, gazing fixedly at the empty courtyard's moon gate.

After a long silence, Niu Dingtian softly said: 'Sect Master Lin, Miss Mo Chou, long time no see.' (End of chapter)