76. A Tale Entwined - Sidekick Fights Back (Married The Protagonist’s Mother) - NovelsTime

Sidekick Fights Back (Married The Protagonist’s Mother)

76. A Tale Entwined

Author: TheLazyDreamer
updatedAt: 2025-07-27

The cold winds of winter had brought many activities in the mortal world to a halt. Villages lay nestled under thick blankets of snow. Villagers sustain themselves from autumn crops. Those near the mountains survived by trading meat, furs, and herbs with their surrounding villages. Here and there, children played. Wrapped in thick fur coats, their laughter echoed in the cold air. White snow covered every roof.

Against this serene backdrop, a couple walked along a snowy mountain path. The man possessed a light olive complexion and a tall, slightly muscular build. Dark hair framed his handsome features. The woman beside him wore a blue robe adorned with subtle cloud patterns, her ears graced by delicate green earrings. She reached his neck in height, her emerald eyes fixed on the distant mountain ranges. The peaks soared skyward, brushed with gold and red as the evening sunlight bathed the slopes. Pines and bare branches pierced the snow. A canvas of deep green and warm brown on silent white.

"Xi'er, do you like it?" Su Kang asked, his gaze gentle as it lingered on his wife.

The night before, after the clan meeting, she had asked about what had transpired. He chose not to disclose the specifics of the spiritual herb harvest but did mention the newly found secret realm and the possibility of having to explore it soon. Though she had bravely hidden her concern, he could sense the unease behind her composed eyes. She understood his duty to the clan. Yet the worry remained. To alleviate those worries of hers and enjoy some peaceful time together away from curious eyes, Su Kang decided to take her out of the Su estate to appreciate the tranquil beauty of winter.

"I have seen snow in winter," she said, her voice a quiet murmur, "but I have never seen anything quite like this." Perfect, silent white draped everything surrounding them. In the distance, faint shouts from mothers echoed, urging their children home as dusk approached.

"Then, do you want to spend the night here in the mountains or in the village?" he asked gently.

"Let's go to the village," she answered after careful reflection. "I want to see the morning light illuminating these mountains."

Su Kang nodded. They went down to the village, where he leased a vacant courtyard. Numerous families had moved eastward during the toughest part of winter, relying on trusted neighbors to care for their houses. Su Kang, with a generous offer, secured the best available residence—a two-story wooden house, small but adequate for their needs.

The villager, satisfied with the large rent, left quickly, granting the couple privacy.

The residence included a small fenced garden, probably utilized for cultivating vegetables and herbs in the warmer seasons. Su Kang took out an array plate from his storage ring and set up an illusion formation around the residence. To any villagers passing by, the house would seem normal and empty. After that, he retrieved a polished wooden table, a lengthy bench, and an elegant teapot set, arranging them in the snow-dusted garden before taking a seat.

"Xi'er, let's watch the sunset from here," he invited her to join him. She settled beside him on the bench as he commenced the preparation of a soothing tea. Her attention remained fixed on him as she observed his actions. He soon offered her a steaming cup, the fragrance of lotus seeds blending with the crisp winter air.

Her gaze turned to their surroundings. Villagers returned to their homes, some carrying game from a day's hunt in the mountains. The sun was poised to begin its descent. Life in this small village unfolded with a tranquil simplicity, free from the complexities of the cultivation world. She harbored a desire to explore the wider world and experience its myriad wonders. But sometimes, she craved this. Quiet simplicity and peace.

At last, she accepted the tea. Its warmth seeping into her palms. The delicate, calming flavor lingered on her tongue as she took a sip. They shared a moment of silence. The sun adorned the western sky with vibrant hues before gradually sinking behind the towering mountain peaks. She leaned into him, taking his right hand and resting it on her lap, then gently resting her head upon his shoulder. He reciprocated by leaning his head against hers, a silent understanding passing between them.

"I will not be on the front line during the realm exploration," Su Kang spoke softly, tightening his grip around her hand in an effort to alleviate her unvoiced concerns.

"Cultivators from Heng State will likely participate. Our clan isn't aiming to secure the main resources this time; I'll simply gather what I can safely and then return. I won't take unnecessary risks."

"Husband, I am not worried," she murmured, her voice low but firm. "I understand you have your duties, and as your wife, I will support your decisions."

He chuckled lightly. "Xi'er, you were never good at hiding your feelings, but since we got married, it appears you have lost that skill altogether. I can see your worries clearly." He paused, his tone growing earnest. "Xi'er, I am glad for your support, but you don't understand that you are my support. I want to explore this world with you and experience countless more moments like these. I have no intention of taking any risk that might endanger my life, because I want to spend it with you. I will come back safely." He grasped her other hand, weaving their fingers together.

"And," he added, a new thought igniting, "I was considering inviting Senior Zhu Zhihao to join the exploration." If she agrees, we could secure significant resources with far less risk. I don't know if she will accept, which is why I didn't mention it earlier." If Zhu Zhihao agreed, their expedition would have a formidable advantage. They could potentially be among the first to enter and would have a higher chance of obtaining valuable treasures before other factions even finished their preparations.

Hearing his words, she looked at him, a bright smile full of evident relief spreading across her lips. “I feel relieved and happy to learn that. I will speak to Yue Mei about this. You can leave the matter related to Senior Zhu to me," she spoke gently, then hugged him, happiness warming her heart at his reassurances.

Su Kang reciprocated her hug, gently kissing her forehead. “Sometimes I worry what I’m going to do with you at this rate,” he murmured, a hint of playful trouble in his voice. “I might stop seeking dangerous opportunities altogether.”

"Ah," she whispered, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes, a touch of apology in her own. "I am sorry. I will try to change my mentality. I am still working on my personality."

Looking at her earnest expression, he sighed, then smiled, shaking his head. “No, Xi'er, it’s fine. I would likely have done the same in your position. Moreover,” he cupped her face, his gaze tender, “your smiles are far more precious than cultivation resources. So, I shall protect them as well."

"Then," she chuckled lightly, a mischievous spark returning to her eyes, "you will need to do something special if you want me to keep this precious smile tonight."

She immediately looked towards the mountains and the now almost vanished sun. "I want a bed. Right here in this garden. I will not go inside someone else’s house to sleep." She pointed decisively to an open space amidst the snow-dusted plants.

"As my wife wishes," he replied with an indulgent smile. He retrieved a comfortable bed from his storage ring and placed it where she had indicated. She rose, grasped his hand, and led him along. Sliding beneath the blankets, she pulled him down next to her, cuddling tightly and hiding her face against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Tell me all your secrets. Everything about you,” she insisted in a low whisper, her voice muffled against his robe.

A flicker of panic touched his heart. For a breath, he froze—uncertain how much he could dare to share. "Xi'er, you know there are some secrets a cultivator cannot reveal, not even to their family," he said carefully.

"I don't want to know about cultivation secrets," she explained, her tone steady but soft, her head remaining on his chest. "I’m curious to learn about your early years. I have heard some things from Su Ting. I want to know about my husband, and I want to hear it from his own lips. Tell me everything from the beginning. I don't care if they are small details or seemingly useless things. I want to hear it all."

A sense of relief enveloped him, soon followed by deep warmth. He gently kissed her forehead. “I will tell you," he promised. "But in return, you will tell me everything about yourself as well. Be it your favorite dress, your preferred jewelry, or your favorite foods. I want to hear all of your experiences too."

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Author Note:

I noticed a lot of people are reading this on Novelbin. You do know it's free to read on Royal Road and Scribble Hub too, right? I’m not sure if it’s still available on Novelbin, since I’ve changed the title and my username. Well, there's a reason for it. People really can’t handle the truth anymore.

So, if you’re reading this on Novelbin, thank your author—TheLazyDreamer. But if you can’t find the latest chapter, blame it on some kids. Then again, if that’s the case, you’re probably not even seeing this author note.

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