Thrive in Catastrophe

 Huai’an 2: Summoning the Soul ppjj13y Chapter 18: By My Side Chapter Text In the late spring of the sixth year of Gui Ningyuan’s reign, the three southern tribes of the Northern Desert suffered a crushing defeat. They voluntarily withdrew their troops three hundred *li* to sue for peace, leaving the Western Li army to garrison the border while agreeing to pay annual tribute—consisting of furs, gold, silver, and various artifacts—for years to come. The great army of Western Li returned in triumph. Within the General’s Residence, a clear, shallow stream—mere feet in width—meandered along the base of the courtyard walls. It was a picturesque offshoot, branching from a tributary of the Li River. When the General’s Residence was first constructed, this gentle stretch of the stream was deliberately enclosed within the grounds; the residence’s rear garden was then built around this lively, flowing water. Yet, just beyond the residence’s walls, the terrain dropped sharply; the river would...

Huai'an 2: Summoning Souls ppjj13y Chapter 17: Parting with the Dust and Frost The snow ceased in the latter half of the night, and the wind began to turn dry and biting. As the Hour of the Ox drew to a close, a patrol of Northern Desert cavalrymen had halted to rest their horses; huddled in small groups of two or three, they leaned against one another, sipping on mare's milk wine and drifting into a drowsy stupor. Suddenly, hundreds of daggers and short blades flashed with a cold, steely glint, seeming to freeze the very snow beneath their feet. By the time the cavalrymen turned to look, their throats had already been severed. There was no sound; everything remained as silent as the chilling night wind whistling past. One of the Xi Li soldiers fumbled his strike, allowing two Northern Desert cavalrymen—who had narrowly escaped death beneath the blades—to spin around and flee. "Don't let them get away to raise the alarm!" Huai'an urged in a hushed voice. Gui N...

 Huai'an 2: Summoning the Soul ppjj13y Chapter 16: Campaign in the Northern Desert Huai'an was held fast by Gui Ningyuan, kneeling and leaning forward; his jade stem—the member hanging beneath him—dangled between his legs. As Gui Ningyuan thrust deep and hard within his tight little cavity, the member swung wildly, an unruly thing slapping repeatedly against Huai'an's lower abdomen and the roots of his thighs. Gui Ningyuan’s hands, too, refused to stay idle; they crept stealthily downward until one hand grasped that piece of flesh firmly—causing Huai'an to cry out instantly. "Let go, Ah Ning! I can't take this!" Gui Ningyuan’s fingers traced circles around the head of Huai'an’s member again and again, while the thrusting inside his cavity didn't slow down in the slightest. Huai'an’s legs went completely soft; all strength drained from his body, and he nearly collapsed onto the bed. But Gui Ningyuan caught him firmly, supporting his shoulder...