Chapter 268: The Fainting Noblewoman, Cao Xing the Upright Gentleman! (7000)

Cao Xing said directly, "Ms. Marita, I want these two seeds as well, and also that construction blueprint for elementary fertile land, give them all to me together."

The noblewoman before him seemed to have anticipated this outcome long ago, and she chuckled lightly once more, "Lord Cao Xing is truly straightforward."

"Then, five kinds of magical plant seeds plus one fertile land blueprint, that comes to a total of 4.22 million crowns."

"We can drop the 220,000 crowns of odd change, and just exchange it with a piece of emerald salmon, how about that?"

Hearing this, Cao Xing secretly glanced at her resources.

Clearly, Marita had already calculated that he would want these items, so adding everything together, the price was about the same as a piece of emerald salmon.

As a member of the royal family who was also well-versed in business, this woman was still very shrewd.

Of course, it was not a loss for Cao Xing either.

Cao Xing said, "Of course no problem, then let's make the trade right now?"

"Alright."

Cao Xing took out a piece of emerald salmon and conducted a round of trading with Marita.

[Trade successful: You obtained [Golden Sunflower Seed] * 1, You obtained [Twilight Vine Seed] * 1, You obtained… You lost [Emerald Salmon] * 1…]

…

After the trade was completed.

Both parties felt quite satisfied.

Cao Xing clapped his hands and said, "Ms. Marita, thank you very much."

"Since the trade is already completed, I won't disturb you any further."

In this transaction, Cao Xing had actually taken advantage.

Marita chuckled softly, "Alright, Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, I will see you off."

With that, she straightened her skirt and gracefully stood up from her chair.

But before she had even walked two steps, Marita's expression began to look somewhat abnormal.

She slightly shook her head, and her figure also began to sway.

Cao Xing noticed her abnormality and asked in confusion, "Ms. Marita, what's wrong with you?"

"Ma—"

"Thud—"

The noblewoman collapsed directly to the ground.

Cao Xing instantly stood in place, completely dumbfounded.

"What the hell! What's going on!"

"Why did she suddenly collapse?"

"I didn't do anything to her at all!"

At this moment, Cao Xing only felt like he had landed himself in big trouble!

This person was royalty of the Orchid Kingdom, and also a high-ranking member of the Luna Chamber of Commerce.

Once something happened to her, the trouble would be massive!

Even if Cao Xing said it had nothing to do with him, nobody would definitely believe those words.

After all, in the room, he was the only one staying by Marita's side. If this royal member met with an accident, Cao Xing would definitely not be able to clear his name!

"You better not die, Marita!"

Cao Xing walked over quickly and hurriedly checked her status.

At this moment, she was lying sideways on the ground, her limbs stiff and her face deathly pale.

She really looked like a beauty who had suddenly died.

Sweeping his gaze over, he looked at her panel.

[Orchid Kingdom: Marita Vargas]

[Level: ???]

[Attributes: ???]

[Status: Comatose, Weakened, Life-Wither Curse…]

…

Seeing the status above, Cao Xing breathed a sigh of relief.

"Phew, she's just unconscious…"

"However, what is this Life-Wither Curse about?"

Cao Xing furrowed his brows slightly.

Although he didn't know what the effect of this [Life-Wither Curse] was.

But the reason for Marita's unconsciousness probably had an inseparable connection with this curse.

And with her strength of at least Tier 6, ordinary existences simply couldn't cast curses on her.

Therefore, there was likely a hidden story behind this.

However, these were not things for him to consider right now; the most urgent task at hand was to find a way to wake this woman up.

Cao Xing actually had experience with this kind of thing.

At this moment, Marita lay half on the ground like a sleeping beauty.

Because she was wearing a low-cut gown, more than half of her snowy-white chest was exposed.

That pert and full expanse, compressed by pressure, even revealed faintly red blood vessels on top, making one subconsciously unable to look away.

"Ahem—"

Cao Xing hurriedly averted his gaze.

He squatted on the ground and placed Marita's beautiful, mature head on his thigh.

An exquisite and gorgeous hairpin was inserted into her coiled hair, and a faint, refreshing fragrance drifted from the tip of his nose.

Then, Cao Xing pinched her chin with his fingers, pried open her pale little mouth, took out a bottle of Cloud Yak milk from his backpack, and poured it down her throat.

"Gulp… Gulp…"

The milk went down into her stomach.

A moment later, Marita's complexion improved slightly.

But she still hadn't woken up.

Cao Xing furrowed his brows slightly, "The Cloud Yak milk has no effect?"

He took out a bottle of intermediate life secret potion from his backpack again.

Pouring it directly into Marita's mouth.

The liquid containing pure vitality flowed down her small mouth into her stomach.

Her complexion improved a bit more, and a trace of rosiness appeared on her lips.

However, in less than five seconds, her lips turned pale again.

It was as if the vitality she had just absorbed had drained away once more.

Cao Xing frowned again and said, "Troublesome, this should be the effect of the curse on her body?"

"In that case, even life secret potions have no effect."

"Only by making her replenish more vitality will it work."

Thinking of this, Cao Xing took out a piece of [Golden Salmon Meat] from his backpack with a heart full of pain over the expense.

This fish meat contained extremely exuberant vitality.

However, he didn't have much of it left himself.

But now, in order to save someone, he could only use it.

Cutting this entire piece of golden salmon meat, which contained a strong breath of life, into 10 portions.

Cao Xing stuffed 1 portion into her mouth, drove his magic power, and gave a direct pat.

Then it was eaten by Marita.

At this moment, a powerful wave of vitality dissolved within Marita's body.

Cao Xing noticed that her complexion changed from the previous paleness to a rosy hue at a speed visible to the naked eye.

And this time, it did not turn pale again.

"Good guy, the effect of golden salmon meat is truly great."

Cao Xing couldn't help praising.

Two or three minutes later, Marita's body moved, her long eyelashes fluttering as if there were signs of her waking up.

As soon as she opened her eyes, she found herself lying on Cao Xing's lap, and a trace of a little woman's bashfulness suddenly appeared on her mature face.

"You're finally awake, Ms. Marita."

The woman before him seemed to react very quickly.

She lightly nodded her head, "Just now, I was… unconscious?"

"Yes."

Marita's delicate brows furrowed slightly, as if she was considering something in her heart.

But she quickly adjusted herself and then asked softly, "Lord Cao Xing, was it you who saved me?"

Cao Xing nodded.

Hearing this, a strong look of gratitude appeared in Marita's eyes.

"Thank you very much, Lord Cao Xing…"

"Although I don't know why I suddenly lost consciousness, I have a hunch that if you weren't by my side, I might never have woken up completely…"

[Because you rescued Marita Vargas, her favorability has increased, current favor: Friendly]

…

Seeing the system prompt, Cao Xing felt secretly pleased in his heart.

Fortunately, his 1 portion of golden salmon meat was not a loss.

But he still said with an unchanging expression, "You're welcome, just a small effort. Let me help you over to sit on the chair first."

The noblewoman came back to her senses, then lightly nodded, "Then I'll trouble you."

She tried to prop her body up, but because she had just fainted, her whole body lacked strength, and after trying several times she failed to stand up.

Seeing this, Cao Xing directly put one arm through her neck and scooped his other arm under the bend of her knees.

Before she could react, he directly scooped her up into a princess carry.

Marita's mature face carried a hint of surprise and a trace of panic.

Her long skirt draped in mid-air, and a pair of jade legs encased in white silk stockings were also swaying in the air.

"Mmm…"

Subconsciously, she tightly locked her arms around Cao Xing's neck, half her face turning red.

Until Cao Xing placed her on the stool, Marita finally reacted.

"Tha… Thank you…"

Her voice became less stern than before, even carrying a few traces of a little woman's shyness.

Cao Xing waved his hand and then asked, "Ms. Marita, do you know what's going on with your body?"

Cao Xing asked, cutting straight to the point.

She shook her head, "I'm not clear either. This symptom of mine started a year ago."

"At first it was fine, I only felt some dizziness in my head, and resting for a while made it better."

"I thought it was just because I was usually overworked."

"However, later on, the symptoms became more and more frequent. Because things over at the chamber of commerce were too complicated, I planned to wait until I got through this busy period before going to see a physician."

"However, this kind of symptom of sudden unconsciousness is something I've experienced for the first time."

Marita seemed to notice the expression on Cao Xing's face and asked softly, "Lord Cao Xing, do you happen to know the reason for my fainting?"

Cao Xing thought deeply for a moment, then asked, "Have you ever heard of the Life-Wither Curse?"

Hearing this term, Marita's delicate brows furrowed slightly.

She nodded and said, "I have heard of such an evil curse."

"It can imperceptibly cast this curse upon a target."

"And anyone afflicted by this curse will have their vitality continuously drained away, with absolutely no way to cure it fundamentally."

"Once the curse completely erupts, the cursed person will—"

"During this period, it can only be prolonged by continuously replenishing vitality."

"Until one day the vitality is completely drained, and then they can never wake up again."

"However, this curse hasn't appeared in the Western Continent for many years. Even for me, I only accidentally read about it once in an ancient book…"

After listening, Cao Xing was deep in thought. This seemed quite similar to the symptoms of Qinong Dutra's wife.

And Marita seemed to understand something as she looked at Cao Xing.

"You mean, I've been afflicted with this curse?"

Cao Xing nodded.

At this moment, the noblewoman's expression grew cold, and a terrifying aura faintly emanated from her body.

Although it was only a trace, it still gave Cao Xing a strong sense of oppression!

Furthermore, the sense of oppression was even stronger than when Cao Xing first met Francesca!

But a moment later, she reined in her aura and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Lord Cao Xing."

Cao Xing shook his head.

Marita didn't doubt Cao Xing's words because her symptoms did indeed match the [Life-Wither Curse].

Fortunately, she was only in the early stages of the curse.

Once it reached the later stages and the curse erupted completely, the consequences would be unimaginable!

Thinking of this, she looked at Cao Xing again with a grateful expression.

"Thank you, Lord Cao Xing. If not for your reminder, I might still have regarded it as a normal symptom."

"Marita Vargas will remember your kindness today."

"If there is any place where I can help in the future, I will definitely spare no effort."

She didn't ask how Cao Xing had determined that she was afflicted with this curse.

Because Marita knew everyone had their own secrets.

She only needed to know that Cao Xing hadn't harmed her and had even helped her.

Cao Xing shook his head and said, "What are your plans for later? Or rather, is there any way to break this curse?"

Marita lightly nodded.

"Yes, as long as we find the existence that cast the curse and directly resolve them, this is also the most direct and brutal method."

"And the caster must have had contact with me before."

"After returning to the Orchid Kingdom, I will secretly search for this person and make them pay the price they deserve!"

There was a hint of killing intent in her tone.

Cao Xing nodded, considering it an understanding of how to break this curse.

It was indeed simple.

However, Cao Xing smiled and said, "Ms. Marita, the curse on your body has already started erupting."

"From here to the Orchid Kingdom, there is still some time, and I estimate you will continue to lose consciousness."

Hearing this, Marita's expression stiffened.

Because what Cao Xing said was indeed a fact.

This curse was silent and drained her vitality every moment.

Marita's symptoms would only gradually worsen.

For a moment, even this resourceful noblewoman didn't know what to do.

Just at this moment, Cao Xing took out a whole piece of golden salmon meat from his backpack.

These were the last two pieces in his backpack.

Feeling the strong breath of life contained within this tender white fish meat, Marita's beautiful pupils instantly shrank.

"Th-This is Golden Salmon?"

Cao Xing nodded. As a high-ranking member of the Luna Chamber of Commerce, it was completely normal for Marita to recognize the golden salmon.

Marita sighed with emotion immediately, "Golden Salmon, as a legendary fish meat that can bring dead people back to life, is even rarer than the emerald bream."

"Similarly, it is also much more precious."

"I see. Did Lord Cao Xing also save me using this kind of fish meat just now?"

Cao Xing slightly nodded, "Yes."

"This piece of golden salmon meat should be enough for you to replenish quite a bit of vitality, and for the next period of time, you shouldn't faint anymore."

"Ms. Marita, please accept it."

Hearing this, Marita was stunned in place.

"Lord Cao Xing… You mean, you're going to give such precious fish meat to me?"

Cao Xing nodded, "Yes, hoping you return smoothly to the Orchid Kingdom, I still want to trade with you again and again."

Marita hesitated for a moment, and finally accepted it.

The gaze she directed at Cao Xing was filled with intense gratitude.

When she first met Cao Xing, she only thought he was an interesting Otherworld Lord.

However, his strength was too weak, so it did not attract her attention.

But now, she couldn't help but start looking at Cao Xing anew.

As she watched, Marita's pupils gradually grew hazy…

[Because of your help, Marita Vilgas's favorability has increased. Current favorability: Intimate]

…

"Ahem—"

Cao Xing's cough brought Marita back to her senses.

She reacted instantly, and two flushes of red rose across her mature face…

Thinking of her actions just now, Marita felt extremely shy.

She had actually become captivated while looking at a young man younger than her…

Moreover, deep in her heart, she felt a stirring of emotion that hadn't appeared for over a decade…

But as a royal noble and merchant elite, Marita quickly calmed her emotions.

"By the way, Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, this golden salmon meat is too precious; I cannot take your things for free."

"How about this, I'll give you two million crowns first."

But Cao Xing waved his hand and said, "Ms. Marita, given our relationship, talking about money makes us seem estranged."

"Just consider it as my return for your help."

The noble lady pondered for a moment, as if making some kind of decision.

She said solemnly, "Since Otherworld Lord Cao Xing doesn't want the crowns, I will give you another item."

"This item is extremely rare, and it should match the value of the golden salmon."

Hearing this, Cao Xing was just about to say there was no need.

But he saw that Marita's hands had already caressed her fair neck, gently taking off a necklace hanging from it.

Then, from the deep cleavage on her chest, she pulled out a pendant resembling a sapphire fragment.

However, Cao Xing didn't pay attention to the necklace; instead, his gaze was fixed on Marita's neckline.

Her fair, slender neck, sunken collarbones, and perfect, smooth shoulders.

Coupled with the expanse of fair, plump skin that, although only half-exposed, still revealed its massive scale…

Just from these parts, one could imagine that beneath the noble lady's blue dress, an extremely perfect figure was definitely hidden.

The powerhouses of this world had very long lifespans, so their bodies could maintain vitality for many years.

Marita seemed to notice Cao Xing's gaze.

But she didn't mind, and gently handed the necklace with the sapphire fragment hanging from its silver chain to Cao Xing.

"Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, this was a gift given to me by my mentor on the day of my coming-of-age ceremony."

"She said that the fragment on this necklace is a piece of the [Moon Crown Pearl] embedded in the legendary weapon, the Moon God Staff."

"Although it's just a fragment, it still possesses very strong power and is of great help to mages like us."

Just hearing the four words 'legendary staff' already shocked Cao Xing.

The value of this necklace definitely exceeded an entire golden salmon.

However, Marita's next sentence shocked him even more.

"And my mentor told me that if other fragments can be found, this pearl can be repaired, and it can even restore the divine power of that legendary staff once again."

Cao Xing said in shock, "Does that legendary staff refer to…?"

Marita nodded slightly, "Yes, the Moon God Staff—Anis, is right within our Luna Chamber of Commerce."

"We only need to find the [Moon Crown Pearl] to activate this complete legendary weapon."

"However, after so many years, because I have been busy with the royal family and the Luna Chamber of Commerce matters, I haven't had time to look for other [Moon Crown Pearl] fragments."

A thoughtful look appeared in Cao Xing's eyes, and he didn't answer immediately.

Marita softly said, "Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, are you worried that after you find the Moon Crown Pearl, we will snatch your pearl because of the legendary weapon?"

"Please don't worry about this. If one day you can truly collect the complete pearl, then I, Marita, can make the decision to gift that staff to you."

"I swear in the name of the Moon God!"

She raised her right hand and swore very solemnly.

However, Cao Xing shook his head and said, "Ms. Marita, that's not what I mean."

"I just feel that this necklace is too valuable and has completely surpassed the golden salmon. You should keep it for yourself."

"Besides, this is a necklace given by your mentor, and it holds great significance."

"You can just give me crowns instead."

Cao Xing was very clear about what things should be taken and what things should not.

Although the temptation of the legendary staff was huge.

Compared to that, the favorability of this noble lady, who was at least a Tier 6 existence and held a noble status, was much more important.

However, seeing Cao Xing refuse, the look of appreciation in Marita's eyes grew even stronger.

"Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, the last time I saw you, you were only at Tier 2 strength."

"In just half a month, you already possess the strength of a Tier 4 mage."

"To be honest, your speed of growing stronger is the only one I have ever seen in my life."

"Even the genius hailed as rare in hundreds of years, Princess Fulan, doesn't have such a speed of growing stronger."

"I have a hunch that in the near future, you will definitely become a powerful Archmage, and even have the possibility of breaking through to the realm above the Archmage."

"And this time, you even saved me."

"Therefore, only by giving this necklace to you can its value be truly unleashed."

Hearing this, Cao Xing pondered for another moment.

He also knew Marita's care for him.

Cao Xing no longer declined, "Then many thanks, Ms. Marita."

He took the necklace from her hands.

It still retained Marita's faint body temperature.

[Acquired: Moon Crown Pearl Necklace (Unknown Grade)]

…

Seeing the system prompt, Cao Xing praised once more, "Ms. Marita, your heart is as beautiful and kind as this necklace."

Marita seemed to really like hearing Cao Xing praise her, and the corners of her mouth curved into an arc.

"Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, you really know how to talk."

"Ever since my husband, Duke Alex, passed away more than a decade ago, no one has ever praised me like this again…"

As she spoke, the noble lady before him lowered her head with a hint of melancholy.

Right at this moment, she suddenly felt her palm being pulled, and then a strong force surged over.

Marita instinctively threw herself into the arms of the young man in front of her.

In an instant, Marita trembled all over, and the large expanse of fair, plump skin on her chest also rippled in waves.

However, she didn't break free, instead allowing Cao Xing to embrace her.

There was a special temperament about Marita.

Elegant, mature, charming…

Especially her small mouth, which carried a glossy sheen amidst its bright red.

Cao Xing lowered his head.

Marita's heartbeat instantly accelerated.

Her heart, which had been dormant for more than a decade, began to beat wildly with thumping sounds.

She instinctively gripped Cao Xing's arm tightly.

Their lips touched.

"Mmm—"

Marita trembled all over, a pleasant sound escaping her lips.

A few minutes later, both of them felt their body temperatures rising somewhat.

Cao Xing lowered his head and saw the massive soft assets beneath the neckline of her low-cut dress.

Then he stretched out his large palm, manipulating them to his heart's content.

As for Marita, low breathing sounds continuously escaped her mouth.

"Otherworld Lord Cao Xing… Otherworld Lord Cao Xing…"

A moment later, Marita seemed to lose her strength, unable to straighten her body anymore, and sat directly on the chair.

Under Cao Xing's gaze.

She shyly lifted the hem of her dress.

Pulling it all the way up to her waist.

Cao Xing saw a pair of slender legs covered in white silk stockings, as well as that deeply sunken secret sanctuary.

He even noticed that Marita's secret sanctuary was faintly visible.

It looked like she was fully prepared.

And Cao Xing also stood up.

Lifting up those plump and slender legs.

Opening the entrance to the spring.

This spring had been dry for over a decade.

As soon as Cao Xing drilled inside.

He felt the confinement and narrowness of the space.

A moment later, the winding path led to a secluded place, filled with rich and intertwined fragrance.

The noble lady clenched her fists tightly, her whole body trembling continuously.

Her beautiful eyes darted around, her face flushed red.

But she still stubbornly held back without making a sound.

Until Cao Xing entered serious mode.

The noble lady could no longer suppress it.

While letting out chirps like a lark.

Leaning against the stool, she looked at the young man in front of her with full affection.

Just like that, wearing that gorgeous dress, Marita engaged in a one-hour battle with Cao Xing.

When everything subsided.

The tables and chairs in the room were scattered.

The hairpin on the noble lady's head had also half-fallen off.

But she snuggled in Cao Xing's arms with a loving expression.

At this moment, a system prompt appeared.

[You had a soul communication with an Archmage, completed a mental resonance, and her powerful magic provided feedback to you, Mental Attribute +100…]

…

Cao Xing was stunned on the spot right then and there.

At this moment, several question marks floated above his head.

"Huh? Mental resonance, magic feedback?"

"Damn, having a soul communication with an Archmage-level existence has this kind of effect?"

He even wanted to have a few more rounds of soul communication with Marita on the spot.

However, it was a bit too late now, and Cao Xing cut off this thought.

A moment later, the noble lady calmed the emotions in her heart and said lovingly, "Otherworld Lord Cao Xing… you are truly amazing…"

"You instantly made me remember the joy of being a woman…"

"I even want to take you back to the Orchid Kingdom and keep you by my side forever."

Hearing this, Cao Xing shook his head and said, "That won't do; I still have a territory, and hundreds of people are waiting for me to go back and eat."

Hearing this, a look of disappointment appeared in Marita's eyes.

Cao Xing stroked her beautiful hair and chuckled, "However, once you go back this time and resolve the curse on your body, you can come find me anytime."

"My territory is not far from here. Once you arrive at the Gale Snowfield, you can contact me through this thing."

Finished speaking, Cao Xing took out a small communication device from his backpack.

Marita took it, and after learning how to use it, a smile appeared on her face again.

She pressed against Cao Xing's body once more, squeezing with her plump soft assets.

Cao Xing also hugged her, grabbing that expanse of fair, plump skin.

At this moment, Cao Xing suddenly said, "Right, Marita, I have one more request; I need your help with something?"

Affected by his actions, Marita shyly said, "Otherworld Lord Cao Xing has already treated me like this, just say whatever you need…"

Cao Xing also smiled and then said, "It's like this, if you return to the Orchid Kingdom this time, I'd like to ask you to help find someone who possesses the royal bloodline of Ascalon."

In the short term, he couldn't go to the Orchid Kingdom.

And the teleportation function of that dark crystal ball had a seven-day cooldown.

Therefore, this could be considered Cao Xing making preparations for both scenarios.

Snuggling in Cao Xing's arms, Marita pondered for a moment, "The royal bloodline of Ascalon, you say…"

"I have indeed heard of this kingdom. It used to have a very good relationship with our Orchid Kingdom, but it sank because of a war."

"I didn't expect that within the territory of our kingdom, there is still someone possessing the royal bloodline."

She didn't doubt Cao Xing's words, "I understand. After I return to the kingdom, I will have someone help look for it."

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