If he truly needed their help, Chen Yin wouldn’t hesitate to ask.
But this was sothing they couldn’t help him with. He had to figure it out on his own.
So he kept his worries to himself, not wanting them to be burdened by his problems.
In the following days, perhaps encouraged by Shen Shuanglian’s visit, not only Xiang’er and Shen Shuanglian, but even Luo Luo and Qingying, would often seek him out, showering him with affection and attention, trying to cheer him up.
They would chat with him, cuddle with him, eat the als he prepared, and whisper sweet nothings in his ear at night.
Chen Yin appreciated their efforts,
But the impending Triennial Day and his inability to reach the Grand Clarity Realm weighed heavily on his mind.
The next day, at the foot of Mount Yu…
“This is far enough, Brother Chen.”
Ye Huang, his weathered face etched with gratitude, bowed deeply, his daughter, Ye Ling’er, standing beside him, a lollipop in her mouth.
“I am eternally indebted to you.”
“Have you found a place to stay?” Chen Yin asked with a smile.
“Yes, a small village south of Yanxia Province.”
Ye Huang ruffled his daughter’s hair affectionately. “It’s not too far. We can visit each other anyti.”
“You’re always welco.”
Chen Yin leaned down and patted Ling’er’s head gently. “Be a good girl and listen to your father. There will be more treats for you next ti you visit.”
Ling’er’s eyes, once dull and lifeless, now sparkled with a childlike joy.
“Okay, Brother Chen. Ling’er will be good.”
“Since our last spar, I’ve had so new insights,” Ye Huang said, his voice low. “I might be able to break through soon. My swordsmanship is no longer worthy of your attention, but if I ever comprehend the Dao, I’ll challenge you again.”
Chen Yin nodded. “It wasn’t my doing. You cured your daughter, your heart demon is gone, and your bottleneck has naturally disappeared. Your talent in the Sword Dao was always exceptional. It’s only natural that you would reach enlightennt eventually. I hope you can withstand a few more of my strikes next ti.” He grinned.
Ye Huang chuckled, unfazed by his arrogance. “I look forward to our next duel!”
“Farewell.” He bowed seriously.
Chen Yin returned the gesture.
Ye Huang, his figure slightly hunched, walked away hand in hand with his daughter, their laughter echoing through the mountains.
Chen Yin watched them go, his eyes softening, his heart filled with warmth.
Then, a playful voice ca from behind him:
“You’re quite the philanthropist, Young Master Chen, so devoted to your friends. I almost envy that Ye Huang fellow.”
Chen Yin turned around and smiled. “What brings you here, Grand Witch? I thought you were busy studying dicine with Miss Nan.”
Grand Witch Bi Luo pouted. “It was her idea! And now that I’ve fulfilled my part of the bargain, I’m leaving. Ye Huang has already left, so I ca to say goodbye.”
Chen Yin looked at her intently.
“Have you forgotten sothing, Grand Witch?”
Bi Luo’s expression shifted from confusion to a mixture of embarrassnt and annoyance as she glared at him.
“You’re still thinking about that?”
“A bet’s a bet.” Chen Yin grinned. “Who doesn’t enjoy watching cute girls being cute?”
“I’m not doing anything so embarrassing!”
Bi Luo snorted and turned to leave.
“Hey! You can’t just back out!”
“What if I do? I’m the Grand Witch! I do what I want!” She put her hands on her hips, a defiant look on her face.
Chen Yin was annoyed, but he couldn’t exactly punish her like he did his own won, throwing her over his knee and spanking her.
If she insisted on reneging on their bet, he could only accept defeat.
But then, a gentle voice interrupted them:
“What’s all the commotion?”
Nan Xiaoxiang, dressed in white, approached them, her expression curious.
“Perfect timing,”
Bi Luo explained the situation to Nan Xiaoxiang, then glanced at Chen Yin with a smirk.
“You wouldn’t want to bathe with another woman, would you?”
Nan Xiaoxiang glanced at Chen Yin, her eyes twinkling with amusent.
“Young Master Chen’s unusual preferences… always surprise .”
Chen Yin chuckled awkwardly.
“But,”
To everyone’s surprise, Nan Xiaoxiang said, “I don’t mind.”
Chen Yin was stunned. Bi Luo almost exploded.
“Nan Xiaoxiang! Are you crazy?!”
“The hot spring in Yu Ling’s cave is where she cultivates and bathes. It’s filled with potent spiritual energy and has rejuvenating properties. It would be a waste to enjoy it alone. And besides, we’re both won. What’s the big deal about sharing a bath?”
Bi Luo was speechless, her face turning crimson.
“I-I just don’t want to bathe with you!”
“But I’m quite interested in bathing with the Grand Witch.” Nan Xiaoxiang winked at her.
Chen Yin couldn’t help but let out a wolf whistle, and Bi Luo’s face turned even redder. “Wh-what are you planning?!”
“Co on, it’s a rare opportunity. Stop pretending you don’t want to.”
Nan Xiaoxiang pushed Bi Luo towards Master’s cave. Before leaving, she turned to Chen Yin, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
“If you’re interested, Young Master Chen… as long as we don’t catch you,”
“Then it’s up to you.”
Chen Yin gave her a thumbs-up.
ssage received.
He wouldn’t miss this opportunity.
Inside Yu Ling’s bathroom…
Nan Xiaoxiang was already in the hot spring, her arms partially covering her breasts, her hair piled up on her head, a blissful sigh escaping her lips as she splashed water on herself.
“This immortal spring is truly wondrous. The temperature is perfect. It’s so relaxing.”
“Aren’t you coming in, Grand Witch?” she called out. “It’s very comfortable.”
Bi Luo, having removed her exotic Southern Region attire, stood by the pool, a thin white towel wrapped around her body, barely concealing her smooth, fair skin.
She looked around nervously.
“Nan Xiaoxiang, you’re quite bold.”
“What if Chen Yin is hiding sowhere, watching us?”
“If you get in quickly, he won’t have a chance.” Nan Xiaoxiang said casually, splashing more water on herself.
Bi Luo thought about it, then quickly wrapped the towel around her head and jumped into the pool, splashing water all over Nan Xiaoxiang.
“Hmph, you won’t get a peek at !” She started scrubbing herself vigorously.
Nan Xiaoxiang just soaked in the water quietly.
The only sounds in the steam-filled bathroom were the gentle splashing of water and their soft sighs.
“Why did you agree to his ridiculous request?” Bi Luo asked after a while.
“We’re not strangers anymore. What’s wrong with sharing a bath?”
Nan Xiaoxiang lowered her eyes, her voice softening slightly. “Besides…”
“Young Master Chen… seems unhappy lately.”
Bi Luo paused.
“I noticed it a few days ago, while treating Ye Ling’er.”
Her eyes dimd slightly. “But I’m just a mortal physician. I don’t know how to help him. His only interests seem to be swords and won. If our bath can cheer him up a little, then it’s worth it.”
Bi Luo looked at her, her expression strange.
“Are you that infatuated with him?”
“He helped .” Nan Xiaoxiang hesitated, then said softly, “I’m just repaying a favor.”
“Tch,”
Bi Luo scoffed, “I bet you’ll end up repaying him in bed.”
Nan Xiaoxiang blushed and glared at her.
“What? Don’t like it?”
Bi Luo pouted. “Even if you want to cheer him up, what does it have to do with ? Why did you drag into this?”
“Because you lost the bet.” Nan Xiaoxiang’s tone was playful.
Bi Luo’s eyes widened. “You little…”
“I’ll show you.”
She suddenly stood up and walked towards Nan Xiaoxiang nacingly, her figure hidden by the steam.
Nan Xiaoxiang was startled. “Wh-what are you going to do?”
“What am I going to do? I’m going to see how you’ve developed such a seductive body after all these years.”
“Ah! Stop it!”
The sound of splashing water mixed with their playful laughter and shrieks of protest, like a cheerful lody.
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