On the oversized bed, Ningguang lay completely drained, resting atop Lu Lin's chest, breathing softly.
Lu Lin, however, wore a mischievous smile.
"Don't laugh at me!" Ningguang shot him a coquettish glare.
She was utterly exhausted, unable to muster even a shred of strength. That sudden eye-roll, though, only added a touch of unexpected charm.
Lu Lin had never been able to resist cuteness.
The reaction within him immediately stirred again.
Sensing the change, Ningguang looked miserable.
"How do you still have energy? This isn't how it's described in books! Let me rest—I really have no strength left."
Lu Lin chuckled.
"It's fine. Reinforcements have arrived."
"Hm?"
"I wasn't laughing at you. I was laughing at a certain little peeping cat."
He glanced toward the doorway.
Ningguang had been lost in bliss earlier and hadn't heard Keqing's gasp—but Lu Lin had heard it clearly.
He rolled over, gently laying Ningguang down, then got out of bed and walked toward the door.
Keqing, who had slumped against the wall, was just regaining her senses when a shadow fell over her.
She looked up instinctively.
"Ahhh!!"
The straightforward girl shrieked in shock.
This was the first time she had seen Lu Lin so openly—bold and unapologetic.
"Caught you again, little Keqing-cat~" Lu Lin teased.
Keqing flushed deeply and turned her head away.
"Don't say that! You're so shameless—not even wearing clothes!"
"Shameless? You seem to enjoy watching though. This is the second time I've caught you."
"I didn't! I wasn't! Don't make things up!" she protested, shaking her head so hard her twin tails swung wildly.
Adorable.
Lu Lin crouched, hooked an arm behind her knees, and lifted her up effortlessly.
"W-What are you doing? Put me down!"
"You came all this way. You're not thinking of leaving, are you?"
She turned her head—and locked eyes with Ningguang.
Tianquan and Yuheng exchanged glances.
Both blushed.
Ningguang lay weakly on the bed, radiating mature allure. Seeing her up close made Keqing's heart pound even harder.
Being seen like this by her best friend—and colleague—was complicated for Ningguang too.
But before Keqing could process it further, Lu Lin placed her on the bed and removed her small leather shoes.
"I—I'm not ready…" Keqing said softly, rare hesitation coloring her normally decisive tone.
"You've peeked several times already. Don't you want to try for yourself?" Lu Lin asked with a smile.
"It was only twice…" she muttered.
"Only twice? So you planned on more?"
"I did not!"
Lu Lin gestured toward the exhausted Ningguang.
"She's completely out of strength. As her good sister, shouldn't you help her?"
Ningguang rolled her eyes again—but didn't object.
She had once despised frivolous men.
Now?
She desperately wanted help sharing the burden.
This man's stamina was terrifying.
And he had only just begun experimenting with that new trait earlier.
Keqing hesitated.
She had come here tonight with certain thoughts in mind.
She wasn't timid by nature.
But this situation… was beyond her expectations.
Still, her silence betrayed her inner conflict.
Lu Lin stopped asking.
He acted.
Keqing had dressed deliberately tonight—a soft purple dress with lace details, far gentler than her usual combat attire.
Her legs were wrapped in her signature patterned black stockings. Though slimmer than Ningguang's, their lines were flawless.
Lu Lin traced the patterns downward and gently grasped her delicate foot.
Her freshly bathed skin carried a faint fragrance.
She instinctively tried to pull back—but he held her firmly, even teasingly brushing her sole.
Keqing was ticklish.
She immediately burst into laughter, writhing slightly.
"Hahaha—Lu Lin—stop!"
"So, will you help Ningguang?" he pressed.
The tactic worked perfectly.
"Yes! I'll help—just stop, please!"
He released her foot at last.
But a new idea had already formed.
He leaned close and whispered something into her ear.
Her eyes widened.
"That's… possible?"
"Of course. Stretch your legs out—I'll guide you."
He adjusted their positions and settled back against the headboard.
Keqing slowly extended her slender legs.
Under his guidance, she pressed her stocking-clad feet together and followed his instructions.
Though inexperienced, she adapted surprisingly quickly.
Her movements, though tentative at first, became smoother.
Lu Lin inhaled sharply.
The sensation was astonishing.
It wasn't merely natural talent.
The key was the trait he had granted her earlier:
[Lotus with Every Step]
Enhances agility and foot dexterity. Light steps, fluid movement, improved flexibility.
The trait suited her sword style perfectly.
And now—
It enhanced her footwork in more ways than one.
Lu Lin felt as though his very soul was lifting.
Even on her first attempt, the experience was extraordinary.