"Leave?"
Xiao Tian looked at Xun'er, utterly bewildered.
Xun'er naturally knew he was faking it; she was well aware of Xiao Tian's thick skin.
"I'm going to use the things you prepared for me. If you're here, I… I…"
Xun'er covered her face tightly. Although the two of them had long since been open with each other, she was still very shy, so much so that she couldn't even speak.
"Alright, I'll stand guard for you. If anything happens or you have any problems, you must call me."
Xiao Tian knew Xun'er was thin-skinned and would definitely feel embarrassed. If she got distracted while absorbing, it could easily lead to problems. Xiao Tian had only intended to tease Xun'er a little.
"Brother Xiao Tian, thank you. You're too good to me."
Xun'er was deeply touched by Xiao Tian's series of actions since his return.
"Silly girl, you are my future wife. Of course I'll be good to you — for a lifetime."
Hearing Xiao Tian's words, Xun'er's eyes filled with emotion, and she immediately gave him a kiss. Just as they were about to lose their breath, the two separated their lips.
"You should go and absorb it now."
After Xiao Tian reheated the water, he turned and walked out of the room.
Xun'er reached out to feel the perfect temperature inside, then looked at the Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid. Her heart felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey. As her clothes slipped off, her delicate body, like mutton-fat jade, was revealed — perfectly proportioned, neither too plump nor too slender.
Xun'er slowly stepped into the bathtub, then sat cross-legged. A warm sensation surged through her heart. Xun'er formed a hand seal and entered a cultivation state, slowly absorbing the medicinal power within. The concoction she had prepared based on the formula in the alchemical book was nothing like the incredibly cold method Xiao Yan had used.
Xiao Tian stood guard outside the door. Feeling that Xun'er had already begun to absorb and her aura was very stable, he relaxed. Xiao Tian also sensed faint Dou Qi fluctuations coming from the rooms on both sides.
As time passed, a faint pressure erupted from Xun'er's room, carrying a hint of ancientness and filled with supreme majesty.
Xiao Tian knew this was Xun'er's ancient clan bloodline. Xun'er didn't actually need to cultivate diligently; her ancient clan bloodline would gradually improve and purify as her physique ascended and she grew older. In fact, Xiao Tian suspected this was because the ancient clan had placed a seal on Xun'er when she was young, allowing her to absorb slowly and progress gradually. If it surged all at once, problems could easily arise. Many beneficiaries of Dou Di bloodlines would choose to cut off their cultivation and re-cultivate when they were young, making their foundation incredibly solid. They could even advance another level in the future, much like the Milk Heavenly Emperor. The Supreme Bone was a talent, but also a restriction; it had to be cut off and transformed into nourishment to solidify one's foundation and break through one's own limits.
Xiao Tian also vaguely sensed that Xun'er's current cultivation had already reached the Dou Ling realm, and she was not a low-level Dou Ling.
Divine-grade bloodline, truly terrifying. The later stages would be Xun'er's period of rapid development, soaring like a rocket. Feeling Xun'er steadily absorbing the medicinal liquid, Xiao Tian also showed a relaxed smile. Xun'er was not only the ancient clan's treasure but also his own greatest treasure; no mistakes could be made.
Creak.
The sound of a door opening. Xun'er walked out, dressed in a white dress that Xiao Tian had specially bought for her. Xun'er's clothes were usually green, purple, or blue. Dressed in white, Xun'er was pure and untainted, like a fairy standing in a clear pond.
Seeing Xiao Tian's dazed expression, Xun'er revealed a gentle smile.
A man dies for his confidant; a woman adorns herself for her beloved.
"Xun'er, you are so beautiful, so beautiful that I am speechless. I feel no word can match your beauty."
Xiao Tian gazed intently at Xun'er, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and affection. His voice carried deep praise.
Xun'er's face flushed slightly, her eyes filled with intense emotion, and a hint of shyness appeared on her face. She chided, "Brother Xiao Tian, you're saying such things again."
Xiao Tian gently stepped forward, closing the distance between them, his gaze never leaving Xun'er. He reached out and tucked a stray strand of Xun'er's hair behind her ear. "What I said is all from the heart. It's not this dress that makes you look like a celestial being, but you who infuse it with soul."
Hearing Xiao Tian's words, Xun'er's heart couldn't help but beat a little faster. She felt her cheeks getting hotter and hotter. Under Xiao Tian's gaze, Xun'er's face grew redder and redder, spreading from her cheeks to her earlobes, and finally even her neck turned red. Xun'er's heart swelled with an indescribable sweetness, and her inner being was filled with joy and happiness.
"Brother Xiao Tian, you only know how to make me happy. Why do you always say such embarrassing things?"
Xun'er's voice was laced with affection and shyness, yet carried a slight tremor. She linked her arm through Xiao Tian's, unable to hide the joy on her face. The two chatted as they walked to the platform of the pavilion. Xiao Tian also told Xun'er about the interesting things he had encountered in the forest.
Two figures leaned closely together, with constant sounds of conversation, playful banter, and Xun'er's chiding, forming a romantic scroll full of vitality and love.
The others who had finished their cultivation looked at the couple's affection and also showed approving smiles.
The two talked tirelessly until nightfall. Xun'er fell asleep peacefully in Xiao Tian's arms. Xiao Tian picked her up and gently placed her on the bed. However, Xun'er kept holding Xiao Tian's hand, so he was "forced" to stay and hold her while she slept.
Of course, it was only chaste sleep. Xun'er's bloodline was not yet fully awakened, and Xiao Tian was aware of this. He didn't want to harm Xun'er.
…
In the morning, Xun'er woke from her sleep. Her grabbing Xiao Tian last night had been intentional. It was her reward to him for preparing the medicinal bath for her yesterday. Her Brother Xiao Tian was good in every way, except his hands were restless when he slept, moving around.
Xun'er removed Xiao Tian's hand and sat up. After looking around, she noticed something unusual and knew that her Brother Xiao Tian was already awake, but had not opened his eyes. Xun'er lowered her head in thought for a moment, then pursed her lips and made a decision.
…
The scene shifted. Xiao Tian lay on the bed, stretching comfortably.
Hearing Xiao Tian's voice, Xun'er, who was gargling, glared "fiercely" at Xiao Tian.
Xiao Tian looked at Xun'er's expression and, with a fawning look, came behind her to massage her sore shoulders and hands. "Ahem, that was just a subconscious action, you know."
"You go out first. I'm going to the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda to cultivate with Cousin Xiao Yu later; she's coming over."
Xun'er rolled her eyes at him, but that look was full of infinite charm, captivating Xiao Tian. Xun'er poked his forehead. "Haven't you seen enough? You blockhead."
"Not enough. A lifetime of looking wouldn't be enough."
Xiao Tian kissed her on the forehead and then headed for the door.
Less than a minute after Xiao Tian left, Xiao Yu arrived at Xun'er's door and knocked.
"Cousin Xiao Yu, wait a moment."
Xun'er's voice came from inside the room. She opened the half-open window for ventilation, then walked out.
"Xun'er, let's go. Let's try to catch up with that guy Xiao Tian soon."
Seeing Xun'er come out, Xiao Yu took her hand and walked outside.
Xun'er heard Xiao Yu's words and nodded in agreement. Although her bloodline was gradually awakening and her cultivation would become faster and faster, she still hadn't caught up with Xiao Tian, but she was confident she would in the future.
Currently, the three of them took turns managing affairs in Boundless Gate.