Chapter 3: The Bond of Dual Cultivation
The day passed slowly as the soft light of the setting sun bathed the courtyard in golden hues. Bo Dong had spent much of the afternoon in meditation, his mind swirling with the possibilities of his new life, the potential of his system, and the untapped strength hidden within him.
Yan Ruo had left him alone for a while, her usual silence a quiet comfort to him. But as evening settled in, she returned, her graceful figure entering the courtyard once more. She carried a tray of tea and set it down before him, her movements serene as ever.
Bo Dong met her gaze, his expression contemplative. The connection between them had grown stronger in the past days, though neither had spoken of it aloud. He could feel it, the bond forming between them, a subtle yet undeniable thread that tied their fates together.
He leaned forward slightly, his voice low. "Yan Ruo, there's something I must confess."
Her brow furrowed slightly, sensing the gravity of his words. She sat down across from him, her eyes never leaving his.
"What is it, Young Master?"
Bo Dong took a deep breath. The words felt heavy, but they were necessary. It was time to share his secret with her.
"I... I have a cultivation technique," he began. "But it's not one that can be easily learned or practiced alone." He paused, watching her closely. Her expression remained unreadable, but her gaze was full of quiet curiosity.
"It's called **Dual Cultivation**," he continued, his voice softer now. "It allows two people to share and enhance each other's strength. It requires harmony, trust, and... a deep connection between the cultivators."
Yan Ruo's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise passing through her calm demeanor. "Dual cultivation?" she repeated, her voice thoughtful.
"Yes," Bo Dong affirmed. "Through our connection, you and I can share energy, grow stronger together. Your cultivation will rise as mine does. And my power will grow with your support."
He met her gaze, his heart beating faster than usual. "I can feel it, Yan Ruo. The bond between us. It's already forming, even without us realizing it."
Yan Ruo was silent for a long moment, processing his words. Her expression was unreadable, but the slightest hint of uncertainty flickered in her eyes. Finally, she spoke, her voice softer than before.
"You are asking me to trust you, to bind our fates together."
Bo Dong nodded. "Yes. But more than that, I'm asking you to help me rise. We both have our burdens. But together, we can become stronger than we ever imagined."
There was a long pause, and for a moment, the only sound between them was the distant rustling of the trees in the wind.
Then, Yan Ruo smiled—a soft, genuine smile that reached her eyes. "You are bold, Bo Dong. But I have always trusted you."
Her voice was steady, but there was a warmth in it now, a spark of something deeper.
"I will help you, not just as your caretaker, but as your partner. Together, we will rise."
Bo Dong's heart raced as he met her gaze. In that moment, he knew they had crossed a threshold. Their bond was no longer just one of duty—it had become something far more profound.
And with this, the **Dual Cultivation** path was now open to them both.
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