Feeling the warmth against her neck, Lucian shuddered slightly and let out a light cough. "Isn't this a bit... improper?"
Changli chuckled softly at his reaction, then raised a delicate finger to tap his forehead teasingly. "Oh? So even you can feel embarrassed?"
Lucian adjusted his grip, supporting Changli's hips as he carefully set her down on a stone stool. Kneeling before her, he gently grasped her ankle and began removing her black high heels.
He could feel her ankle tense for a brief moment. Glancing up, he saw that Changli didn't seem bothered by his touch instead, her eyes shimmered with affection as she gazed at him.
Continuing his task, Lucian slipped off both shoes, then hooked his fingers into the edge of her stockings and slowly peeled them down.
The stockings clung snugly to her skin, elastic and smooth. As his fingertips brushed against her, Changli felt as though his touch sent ripples straight to her heart.
Lucian noticed her breathing grow slower, softer proof that she wasn't as composed as she pretended to be.
As the stockings slid off, they revealed Changli's slender, delicate legs and dainty feet.
[Option 2 Completed. Achievement Unlocked: 'Stockings Collector.' Effect: It becomes easier to request stockings from others.]
A mischievous grin tugged at Lucian's lips as he trailed his hand downward, giving her soft, boneless foot a playful squeeze.
"Mmm..."
Changli pressed her lips together and lightly smacked his head in mock reproach. "What, taking my stockings wasn't enough? Or do you want to go even further?"
Lucian immediately straightened up, feigning seriousness. "Changli, you misunderstand. I just noticed you seemed tired, so I wanted to use my family's secret massage techniques to help you relax."
Changli raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? Massage? Since when did you learn that? Or is this just an excuse to touch me?"
Lucian put on an indignant expression. "Of course not! I, Lucian, am not that kind of man!"
Seeing that she didn't refuse, his hands began moving with practiced ease as he recited confidently, "Our family's massage technique promotes blood circulation, relieves fatigue and pain, improves sleep quality, and has many other benefits."
Changli watched him, amused by how seriously he acted despite his wandering hands. The soothing pressure on her feet made her sigh contentedly, her eyes drifting shut.
….
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
Rover had encountered a little girl, one who looked like a miniature version of Changli. It was as if she had stumbled upon Changli's childhood self.
"...The Resonator who taught me about my 'Resonance ability' said that if I misuse it, it'll shorten my lifespan."
"That person said a lot of things I didn't understand... They also said I shouldn't use my ability so often."
"But... if I don't use it, the Tacet Discords will eat me. Or the bad people will kill me."
"If I don't live to see tomorrow, what's the point of having a long life?"
"I want to survive. I want to grow up strong."
"I want to learn how to control my power properly, so I can protect the people who've protected me."
"When that happens... peace will finally come."
Peace... Rover recalled Changli's wish back in the snowfields. It seemed her dream had never changed, even from childhood.
She patted the little girl's head gently. "That's a noble dream."
The girl nodded. "Mm! The village teacher said it means no more children will be attacked by Tacet Discords. Everyone will have enough to eat and a safe home."
"But I don't understand anything yet... so I need to find a really strong master to learn from."
Rubbing her chin thoughtfully, Rover realized that this must be Changli as a child, shortly after awakening as a Resonator before she had become Master Xuanmiao's disciple.
Little Changli walked ahead on her own, entering the same space as Lucian and the others. Though the location was identical, they existed in different points in time, making it impossible to see each other clearly only faint golden afterimages flickered at the edges of perception.
"That is...?"
Changli frowned, her gaze drawn to the space beneath the floating chessboard. Two silhouettes one tall, one small lingered briefly before vanishing. Though their faces were indistinct, their outlines resembled Rover's.
Lucian turned, puzzled. "What's wrong?"
But the figures had already faded, leaving nothing behind.
Changli murmured, "I think I just saw Rover..."
At her words, Lucian immediately stopped massaging, slipped her shoes back on, and stood up casually.
Changli tilted his chin up with a finger, smirking. "What, just hearing her name scared you?"
"Scared?" Lucian scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous! The massage was just finished, that's all. It has nothing to do with Rover."
Changli pretended to accept his excuse, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh~ I see. But your skills are impressive. Why not stay in Jinzhou and massage me every day?"
Lucian hesitated, tempted, but sighed. "Changli, I'd love to, but..."
Before he could finish, her fingertip pressed against his lips, silencing him. His breath hitched as she leaned in, her warm, sweet scent flooding his senses. "Mmmhn~ So the offer isn't enough?" she murmured, her lips brushing his ear, sending a shiver down his spine. "Then... let me persuade you."
In an instant, her mouth crashed against his.
"Ahh~" as their tongues tangled, the kiss deepening with desperate urgency. Lucian's control shattered.
As he gripped her waist, yanking her against him. His other hand fisted in her hair, tilting her head back as he devoured her, his tongue sliding against hers. She whimpered into his mouth, her nails digging into his shoulders, her hips arching instinctively against his.
"Changli"
She answered with a breathy moan, her body trembling as he backed her against the stone stool, his knee pressing between her thighs. The friction drew out a sharp, shuddering gasp "Nngh! Lucian!"
His lips trailed down her throat, teeth grazing her pulse point as she writhed beneath him. Every suck, every nip pulled another wanton sound from her. "Ah! Ahhn~ Yes—!"
When he finally dragged his mouth back to hers, the kiss was filthy, wet, obscene. Their breaths mingled in ragged pants, their bodies grinding together that left them both trembling.
Only when they were both gasping, lips swollen and slick, did they break apart. Lucian's chest heaved, his cock throbbing painfully against the confines of his clothes.
When they finally parted, Lucian was breathless.
"You—"
Changli touched his lips again, her eyes tender. Lucian stared at her, confused.
She caressed his cheek and spoke softly, "Lucian, did you know? When I was young, my village was destroyed by a Tacet Discord horde. I was the only survivor—and that was when my Resonance ability awakened."
"After leaving the village, I met Master Xuanmiao and became his disciple. He showed me the path forward—to think carefully, plan before acting, and remain self-reliant."
"After his passing, I began my own journey, learning from many masters, absorbing their knowledge. My methods grew refined, but my heart never changed."
"Later, as you know, I was appointed as Jinzhou's Counselor. I became Jinhsi's mentor, entrusting governance to her while supporting her from behind the scenes."
"All these years, I've wondered—if that 'person who could change the world' my master spoke of never appeared, what would become of Jinzhou?"
"Human lives are fleeting. All I want is to fulfill my wish within my limited time."
"And you... you and Rover have given me hope that it's possible."