Shi Yang padded down the hall, the sting on his cheek still warm, though he bore it like a badge of amusement. His door shut with a quiet click, sealing him back into the small, cluttered space that smelled faintly of ink, damp wood, and his own restless Qi.
He exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he stretched his limbs, the memory of the rust sword's weight still thrumming through his bones.
"That's enough spirit sea diving for the morning," he muttered, lips curling into a thin smile. "I'll find my sword next time… for now, I'm itching to try the sutra—and my mantra—out in the real world."
Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he steadied his breath. His hands folded into a mudra, his focus sinking inward. The house, the rain, his aunt's trembling voice—all of it faded as his consciousness slipped back into the depths of his spirit sea.
Darkness gave way to a muted glow.
When his eyes opened again, he was no longer alone.
Xiu Mei lay beside him, her slender form curled close, breath warm against his chest as she clung to him with both arms. The sheets here were not the plain cotton of his aunt's house, but silk—soft, faintly glimmering, carrying the faint scent of orchids.
Shi Yang tilted his head, watching the way her hair spilled across his shoulder, the way her grip tightened even in sleep, as though she feared he might vanish if she let go.
A low chuckle rumbled from his throat. "Good morning, little Mei."
Her lashes fluttered, but she didn't wake fully. Her breathing stayed slow and steady, as though her body had surrendered wholly to his presence.
Shi Yang raised a hand, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. His eyes glinted with cold amusement, yet his fingers lingered, almost tender, as though savoring the weight of ownership.
"The rust eats at mountains," he whispered to himself, voice carrying the rhythm of a mantra. "And desire eats at hearts."
He closed his eyes again, sinking deeper, testing how far his Dao could reach between body and spirit. He tugged lightly on a loose strand of her hair and watched it wither away. A thrill ran through him. It actually worked. I've obtained another variant of the original Shi Yang's Water Dao: Blood & Rust.
With this, I might have a leg up in the cultivation world. He smiled and opened his eyes—just as Xiu Mei's fluttered open as well.
"Oh… did I wake you?" he asked, realizing the tug on her hair might have roused her.
She blinked, sleep still clouding her gaze. "…Did you pluck my scalp?" she murmured, moving a hand to her head, frowning faintly at the missing strands.
Is she mad? His chest tightened with a flicker of unease. "I just wanted to test something after waking up. Was that a problem?" Shi Yang said, pulling her closer.
"Not at all." Xiu Mei's lips curved into a soft smile, and she leaned in to kiss him. She melted against his morning embrace, her fingers brushing over his bandages while her tongue welcomed his.
The two tangled against each other. "Mmm…" he groaned softly as his hands roamed her sides, caressing her waist and thighs, relishing the smoothness of her skin.
"Do you want to do it one more time~?" Xiu Mei whispered, her voice low and enchanting as her delicate fingers slipped beneath the sheets. Her palm carried a familiar warmth as it wrapped around his shaft.
He chuckled, grabbing her rear hard enough to leave a mark. "Weren't you satisfied with last night's cultivation?" he teased against her neck, though the heat stirring within him betrayed his own morning need.
Shi Yang's fingers dug into Xiu Mei's hips as he rolled his head back, eyes closing in bliss. "Mmm… you're insatiable," he groaned, the compliment dripping with amusement.
His hands roamed her curves, savoring the way her skin yielded to his touch. "I suppose I should be grateful for such… enthusiastic cultivation partners."
He caught her wrist as she stroked him, stilling her hand against his hardness. His gaze locked onto hers, intense and probing.
"You know," he said slowly, "I've never had anyone like you before. You're not just a partner for my dual cultivation techniques or pleasure… but someone who challenges me on every level."
His thumb brushed over her knuckles where they gripped his shaft.
"I'm curious," he continued, voice lowering to a husky murmur. "How far will you push me? What depths will we explore together?"
As if in answer, Xiu Mei squeezed his length gently before releasing him entirely. She pushed herself up on one elbow and leaned in close.
"I'll follow wherever your desires lead," she whispered against his lips. "Just remember… you started this game."
With that cryptic warning, she kissed him deeply before rolling away. She stood by the bed and began unfastening the sash of her robe once more.
"Shall we see if your old theory about bathing together works~?" Xiu Mei said over her shoulder, a teasing glint in her eye as she revealed more of her pale skin inch by tantalizing inch.
Shi Yang watched hungrily as she stepped out of the robe entirely and padded toward the bath chamber door on bare feet. He rose from the bed and followed, intrigued by what other secrets this mysterious woman might hold within herself.
As he caught up to her, Xiu Mei paused by the door and glanced back at him with a sly smile.
"After you," she purred, opening the door wide to reveal steam billowing from within.
Shi Yang stepped across the threshold first—and froze.
Inside was not just a bath, but an entire room dedicated to sensual indulgence. Silk cushions and furs were strewn about in inviting heaps. Candles flickered along every surface, casting shadows that danced like lovers' whispers across the walls.
And in the center of it all stood an enormous tub carved from black stone—its surface filled with steaming water infused with herbs and petals.
When did she have time to do this? he thought. The candles were freshly lit; it was clear she had woken early, just before him, to prepare this little surprise.
See, Han Jie would never have done this for you, she thought triumphantly, eyes glinting with secret satisfaction. Sneaking from his room to prepare the bath had been worth it.
Xiu Mei shut the door behind them and approached the tub slowly, running a hand along its edge before turning back to him with a coy smile.
"So… ready to test the limits of your dual cultivation technique on me?" she asked, voice husky with anticipation.
Shi Yang's eyes darkened as he took in the decadent scene before him. A shiver ran down his spine at the promise of pleasure awaiting them. He remembered his earlier words about sharing a bath—it was clear she hadn't forgotten either.
"Let's see just how far we can push each other," he replied with a low chuckle.
And with that vow hanging heavy in the air like an unspoken challenge…
They began their descent into carnal indulgence together—Shi Yang's desire for cultivation intertwining seamlessly with Xiu Mei's hunger for his touch.
The steam from the bath swirled around them like an ethereal embrace as they sank into the warm waters side by side.
Her fingers trailed along the surface, sending ripples across their reflections. "The herbs should help circulate your Qi better."
She sank deeper until the steam kissed her collarbones. "You told me a heated bath might amplify your absorption rate, right? So I added a few heat circulation pills into the mix to help~."
Her leg brushed against his beneath the water—not quite accidental.
Shi Yang's eyes widened slightly at the soft press of her leg against his. The warmth of the bath and her nearness made him feel lightheaded. He cleared his throat, trying to regain composure.
"Thank you, Xiu Mei," he said, his voice low and steady despite the racing of his heart. "I appreciate your help with this technique."
He reached out to tuck a strand of wet hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her skin before withdrawing.
"The heat circulation pills were an excellent idea," he continued, shifting closer until their bodies nearly touched from shoulder to hip. "I can already feel my Qi moving more freely."
Shi Yang's gaze dipped briefly to where their legs tangled beneath the surface before rising to meet her eyes again. His hand slid between her thighs, rubbing her most intimate place.
Xiu Mei's breath hitched as his fingers brushed her sensitive spot. She bit her lip to stifle a gasp, her body pressing back instinctively against his hand. The heat of the bath and his touch combined to send shivers coursing through her.
Her eyes fluttered shut, savoring the sensation, before she met his gaze again with a shaky smile. "I'm glad it's working," she managed through clenched teeth.
Xiu Mei grasped his wrist gently but firmly, pulling his fingers deeper between her thighs as she shifted her hips. Her free hand rose to cup his cheek, thumb brushing his jawline.
"Keep doing that," she breathed. "I want to be pampered even more, uncle Shi." Her neck arched as she rested her head against the bath's edge.
He chuckled, spreading her legs wider as he moved between them. "Then let me indulge my stubborn niece," Shi Yang mused, his fingers teasing her folds with deliberate care.
He leaned close to her ear. "I'm sure you're sore down here. Why don't I massage you properly?" he whispered, rubbing her slit.
Xiu Mei's body trembled as his fingers worked her most sensitive flesh with practiced ease. Her breath came in short gasps, nails digging into his arm as pleasure coiled tightly within her.
"Yes, just like that," she hissed, hips bucking against his hand. The sensation was exquisite, yet she craved more.
"Uncle Shi…" Xiu Mei moaned, barely above a whisper, arching her back against the bath's edge. "I need you… more."
"Aren't you needy~?"
His voice carried a playful edge. "But luckily, your uncle has a solution for your greedy folds." He smiled, closing his eyes out of habit.
When they opened again, they were lifeless.
"Will this be enough for you~?" Shi Yang asked—but the words did not come from his body.
Startled, she looked to her sides. A phantom figure had appeared, its shape a near-perfect copy of him, save for its incorporeal state.
"?!"
"Shhh." The figure pressed a finger to her lips. "Just sit back and relax." His voice was calm, even as his astral fingers slipped into her swollen treasure.