Chapter 71: Instructor Yu Xuan’s Care
Yan Zhen had never tasted such a delicious medicinal liquid. He couldn’t help but take a few extra sips.
The potent medicinal power rapidly healed his injuries. Coupled with his Beautiful Sect Master’s soft, delicate hands gently massaging his stomach, his entire being relaxed. The day’s fatigue transformed into overwhelming drowsiness, and he drifted off to sleep.
His steady breaths brushed against Chen Xi’s chest, causing her cheeks to flush.
Gazing down at Yan Zhen’s sleeping face, Chen Xi gently withdrew her hand from his head and slowly straightened her back.
A palm-sized Mystic Refining formation flashed across her chest, halting the tingling sensation.
She examined Yan Zhen’s right arm. Full recovery would take some time. She carefully re-bandaged his arm, ensuring his meridians healed correctly.
With the treatment complete, Chen Xi’s thoughts shifted. Her doctor attire dissolved into specks of Mystic Power, dispersing like fireflies. Her pristine, flawless body materialized atop the altar, soon draped once more in her flowing black robes, concealing her beauty.
The infirmary setting vanished like an illusion, reverting to the familiar altar chamber.
Chen Xi lingered for a moment, her gaze lingering on Yan Zhen’s sleeping face. She bent down and planted a light kiss on his forehead before returning him to his bed in the outer room.
As much as she wanted to keep him by her side, she knew that with him injured, the other girls would undoubtedly visit. It wouldn’t do for them to discover his absence and cause a stir.
Besides, she had accomplished what she set out to do, and her beloved disciple’s reaction had left her feeling deeply satisfied.
…
Yan Zhen dreamt he was scaling a snow-capped mountain. The path was covered in knee-deep snow, soft and slippery, making his ascent arduous.
He persevered, finally reaching the summit. There, amidst the icy expanse, a lone cherry blossom tree bloomed in vibrant defiance. As the wind swept through its branches, countless petals danced in the air, a breathtaking spectacle.
He climbed the cherry blossom tree, reaching its very top. There, nestled amongst the blossoms, lay a tiny ruby, no bigger than his fingertip, from which flowed a milky-white, ethereal spring.
Parched and weary from his climb, Yan Zhen leaned towards the spring. Opening his mouth wide, he covered the spring’s opening and drank deeply.
The liquid was warm, fragrant, and slightly sweet, reminiscent of something he had recently consumed.
The ethereal spring instantly rejuvenated him, banishing his exhaustion and invigorating him.
He woke with a start.
Blinking, he took in the familiar bedframe and gauzy curtains, his senses slowly returning.
The pain in his right arm was gone, replaced by a slight stiffness.
His Beautiful Sect Master’s healing medicine was truly remarkable! His arm had recovered faster than described in the script. He wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing.
Of course, he didn’t enjoy being in pain for days on end, but every time events deviated from the script, a sense of unease settled upon him.
He was overthinking things.
Yan Zhen stifled a yawn. As he did, a faint hint of sweet milk lingered in his breath.
A hazy memory surfaced, causing him to furrow his brow. He concentrated, trying to recall last night’s events.
That sensation… could it be that the medicine he took last night was… No, impossible!
Creak.
The door opened, and Instructor Yu Xuan entered. She swept aside the beaded curtain and beamed when she saw Yan Zhen sitting up in bed. She hurried over to his side.
“You’re awake, Yan Zhen. How are you feeling?”
Yan Zhen smiled faintly and made a fist with his right hand. “It’s almost fully healed, just a little weak still. I should be fine after another day of rest… What about class? Has it already started?”
“Yes, the other three have already gone to the academy. It’s my turn to stay and look after you.” Instructor Yu Xuan’s voice was gentle. “Don’t worry about the academy. Since you’re going to skip ahead to the Advanced Class, missing a few Intermediate Class lessons won’t matter.”
“Thank you, Instructor.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m your instructor. It’s my responsibility… You must be hungry! I’ve saved you some breakfast. I’ll go heat it up and bring it over.”
As Instructor Yu Xuan turned to leave, Yan Zhen stopped her. “Wait, Instructor Yu Xuan, I’d like to take a bath first. I didn’t get a chance yesterday. Sleeping in my clothes has left me feeling sticky and uncomfortable.”
“Ah, of course. Then, then I’ll help you wash up.” Instructor Yu Xuan blurted out, her cheeks flushing crimson as soon as the words left her mouth. She quickly added, “Your right hand is still bandaged, after all. It wouldn’t be convenient for you to move around too much.”
What? Yan Zhen hadn’t intended for her to help him at all. While his right hand wasn’t very mobile, he still had his left. Taking a bath wasn’t that difficult.
He had simply meant that she didn’t need to bring him breakfast; he would eat after he finished bathing.
It seemed his words had been misconstrued by the ever-so-kind Instructor Yu Xuan. He had to clear this up immediately. If he let her help him bathe, there was no guarantee he could keep his composure.
Yan Zhen swiftly raised his left hand. “Instructor, I can manage on my own. I still have my left hand. Taking a bath won’t be a problem.”
“Don’t be silly. How can you wash properly with only one hand? Let me help you.” Instructor Yu Xuan said shyly. “Besides, I worked up a sweat making breakfast. I wouldn’t mind a soak myself… Come on.”
With that, she took Yan Zhen’s hand and led him towards the bathroom.
Yan Zhen was at a loss for words, following meekly behind her.
He could have refused her help by forcefully pulling his hand away, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instructor Yu Xuan’s kindness towards him was undeniable. He didn’t want to hurt her feelings or reject her good intentions.
They entered the changing room, the air thick with the scent of soap, creating an unexpectedly intimate atmosphere.
Instructor Yu Xuan’s voice was hushed. “Don’t move. I’ll help you undress.”
Yan Zhen’s face turned beet red. He mumbled an agreement, his body stiff as a board.
He was dressed in his Mystic Academy summer uniform. He had already removed his outer robe earlier when his wounds were being treated, leaving him in his short-sleeved tunic and trousers.
Standing before him, Instructor Yu Xuan unbuttoned the two buttons at his collar like a doting wife. Then, she instructed him to raise his arms so she could help him pull off his tunic. She squatted down, her hands gripping his waistband as she slowly pulled his trousers down to his calves, urging him to lift his legs so she could remove them entirely.
Stripped of his outer garments, Yan Zhen stood in his boxers, which featured a pattern of adorable little elephants with long trunks.
Instructor Yu Xuan bit her lip, her hand hovering as if to continue. Yan Zhen quickly intervened.
“Instructor, I can handle this myself. Could you please turn around?”
“Ah, yes, of course.”
Instructor Yu Xuan turned away, moving towards a corner where cleaning supplies were stored. However, her gaze seemed magnetized, repeatedly drawn back to Yan Zhen.
After quickly finishing undressing, Yan Zhen grabbed a towel to wrap around his waist. “I’ll go in first,” he muttered before hurrying through the bathroom door.
Watching his flustered retreat, Instructor Yu Xuan chuckled softly, her eyes brimming with tenderness.
With a moment’s hesitation, she began to shed her own layers – her instructor’s robes, inner garments, and under-robe, one by one. Then, she picked up a large towel and wrapped it around her voluptuous figure before stepping barefoot into the bathroom.
Yan Zhen was already beneath the running shower, enjoying the warmth of the water cascading over him.
He pushed his wet hair back from his forehead, revealing his smooth features. This more mature hairstyle, juxtaposed with his youthful, handsome face, created an endearing contrast that sent a pleasant shiver down Instructor Yu Xuan’s spine.
“Yan Zhen.”
She approached him and called his name. He turned, wiping the water from his face.
Their eyes met, and both of their hearts skipped a beat.
Yan Zhen averted his gaze.
Although Instructor Yu Xuan’s towel was large, it only covered half of her body, from her chest to her hips, leaving the rest exposed before him.
Her delicate neck, graceful shoulders, and the tantalizing curve of cleavage peeking above her towel, along with her long, slender legs and dainty feet, all painted a captivating picture that set his young heart racing.
“Instructor Yu Xuan, I think I’ll wash myself after all. Look, it’s no problem.”
He demonstrated by awkwardly trying to gather his wet hair with his left hand.
“I already told you, I’ll help you. Now sit down.”
Instructor Yu Xuan turned off the shower and gently but firmly pressed Yan Zhen down onto a small stool.
Unable to refuse her, Yan Zhen obeyed. Internally, he began chanting the “Original Clear Heart Mantra,” desperately trying to prevent himself, or rather, his “unruly dragon,” from making a scene.
Instructor Yu Xuan sensed his shyness and nervousness, which mirrored her own. This shared emotion sparked a flicker of joy within her heart, as if their hearts were connected.
Kneeling behind him, she picked up a bar of soap and began to lather his back with careful, gentle strokes, covering his entire back and his free left hand with fragrant bubbles. Then, she placed the soap in his left hand, letting him wash his chest and legs.
Once he was sufficiently lathered, Instructor Yu Xuan picked up a washcloth and began to scrub his back, her movements thorough and attentive.
The water from the cloth mixed with the soap, creating more and more fragrant bubbles that threatened to engulf her hand.
Though this was her first time bathing another person, she had diligently researched the proper technique beforehand. Her initial awkwardness gave way to practiced confidence as she became engrossed in her task.
“How does it feel, Yan Zhen? Does it hurt?”
Yan Zhen, lost in the bliss of being pampered, opened his eyes at her question. “No, it feels very comfortable. The pressure is just right.”
“Good, I’m glad.”
Pleased by his praise, Instructor Yu Xuan continued with even greater care.
“If it hurts at all, just tell me, and I’ll be gentler.”
“Okay.”
“What is it? What’s wrong?” She slowed her movements, her voice laced with concern. “Do you think I’m being too meddlesome? Am I bothering you?”
“Not at all.” Yan Zhen rubbed his cheek sheepishly. “It’s just that… you’re being too kind to me, Instructor. I… I don’t know how to repay you.”
Instructor Yu Xuan paused, then chuckled softly. “Just focus on your cultivation and win first place a few more times. Helping me earn a bonus and bragging rights would be the best way to repay me.”
“That’s not really repayment. Cultivation is my own responsibility. I would do it even without your guidance… As for the monthly assessments and the Nine Star Rank, I will strive for first place, of course.”
“Good attitude. I’m very pleased. If only Xue’er and the others were as motivated as you.”
“Well, everyone has different aspirations. Perhaps Senior Sister Xue’er has something even more important to her.”
“They’re not that profound. Out of the three, Ruyu is the most diligent. Xue’er and Meng’er are both masters of procrastination. They only move when you’re about to crack the whip.”
He wasn’t familiar enough with Mi Xue’er to comment, but Yan Meng’er certainly fit that description.
Unwilling to gossip about the three girls in front of Instructor Yu Xuan, lest they retaliate later, Yan Zhen steered the conversation in another direction. “Instructor Yu Xuan, did you have a specific goal in mind when you came here to teach from the Sacred Land Academy?”
“Yes, I need to successfully guide at least one student to graduation.”
“Then, you’ll achieve your goal very soon.” Yan Zhen spoke with absolute confidence. “Because I’ll be graduating soon. When that happens, Instructor will have accomplished your teaching objective.”
“If anyone else said such a thing, I wouldn’t believe them, but coming from you, Yan Zhen, I’m actually looking forward to it.”
After all, Yan Zhen was on track to be the fastest graduating student in the history of Silver Moon City Mystic Academy, poised to complete his studies in a mere six months.
Instructor Yu Xuan smiled, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with a foam-covered hand before resuming washing his back.
Having finished with his back, Instructor Yu Xuan leaned forward slightly, her washcloth reaching under his arm to cleanse his chest.
Yan Zhen’s body tensed. She was so close that he could feel the gentle weight of her ample bosom pressing against his back. The thin towel did little to disguise her incredible softness.
Seemingly oblivious to his reaction, she continued to move the washcloth across his chest with one hand while the other rested on his shoulder for support. With each movement, the pressure against his back intensified, then eased, sending shivers down his spine.
Yan Zhen swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. The “dragon” beneath his towel, previously subdued, began to stir.
Calm down, man! What are you thinking? he chastised himself. Instructor Yu Xuan is being kind enough to help you bathe because of your injury. How can you disrespect her with such impure thoughts? Remember who you are!
Yan Zhen berated himself, forcing his blood flow away from certain areas. He slowly regained his composure.
Whew… As expected of me! After experiencing the baptism of the world’s peak multiple times, I still possess some self-control.
Just then, Instructor Yu Xuan’s hand slipped, and the washcloth tumbled to the floor with a soft plop.
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry. My hand is a little slippery…”
“Don’t worry, I’ll get it.”
“Your hand… let me get it.”
As she spoke, Instructor Yu Xuan reached down to retrieve the fallen washcloth.
*No! *
Yan Zhen’s eyes widened, and he sucked in a sharp breath. His hard-won composure shattered.
“Instructor, you… you’re mistaken. The washcloth is on the floor.” His voice trembled slightly.
Instructor Yu Xuan didn’t respond. Instead, her hand, now clutching something decidedly not the washcloth, continued to move across his chest, her motions slow and deliberate.
“Ins- Instructor?”
“Holding back isn’t good for you. Releasing it will make you feel better.” Her voice was calm and even, but her face, hidden against his back, burned with a furious blush. “Let me help you.”
“!!!”
…
Yan Zhen emerged from the bathroom with shaky legs. Faint, pink marks, like blooming strawberries, adorned his neck and shoulders.
Instructor Yu Xuan, her face flushed with satisfaction, served him his reheated breakfast, having thoughtfully prepared two extra dishes.
After he finished eating, Instructor Yu Xuan ordered him back to bed to rest while she left for the academy.
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