Chapter 83: Instructor, hit me!
It didn’t matter who beat him, as long as they controlled their strength. Instructor Yu Xuan, being a Sixth Star Mystic Master, could definitely handle it, refining his physique without causing lasting harm.
“—Instructor, hit me!” Yan Zhen pleaded earnestly.
Instructor Yu Xuan blinked, confused, then her mind jumped to certain… activities. Her cheeks flushed crimson. “I had no idea you had such… preferences,” she stammered. “It’s not that I’m against it, but you’re still young, Yan Zhen. It’s best not to delve into such… unhealthy things too early. Keep it simple… Ahem, anyway, I’ll take your… needs into consideration. You should focus on your cultivation for now.”
Huh? Even with his inner lecher, it took Yan Zhen a moment to realize she had completely misunderstood him. He quickly clarified his request.
“You mean… strengthening your physique?” Instructor Yu Xuan’s blush deepened. Embarrassed, she lowered her head. “Ahem, well, using Mystic Power to temper the body is indeed a viable method, but it requires supplemental medicinal baths, and it’s not a long-term solution.”
“That’s fine. I just want to increase my physical strength so I don’t injure myself while practicing my techniques. I’ve already prepared the medicinal baths.”
Instructor Yu Xuan nodded. “Alright, I’ll help you.”
Relieved and excited, Yan Zhen followed her to the training grounds.
…
They returned from the training grounds as dusk settled, Yan Zhen leaning heavily on Instructor Yu Xuan, his body exhausted.
The other girls were alarmed, fearing something terrible had happened. After Instructor Yu Xuan explained, they breathed a sigh of relief.
In Yan Zhen’s room, she followed his instructions, retrieving the pre-prepared medicinal liquid from his storage ring and diluting it in a tub of hot water. Then, she helped him undress and gently lowered him into the bath.
After a while, Yan Zhen finally caught his breath, managing a weak smile. “Thank you, Instructor Yu Xuan.”
She frowned, her eyes filled with concern. “How are you feeling?”
— Like crap! This self-inflicted torture is insane! Why did the author have to come up with such a ridiculous method?!
“I’m fine,” he rasped. “You controlled your strength perfectly. The medicinal bath will take care of the rest.”
Instructor Yu Xuan rolled up her sleeves, picked up a wooden ladle, and carefully poured a portion of the medicinal liquid over his shoulders and back. Her fingers gently traced his bruises, feeling his muscles tremble beneath her touch.
She was the one who had inflicted these injuries, so she knew how much they must hurt. With each strike, she had wanted to stop, but his determined gaze had spurred her on.
To endure such pain for the sake of strength…
“Yan Zhen,” she said softly, “why are you pushing yourself so hard? You don’t need to rush into a challenge against Xiao Mie. With your talent, you’ll surpass him eventually. Is it because of the pressure from your fiancée?”
— Huh? How does she know about Wenqing? Did Meng’er or the others tell her?
“No, it’s for myself. I lost three years of cultivation. I have to work harder to reach my goals, to reach even greater heights.”
“You don’t have to… I’m not helping you tomorrow. Find someone else.”
Her tone was petulant, surprising him.
Since their first meeting, she had always been composed, elegant, kind, and approachable. She perfectly balanced her authority as an instructor with her feminine grace, creating a uniquely comforting presence.
This was the first time he had seen her act like a sulky child… He quickly turned to her, trying to appease her. “Come on, Instructor. Don’t say that! I’m counting on you. If you won’t help me, who will?”
“Then stop practicing this ridiculous method.” She stubbornly turned his head away, continuing to pour the medicinal liquid over him, her voice taking on a motherly tone. “I don’t think you need this kind of training. If you cultivate diligently, you’ll reach the Seventh Star within one or two months. With the help of pills, it’ll be even faster… As for challenging Xiao Mie, you can wait until you reach the Eighth or Ninth Star. You’re already ranked third on the Nine Star Rank, and you won all ten matches in the gauntlet. You don’t need to prove yourself any further.”
Yan Zhen grasped her free hand. “Instructor, I’m not trying to prove anything. I want to improve through competition with Xiao Mie. We can sharpen each other’s skills… This effort is nothing. The process is a bit painful, but I can endure it.”
“Why are you so stubborn? You never listen!”
“I believe you’ll help me, Instructor Yu Xuan. Right?” He turned to face her, his eyes wide and pleading.
She averted her gaze, refusing to meet his eyes. “No.”
“Instructor~ Please help me~” He whined, nuzzling his cheek against her hand. The action, though mortifying, was incredibly effective.
The subtle sensation against her skin sent shivers down her spine, her cheeks flushing crimson. Her heart fluttered with a honeyed sweetness.
This was the first time he had initiated any kind of physical contact with her, and it was so endearing, so utterly irresistible.
— That little rascal… he knows how to manipulate me.
“Instructor~”
“Alright, alright, I’ll help you. But you can’t push yourself too hard. Tell me if you’re feeling any discomfort. If you can’t handle it, you need to rest.”
“I understand. Thank you, Instructor!”
She sighed, her heart aching as she looked at his bruised and swollen body.
The worst part was, these were injuries inflicted by her Water Mystic Power, so she couldn’t use it to soothe his pain.
She could only continue pouring the medicinal liquid over him, gently massaging away the bruising.
Yan Zhen closed his eyes, fighting back his exhaustion. He focused his mind, circulating his Mystic Power according to the “Imperial Blaze Art,” slowly absorbing the medicinal properties of the bath.
As time passed, the color of the bathwater gradually faded, the medicinal properties seeping into his body, healing his injuries. He finally succumbed to his weariness, his head drooping against the edge of the tub as he drifted off to sleep.
Instructor Yu Xuan watched over him, her gaze tender.
At midnight, when the bathwater had turned completely clear and the water had cooled, she gently lifted him from the tub, dried him off, and carried him to his bed.
Her eyes lingered on his… arousal, and she blushed, muttering, “Even injured, he’s still so… energetic…”
Knowing he was trying to temper his body and couldn’t afford to lose his vital energy, she resisted her usual urge to “help him out.” She tucked him in and quietly left the room.
Leave a Reply to Soul Cancel reply