Brother He, You Really Don't Like Bathing

The valley is densely covered with tall trees, their massive canopies crowding together. Even though it's daytime, walking through the valley floor feels like being in the middle of a cloudy evening.

However, light was not important to You Su, as he was already used to traveling by his Divine Sense. It was just that there was too much water at the bottom of the valley, with countless small puddles that were difficult to see with the naked eye, which left their clothes, shoes, and socks covered in mud and dust.

He Kongyue didn't pay any attention. Instead, he carefully tapped the ground with a small jade hammer and a compass, sometimes frowning and sometimes relaxing.

He tirelessly explored the valley floor. You Su couldn't help but feel bad about slacking off, so he took out an oil-paper He Kongyue and followed He Kongyue closely to shield him from the rain falling from the tree canopy.

After several confirmations, as darkness completely fell, He Kongyue finally revealed joy in her eyes:

"That's right, it's almost certain that Cheng Ying Venerable's tomb is right below here!"

"It really came to us without any effort," You Su said with a smile.

"Brother You certainly didn't put in much effort." He Kongyue casually found a rock and sat down.

You Su looked slightly embarrassed and explained:

"I don't mean to deny Brother He's hard work, it's just that the Ye Family's efforts in searching for Cheng Ying Venerable's tomb have ultimately benefited us."

"The Ye Family has Sword Cultivator, but Ye Erong isn't. Her reason for coming here is probably similar to mine—seeking excitement. The fortuitous opportunity Sword Cultivator probably isn't that important to her. The Ye Family is only going to such lengths to protect her because they want to make the little princess happy."

He Kongyue took out a water pouch from his Universe Bag, gulped down a mouthful of water, and let the droplets slide down his fair neck. Then he smiled and said to You Su:

"People like us are well protected, so we won't easily give up any opportunity to seek thrills. Being a young master or miss in Henggao City isn't easy. Those people outside the mountains look down on us, thinking we're just spoiled brats, but they only realize they've run into a brick wall when they cross us. Look, Spring Cicada is probably still being held back outside the valley by Ye Erong."

You Su deeply agreed with this statement. The scions of such prestigious families have ample Lineage resources to support them, and their knowledge and learning are extraordinary. Even if their natural talents cannot compare to some prodigies, they can at least remain in the top tier. This is also the reason why a Lineage can endure for so long.

"We've actually gotten a great deal from Miss Ye."

You Su also sat on the stone, and above the sky, the stars and moon gradually appeared.

"What, do you feel you've wronged them and want to make it up to them?"

He Kongyue glanced at You Su and continued:

"Ye Erong quite good-looking, somewhat resembling your junior sister, though she's still a bit less attractive. Her personality is similar, but she's more domineering and brainless. However, her background is far superior to that of a fallen snake clan's second daughter, so she's still quite cost-effective."

"Brother He, you've taken a fancy to him?"

You Su asked a question he already knew the answer to.

He Kongyue smiled, rubbing her forehead, and said:

"Whether I've taken a liking to her or not is another matter, but at least the person she's interested in is definitely not me. The three great immortal families are constantly vying for power, and none of them are willing to concede to the others; intermarriage between the three families is extremely rare. If I hadn't spoken up to save her, I doubt Ye Erong would have called me 'Brother He'."

His words were pointed; Ye Erong might not call him that, but she called him "You Su" very sweetly.

"In that case, there's nothing to be indebted to. Brother He saved her from a love tribulation, and she gave us some information in return. We're even." You Su was very rational.

"Is your junior sister really that good?" He Kongyue asked curiously.

"Even if Ye Erong is the daughter of Heavenly Dao, she is absolutely no match for my junior sister." You Su answered truthfully, lest He Kongyue make fun of him for falling in love with someone else.

"So... is your junior sister better, or your senior sister better?" He Kongyue asked with a playful smile.

You Su's expression stiffened slightly; this was undoubtedly a death trap. He Kongyue should be able to see that he and his junior sister had a special relationship, and his question was a test of You Su's attitude towards Wangshu Fairy.

"They treat me better than I treat them."

Instead of answering directly, You Su lowered his stance, which made He Kongyue understand and smile knowingly, because You Su's words had already answered his question.

"Brother You may be blind, but your vision is actually higher than anyone else's."

"I'm just... more grateful."

You Su was still a little embarrassed to admit to others that he was a philanderer, especially after the example of Spring Cicada.

But You Su still felt that he was different from Spring Cicada. After all, being affectionate did not mean being promiscuous, and he would never abandon anyone he cherished.

He Kongyue You Su's embarrassed expression, He Kongyue couldn't help but chuckle. "Brother You is right. You are indeed a grateful person. Otherwise, why would you come to the He family looking for someone you can't find?"

You Su chuckled twice and didn't reply, trying to end the conversation.

Just then, a gentle breeze swept by, scattering the remaining raindrops from the trees.

While holding up her umbrella, You Su complained, "The wind is constantly blowing in this valley, it's not only cold, but the rain hasn't dried yet either. It's probably difficult to find shelter under a tree for the night. Why don't we go out first?"

He Kongyue stretched out her hand and stopped in mid-air, as if deep in thought.

You Su didn't understand what He Kongyue meant, but she knew that He Kongyue must have sensed something, so she waited quietly.

"Brother You, didn't you feel that the wind just now was a little different from the wind before?"

You Su recalled carefully, then frowned and said, "It's even colder."

"That's right..."

He Kongyue looked at her palm, a single strand of hair fluttering in the wind.

"The Lingxu Mountain Range block the cold winds blowing from the Northern Ao Continent, and this valley we're in is a gap between the mountains, so the wind should be blowing from north to south. But that gust of wind just now... it didn't seem to be blowing from that direction..."

You Su also became serious, "Brother He, do you mean there are other sources of wind in this place?"

"It shouldn't be wrong; it can't be some random evil wind. I even think it's the wind blowing from Cheng Ying Venerable's tomb!"

You Su took a deep breath, his nostrils filled with the damp smell of earth, and perhaps... a very faint odor of decay?

You Su wasn't sure if it was just his imagination or if it really tasted that way.

"Has the tomb been opened ahead of schedule?"

"Brother You, have you never had any experience searching for fortuitous opportunity in the wild before?"

You Su shook her head.

"The restrictions on the tomb haven't dissipated yet, but that doesn't mean the gate is closed. It's just that cultivators need to rely on the moment the restrictions dissipate to determine the tomb's exact location. If you knew beforehand, why wait for the restrictions to dissipate?"

He Kongyue explained to You Su, then added, "Besides, even if this source of wind isn't our destination, it's probably a cave or cellar. Going in to rest is better than trekking through mountains and rivers to climb out, only to climb back in the next day."

You Su thought so too; how many of these fortuitous opportunity in the world would actually last until the day the restrictions on him were lifted?

"Then let us go and find it."

He Kongyue poured cold water on You Su's hopes, saying, "We don't know when the wind will blow again; we might need to search all night. Be prepared."

You Su took out an array plate from his Universe Bag; it was the Wind Weasel Formation Plate he had used to help Ji Xueruo find a way out at the bottom of the Jade Ring Pool.

"It's alright, with it here, we'll definitely find it."

You Su handed the Wind Weasel Formation Plate to He Kongyue. He Kongyue accepted it with a slightly surprised expression, not because of the rare magic Law Treasure in his hand, but because You Su could let him use it without any hesitation, clearly regarding him as a trustworthy friend...

Outside the valley.

Knowing it couldn't break through this defense, the Spring Cicada had already left to find another entrance.

Ye Erong sat in a small palace that her servants had temporarily built for her, warming herself by a fire and drinking hot milk tea. This was a newly emerging beverage in Henggao City, made with goat milk and fragrant tea, and was very popular among young women.

She put down her teacup with satisfaction, and an old servant behind her asked:

"Miss, are you really going to hand over this fortuitous opportunity to someone else?"

"No, the tomb hasn't been opened yet. It's no big deal to give He Kongyue a heads-up beforehand. We'll still be on equal footing then. Besides, didn't he help us see the true nature of that Spring Cicada?"

Ye Erong didn't care at all. "Anyway, Father wanted me to obtain the Immortal Sword so that it would be easier for me to become a disciple of the Lotus Sword Venerable. Wouldn't it be better if I just turned the Lotus Sword Venerable's disciple into my husband?"

He Shutong recently accepted two disciples, giving many Sword Cultivator outside the sect the illusion that the Lotus Sword Venerable would be opening up his sect to the wider world.

The old servant sighed softly, saying that his young lady was good in every way, except that she loved reading too many romance novels.

"Oh right, the valley is windy and flooded, it must be tough. Go find those two and let them camp with us."

Ye Erong rested her chin on her hand, her face full of anticipation.

The old servant paused, then said, "I sent men to follow them when they entered the valley, but... we lost them."

"Lost them?!"

Ye Erong stood up abruptly, "No, I have to go find them!"

The old servant quickly pulled the willful young lady back:

"Don't worry, Miss. Those two are not ordinary people. It's not our place to panic if they're in danger."

"Why isn't it my turn? You're not in a hurry, but I am!"

Ye Erong nearly frantic with worry, but the old servant had his own plans:

"This is fortuitous opportunity given to him by the young lady. If he cannot seize it, it means he is unworthy."

Ye Erong rolled her eyes playfully. Actually, she wanted to say that her face alone was enough to match him; cultivation level and ability were secondary. But she couldn't say that in front of the elders of the clan, or she would appear shallow.

She pondered for a moment, then gave the order:

"Then keep a close watch on the surroundings and keep outsiders out. No one is allowed to approach until the barrier dissipates, especially that Spring Cicada!"

"Yes."

"Brother He, you actually found it!"

You Su stood outside a stone wall, and he could clearly feel a faint breeze blowing continuously from the cracks in the stone.

"It's all thanks to your Wind Weasel Formation Plate."

With that, He Kongyue smiled and returned the array plate to You Su.

Holding the array plate, You Su couldn't help but recall the days of adventure with Ji Xueruo.

I wonder if she is alright now, if everything is going well for the snake clan, and if she has forgotten him...

He shook his head inwardly. He could never forget those unforgettable thousand reincarnations. He shouldn't have distrusted that arrogant girl.

"It seems Brother You's Wind Weasel Formation Plate has quite a history."

He Kongyue squinted, and by the light of the Luminous Pearl, she could see the melancholy expression on You Su's face, as if he were reminiscing about someone.

"This is a gift from the Fourth Elder of the Xuanxiao Sect."

He Kongyue raised her beautiful dark eyebrows, and seeing that You Su didn't want to say more, she didn't press the matter further.

"Try moving these stones."

When it came to the manual labor part, You Su, who hadn't contributed any effort, naturally couldn't continue to slack off and started moving stones with He Kongyue.

This layer of soil was more fragile than You Su had imagined. It didn't seem to have been reinforced by humans at all; it was more like a mound of soil that had accumulated naturally over thousands of years.

Soon, a slightly narrow crevice in the rock appeared.

He Kongyue seemed very excited. He first reached in to check and found that the path ahead was indeed open. He then volunteered to be the first to crawl into the crevice, with You Su following closely behind.

The crevice was only about half a person's width wide, requiring them to squeeze in sideways. The stone walls were covered in wet mud, transforming the two men from slovenly to filthy.

Fortunately, the crevice widened as one went deeper, until finally, a bright and open space opened up before one arrived.

"I wonder how this crack was formed." He Kongyue marveled inwardly. Even though she was covered in mud, the novelty outweighed her annoyance.

"Perhaps it's due to the passage of time that the two mountains have squeezed together," You Su casually explained.

The two continued their journey together, and the Luminous Pearl made things much easier, allowing them to see the entire cave clearly.

Unfortunately, there was nothing here except an underground river; it was indeed a naturally formed cave. At the end of the cave, there was a fissure, but it was completely impassable. The strange wind was blowing from that fissure, He Kongyue guessed that the cave was indeed a crevice formed by the fusion of two mountains, and the wind was coming from the other side of the mountain.

"Looks like it was all for nothing," He Kongyue sighed.

"Can something that's so easy to find really be called fortuitous opportunity?" You Su comforted him. "At least we've found a place to stay, which is better than being out there exposed to the cold wind and rain."

"Brother You is quite magnanimous. That's right, we'll wait here until the tomb's restrictions are broken, then we'll see who can beat us."

He Kongyue spoke, she sat down on the ground, her sense of loss completely gone.

He was quick to accept the offer and immediately took out food from his Universe Bag and shared it with You Su.

The two chatted and ate, and time flew by. You Su sat on the floor, becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

Because your body is covered in sticky mud, and your clothes are half wet and half dry, it's really uncomfortable to stick to your body.

Fortunately, there was an underground river here. You Su had originally planned to take a bath there, but she was worried that something might go wrong. The two of them had been sitting for so long without any accidents, so taking a bath shouldn't be a problem, right?

"Brother You, do you need to pee?"

He Kongyue's expression became somewhat unnatural when he saw You Su actually starting to unbuckle his belt right in front of him.

You Su was unable to Grain Avoidance, so she inevitably had to expel toxins, but the frequency was still less than that of ordinary people.

"Oh no, I already took it off while I was outside."

"So what are you doing...?"

"I need a shower. I'm all sticky and dirty, and it's really uncomfortable to rest. I might as well take a cold shower and change my clothes."

You Su kept talking and working, and in no time at all, most of the earth-yellow outer robe was taken off, leaving only a single garment.

He Kongyue glanced at the clear river water, unable to think of any reason to stop You Su, especially since he himself was covered in mud.

"Brother He, why don't you come along?"

You Su warmly invited him, "I'm really not lying to you, taking a cold shower has a unique charm."

"Oh? I don't think I need to... I'll wash myself clean now, but I'll have to get it dirty again tomorrow when I go out through that hole."

He Kongyue lowered her head slightly, not looking at You Su's muscular upper body.

"We've already gotten covered in dirt when we came in, so we definitely won't leave looking as disheveled as we did when we came in. And even if we do get dirty outside, a shower now will make us feel much fresher."

You Su tried to persuade He Kongyue's reason was completely unfounded. According to him, people will always get dirty, so wouldn't that mean they would never need to take a bath?

He Kongyue frowned, thinking to herself, "Did you run a bathhouse in Chuyun City before? Why do you like to persuade people to take a bath so much?"

"Hehe, no need, I'm not that dirty..."

He Kongyue chuckled and politely declined.

"Since Brother He doesn't like taking baths, I won't force him."

He Kongyue lowered her head, and raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

What does this blind man mean? Does he think I'm very unclean?

He actually raised his head and explained:

"It's not that I don't like taking baths, it's just that I'm used to taking tea baths and milk baths at home, so it's really not the same as taking them outside."

The moment he finished speaking, his pupils widened instantly. You Su had actually taken off her underpants right in front of him!

Suddenly, he seemed to see a sleeping black dragon.

He Kongyue's face flushed red instantly, and he suppressed his trembling and did not lash out.

"I see. Then I'll trouble Brother He to keep watch for me, making sure no passing female cultivators see this."

You Su realized he had misunderstood the other person, so he quickly told a joke to ease the awkwardness and jumped into the water with a splash.

To everyone's surprise, upon hearing this, He Kongyue clenched her teeth, stood up, and said:

"I also need to relieve myself. I'll go outside the cave and keep watch for you."

You Su often took ice baths when he was in Chuyun City, so he quickly adapted to the water temperature. He joked:

"I thought Brother He didn't need to relieve himself."

Because You Su had always politely declined He Kongyue's invitations to go out to relieve himself, he assumed that He Kongyue's cultivation level was close to the Transcendent Realm, so he hardly needed to go to the toilet anymore.

Noticing the other person's hurried departure, You Su advised again:

"Going in and out is too much trouble, Brother He, please take care of it inside the cave. I won't mind."

"You don't mind, but I do!"

He Kongyue, unusually angry, squeezed into the gap.

You Su felt a little strange. Had it been his remark, "Brother He doesn't like to bathe," that offended him?

However, You Su took a quick shower, and He Kongyue returned not long after she finished.

You Su estimated the time and thought to himself that Brother He must have been holding in his pee for a long time.

This is a common phenomenon for high-level cultivators. Some people go into seclusion for ten days or half a month at a time, without urinating or defecating during that time. Once they come out of seclusion, they can't help but let loose and vent their frustrations.

After returning, He Kongyue only chatted briefly before closing her eyes and meditating.

You Su was naturally too embarrassed to disturb the other party, so he closed his eyes and began to savor the sword strike that had killed Huo Yuandi the night before.

Immersed in the Way of the Sword for a long time, You Su was suddenly awakened by a soft sound of water.

Splash...

Is someone taking a shower?

I'm not trying to sell on bromance, and I don't need to explicitly state He Kongyue's gender, do I?