"Ah?"
Inside the wooden cabin, Qing Yanjing, who was comfortably soaking in a tub, instinctively opened her eyes, confusion filling them.
For the past month, she had been living here with Zhang Yuan. He had always observed proper boundaries, merely accompanying her in chess, flower arranging, reading, and eating the dishes she cooked each day.
And every day, she watched Zhang Yuan practice Dou Techniques, spear techniques, and sword techniques, or slay the occasional Magical Beast that wandered into the valley.
The two had grown quite attuned to each other. Qing Yanjing no longer guarded herself against Zhang Yuan and felt a rare sense of ease around him.
Yet now, Zhang Yuan had come looking for her while she was bathing, and the first thing he said was that he wanted to come in.
Had he finally lost his patience?
No, Zhang Yuan was not a hypocrite. Nor had he ever concealed his feelings for her. There had to be something urgent.
"Zhang Yuan, don't panic."
"Wait a moment."
Qing Yanjing rose from the tub. Water droplets covered her jade-white body, glimmering dazzlingly in the faint moonlight like a celestial goddess.
She was tall and graceful, her every curve smooth and harmonious, full yet elegant. There was not a single flaw to be found, as though she were the ultimate celebration of life and an ode to youth itself. Unfortunately, no one could see her.
"No, I can't wait."
Zhang Yuan violently broke through the door, completely lacking his usual refinement and restraint.
Qing Yanjing's pupils contracted. She instinctively tried to release her Dou Qi and form a Dou Qi Armor, but thunder suddenly exploded beside her ears. Zhang Yuan transformed into a streak of silver-purple lightning and flashed before her.
"Suction Palm."
Zhang Yuan stretched one hand toward the