Three months later, in the Earth Dragon Sect's secret realm.
Glistening jade toes passed through the barrier's curtain of light, the graceful curve of an arch swaying in the cold spring.
Ling Luochеn reclined in Yu Tianqing's arms and drew her leg back.
She gave Yu Tianqing's chest a feeble thump and said with a hint of resentment:
"This is all your fault. My foot is sore."
"This is what they call starting at your feet."
"Pfft, that's filthy..."
"What's filthy about it? Just wash it. Every part of my Luochen smells sweet."
Yu Tianqing kissed Ling Luochеn lightly on the forehead and reached out to take hold of the crescent still dripping with water. Yang Lightning gathered, instantly evaporating every drop.
"Hee hee hee, that tickles!"
Ling Luochеn let out a silvery giggle and gently kicked Yu Tianqing's warm hand away. It really was her most sensitive spot.
After they had enjoyed a tender moment, Ling Luochеn raised her head and said slowly:
"Tianqing, the academy is urging me to go back."
Yu Tianqing grunted in acknowledgment and put an arm around her fragrant shoulders.
"You've been here for over three months now. Thanks to you, all the Ice Extreme Divine Crystal and Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice Marrow here have been harvested. How is your cultivation now?"
Ling Luochеn raised her head and gave Yu Tianqing a kiss in return.
"I'm already a level fifty-four Soul King, and I feel like the three pieces of Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice Marrow Aunt Nan gave me will last me all the way to Titled Douluo."
"Ah, your Ultimate Ice still needs to be purified. How could three pieces be enough? When you're nearly done with them, remember to come with me and ask Aunt Nan for more."
"Hee hee, I feel a little embarrassed, always using things from your family." Ling Luochеn stuck out her tongue, looking adorably innocent.
"What do you mean, your family and mine? Aren't you mine?"
Yu Tianqing waved a hand, displaying the generous bearing of a man who ruled his household.
"Oh, you~"
Ling Luochеn turned over and looked down at Yu Tianqing, her beautiful eyes shining.
"Tianqing, how about today... right here? I want to give myself..."
The girl's voice was low and somewhat halting.
But Yu Tianqing had spent every day and night with her for three months. How could he not understand what she meant?
The beauty before him was indeed a feast for the eyes, and it would have been impossible for him not to feel tempted. Still, Yu Tianqing relied on great willpower and wisdom to suppress the impulse.
He reached out and cupped the girl's face, then said gently:
"Luochen, we have plenty of time. Let's wait until I enter Shrek Academy, all right?"
Ling Luochеn was somewhat puzzled, but seeing Yu Tianqing's serious expression, she nodded.
She could clearly feel that Yu Tianqing had feelings for her too, that it wasn't because he didn't like her. That was why she had dared to ask.
There was nothing wrong with Yu Tianqing's body either; he was very healthy. She had just tested that herself.
Three months had been enough for the young man and woman to explore the differences between their bodies. Only the final step remained.
But since Yu Tianqing had suggested waiting until they were at Shrek Academy, Ling Luochеn also felt that a few more months wouldn't make much difference, so she gladly agreed.
"All right. I'll wait for you at Shrek Academy."
The morning light was faint, and light snow still drifted from the sky.
South of Dragon City, three women and one man stood by the road.
The horse standing there seemed to feel a little itchy from the cold. It snorted, and its breath instantly turned to white mist.
"Luochen, remember to visit Aunt Nan often whenever you have time!" Nan Shuishui held Ling Luochеn's hand, her words full of an elder's reluctance to part and affection.
"Aunt Nan, I will."
Ling Luochеn nodded to Nan Shuishui, then reached out and patted Nan Qiuqiu on the head.
"Qiuqiu, Sister Luochen will come play with you again next time."
"Mm, Sister Luochen, tell me more stories about Shrek Academy next time!"
Only then did she turn her gaze to Yu Tianqing. He made no attempt to be discreet, stepping forward to pull Ling Luochеn into his arms and kiss her lightly on the cheek.
"Luochen, don't worry. When the new term starts, I'll definitely come find you at Shrek Academy."
"Mm, Tianqing, I'll wait for you."
There was nothing to linger over. They had agreed on this brief parting beforehand.
The three watched until the carriage disappeared into the wind and snow, then returned to the Earth Dragon Sect.
Nan Shuishui looked somewhat disappointed. For the past three months, she had stayed in Nan Qiuqiu's room, partly to avoid Yu Tianqing's harassment and partly to give the two young people time alone. She had also checked Ling Luochеn's physical condition every day.
Ling Luochеn had remained a virgin.
Seeing the intimacy Ling Luochеn and Yu Tianqing displayed from time to time, she was certain their relationship had been growing warmer, though it was somewhat different from what she had expected.
After the three returned to the Earth Dragon Sect, Yu Tianqing informed her and went alone to cultivate in the cold spring, giving her no chance to question him.
This made the usually composed Nan Shuishui somewhat anxious.
Only after dinner, when she saw Yu Tianqing about to return to his room, did Nan Shuishui call him back.
"Tianqing, come to the study with me in a little while. Aunt Nan has something to ask you."
Yu Tianqing seemed rather dispirited after seeing Ling Luochеn off. He merely assented and headed for the study ahead of her.
The study was small, furnished simply with a row of bookshelves and a desk. Dust had gathered in the fireplace opposite, which had not been used in a long time.
A thick carpet covered the floor, and a soul tool heater hummed and trembled lightly in the corner.
Yu Tianqing sat in the only chair, his eyes vacant, who knew what he was thinking.
He had completely slipped into character, his whole person radiating a bleak, desolate air.
"Tap, tap, tap."
As the sound of high heels drew closer, the door creaked open and Nan Shuishui walked in. She wore the same pink qipao as always, her manner graceful and dignified.
But Yu Tianqing did not look up, remaining in the same position.
Nan Shuishui was just about to speak when Yu Tianqing spoke first.
"Aunt Nan, I know what you want to ask."
Yu Tianqing calmly straightened up, paused, then leaned back against the chair and slumped down like a salted fish.
He looked at Nan Shuishui, but his gaze was unfocused.
"Aunt Nan, I failed to properly complete the task you gave me."
"Luochen, she's a good girl..."
"Alas..."
Yu Tianqing's breathing was light, yet it was as though he meant to breathe out all the gloom in his chest.
His sigh was full of heartache and helplessness, of the vicissitudes of life. He sounded nothing like an eighteen-year-old youth, but rather a dying old man.
Nan Shuishui was somewhat alarmed. Yu Tianqing had always seemed like a sunny, cheerful young man, and this was the first time she had seen him like this. She couldn't help feeling a stab of panic.
"Tianqing, if something's wrong, tell Aunt Nan. Don't keep everything bottled up inside."
Yu Tianqing did not answer her question directly. His gaze finally focused on Nan Shuishui, his eyes full of weariness.
"Aunt Nan, I'm fine. I'm just a little tired."