In the quiet moments between their shared embrace, Su Mu lay still, eyes half-lidded as the warmth of Lingxi's body lingered beside her.
The room was silent but for the slow, steady rhythm of their breaths.
And yet—beneath that silence—something stirred.
Su Mu detected it again.
That peculiar sensation.
A faint stirring of energy, subtle like a breeze across the skin, but unmistakable.
It came whenever she was close to Lingxi, especially when they were this close.
Especially after… moments like these.
Her senses had become sharper since her awakening.
Now, as she was quickly adapting to her new body, with that strange awareness rooted more firmly inside her, she could feel it clearly: an exchange of energy, flowing gently into her.
It wasn't violent. It wasn't forceful. It was like drawing in dew from the petals of a flower, effortless and natural.
The more intimate their contact, the stronger the pull.
Su Mu blinked slowly, her fingers brushing against her own arm as if to test her physical state.
Nothing felt different. No bursts of strength. No flashes of insight. Her body remained unchanged—or so it seemed.
And yet… something had changed. She knew it.
Her thoughts drifted back to every moment she'd been close to Lingxi since morning.
The same sensation had always been there, subtle and soft, just beneath the surface of pleasure and comfort.
But now she was learning how to listen to it.
"Is this… my awakened ability?" she wondered silently. "Or just something unique to me?"
What was even more curious was Lingxi. Sweet, gentle Lingxi.
She didn't seem to notice anything at all.
Her face held the peaceful look of someone who had shared a special moment.
She showed no signs of fatigue, no loss, no discomfort—nothing to suggest her energy had been taken.
Almost like her body was offering it freely… or like it replenished itself just as quietly.
Su Mu turned onto her side, her eyes studying Lingxi's sleeping form. The soft lines of her face. The gentle rise and fall of her open breasts. A faint curl of her lips, even in sleep.
It didn't feel wrong.
She didn't know what it meant yet. Whether it was a gift, a quirk of her new body, or a sign of something greater awakening inside her.
But in that quiet aftermath, beneath the first golden rays of dawn peeking through the curtains, Su Mu felt extremely happy and strangely satisfied as she closed her eyes
A crisp breeze carried the scent of dew and blooming spirit-lilies from the courtyard garden.
Inside the quiet chamber, Lingxi was already awake, moving with the practiced grace of someone used to rising before dawn.
Her hands moved deftly as she arranged Su Mu's clothes on the bed, every fold crisp, every item perfectly placed.
Su Mu slowly sat up, stretching as sunlight kissed her cheeks.
A subtle weight tugged at her chest—not just the heaviness of farewell, but the lingering echoes of last night.
She ran her fingers through her silvery hair, still feeling the warmth of Lingxi's embrace, the memory of soft words and shared silence.
Lingxi paused in her work, her eyes flickering toward Su Mu.
There was fondness there, and something unspoken that made her linger for just a heartbeat longer before turning away again.
"Miss, your journey awaits," Lingxi said softly, holding out the carefully chosen outfit with both hands.
Su Mu smiled gently and stepped forward, accepting the clothes. Her fingers brushed Lingxi's briefly, a small touch, but it carried volumes.
"Thank you," Su Mu murmured.
Lingxi dipped her head slightly, but the corners of her lips curved up in response.
As Su Mu moved toward the bath chamber to freshen up, Lingxi quietly resumed tidying, her motions slower now, more deliberate, as if trying to savor the last few moments before the inevitable parting.
Steam rose gently from the bath, the warmth wrapping around Su Mu like a soft embrace. The water smelled faintly of spirit petals—soothing, floral, almost nostalgic.
After bathing, Su Mu stood before the tall mirror.
The reflection that looked back at her was one she was still getting used to—a silver-haired woman with delicate, mesmerizing features and a grace that hadn't fully belonged to her before.
She reached for the innerwear drawer and smiled faintly.
Everything was neatly arranged—classic, modest, and stylish.
As she dressed, each movement felt smooth, natural.
The experience was new, yet her body moved with familiarity, as though it had always known how to wear such things.
She slid on the white turtleneck crop top first—the fabric hugging her form comfortably.
It was soft yet structured, the ribbed texture adding subtle detail. The crop cut emphasized her slender waist.
Then came the mint green high-waisted pants. They fit perfectly, the gold buttons gleaming slightly in the morning light.
The ensemble was simple yet striking—a clean blend of elegance and modernity.
Su Mu took a step back, examining the final look. She looked… confident. Strong. Beautiful.
The fashion of this world blended style and practicality in a way that fascinated her.
Clothes had a hidden fluidity to them—adaptive threads woven with microscopic enchantments that responded to the body's temperature and movement.
It wasn't just about appearance here. It was about readiness. Magic.
She brushed her hair back with her fingers, admiring how the outfit complemented her silver locks and pale skin.
The mirror reflected a young woman poised at the threshold of something new.
Behind her, she sensed movement. Lingxi stood by the door now, hands folded in front of her, her eyes soft.
"Miss, you look stunning," Lingxi said, her voice filled with quiet pride.
A faint blush rose to Su Mu's cheeks as she turned to face her. "It's all thanks to your choice, Lingxi."
The maid smiled, though her gaze lingered a little longer than necessary.
There was more to say between them, but for now, the morning called. Su Mu gave one last look at her reflection, then took a deep breath.
"It's time."
As they stepped out of Su Mu's room, the mansion stirred like a living organism.
Servants moved with quiet urgency, carrying suitcases, arranging carriages, and preparing everything needed for the young miss's departure.
The subtle fragrance of morning incense wafted through the hallways, blending with the faint hum of spiritual energy that ran like lifeblood through the estate.
Lingxi walked beside Su Mu, her pace measured, her expression calm—yet every so often, her gaze flicked toward Su Mu with a softness that betrayed her inner thoughts.
The walk to the dining hall was brief, but it felt stretched by the weight of silence. Their footsteps echoed in the corridors, each one a quiet countdown toward parting.
Upon arriving at the dining hall, Su Mu paused momentarily at the entrance.
The familiar scent of steamed rice, savory dumplings, and morning broth warmed the air. It wasn't a lavish meal, but one made with care, simple, nourishing, and comforting.
Her parents were already seated.
"Good morning, Mu'er," her father greeted, his voice warm but firm. His dark eyes lifted to meet hers with steady pride. "Are you ready to leave?"
Su Mu's gaze softened as she stepped into the room. Her father, Su Zihao, sat tall in a high-backed chair, his posture impeccable.
His sharp black blazer framed his tall, broad-shouldered frame, while his deep crimson inner tunic added a noble flair to his outfit.
His hair was short and impeccably combed back, accentuating his strong jawline and high cheekbones.
His face bore the refined lines of a man in his prime—perhaps thirty-seven at most—but his silver-gray eyes held decades of experience.
They were calm yet commanding, the eyes of someone who had seen war, built peace, and carried the weight of a noble house.
There was a quiet strength in the way he looked at Su Mu—a mix of pride, worry, and the restraint of a father letting his child go.
Su Mu dipped her head in greeting. "Good morning, Father. Yes, I'm excited."
Her mother, sitting just beside him, offered a smile that melted the tension in the room.
Her beauty was of the gentle, timeless kind—elegant rather than flashy.
She wore a flowing gown in soft pearl and lavender hues, blending traditional embroidery with clean, modern lines.
Silver vines stitched with fine spirit-thread wound around her sleeves and hem, catching the morning light in subtle glints.
Her long black hair was swept into an elegant low bun, held in place by a pale jade pin.
A few delicate strands framed her heart-shaped face.
Her soft eyes—like pools of starlight—watched Su Mu with a quiet depth.
Su Mu always thought her mother looked like she stepped out of a painting—serene, poised, and radiant.
Despite appearing barely over thirty, there was wisdom in her gaze and a knowing grace in every movement.
"We're proud of you, Mu'er," she said, her voice soothing and melodic. "Make the most of your time at the university."
"Because of the outside conditions, we won't be able to contact you regularly and might not be able to send you enough resources."
"So, Learn to rely on yourself, grow strong, and always protect yourself."
Su Mu nodded her head as she sat down at the table, the warmth of the room wrapping around her like a final embrace before the unknown.
The quiet clatter of breakfast resumed, yet under it flowed the emotions they didn't say aloud—fear, hope, pride, and love.
As she sipped her tea, Su Mu realized this would be the last morning she'd spend like this for a long time.