Dai Chengfeng's hand finally stilled—just above Xiao Wu's knee.
He looked up at her.
The girl bit her lower lip, her long lashes fluttering wildly—but she neither pulled away nor stopped him.
She wore only a thin sleep robe, nearly translucent in the morning light, outlining the delicate, budding curves of her young body—still tender, yet undeniably lovely.
Dai Chengfeng's eyes darkened slightly. His fingers lingered on the side of her leg, gently stroking.
"How's your training been lately?"
He suddenly asked an entirely unrelated question.
Xiao Wu blinked, startled, then stammered out a reply: "I-It's… okay… just… sometimes my soul power feels a bit… stuck when I circulate it…"
"Oh?"
His fingers moved again—this time pressing more deliberately with his thumb against a specific acupoint on the inner side of her thigh. "Does it feel sore or tight here?"
"Ah…"
Xiao Wu couldn't suppress a soft gasp. That spot was exactly where she'd felt blockage during recent practice.
She stared at him in surprise. "Brother Chengfeng… how did you know?"
"Just a guess."
Dai Chengfeng's tone was casual as he continued applying steady pressure to the point. "You've been walking with a slight hitch in your left step. This meridian must be partially blocked."
His technique was expert—firm but not painful. At first, Xiao Wu felt a dull ache, but soon a warm current radiated outward from the spot, flowing smoothly along her meridians. The lingering stagnation truly began to ease.
"It… it feels much better…" she whispered, voice tinged with awe.
Only then did Dai Chengfeng withdraw his hand. He adjusted the silver anklet around her ankle, tightening the clasp slightly.
The chain now fit snugly—neither loose nor constricting—perfectly secure.
"There. All set."
He released her ankle, his expression calm and composed, as if the entire intimate exchange had been nothing more than routine therapeutic care.
But Xiao Wu remained rooted in place, the ghost of his touch still burning on her skin.
She stared down at the gleaming silver chain, her mind in turmoil—Was he really just checking the anklet and unblocking meridians… or was it all deliberate?
"Go wash up," Dai Chengfeng said, rising to his feet and giving her shoulder a light pat. "Breakfast will be ready soon. And remember—mind your posture during training. Don't push yourself too hard."
"Mm…"
Xiao Wu nodded, watching as he turned to leave. She opened her mouth as if to say something—but closed it again, words lost.
She touched her still-flushed cheek, then glanced once more at the anklet shimmering on her ankle. A tangle of emotions swirled inside her: embarrassment, confusion… and something sweet she dared not examine too closely.
---
As Dai Chengfeng stepped out of the courtyard, the mask of composure slowly melted from his face, replaced by a faint, amused smile.
Xiao Wu's reaction had been even more entertaining than he'd anticipated—that flustered attempt at calm, the trembling she couldn't hide… it reminded him uncannily of someone else's behavior last night.
Shaking his head, he pushed those tempting thoughts aside and headed toward his quarters.
There was much to do today. After last night's indulgence, it was time to return to discipline.
---
Liu Erlong didn't wake until late morning.
Groggy, she reached out beside her—only to find cold, empty space.
She opened her eyes, staring at the half-empty bed for a long moment before memories of the previous night flooded back like a tide.
The mortifying scenes… the moments she'd lost control… Dai Chengfeng's whispers in her ear… and that pale violet object—bringing sensations she'd never imagined possible…
"Ahhh!"
She yanked the quilt over her head and rolled frantically across the bed, kicking her legs in distress.
How could she have agreed to such a thing?! And then… and then acted like that?!
After suffocating under the covers for what felt like forever, she finally emerged, gasping for air.
Sitting up, the thin blanket slid off her shoulders, revealing skin marked with countless love bites and faint bruises.
One glance—and her face burned crimson again. She quickly yanked the quilt back up, wrapping herself tightly.
The room was quiet, save for the occasional birdsong outside.
Glancing around, she noticed a neatly folded set of fresh clothes on the pillow beside her—and a small note.
She picked it up. In Dai Chengfeng's bold, elegant handwriting, it read:
'Erlong, I've gone to the Spirit Hall. The dress is new and has already been washed. Porridge and side dishes are kept warm in the kitchen—remember to eat. Last night… I was very happy.' — Chengfeng
Liu Erlong stared at the note, especially the four words—"I was very happy"—for a very long time.
Finally, she pressed the paper to her chest, her lips curving upward uncontrollably.
"You ridiculous man…"
She muttered under her breath—but there wasn't a trace of real anger in her voice.
She got out of bed, legs still slightly unsteady, a faint ache lingering in certain places.
Blushing furiously, she steadied herself on the bed frame and walked slowly to the bronze mirror.
The woman reflected there had cheeks like blooming peach blossoms, eyes shimmering with lingering desire, slightly swollen lips, and neck and collarbone adorned with unmistakable marks of passion.
Seeing herself like this made her want to vanish into the floor—but deep inside, an inexplicable warmth of satisfaction bloomed.
After washing up, she changed into the new dress—soft, comfortable, and perfectly fitted in a gentle shade of purple.
She ate breakfast, then returned to tidy the bed.
But when she lifted the quilt and saw the dark stains on the sheets, her hands froze.
Those…
Her face flamed again. After a brief hesitation, she quickly stripped the sheets off, bundled them tightly in her arms, and hugged the bundle close.
No servant could ever see this. She had to dispose of it herself.
Holding the bundle, she headed toward the backyard well—but ran straight into Dai Chengfeng in the front hall.
He'd apparently just returned, holding a food box in one hand.
His eyes flicked from her face to the unmistakable bundle in her arms. One brow arched; amusement sparkled in his gaze.
Liu Erlong wished the earth would swallow her whole. Clutching the sheets tighter, she forced calm into her voice:
"W-Why are you back already?"
"I bought you osmanthus cakes from Li's shop east of town. Remember how much you like them?"
He gave the box a little shake, but his eyes stayed fixed on the sheets. A teasing smile played on his lips. "Going to do laundry, Erlong?"
Liu Erlong flushed and tried to hide the bundle behind her back. "N-None of your business!"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, stepping closer. He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear:
"Need help? After all… I share the responsibility."
"Dai Chengfeng!"
She shot him a furious glare and lifted her foot to kick him.
He dodged effortlessly, shoved the food box into her free hand, and said lightly, "Alright, alright—I won't tease you. Give me the sheets. I'll have someone take care of it."
"No!"
Liu Erlong refused instantly.
Have a servant wash it? She'd never show her face again!
Dai Chengfeng crossed his arms, watching her with amused patience. "Then what do you plan to do?"
She bit her lip. "I-I'll wash it myself!"
He studied her for a moment—then suddenly grinned. "Fine. Wash it yourself. But…"
He leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper, "tonight, let me help you wash… together. How about it?"
It took Liu Erlong a second to grasp the double meaning—and when she did, her face turned beet red.
"Pervert! Shameless!" she shrieked, raising the food box as if to throw it at him.
Dai Chengfeng caught it laughing, stole a quick kiss on her cheek, and bolted.
"I'll be back tonight! Miss me!"
"Who'd miss you!" she shouted after his retreating figure—but her lips betrayed her, curling into an irrepressible smile.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)