Xiao Yixian glanced at Liu Xi's back as he turned away, gratitude flashing softly in her eyes.
Placing her slender hand on the edge of the wooden tub, she gazed into the multicolored medicinal liquid swirling within — a pool of jade-like brilliance crowned by a layer of gently flickering cyan flames. The hesitation on her face slowly faded, replaced by quiet determination.
She lifted her eyes once more toward Liu Xi's back and opened her mouth as if to speak, yet no words emerged.
'I'll endure to the very end,' she thought resolutely. 'When I gain strength equal to yours... when danger comes, I hope I can stand before you instead of behind you. My fate should be in my own hands, not a burden for you to carry.'
Her eyes grew firm. She bit lightly on her lip, hands lowering to her waist as she untied the cyan silk sash, letting her robes slip soundlessly to the floor.
A flawless body, pale and luminous as carved jade, emerged into the dim room. Seeking to cleanse her body completely, Xiao Yixian left herself no retreat.
With her hands crossed protectively before her, she looked once more toward Liu Xi's back, her delicate face glowing crimson, her gaze shimmering faintly with shyness and confusion.
"If it's the Young Master..." she whispered under her breath, "...then even if he sees, it's all right... right?"
Her breath caught as she looked back down at the flaming, multicolored liquid.
Taking a deep breath, she clenched her teeth, shut her eyes, and jumped.
Splash!
Her soft body submerged into the medicine bath, and the expected searing pain never came — instead, a tingling warmth spread across her skin, pulling a faint, involuntary moan from her lips.
Hearing the splash, Liu Xi froze, a conflicted look flashing across his face. Then, with a faint chuckle, he shook his head and walked toward the tub.
"I've never been a saint anyway," he muttered under his breath. "Why pretend otherwise..."
He stepped up to the tub and glanced down.
Beneath the mist, Xiao Yixian's slender form was half-concealed beneath the shimmering liquid, her pale shoulders barely visible above the surface, round and gleaming under the soft light — enough to stir any man's composure.
Her face remained flushed, yet her breathing had evened out, her brows relaxed — she was fully immersed in her cultivation state.
Smiling faintly, Liu Xi murmured, "Hang in there as long as you can, Xian'er. The pain of marrow cleansing... is only just beginning. But don't worry — I'll keep you safe."
With that, he extended his spiritual perception into the tub. The cyan flame under his control spread through the multicolored liquid, stirring it into motion.
Gurgle... gurgle...
Tiny bubbles began to rise. Within moments, the entire bath was boiling with vibrant energy.
A soft groan escaped Xiao Yixian's lips as her brows knit tightly. The pure medicinal energy surged into her body through every pore, flooding her veins, bones, and blood with explosive vitality.
Within her, Liu Xi's Heavenly Flame coursed in controlled measure, ready to burn away excess energy if necessary — a failsafe to prevent her from being overwhelmed.
But the power entering her was immense. Her delicate body flushed crimson, trembling violently. Sweat poured down like rain, dripping into the tub below. A faint trace of blood appeared at her lips where her teeth had bitten through.
Liu Xi's grip tightened around the wooden rim, his fingers digging deep into the wood. The edges were already marred with dents from his tension. He couldn't intervene — only watch as her body struggled between agony and transformation.
Another day passed.
He hadn't moved from his spot beside the tub. His expression darkened as Xiao Yixian's body continued to convulse.
"Enough... I can't let this continue," he said in a low voice. "Xian'er, I'm going to expel the excess energy for you."
"…No…"
The faint word slipped through clenched teeth — frail but defiant.
Liu Xi froze. Then, seeing the stubborn will in her expression, he could only sigh and relent.
Another day passed.
By now, the once radiant medicinal liquid had turned crystal clear. Xiao Yixian's body floated peacefully within it, her fair skin now glowing faintly with an inner radiance. Through his perception, Liu Xi could see that the five-colored energy that once filled her meridians had vanished. Her bones and veins now gleamed faintly like translucent jade.
A soft smile tugged at his lips. 'She really endured it... Xian'er, your willpower is far beyond what I imagined. Seems my last safeguard wasn't needed after all.'
He withdrew the cyan flames from her body. The moment the warmth faded, Xiao Yixian's lashes quivered. Her eyes fluttered open — unfocused at first, then gradually clear and luminous.
Under Liu Xi's gaze, she tried to move but found her limbs weak. "Young Master," she said softly, "My cultivation... it hasn't improved at all. And my strength... it's gone."
Liu Xi chuckled quietly. "That's because your Dou Qi originates from poison — it doesn't harmonize with the Earth's power. During the cleansing, your poison energy was fully suppressed."
"But don't worry. Once it returns, it'll be stronger than ever. The Earth's energy has reforged your body, increasing your resistance to toxins and refining your foundation. From now on, your cultivation will advance faster — and the damage from your Woeful Poison Body will weaken."
He smiled warmly. "To endure the pain of rebirth alone... you've truly impressed me."
Her eyes widened in joy. "Really? Then it's all thanks to you, Young Master. I only endured the pain — everything else was your doing."
Trying to rise, she found her strength still lacking. With a faint blush, she looked up at him and stretched out her arms like a spoiled child.
"Young Master... carry me."
Liu Xi's gaze flickered down to the crystal-clear water and the faint outline of her jade-like form. His lips curved in amusement. "No problem."
Splash!
He reached down, lifting her effortlessly from the water. Xiao Yixian's arms slipped naturally around his neck. A surge of Dou Qi flared from his body, evaporating the lingering moisture around them.
The warmth of her soft body against his chest... was a temptation even Liu Xi could not deny.
(End of Chapter)
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