Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

The Empress lay lazily on the bed, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall, with a few strands gently resting on her smooth, jade-like shoulder. Her eyes were slightly closed, long eyelashes like fans, her expression showing a hint of fatigue, yet still unable to conceal her majesty and nobility.

Qin Yu sat by the bed, his head lowered, looking apprehensive.

However, the Empress could clearly feel that occasionally a gaze would sweep across her long, jade-like legs.

Obviously, this fellow didn’t dare to look directly at her, but he couldn’t help letting his gaze wander.

As the saying goes, heart willing but courage lacking.

Fortunately, the Empress knew of Qin Yu’s reverence for her, and subconsciously considered him one of her own, so she wasn’t angry and didn’t care too much about these small details.

The Empress had long noticed this fellow’s fondness for beautiful legs, even from the first time she took him out of the palace, he had looked from behind her.

But what’s going on with this guy?

He’s been holding onto her arm, using that energy to nourish her...

Previously, if she had such special energy assistance, the Empress would have been very satisfied. After all, for her body’s condition, this energy was more effective than the Moonlight Power of the Empress Dowager.

However, with the current uncertainty in the Endless Fire Domain, she needed to recover quickly, and after experiencing yesterday’s massage, the Empress found that it helped stabilize her Realm more effectively.

Is this guy a blockhead?

Does he expect me to speak up?

Impossible!

”Bang!”

Just as the Empress was a bit worried, the doors of the bedchamber were suddenly pushed open.

The Empress frowned slightly, looking up to see the Empress Dowager realized what happened, carefully supporting the door and entering with Little Ling’Er, holding a bunch of Spirit Fruits.

Little Ling’Er first handed a red Spirit Fruit to Qin Yu and then smiled at the Empress: ”Sister Empress, this is a newly-ripe Spirit Peach, try it.”

The Empress glanced indifferently, thinking they gave it to Qin Yu first. Are they afraid I won’t be able to snatch it?

Not even married yet, and already thinking in another direction?

”Qin Yu, you must be tired, let me help you.”

What annoyed the Empress more was that after closing the door, the Empress Dowager directly sat beside Qin Yu, without even glancing at her.

This silly auspicious creature, so eager to stick to him?

However, thinking of that comforting aura Qin Yu exuded, the Empress seemed to understand why the Empress Dowager liked being close to him.

”I’m feeling a bit weary.”

The Empress glared.

This silly auspicious creature was almost completely glued to Qin Yu, the Great Phoenix was being squeezed and almost out of shape, couldn’t she see his tail was about to raise?

Truly, what a breach of decorum!

”Weren’t you fine yesterday?”

The Empress Dowager muttered, unwillingly shifting slightly away, intending to use the Moonlight Power to help the Empress relax a bit.

The Empress frowned, signaling her to stop.

Having experienced Qin Yu’s massage, she found the Empress Dowager’s perfunctory technique somewhat unsatisfactory.

The Empress Dowager halted her movements. Why was this tyrant so aggressive with her glance? Did she want her to hold her with the Great Phoenix like last night?

But didn’t the Empress specifically say not to be too casual in front of Qin Yu?

The Empress Dowager didn’t mind, but she feared that if she did so, the Empress would never spare her.

Usually, when occasionally playing chess with Qin Yu, if she showed even a little, she would be scolded by the Empress come night; let alone anything else.

”Sister Empress, Brother Qin Yu’s massage can help you relax. Why not let Brother Qin Yu try?”

Little Ling’Er, seeing the Empress Dowager standing dumbfounded, tentatively asked.

”How do you know he can?”

The Empress Dowager was displeased. In the past, the Empress would beseech her for relaxation, and now what, dissatisfied with this palace?

”I...I saw Brother Qin Yu massaging the other sisters.”

Little Ling’Er seemed to recall something, and a blush rose on her doll-like cheeks.

”Thump!”

Both the Empress and the Empress Dowager felt a tremor in their hearts, their eyes heavy.

Little Ling’Er couldn’t lie. Whenever she didn’t want them to worry, she would tell white lies to comfort them, but she had a habit where if she lied, she’d blush!

Evidently, Little Ling’Er was probably referring to herself!

Indeed, Little Ling’Er’s internal Ice and Fire Attribute Dao Rhyme Power had stabilized over time, but the years of erosion by the two kinds of Dao Rhyme Power had left her body weaker than those of her peers.

Since Qin Yu’s arrival, Little Ling’Er had been resting less, and when together with Lin Shuishui and the other girls, she often played joyously.

But her frail body could not compare to Lin Shuishui and the others.

Qin Yu likely helped her with massages to relieve her fatigue, right?

Perhaps, the arrangement of betrothing Little Ling’Er to Qin Yu should be expedited.

But, she’s so young...

Just like the Empress Dowager, she had witnessed certain terrifying happenings during that guy’s tribulation.

Little Ling’Er’s body certainly couldn’t endure!

”Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I was just purely helping Princess Ling’Er... relax a bit.”

Seeing the atmosphere in the bedchamber was becoming tense, Qin Yu grew a bit nervous.

Could it be that the Empress and Empress Dowager misunderstood?

Heaven can attest!

In the face of such a pure and lively young girl, Qin Yu only wanted to protect this beauty, not daring to desecrate it at all.

He truly only used True Essence to nurture Little Ling’Er’s body a few times, without any inappropriate contact.

”I understand.”

The Empress gently rubbed her forehead without saying much. From the way Qin Yu and Little Ling’Er interacted, she could see it clearly.

In contrast, perhaps influenced by the Empress Dowager, Little Ling’Er was more proactive, always liking to snuggle up against Qin Yu, which truly gave her a headache.

Seeing the Empress and Empress Dowager show no sign of blame, Qin Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

”Brother Qin Yu, can you help Sister Empress with a massage?”

Little Ling’Er, observing the Empress’s expression, couldn’t help but feel a bit worried.

The Empress felt a wave of comfort in her heart. After all, Little Ling’Er was perceptive, even smarter than the silly auspicious beast, knowing her thoughts.

Qin Yu glanced at the Empress, and seeing her remain silent, he couldn’t quite figure out her intentions for a moment.

Faced with the dignified and noble Empress, he truly didn’t dare to be irreverent.

”Why are you still standing there? After you finish with the Empress, let me have a turn too.”

The Empress Dowager was not concerned with such things, having never experienced Qin Yu’s massage herself.

Seeing the Empress’s tacit approval, Qin Yu then moved behind her.

”Ling’Er, you all leave first.”

The Empress spoke softly.

The Empress Dowager was a little reluctant, but faced with the Empress’s gaze, she gave in, leaving with Little Ling’Er in tow, closing the door with an exaggerated gesture to express her protest.

With the palace doors closed, Qin Yu gently placed his hands on the Empress’s temples as he had the previous day.

His fingertips were warm and strong, his movements gentle and skillful; the pressure applied was just right.

The Empress let out a very soft, muffled hum, and her previously furrowed brow slowly relaxed, her eyes comfortably narrowing slightly.

As the True Essence pulsated, that all-over pleasant sensation surged once more. The closeness fostered such a natural feeling, allowing the Empress to more clearly perceive the changes in Dao Rhyme.

If things could always remain like this, the Empress felt that within three days, the hidden issues within her body would recover to a previous state, at least well enough to be suppressed by her powerful cultivation.

Feeling the Empress’s breathing gradually even out, the anxiousness inside Qin Yu finally calmed a bit. Scenting the fragrance emanating from her hair, his gaze involuntarily drifted downward, through the strands, to where her collarbone was just barely visible.

Alas, below the collarbone was obscured by the Dragon Robe, and the scene within could not be seen.

Nonetheless, a pair of jade-like shoulders still stirred one’s mind.

...

Carefree Pavilion.

”How long do you intend to delay?”

Seeing that afternoon had arrived, Bai Feng finally could not resist speaking.

”Second Elder, please be patient. I’ll be done checking this ledger soon.”

Bai Yaoyin replied, holding a thick ledger.

”This is your third time reviewing it.”

Bai Feng was reluctant to make this point; did she really think he was oblivious?

Such matters could be entrusted to the Carefree Pavilion’s higher-ups; it didn’t require her, the Chief Steward, to verify personally.

”Father taught us from a young age to be diligent and earnest in our work.”

Bai Yaoyin’s hand paused for a moment, yet her demeanor remained composed and elegant.

”Deliberately stalling won’t work. The person I’m taking back, not even your father could prevent.”

Bai Feng snorted coldly, noticeably displeased.

If not for Bai Yaoyin’s recent achievements and possible connections to Master Qin, he’d have lost his patience long ago.

As for Bai Yaosha wanting to use Master Qin as an excuse?

Not a chance!

The Kong Family has exerted pressure multiple times, and since Bai Yaosha has surfaced, she might as well fulfill this arranged marriage.

She was meant to enter the Kong Family four years ago, and in terms of appearance and figure, she was on par with Bai Yaoyin, arguably superior in some respects.

Presumably, the young master of the Kong Family would be very pleased.

”Shouldn’t the Second Elder pay respects to the Empress?”

Bai Yaoyin chose not to engage with his previous comments and instead asked.

”Hm, the Imperial Palace has sent no word yet, likely meaning I can’t enter today.”

Bai Feng snorted again. As a Second Elder of the Bai Family of the Ancient Race, upon arriving at the Great Yan Imperial Capital, visiting the Empress was a matter of protocol.

Yet, even the Flower Fairy, who had a fairly close relationship with the Empress, needed to send notice, and he was no exception to the rule.

”It’s afternoon already; Yaoyin, don’t make me personally escort your sister back.”

Bai Feng rose to his feet, evidently displeased with Bai Yaoyin’s deliberate change of topic.

”Is it afternoon?”

Bai Yaoyin glanced out the window, a sudden smile appearing on her once earnest face.

”If the Second Elder wishes to inquire, then come with me, though if you offend Master Qin...”

Bai Yaoyin calculated the time, aware that Qin Yu typically arrived by midday, and if he didn’t find her, he’d head to the top floor to help her sister repair the array.

As long as Qin Yu was around, no matter how furious the Second Elder was, he wouldn’t be discourteous in his presence.

With this realization, Bai Yaoyin’s smile deepened, and her adorable dimples became even more enchanting.