Chapter 72: Treating Zhu Zhuyun
Qi Tian supported Zhu Zhuyun as they entered the room. Once she was steady, he closed the doors and windows tightly.
"Elder sister, take off your clothes," Qi Tian said calmly.
Zhu Zhuyun didn't think much of it. After all, the two sisters had bathed together often when they were young — it wasn't something shameful.
However, Zhu Zhuqing, whose consciousness shared Qi Tian's body, felt uneasy. She wasn't sure whether she disliked her sister being touched by someone else or if she simply couldn't stand the thought of the "Elder Yao" possessing her body, seeing another woman undressed.
Still, the wounds caused by the Dragon Beard Needles could only be treated by Qi Tian. She couldn't stop him — if she did, Zhu Zhuyun might suffer even worse injuries.
When Zhu Zhuyun removed her clothing, the dimly lit room instantly seemed brighter — as if clouds had parted to reveal the moon.
The pierced spots by the Dragon Beard Needles resembled crimson plum blossoms blooming on a field of white snow.
Those struck first had already turned dark blue, with blood clotting beneath the skin.
"Elder sister, your figure is incredible — your skin's so fair and smooth," Qi Tian praised sincerely, his hands already moving across her body.
As he infused soul power into her, the Dragon Beard Needles began to relax. One by one, he carefully drew them out.
With each needle removed, the dark blood pooled beneath her skin slowly oozed out, and Zhu Zhuyun's tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed.
"Zhuqing, your figure isn't bad either. A few more years, and you might even surpass me," Zhu Zhuyun teased softly, her tone light but playful.
Qi Tian smiled faintly as he placed the extracted needles into a soul guide, then resumed his work.
"Elder sister," he asked suddenly, "has Dai Weisi ever… touched you like this?"
Zhu Zhuyun froze at the odd question but quickly shook her head.
"No. You know, I was studying at the Zhu Family Academy until recently. I only just joined the Star Luo Royal Academy."
"We've barely known each other. Even though he's my fiancé, I wouldn't let him touch me like this."
"Besides, he's busy with political matters and has many supporters. He rarely even visits the academy."
Qi Tian's eyes lit up—so he was the first to touch Zhu Zhuyun like this, before Dai Weisi even had the chance.
Dai Weisi was proper and restrained, unlike Dai Mubai, who indulged himself recklessly. To ease his frustration over losing the heir's competition, Dai Mubai had long drowned himself in women. By now, he'd probably slept with over a hundred.
Qi Tian's hands didn't stop moving. One by one, he removed the Dragon Beard Needles, focusing intently.
"Zhuqing, stay still and focus on healing. Don't move around," she said softly.
A strange sensation coursed through Zhu Zhuyun. Her body tingled — a mix of pain and numbness — leaving her restless and flushed.
"Elder sister," Qi Tian said seriously, "don't rush into marrying Dai Weisi. When I become a Titled Douluo, the Zhu Family won't have to live under the Dai Family's shadow anymore."
Zhu Zhuyun couldn't help but laugh softly. "You little imp, where did you learn to talk like that? We've only just met — how could things 'develop' that fast?"
"Of course, I'll only marry him once he becomes crown prince — and only after the wedding will I give myself to him."
Qi Tian's heart stirred as his hand brushed against her smooth skin. For a fleeting moment, he wanted to steal her away for himself.
But his strength was still far too weak. He needed to grow stronger—much stronger.
"Hmm…" Zhu Zhuyun let out a quiet sound, quickly trying to change the subject to distract herself.
"Zhuqing, where did you learn these techniques? You've been under my watch since childhood — I would have known if you'd learned such secret arts."
The power Zhu Zhuqing had displayed earlier — silent yet devastating — had shocked her.
Even if they fought again, Zhu Zhuyun wasn't sure she could win.
Qi Tian smiled faintly. "Elder sister, would you like to learn them too?"
Zhu Zhuyun shook her head gently. "No need. It's your secret. The fewer who know about it, the better."
"Our Zhu Family's future might depend on you," Zhu Zhuyun said softly. "If I were to delay your progress in any way, I'd be the sinner of our family."
Qi Tian shook his head and continued working, carefully removing the Dragon Beard Needles while secretly collecting them with his concealed technique.
Zhu Zhuyun still had no idea what had actually wounded her.
After a long while, Qi Tian finally pulled out the last needle.
Zhu Zhuyun exhaled in relief. When she looked down, she saw her body marked with small bruises—and faint traces of other injuries. Her face flushed as she instinctively pressed her legs together, embarrassed by the scene.
"All right, I'm fine now. You should head back," she said quickly.
She moved her arms and legs, pleased to find the stiffness in her body had vanished. Her movements felt light again. All she wanted now was a good bath—to wash away the blood and lingering discomfort.
"Wait, Elder Sister," Qi Tian said suddenly. "I still have something good for you!"
He took out a piece of yellowish material—it shimmered faintly under the light.
Zhu Zhuyun blinked curiously. "What's this?"
"It's a secret," Qi Tian replied with a mysterious smile. "All you need to know is that it's a rare medicinal treasure that'll benefit your body."
"I'll go prepare your bathwater and process this medicine at the same time."
Zhu Zhuyun didn't refuse. She could sense that her "younger sister" had truly let go of past grudges and was once again treating her sincerely.
Moreover, Zhu Zhuqing had already declared she would no longer compete for the prince's position—meaning there was no longer any enmity between them.
In fact, Zhu Zhuyun now felt a flicker of hope for her sister. Maybe… she really could change the fate of the Zhu and Dai family.
"Sigh… that little girl who used to chase after me has finally grown up," Zhu Zhuyun murmured with a faint smile.
Before long, Qi Tian had softened the whale glue and prepared hot bathwater.
"Elder Sister, quick—eat this while it's still warm," Qi Tian urged, placing the piece of whale glue in her mouth.
Zhu Zhuyun immediately frowned.
"Mm—! What is this? It tastes awful!" she groaned, wanting to spit it out, but Qi Tian gently held her in place.
No way he was letting her waste it—that piece alone had cost thousands of gold soul coins!
Eventually, Zhu Zhuyun managed to swallow it down, chasing it with several gulps of water to ease the bitterness.
"Alright, Sister," Qi Tian said cheerfully, "go ahead and take your bath. You'll notice the effects of that medicine soon enough."
He helped her into the large wooden tub. "Here, I'll help scrub your back."
Zhu Zhuyun didn't refuse this time. She knew her sister would soon be leaving for training and wanted to cherish these final moments together.
But after a few minutes, an odd warmth began to spread through her body.
"Zhuqing… what did you just make me eat?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly as heat flushed her cheeks.
Her skin tingled, her breathing quickened, and she unconsciously rubbed her thighs together—a strange restlessness overtaking her.
Qi Tian kept his composure and replied smoothly, "It's a body-strengthening medicine. It'll enhance your physique—though it might have a slight side effect. Just bear with it for a bit."
"Once your body adjusts, your overall strength will increase significantly!"
Zhu Zhuyun thought for a moment. Earlier that day, she'd realized that at Rank 22, she couldn't match her sister's speed at all.
Perhaps this medicine really could help her improve.
Still, she frowned slightly. "Side effects? What kind of side effects?"
"You must've misheard!" Qi Tian said quickly, waving his hands. "There are no side effects—none at all!"
Of course, if she found out what kind of "medicine" she'd actually swallowed, she'd definitely flip the table on him.
—
End of Chapter