He is indeed worthy of being my chosen successor. His talent is truly remarkable.
Although using the Exploding Pill felt a bit like forcing growth, it left no lasting harm to the essence of the body. After enduring these difficult few days, his strength would undergo a qualitative leap.
The Exploding Pill was best used at the Late Stage or Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, allowing the user to break through to the Enlightenment Realm in one fell swoop.
Without the necessary foundation, the attempt would end in a miserable death on the spot. Fortunately, Qingshan possessed both the cultivation and the will to pull off such a daring gambit.
…
On the other side, Ye Qian had returned to his palace.
It was hard to imagine that even though this wasn't some dynasty's holy capital, the architecture of the Ye Family's territory was so luxurious.
No wonder—it had developed for countless years and possessed the most profound foundation. Even the immortal capital of an ancient dynasty would have to tuck its tail between its legs when encountering the Ye Family.
Ye Qian returned to his private chambers, which had already been meticulously cleaned after he left them in disarray following his breakthrough.
"Young Master, your bath is ready, and fresh clothes have been laid out for you."
Xia He walked over gracefully, a blush coloring her face.
As the Young Master's personal maid, she and Qiu Lan had to accompany Ye Qian at all times. They had to scrub Ye Qian's back during bathing and warm his bed when he slept.
Although it wasn't the first time scrubbing Ye Qian's back, Xia He still felt shy.
Ye Qian recalled that the previous owner of this body hadn't properly enjoyed having two such beautiful maids. He had always stared at other women instead, which was truly ridiculous.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ye Qian's lips as he glanced at Xia He and teased, "Xia He, is it your turn to scrub my back tonight—or Qiu Lan's? Or perhaps… both of you together?"
As expected, upon hearing this, Xia He immediately felt oxygen-deprived. Her whole body felt dizzy.
She even suspected she had misheard, because the previous Ye Qian didn't seem to have any special feelings about the two of them scrubbing his back. Now the Young Master was actually teasing her.
Could it be... Young Master has changed his personality?
Her head almost buried in the fullness of her chest, Xia He's eyes contained hidden allure.
"You... Young Master, as long as you enjoy it, that's all that matters."
Hearing this, Ye Qian laughed heartily and took Xia He's hand, guiding her toward the bathing pool.
Before they moved, his fingers traced a subtle caress along her curves, a gesture both tender and possessive.
"Young Master~!"
Xia He's delicate and shy voice rang out.
As expected of the Young Master, even the bathing pool was vast—spacious enough to serve as a swimming pool with ease. The water was no ordinary liquid, but a pool of spiritual water brimming with Immortal Qi, a rare treasure for cultivators.
Yet for Ye Qian, it was nothing more than hot bathwater.
Xia He and Qiu Lan wore thin undergarments. Faint Immortal Qi emanated from the water, revealing their curvy figures.
Leaning against the edge of the pool, Ye Qian sank into a deep sense of comfort as the spiritual water soothed his weary body, washing away the lingering fatigue from his bones.
Two small hands—one on his left arm, the other on his right—gently wiped his skin, their nimble touch soft as silk. The delicate sensation made Ye Qian linger, lost in the moment, his mind drifting far from worldly concerns.
In the latter half, unable to resist any longer, Ye Qian reached out, lifting Xia He into his arms and carrying her back to his room.
Qiu Lan remained behind in the pool, her expression tinged with quiet resentment, the water shimmering around her like unspoken regret.
"Young Master favors Xia He."
Though she said it, Qiu Lan still left the bathing pool, dressed, and followed to Ye Qian's room. As his personal maid, it was only natural she serve within. Even when the things happening inside made her avert her eyes, she had no choice but to remain.
The moon shone brightly, the stars sparse. Clouds drifted across the sky, veiling the silver moonlight.
…
The next day, early in the morning, Ye Qian slowly opened his eyes.
Feeling the heavy warmth still pressing on his arm, he turned his head to look. Naturally, it was Xia He sleeping soundly.
Her delicate, fair face and rosy lips were undeniably alluring. The faint tremor in her eyelids gave her away—she had already woken, yet still feigned sleep.
Ye Qian noticed at once and smiled slightly.
He lowered his head, gently biting Xia He's red lips. The softness of her mouth sent a shiver through her, and though she tried to keep her eyes closed, she couldn't suppress a slight tremble.
Memories of last night's intensity flooded back, and she finally opened her eyes, shyly pushing Ye Qian away.
Releasing her lips, Ye Qian grinned.
"Why aren't you sleeping? Weren't you resting so well just now? Relax, I won't tease you further."
Hearing this, Xia He realized her act had been seen through. Flustered, she couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, muttering in a hushed voice,
"Young Master… just… just loves to tease me."
Up until now, she felt she didn't have any strength in her whole body.
How could this befit a cultivator? I'm clearly an Enlightenment Realm prodigy, yet I can't even muster the slightest strength.
Seeing Xia He's shy appearance, Ye Qian kissed her face again, then got up and out of bed.
At this moment, Qiu Lan, who had been waiting quietly at the side, stepped forward and brought the clothes over, carefully dressing Ye Qian.
What was slightly different from before was the faint tremor in Qiu Lan's small hands as she worked.
She had been waiting here all night, and she naturally knew exactly what had happened. Whenever she recalled the scene last night, Qiu Lan couldn't help but feel her legs weaken.
The clothes that could have been put on in two or three strokes this time took a full quarter of an hour.
Seeing Qiu Lan like this, Ye Qian of course knew what she was shy about.
"Qiu Lan, take good care of Xia He. I have something to attend to, so I'll step out for a while. There's no need for you to follow."
Ye Qian was preparing to leave. Xia He had just experienced intimacy for the first time, and her body still needed rest. Even a cultivator would struggle to recover so quickly from such intensity.
He had specifically instructed Qiu Lan to remain and watch over Xia He, while he prepared to go out alone.
Hearing Ye Qian's words, Xia He hurriedly sat up.
"Hiss~!"
A sharp pain shot through her, making her gasp in discomfort.
Ye Qian stepped to the bedside and gently kissed her forehead. He brushed the hair from her brow and tucked it behind her ear, his touch light and soothing.
"Xia He, rest well today. Don't worry—I won't go far. There's no need for you to follow me."
"Yes, Young Master."
Having grown accustomed to obeying orders, Xia He naturally wouldn't disobey Ye Qian's commands.
At the same time, she felt a little sweetness bloom in her heart.
Ye Qian cares about me so much.
Although she was a personal maid, Young Master's actions just now were enough to show that she still held a place in his heart.