NOVEL WEB Chapter 43 - Little Beau
Chapter Forty-Three: Little Beau
Su Nianyao’s heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion. She’d never seen her master like this—radiating allure, languid in posture, draped in a gossamer scarlet gown that concealed little. The sight left her stunned and bewildered. “Master… what’s…” she stammered, her voice trembling.
Liu Mei, caught off guard, turned to find Su Nianyao at the chamber door. A lazy smile curved her lips. “Nianyao, why are you out? Weren’t you refining the Pure Yang energy?” Su Nianyao’s cheeks flushed scarlet. “Master, I’ve finished refining it. My cultivation’s risen—I came to share the news…” Liu Mei nodded, her eyes warm with approval. “Well done. The Pure Yang energy’s served you well.”
Hesitating, Su Nianyao ventured, “Master, where… where’ve you been? Why dressed like this?” Liu Mei glanced at her revealing gown, her smile turning sultry. “What, Nianyao, don’t I look fetching?” Su Nianyao shook her head frantically, stumbling over words. “N-no, Master, you look stunning in anything, it’s just…” Liu Mei chuckled, brushing Su Nianyao’s cheek. “When did you get so bashful, Nianyao?”
Patting her shoulder, Liu Mei’s tone softened. “Enough teasing. I’m weary from these past days—it’s rare to unwind. Come, let’s bathe and chat, just us.” Though uneasy, Su Nianyao nodded, unable to refuse. “Alright…” They entered the bathhouse, where steam from the geothermal springs enveloped them in soothing warmth. As Su Nianyao shed her outer robes, her gaze fell on Liu Mei’s form, and she froze.
Liu Mei’s skin bore a constellation of faint red marks, stark on her neck, collarbone, and waist. Though inexperienced, Su Nianyao guessed their origin, her face burning. “M-Master… those marks…” she faltered, panic in her voice. Liu Mei glanced down, her smile teasing. “What, Nianyao, embarrassed?” Leaning closer, she quipped, “These? Your little beau’s handiwork.”
Su Nianyao’s mind reeled, her head buzzing. “M-Master, don’t jest! I’ve no beau…” she protested, eyes wide. Liu Mei giggled, pinching her cheek. “Oh, Nianyao, so easy to fluster. I don’t mean it like that.” Confused, Su Nianyao blinked. “Then… who?” Liu Mei’s tone grew pointed. “Remember who saved you when you were unconscious?”
The name hit like a thunderbolt—Lin Yuan. Su Nianyao’s face flamed. “Master, you mean… Lin Yuan?” Liu Mei nodded, her gaze layered. “Exactly.” Noticing Su Nianyao’s deepening blush, Liu Mei chuckled inwardly, patting her shoulder. “Why so red at his name, Nianyao?” Leaning closer, she teased, “Got a fancy for him?”
Su Nianyao’s flush intensified, shaking her head vehemently. “Master, don’t spout nonsense! I’m just… embarrassed.” Liu Mei’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Don’t fib, Nianyao. I see those little thoughts of yours.” Su Nianyao’s head dipped, her voice a whisper. “Master, it’s just… he’s a man. We’re strangers. To… do that for cultivation feels… wrong.”
Liu Mei sighed, her tone earnest. “I understand, Nianyao. The cultivation path is harsh, and rare opportunities mustn’t be squandered, lest you regret it forever.” Pausing, she added, “Lin Yuan’s Pure Yang energy is a godsend for our sect’s female cultivators. With it, you could reach Golden Core in no time.” Su Nianyao’s heart stirred. Though ashamed, the lure of advancement was undeniable.
Hesitating, she murmured, “Master, you mean… I could use his Pure Yang energy too?” Liu Mei nodded, her eyes gleaming with reminiscence. Splashing spring water over herself, she smiled. “Of course. Without him, I’d not have reached Nascent Soul.” Su Nianyao’s eyes widened. “Nascent Soul! Master, you’ve truly broken through?” Her voice brimmed with joy, as if the triumph were her own. “That’s wonderful!”
Liu Mei smiled, stroking Su Nianyao’s hair fondly. “Indeed, I never dreamt I’d reach Nascent Soul so swiftly. All thanks to Lin Yuan’s Pure Yang energy.” At his name, Su Nianyao’s cheeks reddened again. “Master, you… you used dual cultivation with Lin Yuan to break through?” she asked, voice barely audible.