Wreath of Lilies, Cauldron of Poison

Chapter 20

Perfection Made Flesh

Three days had passed since the treatment and there had been no change to the cocoon. Connie’s position had not changed a bit ever since then as her meditation had reached a critical juncture. It was a mistake on her part. She was not supposed to go this deep, especially not while she had another thing to worry about. Thankfully her snake traits had disppeared after she calmed  down, allowing her to sit more comfortably.

Yao-er had been trying to stop her from going deep, the precious little creature. It tried hitting her cheeks with her body and leaping on and off her head, which produces no result. It even took off its mistress’s ponytail and slid down the beautiful hair. Though it did this simply because it was exasperated.

As it slid down for the third time today, it noticed a change coming from the cocoon.

The pulsing light had dimmed and something inside seemed to be trying wriggle loose.

A tear appeared near the bottom and viscous murky green liquid spilled out of it. The tear enlarged towards the top, splitting it into half. As Yao-er was confused by this development. It saw a long, shapely leg with muscles of a gazelle poked out and stepped on the ground.

Due to its diminutive height, it climbed Connie’s hair and settled on her head. It watched the result of her creation with sparkling eyes.

A full, mature woman with a hint of youthful energy came out of the cocoon. Still wet from the fluids within the cocoon.

The woman was breath-takingly beautiful. Though her body was decidedly womanly, there was no sign of excess fat anywhere. She had platinum hair that reached below her knees and bronze skin that was free of blemishes.

Her breasts were bigger than the assassin’s, with beautiful teardrop shape and light pink nipples.

Her face and jawline looked like it was carved by a master craftsman whose sole purpose was carving the single image of a Goddess of Love. She smiled with the plump, wet lips that was slightly pale as she saw the object of her affection.

The woman tottered forward and fell to her knees, gazing at the serene figure of Connie, still deep in meditation. She appeared to hesitate as she reached for her beloved. One finger, a touch. The moment her finger felt that soft, pink lip, a new sensation sent shivers down her spine.

She slowly ran her finger along the lips, reveling on the feeling when suddenly the lips parted and bit playfully at the finger.

“Are you satisfied?”

Connie slowly opened her eyes to see a single silver eye with gaze that drew you in. Their gaze locked into each other, unmoving. This went on for two whole minutes.

“Beautiful,” Connie uttered softly.

She had never felt such powerful Dao before. It exuded a gentle and all-encompassing warmth that caused her body to relax. Then she noticed the naked body and her eyes went towards her womanly features.

Connie could not help but feel slightly envious of the visage of beauty before her, yet that feeling caused her to say a word of praise. “I doubt any woman in this kingdom could equal you right now, Illumca.”

“Can you say my name again, please?” she begged.

“Illumca.”

“Yes,” she smiled. The sound of her name coming from her lips was so wonderful in her ears. “Yes. I am your masterwork. A clay shaped by your hand and my will.”

Illumca was a head taller than her, so she had to look up to gaze at her now. A stark difference to the previous hunched posture she adopted before.

“May I touch you, Illumca?” a feeling of apprehension made Connie feel uneasy, like when a layman was to touch a piece of art beyond his knowledge.

Illumca took her hand silently and placed it on top of her chest. The skin was smooth and hot to the touch, as if she was a piece of ember. Connie then ran her fingers along her skin, from the tip of her breast down to her navel, and down still to her silvery bush. This caused her to moan and buckled slightly. She held on Connie’s shoulder for support.

Connie lifted her finger to her mouth. One that had a string of clear liquid connecting the finger to Illumca’s lower body. She licked it and smiled mischievously. “Sensitivity is fine.”

She then placed her other hand to her one closed eye and ran her thumb along the scar. “Why didn’t you heal this wound?”

“I wish to remember my pain, the cruelty of those who hurt me. My humiliation, my anger!” she said resolutely.

“Hmm, yes. That is good. Anger keeps you grounded. Fury keeps you focused.”

When she parted her hair, she found that she had peculiarly shaped ears. It was pointy and extended to the sides of her head.

“I have never seen anyone with this type of ear before.”

“I am a Half-Dark Elf. A child born of a human and a Dark Elf. A common story in these parts.”

Connie nodded understandingly. “I see, you’ve had a hard life. But now you are reborn!”

“Yes. I – “ she wanted to say something, but she suddenly lost her strength and went limp. Connie placed her arms below her armpits and held her close.

“I’m sorry. I feel so…weak.”

Connie placed her forehead on Illumca’s.

“A fever. Your body is still adjusting,” she said levelly. “This is fine. Rest well, Illumca. When you wake up, you will start to truly embark on the path of cultivation.”

Illumca was so relieved that she fell asleep. Exhausted.

The blonde haired girl took her to her room and laid her down gently, covering her with a blanket. She caressed her cheek with a finger and went out.

She met a questioning glance from the old granny who looked exhausted but more radiant. Beside her was three Low-Grade Rejuvenation Pills. The only three she managed to produce. She could feel a hint of Dao seed coming from her. Indeed, obsession is one of the best things to achieve a Dao.

“What happened up there?” she asked.

“My treatment has finished. I’m going back to the Steelheart’s mansion to take care of business. Also, Illumca is asleep up there. Don’t let her eat anything before I came back.”

“Alright.”

Connie was about to step outside before pausing suddenly. “You should also rest after I return. It’s no good to try and concoct medicines with your condition.”

After hearing a grunt of acknowledgment, she continued outside.

When she was outside, the sun was shining bright.

She looked at it defiantly before curling her fingers and thrust a thumb between the middle and forefinger, then raising it triumphantly against the heavens.