Sensing the sudden tension in the air and noticing the wary look in Su Wanqing’s eyes, Chu Ning quickly explained, “Master, this technique is an external massage method derived from an external martial technique. I’ll channel the power of Eternal Spring through my palms and infuse it into your body to heal you.”
He immediately activated the Eternal Spring Undying Technique. Eternal Spring never fades—the essence of life itself, representing endless growth and vitality. The Eternal Spring Dao Body embodied the concept of eternal existence and rejuvenation.
Su Wanqing blinked and exhaled softly. She had thought her Disciple harbored improper intentions. Perhaps her mind had grown darker after losing her cultivation. Casting him a sideways glance, she said teasingly, “Next time, explain things clearly. Don’t make your Master misunderstand.”
Chu Ning smiled helplessly. “Master has raised and guided me for years. How could I possibly harbor impure thoughts?”
She nodded. “That’s better. So, what should I do?”
“Just leave everything to me, Master. You don’t need to move at all,” Chu Ning said earnestly.
The more she listened, the stranger it sounded. Somehow, his words made her feel like hitting him. Still, she sighed, finished the last sip of Ginger Soup, and glanced at the faint green aura of Eternal Spring around him. That aura indeed carried a subtle vitality.
She had never encountered such a strange cultivation technique before. “Ning’er, how did you learn this?”
“I obtained it by chance,” Chu Ning said. “It doesn’t improve cultivation but can heal injuries.”
“That alone is impressive,” Su Wanqing murmured. “Though whether it works remains to be seen.”
Chu Ning clapped his hands. “Then please lie down, Master. Let’s begin!”
Su Wanqing’s lips twitched. His tone sounded increasingly suspicious, but thinking of his young age and eagerness to help, she dismissed her doubts. “Do I have to remove my clothes?”
“You don’t have to,” Chu Ning replied.
Su Wanqing frowned. “Then why did you ask me to take them off earlier?”
“Because massages are more comfortable that way,” Chu Ning said as if it were obvious. “That’s how they do it in those massage halls.”
Su Wanqing’s expression stiffened, and the corner of her mouth twitched. Her Disciple really needed to learn how to speak properly. Still, she felt no hostility and lay down on the bed. Since this technique was unknown to her, she might as well let him try—perhaps it truly could work.
Chu Ning smiled, stepping closer. But then, realization hit him. Wait… the way I phrased all that sounds wrong! I really am only trying to help her… right?
He sighed quietly, pressing his palm to his forehead. Damn it, that sounded so inappropriate.
The Cave Residence was serene and elegantly arranged. The silk bedding glowed faintly under lamplight, and on it lay a near-perfect figure, her long, snow-white legs exposed. The sight alone made Chu Ning’s pulse quicken. I’m saving my Master, not… attacking her!
“Still not starting?” Su Wanqing’s voice came, slightly muffled.
“Coming, Master! Coming!” Chu Ning hurried over.
Lying face down, Su Wanqing still felt awkward. Thankfully, Chu Ning was young and naive. Otherwise, if any other man had dared speak to her that way, she would’ve struck him on the spot.
As Chu Ning approached, his heart pounded faster. Her faint fragrance filled the air, dizzying him for a moment. When he failed to move for several breaths, Su Wanqing turned to glance at him curiously. She trusted him—he was her Disciple, someone she’d raised and taught—but even so, their current situation… felt undeniably strange.
“Perhaps we should continue tomorrow,” she sighed softly. “Your Master is feeling a bit tired tonight.”
Chu Ning’s mind went blank. If he stopped now, she’d never agree again. He clenched his fists. No choice!
His mind focused solely on the meridian diagram he had memorized. The Eternal Spring Hand was the foundation, and the Eternal Spring Undying Technique was its advanced form. Both relied on channeling energy through physical contact.
He pressed both thumbs firmly onto the two key points on her back.
“Mmh~”
Su Wanqing gasped softly, her face flushing red as she turned her head sharply. “I told you to be gentle!”
Chu Ning didn’t reply. He concentrated, circulating the Eternal Spring energy through his hands. The rejuvenating aura spread across her back, following her meridians. The technique required opening the main channels along the spine, pressing at critical acupoints, and then spreading outward from point to surface.
Moments later, Su Wanqing’s entire back tingled pleasantly. The pain melted away, replaced by a wave of comfort that spread through her body. It didn’t feel like ordinary massage—his touch carried real vitality. Though she felt no immediate change in her Spirit Palace, her meridians truly seemed to react.
She relaxed slightly, resting her chin on her arms. “If you’re tired, take a break. Your massage technique isn’t bad.”
Chu Ning stayed silent, focusing on his technique. As he circulated his energy, the Eternal Spring aura pulsed stronger. Suddenly, it surged into her body like flowing water.
“Mmh~”
This time, her soft moan wasn’t from pain but from comfort. Su Wanqing’s mind went blank. The sensation on her back was heavenly, her body limp with relief. Then, to her astonishment, a faint thread of energy gathered along one of her broken meridians.
It was tiny—barely a meter’s worth of restoration out of hundreds of kilometers—but it was something. After so many failed attempts and hopeless days, she finally felt progress. Her whole body trembled with excitement. “Ning’er, it’s working! You’re really doing it!”
Chu Ning didn’t respond. His cultivation was too weak; he was already using every bit of strength he had. He couldn’t afford even a word’s distraction.
Su Wanqing’s heart overflowed with emotion. Though faint, the energy was truly mending her meridians. Tears welled in her eyes. She could rebuild her cultivation. Those who mocked her would eat their words. She was no cripple—and her Disciple, too, was no fool.
Suddenly, Chu Ning collapsed forward, falling flat against her back.
Su Wanqing froze, her face turning crimson. In the dead of night, in her Cave Residence, a man lay unconscious on top of her. Even if it was her Disciple, this was utterly improper!
Her mind raced, torn between panic and confusion. Had he… intended something? But he hadn’t reacted to her voice before, no matter what she said. His concentration had been absolute.
Her eyes widened as she realized the truth. His breathing was weak. He wasn’t acting—he had passed out.
[Ding! Host has helped wife recover cultivation by 0.1%. Reward: 5,000 Contribution Points!]
[System Evaluation: True pampering isn’t just talk—it’s about action!]
[System Bonus Triggered! Aptitude upgraded to Mid-grade Spirit Root!]
Chu Ning heard the notifications just before blacking out completely. The energy drain had been immense, and he lost consciousness.
Su Wanqing quickly sat up, holding him in her arms. After a brief pulse diagnosis, she sighed in relief. He wasn’t harmed—just exhausted. Her gaze softened as she looked down at the young man in her embrace.
His technique had worked, and he had fainted from overexertion. Whether it was the joy of seeing hope again or the warmth of his sincerity, her heart felt lighter than it had in years.
“At least someone in this world still cares,” she whispered softly. “Silly child.”
Her eyes turned gentle as she stroked his hair and held him close. “Don’t be this foolish next time. Still… I’m happy.”
She smiled faintly, brushing a loose strand of hair from his face. “You can rest here tonight.”