Night fell over the Central Capital like a blanket of crushed velvet and starlight. The bustling metropolis below gradually quieted, but atop the highest peak of the Lu Imperial Clan Estate, the private courtyard of the Young Master was wrapped in a domain of absolute, secluded luxury.
Steaming geothermal water filled the massive white-jade bathing pool in the center of the courtyard. Surrounded by glowing spirit bamboos, rare crimson sandalwood pillars, and defensive spatial arrays that sealed away all outside sound, the pavilion was an paradise on earth.
Inside the pool, warm, aromatic water infused with medicinal lotus marrow pulsed with rich spiritual energy.
Lu Chen leaned back against the smooth white-jade rim, resting his arms comfortably along the edge. He had shed his formal silk robes, wearing only a loose pair of dark silk trousers beneath the clear water. His long crimson hair cascaded freely over his shoulders, wet locks framing his dangerously sculpted chest and shoulders. He held a delicate jade cup of sweet peach wine in one hand, taking a slow, relaxed sip.
To his right, leaning her soft body directly against his chest, was Princess Yao Ji. Her translucent black lace gown was soaked, clinging tightly to every breathtaking curve of her slender figure. Her tiny velvet black horns glinted softly in the lantern light, and her pale porcelain skin was flushed a rosy pink from both the heat of the hot spring and the closeness of his embrace. In her arms, she held her fluffy pink stuffed bunny, Barnaby, keeping it carefully above the waterline while resting her chin on Lu Chen's shoulder.
To his left, Saintess Ji Xue was sitting on the underwater jade step right beside him. Her pristine white silk robes had become almost entirely translucent under the water, outlining the full, breathtaking contour of her waist and bosom. Her raven hair fell in wet strands across her collarbone, and her dark eyes were misty, filled with an intoxicating mix of shyness, romantic confusion, and deep attraction.
Standing on the pool's edge, holding a silver tray with fresh spirit fruits, was Ye Qingxian. Her silver hair was tied in a loose braid, her dark blue silk gown wet at the hem as she stepped into the shallow water to serve them.
Lu Chen let out a low, magnetic laugh, his deep voice carrying a lazy, devilish charm as he looked at the three beauties surrounding him.
"Ah... living off the affection of three peerless heroines, drinking fine wine, and relaxing in warm lotus waters," Lu Chen murmured smoothly, swirling his peach wine. "They say a hard-working cultivator earns his way with blood and sweat, but eating 'soft rice' with my beautiful ladies is infinitely more enjoyable."
Ji Xue’s cheeks flared into a brilliant, fiery crimson at his playful words. She turned her face flusteredly, her hand instinctively coming up to splash a small wave of warm water against his chest.
"W-Who is letting you eat soft rice, you chaotic ruffian?!" Ji Xue stammered, her voice soft and trembling as her dark eyes locked onto his sculpted chest. "We are only here because... because the spatial aura in your private courtyard helps clear our meridians after today's breakthroughs!"
"Is that so, my sweet Ji Xue?" Lu Chen teased, a slow smirk playing on his lips. He set his wine cup down on the jade pool ledge and reached out with his right arm, wrapping it securely around her slender, soaked waist.
With a soft pull, he drew Ji Xue flush against his side, bringing her so close that she could feel the rhythmic, steady thud of his heart and the burning warmth radiating from his skin.
"Eek!" Ji Xue gasped, her small hands coming up to rest against his chest. Her skin blushed so intensely it felt hot to the touch. She tried to give a weak push, but her fingers merely curled into the warm silk of his collar, her body going completely soft in his grip. "Lu... Lu Chen... you are far too close..."
"Aww, look at the Ice Saintess melting again," Yao Ji purred playfully, shifting her body even closer to Lu Chen’s other side, resting her head in the crook of his neck and giggling softly. "Handsome big brother, don't just tease her... what about me? You carried me all the way back from the Abyss, but you haven't given me my evening reward yet~"
Lu Chen turned his head, his glowing purple eyes locking onto Yao Ji’s mischievous fox-like eyes. He raised a finger, gently poking the tip of her cute velvet horn, causing her to shiver with a soft, involuntary squeak.
"A reward for my mischievous demon princess?" Lu Chen whispered against her ear, his warm breath causing a deep electric spark to shoot straight down her spine. "How about a taste of pure spiritual resonance?"
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Ye Qingxian set the silver tray on the pool edge and stepped fully into the water beside them. She looked at Ji Xue and Yao Ji, her ice-blue eyes serene yet filled with an undeniable warmth. You are reading on novelping . com, the official source.
"Young Master," Ye Qingxian murmured softly, her crisp voice floating like music across the quiet pool. "The spatial boundary between the realms will open in five days. If we align our meridians through dual-energy resonance tonight, Miss Ji Xue's frost aura, Miss Yao Ji's demon shadow intent, and my ice blade intent will harmonize completely with your Half-Step Nascent Soul foundation."
Lu Chen’s smile widened into a warm, deeply affectionate expression. He looked at all three of them—his loyal silver-haired guard, his proud frost saintess, and his cheeky demon princess.
"Qingxian speaks the absolute truth," Lu Chen said, his voice dropping into a dangerously smooth, comforting register. "Come, my beauties. Let us begin our midnight dual cultivation."
Lu Chen opened his palms beneath the crystal-clear water.
A magnificent, golden-purple light erupted from his dantian, illuminating the entire white-jade pool! His Half-Step Nascent Soul foundation stirred, releasing a pure, dense stream of Primordial Dao energy that swirled through the steaming water like golden silk threads.
"Hold my hands," Lu Chen instructed gently.
Ye Qingxian slid her soft, porcelain hand into his right palm without a moment's hesitation. Yao Ji let out a breathless, eager purr, setting her stuffed bunny safely onto the dry pool ledge before eagerly lacing her slender fingers through his left hand.
Ji Xue hesitated for just a second, her heart pounding wildly in her chest, before she slowly, shyly reached up, resting both of her small, trembling hands atop Lu Chen’s bare chest, right over his beating heart.
Lu Chen closed his eyes, activating the Nine-Heavens Dual Energy Resonance Technique!
BOOM!
A surge of sweet, intoxicatingly warm spiritual energy erupted through their connected palms and bodies!
The warm lotus water in the white-jade pool began to pulse in rhythmic harmony. Cozy, liquid spiritual dew began to flow inside their meridians like a soothing, hot spring, washing away every trace of mental fatigue and spatial strain.
"Ah..." Yao Ji gasped softly, her head falling back against Lu Chen’s shoulder as the warm energy flooded her shadow meridians, flushing her skin a deep, breathtaking shade of rose pink. Her velvet horns twitched with pure bliss as she snuggled even tighter against his warm chest.
Ji Xue’s dark eyes widened in sheer awe as the cozy, golden energy washed through her frost core. The cold, rigid ice energy in her body did not clash with Lu Chen’s power; instead, under his gentle control, it melted into a liquid frost marrow that enriched her soul and multiplied her physical strength twofold!
"This... this energy..." Ji Xue breathed, her voice trembling with intense, heart-pounding sensation. She buried her face directly into the warm nook of Lu Chen’s neck, her arms naturally wrapping around his waist as she abandoned all remaining resistance, surrendering completely to his warm, protective embrace. "It feels so... so warm..."
Ye Qingxian let out a low, sweet sigh, her icy demeanor melting away into total, quiet bliss as she leaned her forehead gently against Lu Chen’s shoulder, her silver hair merging with his crimson locks beneath the golden water.
Throughout the long, peaceful night, the warm water in the courtyard flowed continuously, carrying glowing golden ripples across the jade pool. The defensive spatial arrays completely blocked out the harsh winds of the outside world, preserving a paradise of pure, intimate warmth inside the pavilion.
Lu Chen sat at the center of it all, comfortably holding all three heroines in his arms, guiding their spiritual energy with effortless mastery, sipping peach wine whenever he pleased, and enjoying the absolute height of the "soft rice" life. Find the original chapter at NovelPing.
Outside the courtyard, as the first rays of dawn began to peek over the eastern mountains, the crisp morning air settled over the lush gardens. Gentle breezes rustled the glowing spirit bamboos, and the cheerful, melodic sounds of early birds and spiritual animals singing echoed softly from the trees surrounding Lu Chen’s courtyard, welcoming the quiet arrival of a new morning.
As the morning light streamed into the courtyard, casting a golden hue over the white-jade pool, Lu Chen slowly opened his glowing purple eyes.
Beside him, Ji Xue, Yao Ji, and Ye Qingxian were all resting comfortably against his chest and shoulders, their skin glowing with immaculate, jade-like perfection, their cultivation foundations fully consolidated at the absolute peak of the Core Formation Realm!
[Ding!]
[Midnight Dual Cultivation Completed!]
[Target Ji Xue Affection: 85% (Unshakable Romantic Loyalty & Devotion)]
[Target Yao Ji Affection: 80% (Enraptured Romantic Attachment)]
[Target Ye Qingxian Affection: Max (Absolute Loyalty & Soul-Bound Unity)]
[All Three Heroines Achieved Perfect Foundation Harmony!]
[Rewards Issued: 40,000 System Points!]
[Total System Points Available: 130,000 Points!]
Yao Ji stretched like a lazy, satisfied kitten, rubbing her eyes with her small hands before reaching up to lightly kiss Lu Chen’s jaw, her dark purple eyes shining with deep affection. "Good morning, handsome villain~"
Ji Xue slowly opened her eyes, her face instantly turning pink as she realized she had spent the entire night wrapped securely in Lu Chen’s arms. But this time, instead of yelling or pushing him away, she merely looked up at his handsome face, a soft, unbelievably sweet smile touching her lips as she leaned in, resting her cheek against his chest.
"Good morning... Lu Chen," Ji Xue whispered softly.
Ye Qingxian smiled warmly, sitting up gracefully and picking up a fresh silk towel. "Young Master, the morning spirit tea is ready."
Lu Chen let out a booming, delighted laugh, pulling all three of them into a warm, comfortable hug under the morning sun.
"Ah, what a wonderful morning," Lu Chen smirked, his purple eyes gleam with chaotic, devilish brilliance as he looked toward the distant horizon.
"Now... let's see how many Upper R ealm geniuses try to disturb my peaceful life today!”