Chapter Seventy-Seven: Once Again, the Chest

Watching this scene unfold, the first thing that came to Simeng Ling’s mind was her own past ordeal. Yet as she noticed the changes in Xu Youyi’s body, a seed of doubt began to grow—could it be that, back then, he had acted in the same way to save her?

Simeng Ling was acutely aware of her own circumstances at the time. In fact, years prior, the Flowing Cloud Sect had already sensed the aura of the ancient seal. To avoid arousing suspicion from the Snowy Wind Pavilion, they dispatched a number of young disciples to infiltrate Ningfeng Kingdom in search of information about the seal.

Simeng Ling was one of those who infiltrated Ningfeng. That day, she was cultivating her Nine Star Art, having reached a critical juncture, when something went awry. Her body felt as if it were ablaze, and she barely managed to stumble upon a river, into which she immediately plunged. Though the icy water brought a measure of relief, the heat within her body persisted. Slowly, her consciousness faded. When she awoke, she felt Lin Xiaobao’s wicked hands roaming across her chest, leading to that most regrettable misunderstanding.

In her heart, Simeng Ling had always believed that Lin Xiaobao had taken advantage of her unconscious state. But what happened next utterly overturned her previous assumptions.

After the time it took for a stick of incense to burn, Xu Youyi slowly opened his eyes, confusion clouding his expression. “What happened?” he asked.

Lin Xiaobao, having already prepared a jade vial, uncorked it and poured its medicinal powder into Xu Youyi’s mouth. “If you don’t want to die, swallow this and use your spiritual power to activate the medicine’s effects.”

Once he’d finished, Lin Xiaobao gently set Xu Youyi aside and turned his attention to Le Hongcai’s condition.

“What incredible strength!” After examining Le Hongcai, Lin Xiaobao came to a conclusion: the Green-eyed Demon Spider’s power was not to be underestimated. The blow just now had nearly shattered Le Hongcai’s core. Even if he survived, he wouldn’t be able to wield spiritual power for three to five months—unless, of course, Le Hongcai wished to forfeit his cultivation entirely, in which case the restriction would not apply.

Retrieving another jade vial from his storage bangle, Lin Xiaobao poured powder into Le Hongcai’s mouth, inserted several needles into his chest, then guided the medicinal power with his own spiritual energy before withdrawing his hand.

Though Lin Xiaobao could have further aided either man by healing their spiritual injuries—thereby tripling their recovery speed—he had no such intention. They were neither relatives nor friends, and he wasn’t being compensated. Saving their lives alone, Lin Xiaobao felt, was already more than generous.

Of course, both Le Hongcai and Xu Youyi were deeply grateful for Lin Xiaobao’s help. In the future, to repay this debt, they would even go so far as to break sect rules—but that is another story.

“They’re out of danger now. Do you need me to tend to your wound?” Lin Xiaobao asked kindly, noticing the blood staining Simeng Ling’s front.

“No need!” Simeng Ling suddenly thought of something and pressed on, “Back in Howling Moon City, did you save me the same way?” She gestured toward Xu Youyi as she spoke.

“Of course I did. But you seemed to think I was taking advantage of you,” Lin Xiaobao replied with a hint of disdain. “Did you ever consider how long you’d been soaking in the water? You were swollen like a sponge—do you really think I’d be interested in you then? Now, perhaps I could reconsider…”

“You… get lost!” Simeng Ling shouted, her earlier guilt vanishing without a trace.

“Are you certain you don’t want me to treat your wound?” Lin Xiaobao didn’t seem to notice her anger, his gaze lingering on her chest. “I’m very skilled, you know. Haven’t you already experienced—well, didn’t you just see my technique?”

“Go!” Simeng Ling snarled, gripping her sword and thrusting it at Lin Xiaobao.

Unfortunately, in her current state, she posed no threat to him. He dodged easily and added, “If you don’t treat the wound soon, it’ll scar permanently. You should know—the venom of the Green-eyed Demon Spider is no small matter!”

“Turn around!” The mention of a lifelong scar truly unnerved Simeng Ling. After all, what woman didn’t care about her appearance? Even parts kept hidden by clothes were not exempt from the desire for perfection.

“Alright, I’ll turn.” With that, Lin Xiaobao flipped into a handstand but kept his eyes locked on her chest. “I have no ulterior motives. The medicinal powder requires a special technique to activate its effects. If you don’t want my help, I can only guide you from here. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a scar—it’s your choice.”

This scoundrel must be lying—he just wants to take advantage of me! Simeng Ling fumed inwardly. Once she recovered, she swore to teach him a lesson.

“Is your wound still tingling?” Lin Xiaobao asked mischievously. “The remaining venom won’t cost you your life, but it will certainly leave a hideous scar.”

Simeng Ling frowned. Seeing that both Le Hongcai and Xu Youyi were deep in meditation, unlikely to wake soon, she still felt uneasy about letting Lin Xiaobao touch her, especially given his current demeanor.

“Give me your sword!” Simeng Ling said coldly.

Lin Xiaobao righted himself and handed her the sword.

Simeng Ling immediately held the blade to his neck. “Treat my wound, but if you have any improper thoughts, I’ll kill you on the spot!”

Lin Xiaobao flicked the sword aside. “Please, let’s get one thing straight. You need my help—I’m not forcing you. If you don’t like it, do it yourself.”

Simeng Ling was briefly stunned, then realized he had a point. She tossed the sword aside. “Fine, do it. But if you try anything, I won’t let you off.”

After all, no girl could accept a disfiguring scar between her breasts.

Seeing her acquiesce, Lin Xiaobao nodded with satisfaction. He had no intention of taking advantage of her; he simply believed it necessary to maintain the upper hand in their interactions, as this would help ease relations between Simeng Ling and Lin Tian in the future.

With a flick of his wrist, several second-grade spirit jades scattered onto the ground, forming a simple illusion array.

Impressive technique! Simeng Ling thought. She could construct such an array herself, but never so effortlessly. She realized Lin Xiaobao was doing this to prevent the others from waking and witnessing the treatment. In a small voice, she said, “Thank you…”

“No need to thank me,” Lin Xiaobao smiled. “After all, family shame is best kept within the family.”

“You…” Simeng Ling wisely chose to hold her tongue, realizing she’d never beat him in a war of words.

With a rip, Lin Xiaobao tore open the front of her clothing, revealing two perfectly shaped, snow-white mounds beneath. The sight declared, with no room for doubt, the remarkable perfection of the young woman’s figure.