Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 132: Either Never or Countless Times

Inside the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

This time, they did not dual cultivate by having her press her hands on his back. Instead, the two of them sat cross-legged facing each other, then with their palms touching each other, they exchanged true qi with each other.

Yue Hongling felt slightly regretful...well, was it really regret?

This dual cultivation session was a bit different from the last time. Previously, it had been a completely passive experience for her. Apart from sensing the changes in true qi, she did not feel much else. But this time, she was actively participating and interacting with him, and psychologically, it felt kind of...

The psychological aspect was one thing, but she had a much harder time with what she was feeling physiologically...

Why does this process of exchanging yin and yang... feel so comfortable?

It was as if he filled in her gaps, while she gave him the aspect of softness that he needed. During this exchange, both of them were feeling an incredible sense of relief.

That was simply how it was, but if others were to hear such an explanation, they might think that they were doing something way more sensual.

It was no wonder the meaning of dual cultivation had ultimately shifted from its broad meaning to its narrower meaning.

Yue Hongling could not help but feel that what they were doing was wrong and wanted to stop, but the wound on her shoulder truly was healing. Additionally, the weakness brought about by the large amount of blood she had just lost was also swiftly being alleviated. The effects of this form of cultivation were more astounding than any divine medicine. Furthermore, she could also sense that the wound at the center of Zhao Changhe’s chest was quickly healing up.

Wasn’t she trying to help him recover? Then could she really just stop halfway?

The thing she found to be really annoying was that this form of cultivation was greatly beneficial to her own cultivation, but it was not enough. It was as if she were scratching an itch in her foot through the sole of her shoe. No matter how good it felt, it was nothing compared to taking her shoe off.

After all, this was not a true dual cultivation; they weren’t really doing anything.

As a result, she instinctively drew closer to his true qi, as if saying, “Be more direct, this isn’t enough...”

Yue Hongling snapped out of it just in time to hear herself moan softly, as if she were pleading.

Her cheeks were already flushed red all the way to her ears.

Zhao Changhe, who was in front of her, also opened his eyes. Their palms were still touching, and they experienced the soothing sensation of each other’s true qi in their bodies. Their gazes locked with one another’s and they could see the shimmer in each other’s eyes.

Yin and yang attracted each other, this was simply the Heavenly Dao. Who could avoid it?

The room gradually heated up, and their breaths became increasingly erratic.

Without realizing it, Zhao Changhe’s hand, which had been pressing against her palm, gently switched from pressing to holding.

Yue Hongling suddenly realized. “No...”

She quickly jumped out of the bed and stumbled a little in panic. She leaned heavily on the table as she panted heavily.

Zhao Changhe came up from behind her and embraced her.

Dual cultivation either never happened or happened countless times, and the same went for hugs. Yue Hongling realized that she did not even have the slightest thought of wanting to break free from his embrace. This was despite her shoulder injury already being completely healed and no longer hurting.

“The evil technique... is still an evil technique,” Yue Hongling gasped gently. “This ability to arouse lust is no less sinister than poison. You... you must not use it lightly in the future.”

Zhao Changhe did not say much, because he knew very well that he had not even deliberately used the part of the Pure Bliss Art that aroused desire in another party. Everything that happened had been entirely due to natural attraction, rooted in the genuine mutual fondness between the two parties.

With someone they found unpleasant, what happened just now would never have occurred. They would have immediately felt disgusted and have pushed or kicked the other party away without hesitation.

However, he was worried that if he revealed this, Yue Hongling would lose even the last shred of face and just leave him there. There was nothing left for her in Yangzhou, so she could simply leave at any time.

He did not want to say something that would trigger a parting, so he remained silent.

It was already enough for him to know that she truly had feelings for him.

In fact, deep down, Yue Hongling knew this herself.

At this time, it was better to remain silent than say anything.

Inside the room, only the sound of their heartbeats echoed.

After a long while, Yue Hongling said softly, “I can’t take advantage of you and then act all coy... You were right, dual cultivation is indeed truly beneficial for my breakthrough to the ninth layer. For now, I will look for a secluded place to digest what I’ve gained. The day I emerge from seclusion may be the day I reach the ninth layer. I will thank you then.”

Zhao Changhe sighed, “In the end, you’re still going to leave?”

Yue Hongling seemed to feel a bit like she was taking advantage of him and then running off, so she was left unsure how to respond to him.

Zhao Changhe whispered, “Big Sister Yue...”

“Um?”

“Can I... kiss your cheek, just once?”

Yue Hongling: “...”

Are you an idiot? You’re already hugging me like this. If you just lowered your head and kissed me on the cheek, what could I have even done? Why are you forcing me to answer you like this?

You idiot, you big idiot!

Zhao Changhe also seemed to realize how foolish it was for him to ask, and so he simply lowered his head and went for it.

But then, before his lips could reach her cheek, someone knocked on the door.

Yue Hongling quickly broke free from his embrace and sat expressionlessly at the table.

The atmosphere had been well and truly ruined.

Zhao Changhe was so angry that he wanted to chop the bastard who had just knocked on the door into eighteen pieces. He then shouted angrily, “Who is it?!”

Seeing the color of his face shifting to that of a pig’s liver, Yue Hongling suddenly found herself quite amused.

From outside the door, Tang Buqi’s voice sounded. “It’s me.”

Zhao Changhe: “I have nothing to do with your aunt, nothing at all. Now piss off.”

Tang Buqi: “???”

How did you know what I came here to ask? I see now. You and Wan Dongliu must have planned this together. The two of you really are kindred souls!

He still asked hesitantly, “But your Spring Water Sword Intent...”

“I’m a genius, can’t I learn from others? I’ve also grasped the Fox Spirit Saber Intent, but do you really think I’ve got anything to do with Chi Li?!” Zhao Changhe erupted in anger. “Then again, don’t you also know the Spring Water Sword Intent? Does that mean we have romantic relations? If that’s what you think, then please, come in, let’s have ourselves a good chat. Let me see just how tender and delicate your skin is...”

Tang Buqi bolted in an instant. He did not even bother asking why Gong Chaoqun seemed to have so much trust in Zhao Changhe.

“Pfft...hahahahaha!” Yue Hongling burst out in laughter.

Zhao Changhe, helpless, stood with his hands on his hips and turned to look at her. “Laugh all you want...”

“Is it because I’m here that you’re that eager to sever ties with Tang Buqi?”

“It’s because that bastard interrupted me—” Zhao Changhe paused mid-sentence.

The rosy hue on Yue Hongling’s face faded naturally as she asked, “Anyway, where do you plan to go next?”

Zhao Changhe smoothly let the topic go. “I still have some matters I want to discuss with Wan Dongliu. After that, I’ll see how things go. Maybe I’ll pay a visit to the Blood God Cult and meet Cult Leader Xue?”

“The Blood God Cult?” Yue Hongling was a little surprised. But then, she seemed to understand. “You want to completely resolve your grievances? That makes sense. But be careful, Xue Canghai is much stronger than you right now.”

“I know. I’m not going there looking for trouble. I will act according to the situation.”

“Alright, with the wisdom you have shown in Yangzhou this time, I believe you can handle yourself well.” Yue Hongling stood up and straightened her collar. “All banquets in the world must come to an end, and I really should take my leave now. If fate permits, perhaps we may meet again in the jianghu.”

Zhao Changhe’s expression was really sour, but he remained silent.

Yue Hongling laughed again, as if amused by something. She tilted her head and gazed at his side profile for a while, then she suddenly tiptoed and pecked him lightly on his cheek.

Zhao Changhe: “???”

He was stunned. Is this the real one? This isn’t the celestial maiden, right?

Yue Hongling smiled gently and softly said, “Back in the underground passage, I told you that we could discuss things further once we got back. At that time, I thought that I should reward you since you performed so well... I knew what you wanted, but with all the mess that happened, the atmosphere was ruined. Now, I’m making up for it. Consider this your reward, but don’t get greedy.”

Zhao Changhe: “...”

“I’ve been thinking... The flower-picking celestial maiden said that if it were me, I’d probably do the same things. Maybe she could see things clearer as a bystander, playing the part that should have been mine. It turns out that it really was me who was trapped by appearances and was restricting myself too much. With this single kiss, it seems my thoughts have cleared up. Perhaps me doing this is even better than you making use of your cultivation technique to fulfill your desires and kiss me?”

Zhao Changhe: “......”

“I never imagined that the boy from Zhao Village back then could one day stand by my side and even help me so much. I’m truly glad to have made this trip to Yangzhou.” After saying that, Yue Hongling finally gently pushed him away, and then gracefully turned around and walked out the door.

Zhao Changhe stood there, touching his cheek as he watched her leave in a daze.

She suddenly stopped at the door, turned back, then said with a charming smile, “Farewell for now. If fate permits it... I’d like to see what you call me then.”