Chapter 162: Healing Injuries By Hugging Liu Xue
However, a major dilemma presented itself. The Jade Lotus Palace, a sect dedicated to the pursuit of Yin energy, maintained a strict policy of minimal interaction with men. They couldn't simply carry him back to their camp, especially in his current state.
"Elders," a voice chimed in. "Perhaps we should offer him assistance."
The elders turned to see Liu Xue, the highly regarded Core Disciple and Palace Mistress Jiu Lan's most trusted student, stepping forward. Her voice, usually steady and composed, held a hint of urgency.
"He…" Liu Xue hesitantly glanced at Palace Mistress Jiu Lan, "seems to have used his cultivation technique to heal Master Jiu Lan's injuries sustained from the Jade Lotus Blossoming technique."
The elders gasped. The Jade Lotus Blossoming technique, a powerful secret technique passed down through generations of Jade Lotus Palace leaders, came at a steep price. The user experienced immense internal strain and depletion of Yin energy. However, Liu Xue's words implied something extraordinary.
They cautiously examined Palace Mistress Jiu Lan. Though she lay unconscious, her breathing was steady, and her complexion, though pale, was devoid of the telltale signs of severe internal injuries. "This... this is impossible," Elder Zhu Xingyu muttered, her voice barely a whisper.
"It seems he possesses some sort of healing technique that transcends the ordinary," Liu Xue continued. "He even disregarded his own well-being to prioritize Master Jiu Lan's recovery."
The elders exchanged glances, their skepticism gradually giving way to a grudging respect for Wang Li's actions. While they remained wary of him being a man, his actions spoke volumes.
Liu Xue, sensing their hesitation, pressed on. "Elders, I believe we should make an exception for him. He has risked his life and displayed extraordinary selflessness. Ignoring this debt would reflect poorly on our sect."
The weight of Liu Xue's words resonated with the elders. They understood her logic. Additionally, Liu Xue's position as Palace Mistress Jiu Lan's direct disciple granted her significant influence within the sect. Seeing the conviction in her eyes, the elders nodded their assent.
With careful movements, the Jade Lotus Palace disciples prepared makeshift stretchers. Wang Li, lying perfectly still, couldn't help but smirk internally. He had successfully feigned unconsciousness, allowing him to eavesdrop on their conversation. Their decision played perfectly into his game.
He had subtly manipulated the situation. His initial intervention, the timely assistance, and the well-timed (and strategically placed) display of his healing abilities – all calculated to earn their trust and a chance to be within their camp. Now, here he was, being carried towards their infirmary, with the beautiful and powerful Palace Mistress Jiu Lan lying beside him.
As they reached the Jade Lotus Palace camp, a flurry of activity surrounded them. Disciples rushed to prepare the infirmary, their movements efficient and practiced. They were used to treating injuries after all, though not necessarily those sustained by a man.
Wang Li allowed himself to be gently placed on a bed, all the while suppressing a grin. He could hear the soft murmurs of the disciples tending to him, their voices tinged with curiosity. He feigned vulnerability as they fed him healing pellets and meticulously examined his injuries.
Despite the charade, the potent healing properties of the pellets began to work their magic. The searing pain from the Heavenly Tribulation subsided, replaced by a dull ache. He felt his strength slowly returning, and a sense of satisfaction washed over him.
With a subtle nudge of his spiritual sense, Wang Li sent a covert message directly to Liu Xue's mind. "My love," he murmured in a voice only she could hear, "tell them to leave. Both the elders and the others. We need privacy."
Liu Xue, ever the quick learner, readily understood the implication. A playful glint lit up her eyes as she turned to the gathered crowd. "Elders, Master," she began, her voice adopting a sweet and earnest tone, "Wang Li and Master Jiu Lan have been through a great deal today. It's best they get some uninterrupted rest to recover their strength."
The elders, already predisposed to trust Liu Xue, readily assented. "You're right, Disciple Liu Xue," Elder Zhu Xingyu said with a nod. "Let them rest. We'll check on them later."
With murmurs of agreement, the other elders and disciples filed out, leaving Wang Li and the unconscious Palace Mistress Jiu Lan alone in the infirmary tent. A satisfied smile played on his lips. Everything was unfolding according to plan.
The minutes ticked by, and once Liu Xue deemed the coast clear, she slipped back into the tent, her movements swift and silent. Her gaze landed on Wang Li, and a mischievous glint replaced the concern that had previously been in her eyes.
Without a word, she knelt by his bedside and gathered him into a close embrace. The warmth of her body seeped into his, sending a delicious shiver down his spine. His hands, feigning weakness, found their purchase on the soft curves of her buttocks, a subtle exploration that ignited a spark in his core.
"Hold on tight, Xue'er," he whispered, his voice husky with suppressed desire.
Liu Xue readily complied, pressing her body even closer to his. Little did she suspect the true purpose behind his actions. His touch, however enticing, served a deeper purpose. It was the conduit for his cultivation technique, a channel through which he could absorb her Yin energy and accelerate his own healing.
As the Yin energy flowed from her into him, a tingling sensation coursed through his body. His injuries, both internal and external, began to mend at an astonishing rate. Within a few hours, he envisioned himself back to full strength, ready to face whatever came next.
First things first, his focus shifted to specific muscle groups, prioritizing those responsible for movement and agility. He knew the precarious situation he was in – a guest in a sect of women wary of men. While he had garnered some favor, a potential betrayal wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility. He needed an escape route if things turned south.
Meanwhile, Liu Xue remained blissfully unaware of his calculated actions. Her sole focus was on the man before her, the one who had saved both her sect and her Master. Gratitude and blossoming affection intertwined, causing her to shower him with soft kisses and whispered words of thanks.
"Thank you, Wang Li," she murmured, her voice laced with genuine emotion. "You saved us. You saved Master."
A sly smile played on his lips, concealed by the shadows of the tent. "Don't mention it, Xue'er," he responded, his voice a soothing purr. But then, a devious glint entered his eyes. "However, saving you beautiful ladies comes at a cost, wouldn't you agree?"
Liu Xue's cheeks flushed a rosy pink. "Anything, Wang Li. What do you want?" she asked innocently, her voice barely a whisper.
He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "To repay me back," he murmured, sending shivers down her spine, "you should find a few of your charming junior sisters and persuade them to spend a night of pleasure with me."
Liu Xue's eyes widened in surprise, her playful demeanor replaced by a flustered blush. "W-Wang Li!" she stammered, a pout forming on her otherwise perfect face. "But… but I thought… I was enough for you."
Wang Li shook his head, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "It's not about whether you're enough for me or not," he explained, his tone smooth and reassuring. "Every time I take the virginity of a beautiful girl, it significantly enhances my power. That's why I want this reward."
Liu Xue's expression shifted from surprise to contemplation. She gazed into his eyes, searching for sincerity. "Are you saying you have no intention of ever having a relationship beyond this?" she asked, her voice a soft whisper.
"That's right," Wang Li confirmed, his voice low and persuasive. "It's purely for cultivation purposes. I promise it will be a one-time thing."
Liu Xue seemed convinced. She nodded slowly. "Alright, Wang Li," she said, her voice filled with resolve. "I'll help you, as long as you promise it will only be for one night."
Wang Li's smile widened. "I promise," he said, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "But make sure to choose absolute beauties among your junior sisters, or else I won't appreciate it."
Liu Xue blushed again, but nodded. "I understand," she whispered. "Any of my junior sisters would love to be in a relationship with you. Not only would they experience great pleasure, but their combat talent, cultivation talent, and cultivation base would advance significantly."
With that, the two spent some time together, their interaction filled with affectionate gestures and whispered promises. After a while, Liu Xue left the tent, a determined look in her eyes.