“I want you to help Zhu Siyao break through to the Golden Core stage.”
Jiang Huai avoided continuing the conversation about treatment and directly made his request.
“She needs some suitable Immortal Materials right now.”
Upon hearing this, Tang Zhaoxue furrowed her brow slightly and asked in confusion:
“Isn’t there a Great Ascension Stage Dao Companion standing behind you? Didn’t she prepare these kinds of materials for you?”
To be honest, she still hadn’t fully figured out the relationship between Zhu Siyao and Jiang Huai.
From the known information, Jiang Zhun had a wife at the Great Ascension Stage and also concubines.
Logically, Jiang Huai shouldn’t be lacking the resources needed for the Golden Core stage.
Jiang Huai shook his head. “I don’t have Immortal Materials suitable for her.”
If he really did, he wouldn’t need to ask Tang Zhaoxue; most of what he had were related to healing or combat enhancement.
Tang Zhaoxue’s eyes flickered, then she slowly reached out her hand toward Jiang Huai, a sly smile curling at the corner of her lips. “Then what do you plan to trade with?”
“Trade with what?” Jiang Huai looked at her directly, his tone calm but carrying a hint of counter-question.
“The Immortal Sword I gave you last time—doesn’t that alone cover a few pieces of Golden Core Immortal Materials?”
To be frank, he didn’t think much of the Immortal Materials in this little world, but since Zhu Siyao’s breakthrough was imminent, having something was better than nothing.
Tang Zhaoxue smiled and flipped her delicate hand. The simple long sword appeared in her palm.
She caressed the cool scabbard that concealed supreme power, her eyes full of affection.
Then, putting the sword away, she shamelessly asked:
“This sword was gifted to me, so naturally it’s mine—how can it still be considered a trade?”
“Why don’t you just help me continue treating her?”
Jiang Zhun’s gaze swept over the patch of fluff hidden under the white veil and shook his head.
“No, no, I’m not going to treat you anymore.”
“Put your clothes back on before you say anything.”
Tang Zhaoxue’s current state of dress made it hard for him to decide where to focus his eyes.
“You’ve looked, you’ve touched—what’s one more moment?” Tang Zhaoxue didn’t care at all and showed no intention of standing up to adjust her clothes.
“If you don’t help me treat her, why should I give you Immortal Materials?”
She started acting like a spoiled child, trying to squeeze more out of Jiang Huai.
Deep down, she was indeed curious and covetous of the secrets Jiang Huai carried, but her reason warned her not to provoke him too much.
“Then I won’t. Goodbye.”
Seeing this, Jiang Huai didn’t hesitate. He turned and left, not even glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.
One step, two steps, three steps…
Jiang Huai calmed himself, walking steadily toward the door.
Was she really letting him go? Was this deal just over like that?
Just as he reached out to touch the door, a voice came from behind him—Tang Zhaoxue’s, tinged with helplessness and compromise:
“Wait!”
Jiang Huai stopped but didn’t turn immediately.
He heard Tang Zhaoxue sigh and say, “I can give her the Immortal Materials, and I can also pass on the experience needed to break through to the Golden Core.”
“But I only want one treatment session, just one. How about that?”
Her voice lost some of its teasing tone and gained a bit more sincerity.
Jiang Huai was silent for a moment.
“One session is enough, just one. I’ll also guarantee the breakthrough of her and her Nascent Soul stage.” Tang Zhaoxue painted a tempting picture.
“Moreover, afterward, I will let you enter the core power structure of the Xuanxian Immortal Sect.”
This was the most important point. Jiang Huai didn’t know when he could return, so he needed to settle down and cultivate here.
If the Xuanxian Immortal Sect really had the younger generation retreat, with the Da Zongzhu stationed at Ironwall Pass, there would have to be someone managing affairs—a next-generation direct heir.
Jiang Huai was silent again for a moment.
He weighed the pros and cons and finally turned slowly.
Jiang Huai didn’t want to reveal too many cards. Constantly pulling out good things from his storage ring in front of Tang Zhaoxue was not wise.
Once was enough. He’d trust her one last time—after all, it wasn’t the first time.
Seeing him turn, a glint of triumph flashed in Tang Zhaoxue’s eyes, and she immediately leaned back eagerly, her slender fingers lightly pinkened!
Jiang Huai’s temple twitched as he scolded, “No need to pry! Just like always!”
This person really made him want to turn around and leave.
Being treated like this—what was the difference from harassment?
Tang Zhaoxue sulked and withdrew her hand, winking at him.
Jiang Huai ignored her nonsense and focused, beginning to circulate the Chaos Dao Platform as usual, channeling the innate energy to clear that silent area for her.
Tang Zhaoxue’s eyes glazed over in pleasure, feeling the sweet spring welling up, drifting away happily, murmuring:
“Can you lick it? You’ve already pressed it.”
Jiang Huai felt his veins twitch slightly and resolutely refused, “No!”
“Tsk, so stingy.” Tang Zhaoxue pouted but curiously pressed on:
“Have you ever licked anyone else?”
In Jiang Huai’s mind, Qin Qingyue’s image flashed instantly, but he suppressed the thought and pressed his lips tightly, giving no answer.
Of course, his own wife couldn’t be compared.
Tang Zhaoxue saw this and laughed self-mockingly, her tone carrying the twisted normality of this world:
“So it’s just you, Jiang Huai.”
“If it were any other man in this world, with just one word from me, they’d probably be licking from my toes up, desperate for even a drop of mercy.”
She thought for a moment and added, “Only people like you who’ve licked others can’t get married.”
Jiang Huai still didn’t respond.
A long time passed before the treatment ended. Jiang Huai retracted his hands, exhausted, his spiritual power almost drained, sweat beading on his forehead.
Tang Zhaoxue sighed contentedly, feeling the brief but genuine warmth.
She waved her hand, and several shining Golden Core stage Immortal Materials of decent quality, along with a Jade Slip containing the breakthrough experience, appeared on the table.
“I prepared these a while ago. Take them.”
Another chance at treatment earned.
Jiang Huai picked up the items without a word and turned to leave.
Back at Cloud Rest Pavilion, Zhu Siyao was anxiously waiting. Seeing him return, she immediately stood to greet him, her face clearly joyful:
“You’re back!”
Jiang Huai handed her the Immortal Materials, his tone tired:
“This world probably only has this much. Use it for now to tide things over.”
“Okay.” Zhu Siyao accepted the materials and replied softly. Seeing Jiang Huai’s weary expression, she subconsciously followed behind him, unintentionally moving a bit closer. The distance between them was noticeably smaller than before.
“Did she do something to you?”
“No, what could she do? She wouldn’t dare touch me.” Jiang Huai explained.
“Good.”
Zhu Siyao suddenly thought it wouldn’t be so bad if this person lived with her mother too.
She meant the three of them living together would be quite nice.
“Sect Master, would you like some tea?” Qin Qingyue raised her cup and glanced at Wu Zhaohua beside her.
Wu Zhaohua put down her scroll and didn’t bother with formalities, sitting directly opposite Qin Qingyue.
Not drinking would be wasteful; she hadn’t brought much with her this time.
Qin Qingyue arranged the tea set, poured tea for herself and Wu Zhaohua, a slight smile tugging at her lips, hard to suppress.
Regaining the upper hand! She wanted to regain it!
The fragrance of tea curled in the air as Wu Zhaohua picked up her scroll and resumed reading.
“Add something to it…” Qin Qingyue deliberately said loudly, pulling out a small porcelain bottle from her bosom.
Wu Zhaohua glanced at the tea, sniffed delicately, and her expression stiffened.
A thick white liquid was preserved well, as if freshly squeezed, stretching in the air before slowly pouring into the tea.
The appearance, the smell, this…
“Shameless…” Wu Zhaohua ground her teeth.
Qin Qingyue chuckled twice. “Sect Master, don’t you want to add some?”
Wu Zhaohua stared at the small porcelain bottle in Qin Qingyue’s hand and actually hesitated for a moment.
But her face was clearly testing herself…
Qin Qingyue fixed her gaze on Wu Zhaohua’s slightly flushed pretty face and struggling eyes.
Just as she was about to speak, Qin Qingyue suddenly put the bottle away:
“Never mind.”
Wu Zhaohua was momentarily speechless, her slender hand clutching the scroll tightly.
She seemed to have already decided what favor to ask Jiang Huai this time.
A Little Self-Dragon detached from the Star Disk, white light flashing as it transformed into a girl-like figure, cold and proud:
“Prepare yourselves. We’re almost there.”