The remaining root system still absorbed fire-attributed energy from the magma.
Though the roots also had value, Ye Chen chose not to take them.
Such a rare spirit plant required hundreds or thousands of years to form; it was best to leave a chance for new growth.
Though he took the lotus, if the roots remained, a new lotus would eventually form.
If he took even the roots, the Azure Lotus Core Flame here would likely go extinct forever.
"It's time to leave."
Ye Chen withdrew his gaze and headed toward the exit of the azure light sphere.
Every moment he remained here would consume more of Yao Chen's soul energy.....an unnecessary waste.
"Master Ye Chen just entered the bath… I should help him wash first."
With a trace of hesitation, Qing Lin's soft, snow-white fingers picked up a warm towel. She leaned closer, gently wiping Ye Chen's arms… his chest… every movement tender and cautious.
The gentle brush of her cool hands sent a wave of comfort through Ye Chen's body.
When he finally opened his eyes, Qing Lin's delicate face was already flushed a charming shade of red.
It wasn't the heat from the bathwater.
Her strange constitution often released a faint chill, so even soaked in hot water, her hands remained soft and icy.
"Y-Young Master… Is my strength… okay?"
Her voice trembled when she noticed Ye Chen watching her.
Her motions grew even more nervous, the towel slowing in her trembling hands.
"It's perfect."
Ye Chen nodded softly. Her service...shy but attentive.....was unexpectedly heart-warming.
And in such close proximity, Ye Chen couldn't help but notice… Qing Lin's petite frame held its own subtle charm.
Soft where she should be soft, slim where she should be slim.
When she leaned forward to wipe his body… faint, enticing curves revealed themselves in the mist.
A fire quietly ignited in Ye Chen's chest.
"Master… I will wash your legs now…"
Qing Lin whispered, bending down as her small hand slipped beneath the steaming surface.
The dark wood of the bath made the water murky and indistinct. Her hand fumbled carefully through the warmth....
And then...
Her entire body jolted.
She instantly pulled her hand back, face burning even hotter, eyes darting everywhere except at Ye Chen.
Her clothes, soaked from leaning too close, clung tightly to her delicate figure… every outline revealed in the faint candlelight.
"Qing Lin," Ye Chen said, voice low, "come inside and wash with me."
Unable to suppress the flame rising inside him, he pulled her directly into the bath.
"Ah!"
Qing Lin yelped as she fell into the water, but when her gaze met Ye Chen's.....intense, burning....she quieted instantly.
Her little heart thumped wildly, every beat trembling through her entire body.
"Master… then… I'll… I'll start washing you…"
Her shy whisper quivered—
And then an icy-cool sensation slid along Ye Chen's skin as her hands moved beneath the water… ❣️
By the time Ye Chen lifted Qing Lin from the bath and carried her to the bed, the moon had long
crossed the sky… ❣️
The seductive melody of last night finally faded with the retreating night.
When the first ray of sunlight pierced through Stone Desert City, Ye Chen slowly opened his eyes.
"Master Ye Chen, you're awake!"
Qing Lin stood beside the bed with a small basin in her hands, smiling brightly.....
Yet on her delicate face, a faint rosy flush still lingered from the previous night's intimacy ❣️
Ye Chen's gaze softened.
Seeing this obedient, gentle girl beside him, he felt a trace of tenderness—and guilt.
He sat up and gently touched her cheek.
"Qing Lin… you should've rested more. Last night must've been exhausting for you."
To him, Qing Lin was no longer merely a maid.
She had become his woman.
And she had no cultivation; her body was naturally weaker. After the intensity of last night ❣️, she should have been exhausted.
But Qing Lin shook her head immediately.
Master, I'm not tired. Let me help you wash up."
She set the basin on the stand, wrung out the towel, and carefully wiped Ye Chen's face.
Her movements were so gentle that even the air around them felt warm.
Ye Chen exhaled softly.
"Qing Lin… do you want to cultivate?"
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