Chapter 48: Ye Tian’s Abilities

In the end, Liji never did give Ye Tian a back rub. Just looking at her was enough to give him a nosebleed; if she actually massaged him, he wouldn't have any energy left tonight to treat the princess. He sent Liji away first, calmed himself, enjoyed a long, comfortable bath, then methodically packed all the supplies he would need into a large trunk. At last, he lay quietly on his bed to regulate his breathing. Tonight would be exhausting.

The Nine Dragons Circulating Qi technique didn't require any particular posture; as long as Ye Tian directed his energy, he could meditate whether sitting cross-legged or lying down. Still, he preferred sitting cross-legged—only then could he truly sense his inner energy flowing through his meridians.

A knock sounded at the door. When it opened, Lola entered. "Sir Gehr, please come with me."
"Alright," Ye Tian replied, opening his eyes, getting out of bed, and lifting the large trunk he'd prepared, ready to leave with Lola.
"Sir Gehr, please allow me," Lola said, reaching out when she saw the size of the trunk.
"No need," Ye Tian smiled.
"Very well, but Sir Gehr, you mustn't use the trunk as a shield and take the opportunity to grope my bottom," Lola teased with a mischievous smile.
"Can't promise that!" Ye Tian grinned wickedly.
"You're not that kind of man," Lola giggled.
"Don't be so sure!" Ye Tian protested, feigning indignation.
"No matter, if you want to look, just say so. Tonight, I'll let you see as much as you like," Lola whispered in his ear.
Gulp. Ye Tian's gaze drifted to Lola's chest—bottomless and mysterious.
"This way, please," Lola said with a smile, taking the lead.
"Damn, even with all this, I still get nowhere. Pathetic," Ye Tian muttered, scratching his head and following along.

At the door, Lola turned and bowed deeply to Ye Tian, speaking solemnly, "Sir Gehr, I entrust this to you."
"Do you like the princess?" Ye Tian suddenly asked.
"I do. Just after His Majesty," Lola answered earnestly.
"Watch the door for me. It might get lively in there tonight," Ye Tian said with a smile.
"Don't worry. Not even a mosquito will get in," Lola replied, grinning. "It's in your hands, then."
"I'll return the princess to you full of life," Ye Tian promised, stepping inside as the door thudded shut behind him.

The room was sealed, steamy, and wreathed in mist—everything arranged exactly as Ye Tian required. "Why are you here?" he asked on seeing Liji in a maid's outfit by the princess's bedside. No wonder he hadn't seen her earlier.
"To keep an eye on you, of course," Liji replied, disgruntled.
"Good, I could use the help. Let's begin—help the princess out of her clothes."

Liji hesitated. "Relax, I'm not interested in flat-chested little girls. If I wanted to look at anyone, it'd be you," Ye Tian said without lifting his head.
"Pervert," Liji muttered, but she undressed the princess and waited for Ye Tian to begin the acupuncture.

"From now on, don't disturb me. Got it? Not a word," Ye Tian instructed seriously.
"I understand," Liji replied.
Ye Tian helped the princess sit cross-legged, laid out his golden needles, took a deep breath, then his hands moved like lightning, covering the princess with needles in an instant.

Sitting cross-legged, Ye Tian began to circulate his energy, placing his hand over the princess's heart meridian, gently transferring his qi. An hour passed, then two; sweat beaded on Ye Tian's forehead and trickled down.

Liji watched Ye Tian anxiously, her heart in her throat. Four hours went by, and Ye Tian still maintained the same posture. It was clear he was incredibly drained; Liji felt a pang of worry.

After another half hour, Ye Tian finally finished. With a snap, the golden needles shot out from the princess's body, startling Liji.
"The tub—put the princess in the tub," Ye Tian instructed, pointing to a large wooden tub he'd prepared, filled with a special herbal concoction.

Liji hurried over, gently lifted the princess, and placed her in the tub. Then she looked at Ye Tian, who had collapsed and fallen asleep on the spot. Liji went over and patted his face, but he didn't stir at all. Just then, the door opened and Lola entered, a bloodstained sword in hand.
"How is it?"
"The princess is safe. I'll take him to rest," Liji said, slinging Ye Tian over her shoulder and carrying him out. Behind them, Lola chuckled softly.

Half-awake, Ye Tian felt as though he were drifting among the clouds, indescribably comfortable. But something was pressing into the back of his head, annoying him, so he reached out to grab it and move it aside. Suddenly, Liji's startled cry rang in his ears, "Hey, you pervert, let go!"

Ye Tian slowly opened his eyes and found himself lying in a pool—no wonder he felt like he was floating. Then he heard Liji's urgent voice. Turning his head, he saw her, naked and holding him, while his hand was clutching at her breast.

"Let go, pervert!" Liji demanded, flustered. Ye Tian was too weak to resist, and Liji dared not use force, so she could only plead. Realizing what was happening, Ye Tian gave a squeeze before finally releasing her.
"Pervert!" Liji immediately tried to cover her chest, but the moment she let go, Ye Tian slipped beneath the water.
"Gehr! Gehr!" Liji cried, alarmed, fishing him out. "Are you alright?"
"Cough, cough. If you want me dead, just say so—I have poison, but I don't want to drown," Ye Tian grumbled.
"Hmph," Liji huffed, then hugged him tightly.
"Thank you. Thank you."
"Well, well, isn't this rare," Ye Tian teased, "Our lovely Miss Liji is finally showing some femininity."
Liji said nothing, only held him tighter.
"Liji, this might just be the beginning," Ye Tian murmured suddenly.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"I'll tell you tomorrow. I'm exhausted—put me to bed, will you?"

Liji tucked Ye Tian into bed and pulled the covers over him.
"What, you planning to join me?" Ye Tian joked.
Liji snorted and began to undress.
"Stop, stop! My mistake!" Ye Tian cried, startled.
"Coward," Liji muttered softly, glancing at him. "Get some rest. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow," Ye Tian replied with a smile.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."

The next morning, Ye Tian was still asleep when the door burst open. Liji rushed in, delighted.
"She woke up! The princess is awake!"
"Oh," Ye Tian mumbled, rolling over to keep sleeping.
"Hey, what's with you? I just told you the princess woke up and you don't even react?" Liji tugged at him, annoyed.
"Right, pour the leftover herbs from the trunk I brought yesterday into a tub—just like last time, one packet will do," Ye Tian mumbled, continuing to sleep.
"Lazy pig!" Liji huffed, turning to leave.
"Wait, don't dump the water from yesterday's bath—I want to check it later, understand?" Ye Tian suddenly sat up, reminding her.
"Why?" Liji asked, puzzled.
"Don't ask, just remember," Ye Tian replied seriously.
"Fine, get some rest. I'll come get you later." Before she finished, Ye Tian had already burrowed back under the covers.
"Pig!"

By the time Ye Tian rose, it was nearly noon.
"Ah, that feels good!" he stretched contentedly. Just then, Lola arrived.
"Sir Gehr, you're up. Would you like lunch?"
"Actually, I am hungry," Ye Tian said, patting his stomach.
"By the way, did anything happen last night?" he suddenly asked.
"No, everything was normal," Lola said with a smile.
"Lying isn't good, you know." As he spoke, Ye Tian lightly tapped Lola on the shoulder.
Lola flinched almost imperceptibly.
"Let's eat first, we can talk later," Ye Tian said as someone approached.
"This way, please," Lola replied, instantly composed, leading Ye Tian to the dining hall.
"Lola?" Ye Tian called suddenly.
"Yes?"
"Nothing, let's go."