Chapter 194: Chapter 15: In the Land of Tenderness, Geng Metal Profound Silkworm

The rumor that Fang Cheng had obtained Top-Grade Celestial Dew had come from the Wang Family.

Whether it was true or not, no one bothered to look into its veracity anymore.

However, given Fifth Senior Sister’s status in the Wang Family, it wouldn’t have been difficult for her to learn the truth. It was only natural for such information to circulate within the sect.

It wasn’t just Huang Shen; the other three were also incredibly envious of Fang Cheng’s future.

A Life Talisman refined with Myriad Manifestations Celestial Dew, one that could reforge his Dao Foundation, would naturally place him in a league far beyond their own.

After the gathering ended, Fang Cheng returned to Canglan Cave.

Inside the elegant and opulent Cave Mansion, a warm and tranquil silence reigned.

Dong Qing, clad in a simple, elegant gown, heard the commotion and emerged from her Quiet Chamber. A hint of joy touched her usually cool and detached features upon seeing Fang Cheng return. She smiled and said, "You’re back, my lord."

Ever since coming to Canglan Cave and becoming truly intimate with Fang Cheng—knowing his every need and desire—she had gradually developed the mature charm of a young wife.

Her hair was swept up into a high bun, her skin was fairer than snow, and she possessed a slender waist and full hips. A touch of gentle, ladylike grace now tempered her cold, stunning beauty, making her look like a living Jade Beauty.

Fang Cheng sat down in a chair in the Cave Mansion’s main hall and asked curiously, "Where are Yan’Er and Die’Er?"

Dong Qing served him Spirit Tea and said, "Sister Ye returned to Xiaocang Island to enter seclusion and break through to the Life Talisman stage. Die’Er is attending her."

Fang Cheng nodded. "Yes, it’s about time for Yan’Er to make her breakthrough to the Life Talisman stage."

He took a sip of the Spirit Tea and asked with a smile, "Qing’Er, how has your cultivation been progressing lately?"

Dong Qing lowered her gaze and said softly, "The Spiritual Qi on Demon Lion Peak is rich. I estimate that with a few more months of effort, I can break through to the eighth layer of Sensory Induction."

Fang Cheng set down his teacup. "Go prepare a pool with water from the Spiritual Spring. I’d like to take a bath to relax in a bit. And while I’m at it... I’ll test your cultivation."

A blush crept onto Dong Qing’s fair cheeks. She knew exactly what Fang Cheng meant by a "test."

Fang Cheng took out an exquisite jade box from his storage pouch and handed it to Dong Qing, saying, "This is a little gift I bought for you in Divine Pillar Immortal City. Put it on in a little while."

"Thank you, my lord." Dong Qing bit her lip, her expression bashful as she accepted the jade box.

She then went to the bathing chamber to make preparations.

Fang Cheng, meanwhile, entered the Gu Cultivation Secret Chamber. He checked on the status of his Vajra Gu and placed the Poison Gu into the Gu Pit, allowing it to continue devouring toxic substances.

The growth of the swarm in the new Vajra Gu Pit was promising. Before long, a new batch of Tier Two Vajra Gu would emerge.

Fang Cheng sat on the edge of the Gu Pit, activated the Gu Dao Secret Technique, and accelerated the evolution of the Vajra Gu.

「Meanwhile.」

Dong Qing picked up a Cyan Jade Gourd from the side of the bath. With a surge of her Magical Power, a fragrant stream of water from the Spiritual Spring gushed from the gourd, filling the pool.

At the same time, she activated the array at the bottom of the pool. The water’s temperature slowly began to rise, and steam soon started to billow from the Spiritual Liquid in the bath.

Once everything was ready, she opened the jade box Fang Cheng had given her and curiously examined its contents.

Inside the jade box was a brand-new dudou. It was a brilliant royal blue, trimmed with a black and green butterfly-patterned border.

Although Dong Qing’s temperament was cool and her personality reserved, and she was a woman of few words, her figure was undeniably provocative. She had a slender waist, long legs, a full, firm bust, and skin as white as jade. In terms of looks and physique alone, she was hardly inferior to Ye Yan.

When she saw Fang Cheng’s gift, she let out a silent, playful huff, a blush spreading across her face.

’It wasn’t so long ago that they were both Outer Disciples of the same class, addressing each other as ’Fellow Daoist.’ Now, she was his concubine, expected to serve and please him attentively...’

The awkwardness from their change in status had slowly faded as their intimacy grew. But her disposition had always been placid; she wasn’t lively like Ye Yan, who loved to joke and tease. Because of this, she still felt a certain shyness, even a sense of bashfulness, around Fang Cheng.

She reached out, slowly picking up the dudou. Biting her lip, she hesitated.

「An incense stick of time later.」

The ethereal sound of a jade chime echoed from outside the Poisonous Insect Refining Secret Chamber. Fang Cheng waved his sleeve, and the stone door slid open. Dong Qing approached softly and said:

"My lord, the bath is ready."

She wore a long, black satin robe, cinched at the waist with a silk ribbon. Her flawless, jade-white feet were bare, their shape slender, graceful, and exquisitely alluring.

"What’s wrong? Don’t you like the clothes I bought for you?" Fang Cheng asked, rising and walking to the doorway.

Dong Qing shook her head.

Fang Cheng reached out and tilted her chin up. Her eyes were gently closed, her lovely face flushed an even deeper crimson. Overcome by a tide of shyness, she fidgeted with her fingers and said, "I do like it... I’m wearing it."

Fang Cheng paused, slightly taken aback.

Blushing, Dong Qing bit her lip, trying to mask the surging tide of her shyness with a defiant gaze. "My lord... do you like it?"

Fang Cheng chuckled. "I do. While I was away, I acquired a Dual Cultivation Secret Method that will benefit us both. Allow me to help you... advance your cultivation."

As he spoke, he lowered his head, catching the dudou’s black silk ties between his teeth. With a tug of his head, he bit them loose. Then, he gripped the edge of the royal blue fabric in his teeth and, with a flick of his head, whisked it away.

Dong Qing let out a little "Ah!", the cry catching in her throat. She hastily covered her chest with her hands, shot Fang Cheng a flirtatious glare, and then gracefully hurried off toward the bathing chamber.

Fang Cheng clasped his hands behind his back and followed at an unhurried pace.

...

After a few days of "cultivation," Fang Cheng noticed that Dong Qing was finally no longer as reserved and shy as she used to be.

She was gradually starting to open up.

「One day.」

Fang Cheng left Canglan Cave, flew directly off Yinluo Island, and arrived at the Sect Marketplace.

「Xuanzhen Studio.」

In the backyard sat a stunningly beautiful young wife, exuding a delicate charm. She wore a light pink silk blouse, cinched with a silk sash, and a vibrant green, cloud-patterned shawl draped over her shoulders. With her silk stockings and vermillion shoes, skin like snow, a face like a flower, and her hair styled in elegant coils, she possessed an ethereal grace.

It was none other than Wen Qianqian.

She and Fang Cheng were sitting side by side in wicker chairs in the backyard, poring over an ancient tome together.