Li Mo stood there in a daze.
Above the rockery, a hole had been opened, though it was unclear when—probably the handiwork of his master.
Of course.
It’s common knowledge that the moon in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths is particularly huge.
Moonlight streamed like a waterfall into the Wuhua Eternal Spring, causing the pool to sparkle and shimmer dreamily.
Well, what truly felt dreamlike was neither the moon nor the water.
Ying Bing, with her long black hair, soaked in the hot spring, her neck elegantly elongated.
The hot spring was still a bit too warm, and with her cultivation techniques activated, her icy skin and graceful features were tinged with blush.
The bathrobe clung to her body, and with the flickering light of the water waves, a hint of her figure was visible, like flowers viewed through mist.
Li Mo said nothing.
Little Li wasn’t exactly the most talkative.
“You’re back… so early.”
Ying Bing lowered her gaze, drying her arm with a towel.
People sometimes find ways to occupy themselves—like when the teacher is checking homework and you forgot to bring yours…
Ahem…
Li Mo nodded. Even with the steam rising, he found his throat inexplicably dry.
“So, uh, you chased after a bird and ended up with Yin Huaxuan?”
“A few hits and he’s done for?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, only the sound of splashing water echoed around the rockery.
What the heck am I saying?
Little Li mentally facepalmed.
“Well, your hits must be pretty impressive,” Ying Bing remarked.
“Thanks for the compliment,” Li Mo replied.
“…..” Ying Bing.
“…..” Li Mo.
It seemed they both felt the atmosphere was a bit off.
Li Mo casually added, “I just got exhausted earlier and was thinking of getting back to relax with a nice bath…”
“I see.”
Ying Bing fell into a perplexing thought.
She considered that the Wuhua Eternal Spring belonged to Li Mo, his property.
So, it made sense that he wanted to unwind with a bath after his thrilling adventures, right?
“Do you want to soak together?”
After saying it, Ying Bing felt a bit strange.
She had never invited anyone to bathe with her before.
“Hmm?”
Li Mo looked puzzled.
He didn’t expect that Ice Chunk would ponder for so long before blurt out that sentence.
“Is that… okay?”
“Yep, if you mind that I’ve soaked in the water, you can…”
“Not at all!”
Li Mo’s face was filled with determination.
Mind?
Don’t let other weirdos see it. This spring may be constantly bubbling, but it can’t handle too many thirsty folks…
“…..”
Seeing him so insistent, Ying Bing turned her head aside.
“I’m coming in then.”
After changing into his bathrobe, Li Mo jumped into the hot spring with a splash.
Waves rippled.
Ying Bing caught a glimpse and noticed that his bathrobe strap wasn’t even tied properly, exposing a bit of his upper body.
Weird.
They often shared a bed during training, but she never thought anything of it.
It’s just a bath together…
She had never flinched on her journey up to the Immortal Road in the Return to Ruins.
Yeah.
Just be calm.
“Ah…”
Li Mo sighed contentedly and then got a bit curious.
The pool was large, but they weren’t far apart.
Yet, Ice Chunk didn’t give off any chill at all. Today was a fine day under the Taiyin Star, and last time, she practically turned the entire Qiushui Pavilion into a winter wonderland.
“You’ve made some progress?”
“Yeah, I’ve opened my senses.”
After that exchange, the Wuhua Eternal Spring fell silent again.
Ying Bing focused intently.
She grasped every second, observing the Taiyin while clearing her mind.
After all, the countdown was ticking away.
00:00:03…
00:00:02…
00:00:01…
The countdown hit zero.
The familiar system notification chimed back in her ears.
[Listing the names of all geniuses from the Eastern Wilderness domain…]
[Combat power comparison underway…]
Ying Bing’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as she focused intensely.
If this were before, she wouldn’t have felt the slightest bit of tension.
But, considering…
Last time there had been and unforeseen twist.
Let’s hope everything can get back on track this time.
If she snagged first place, maybe she could share with him, and everyone would be thrilled.
[Ding—]
[The second ranking results for the Eastern Wilderness geniuses are ready for announcement.]
[50th place: Yu Zhao.]
…
[44th place: Lin Jiang.]
…
[30th place: Murong Xiao.]
…
[10th place: Han Zhen.]
…
Compared to last time, the rankings shifted a little.
Those disciples from the Qingyuan Sect that Li Mo knew saw improvements in their ranks.
But overall, the people on the list remained about the same, just in a different order.
Han Zhen, too, tumbled down from fourth place, nearly out of the top ten.
Looks like last time really knocked him for a loop.
She remembered how Han Zhen first shone at the Yunzhou Martial Summit, snagging a top three spot.
Back then, the Hengyun Sword City experienced a strange event, carrying on its treasure, the Hengyun Sword Marks, which must be related to him in some way.
But those were just guesses; she had only heard rumors and hadn’t experienced it firsthand.
The Qingyuan Sect had nine peaks, each could only send one elite disciple to compete.
Lost in thought, the list announcement was nearing its end.
[5th place: Huang Donglai.]
[4th place: Zhong Zhenyue.]
[3rd place: Shang Li.]
…
“Nom nom nom.”
“What’s the secret to this thing… how come it tastes so good…”
Li Mo’s cheeks were puffing up.
He was considering whether to feed the Dihun Bodhi to Little Jiang as a little treat since Jiang Chulong would definitely reach the Observation Realm one day. Building a foundation wouldn’t hurt.
Splash!—
Sudden loud splashes came from nearby.
Li Mo paused, looking up to notice Ice Chunk standing up, and his pupils nearly popped out.
What’s she standing up for, looking all serious? Does she not know how killer her figure is?
“What’s up?”
He’d never seen Ice Chunk behave so decorously.
Little Li felt like an enemy approached.
“You…”
Ying Bing’s gaze fixed on the expressionless rankings no one else could see.
[2nd place: Ying Bing.]
[1st place: Li Mo.]
Her eyes widened in surprise as she slowly turned to the young man not too far away.
She…
Was once again under him?!!
……
P.S.: Don’t be shy, just drop a little love! Muah!
If you spot any typos, audience grandpas, feel free to kick me.
