Volume One: The Femme Fatale Chapter 18: A Solitary Man and Woman

“Gentleman, lady, this way please!”

The innkeeper bowed slightly, respectfully guiding Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun, his light footsteps echoing on the bluestone floor.

Ascending the quaint wooden staircase, the hallway walls were adorned with exquisite landscape paintings. Their subtle hues intertwined with the ancient ambiance, as if whispering the long history of this inn.

“Your rooms are on the third floor, the largest guest chamber in our Happy Guest Inn! Outside the windows, you can see verdant ancient trees, serene and tranquil—a perfect refuge from the world,” the innkeeper said warmly.

Pushing open the door, Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun were greeted by a cozy and inviting scene.

The room was spacious and bright, its walls painted in an elegant beige, complemented by classical wooden furniture that emitted a faint scent of wood.

At the center stood a carved wooden bed, the headboard draped with finely embroidered curtains resembling a blooming flower, instilling a warm sense of belonging.

Beside the bed rested a simple yet refined wooden table, quietly holding a polished teapot radiating a delicate aroma. Nearby, a low meditation cushion awaited, sunlight filtering gently through the sheer curtains, adding a touch of vitality to this space for contemplation.

In one corner, an exquisite folding screen painted with mountains, rivers, flowers, and birds served both as a partition and a graceful decoration, enhancing the room’s classical elegance.

Next to the screen stood a wooden bathing tub, its surface smooth and fresh-smelling, wisps of steam rising softly.

Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun exchanged smiles, their hearts filled with contentment, as if all weariness and worries had been carried away by the peaceful surroundings.

“I won’t disturb your rest any longer. If you need anything, just call for me,” said the innkeeper, retreating with tact and softly closing the door behind him.

No sooner had the innkeeper left than Fan Caiyun’s excitement overcame her. She dashed forward and flopped onto the wooden bed, her voice sweet and delighted, “Brother Jiang Hao, this bed is so soft! Finally, I can have a good sleep.”

“You little girl, why not wash up first?” Jiang Hao shook his head helplessly.

“Oh! I almost forgot, hehe! Brother Jiang Hao, Caiyun will go take a bath now. You mustn’t peek!” With reluctance, Fan Caiyun left the bed and softly moved behind the screen.

“All right! Brother Jiang Hao will prepare to meditate and cultivate,” Jiang Hao replied quietly.

“Ah? So eager? Brother Jiang Hao, why not rest well first? It’s not too late to cultivate afterward!” Fan Caiyun stepped forward and gently tugged on Jiang Hao’s sleeve, her face full of concern.

“Girl, we’re on Wild Wolf Gang territory right now. Besides, the auction is in seven days. Brother Jiang Hao must quickly improve his cultivation for more security,” Jiang Hao soothed her gently, patting her head.

“All right then,” Fan Caiyun reluctantly agreed.

Just as she turned to leave, Jiang Hao suddenly stepped forward to stop her. “By the way, Caiyun, these are the Hundred Spirit Dew potions I bought earlier from the Treasure Pavilion. You can pour some into the tub when you bathe; it will help enhance your cultivation. I’ve left a few bottles on the table as well.”

“Thank you, Brother Jiang Hao,” Fan Caiyun smiled softly as she took the potions and then walked behind the screen.

Steam rose from the wooden tub, evidently the inn had thoughtfully prepared hot water for them—truly attentive service!

Without hesitation, Fan Caiyun lightly shed her clothes, then carefully stepped into the tub, settling in to enjoy the warm water’s caress.

“Brother Jiang Hao, it’s so comfortable!” Fan Caiyun closed her eyes, fully immersed in the pleasure of the bath.

“That girl…” Jiang Hao heard her words and shook his head, moving over to the meditation cushion by the table.

As soon as he entered a meditative state, the fragrance from Fan Caiyun’s bath wafted over, causing his heart to skip a beat. “That girl really smells wonderful!”

“Boy, what are you thinking about?” At that moment, Feng Ling’er’s cold voice sounded in his ear.

Jiang Hao shivered slightly, instantly sobering. He quickly replied, “Master, I’m preparing to take the Gathering Spring Pill to break through the Spirit Spring Realm barrier.”

“Oh? Why haven’t you taken it yet?” Feng Ling’er’s tone was icy.

“Yes, Master. I will take it immediately!” Jiang Hao hurriedly retrieved the pill from his universe ring, swallowing it without examining it closely, fearful that Feng Ling’er might detect anything amiss.

“From the Spirit Qi Realm to the Spirit Spring Realm, you must gather the spirit energy in your dantian into a spring, transforming it from intangible to tangible. After taking the Gathering Spring Pill, you must exert yourself fully to consolidate this power!” Feng Ling’er earnestly instructed.

“If you feel one pill’s spirit energy is insufficient, do not hesitate to take another right away!” she emphasized repeatedly.

“Master, I understand! That’s why I bought two Gathering Spring Pills, to be prepared for any situation!” Jiang Hao replied softly, inwardly grateful.

“You boy, you do have some sense,” Feng Ling’er chuckled lightly, then fell silent.

With the pill entering his body, soon Jiang Hao felt his spiritual power surge within like a rising tide, and at a breathtaking pace!

“Yes! This is exactly the feeling! This ceaseless flow of spirit power is truly fulfilling!” Jiang Hao thought, immediately following Feng Ling’er’s guidance to channel all his spirit energy.

As he exerted his full strength, the spirit energy in his dantian surged like a tide, converging into a powerful vortex inside him.

This force churned warmly within, filling him like spring sunlight bathing his heart, refreshing and invigorating.

Closing his eyes, Jiang Hao silently recited Feng Ling’er’s teachings, gradually clearing his mind and focusing solely on the flow of spirit energy.

With each deep breath, the spirit energy in his dantian thickened, seemingly responding to his call, transforming into an invisible force that slowly shaped a clear outline of a spirit spring...

Meanwhile, laughter from the bathing Fan Caiyun lingered gently in his ears. The water rippled, reflecting her blossoming smile. Her skin shimmered softly in the water, like petals kissed by morning dew, exuding a fresh and natural aura.

Fan Caiyun savored the warmth, occasionally stirring the surface, pearls of water scattering gracefully, painting a captivating scene...

At this moment, Jiang Hao’s mind settled more deeply. The gathering spirit energy brought a novel exhilaration, as if the entire world had sharpened and brightened in this instant.

Sounds around him faded into the background, leaving only the roaring spirit energy within, as if composing a rousing symphony for him.

“The effect of the Gathering Spring Pill is truly extraordinary!” Jiang Hao silently marveled, the surge of spirit power filling him with unprecedented strength.

He worked diligently to guide this power to his dantian, feeling every subtle current of spirit energy as if silently conversing with the spirit of heaven and earth.

Just then, Feng Ling’er’s voice echoed in his ear, “Relax your mind and let it flow naturally. The formation of the spirit spring requires time and patience.” Her voice was like a gentle breeze upon his face, carrying a tender strength that reassured Jiang Hao deeply.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Hao felt his awareness sharpen alongside the spirit energy’s convergence, sensing every delicate shift within his dantian.

That power swirled and blended within him, gradually forming a gentle yet resolute aura...