Chapter 220: Jasmine Milk Green
Meanwhile, in the garden... Ye Lingling sat cross-legged upon a moss-covered stone beside the stream, her eyes closed.
Her hands rested upon her knees, palms facing upward.
Strands of pale green light slowly began to emanate from within her body.
These luminous strands were far more vibrant than they had been two and a half months ago. No longer were they faint, flickering sparks akin to distant fireflies; instead, they had become substantial ribbons of light, circulating gently around her form like flowing green streamers.
Her breathing was steady and deep.
With every breath she took, the light would rise and fall in gentle rhythm, as if it possessed a life of its own.
Bi Ji sat opposite her, watching in silence.
A flicker of approval crossed her eyes.
This child is making rapid progress.
She thought to herself.
At that very moment, Ye Lingling opened her eyes.
She raised her right hand, palm facing upward.
Pale green light gathered in her palm, slowly swirling as it grew ever denser and brighter.
Finally, it coalesced into a luminous orb roughly the size of a clenched fist.
The orb radiated a rich aura of life—warm and gentle. As the light swirled within it, one could faintly discern tiny particles of light dancing inside, like countless minuscule living things in motion.
Bi Ji watched her and spoke softly, "Try to let it unfurl—just like... a begonia blossom opening up."
Ye Lingling nodded.
She took a deep breath, focusing her entire attention upon the luminous orb resting in her palm.
The orb began to transform.
It slowly unfurled, blossoming like a fully opened begonia flower, its petals layering upon one another as they extended outward.
Each "petal" was forged from pure, condensed life energy, radiating a soft, gentle glow.
One petal, two petals, three...
The petals multiplied, growing ever more numerous and dense.
Eventually, they resolved into a jade-green dome of light—approximately two and a half meters in diameter—that completely enveloped her form.
The dome was gossamer-thin—delicate as a cicada’s wing—with a faint, shimmering halo flowing across its surface.
Yet, the aura of life it exuded was even more potent than before.
Standing within the luminous dome, one could feel a warm, gentle energy embracing the entire body—a sensation as soothing and comfortable as soaking in a natural hot spring. Ye Lingling gazed at the shimmering barrier of light, a flicker of delighted surprise flashing in her eyes.
She had succeeded!
This was the very first time she had successfully cast the Life Shield!
Two and a half months of grueling practice had finally borne fruit!
Bi Ji reached out a hand and gently touched the luminous barrier.
The instant her fingertips made contact, a warm, gentle energy flowed from her fingertips and surged into her body.
That energy felt like the warm sun of spring, like the nourishing waters of a sweet spring—filling her entire being with a sense of profound comfort.
Bi Ji withdrew her hand and nodded.
"Not bad. Although the radius is still quite small and the intensity isn’t quite sufficient, you have successfully grasped the fundamental method."
She paused for a moment. "Next, you must focus on expanding its range and increasing its strength. Only when you are capable of protecting both yourself and your teammates in the heat of battle can you truly be said to have mastered it."
Ye Lingling nodded vigorously.
In those eyes—which usually held such an empty, vacant gaze—a spark of excitement now shimmered brightly.
Watching her reaction, Bi Ji couldn’t help but smile.
This child... she must look absolutely beautiful when she smiles, wouldn’t she?
She thought to herself.
When, I wonder, will I finally get to see her lift that veil?
...
Night fell.
Within the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—specifically at the very pinnacle of the sect’s main hall, a towering nine-story pagoda—the scene was one of serene beauty.
Moonlight, flowing like water, spilled across the pagoda’s azure-tiled roof, casting a faint, silvery glow.
In the distance, the mountain ranges dissolved into a continuous silhouette against the night sky; the stars above glittered brilliantly, and the Milky Way stretched across the heavens like a silken ribbon.
A petite figure sat perched upon the roof tiles at the very top of the pagoda.
The Snow Empress.
Her exquisite feet were bare—two soft, delicate, and rosy-hued soles. Her toes were small and adorable, their pads plump and rounded, and her toenails were immaculately groomed and painted with a vibrant jade-green lacquer.
Her two fair, slender legs dangled beneath her, swaying gently in the moonlight.
She gazed up at the night sky, lost in thought.
Reflected within her crystalline, golden eyes was the vast expanse of the starry heavens above.
Behind her, the very fabric of space rippled slightly.
Jiang Bai’s figure materialized out of thin air, appearing right beside her.
He was clad, as always, in his simple white robes, his black hair tied back in a casual, effortless style. Moonlight spilled down, casting a faint halo of light upon him.
Sensing Jiang Bai’s presence, the Ice Empress snapped back to reality and mumbled, "Why are you here? Is something the matter?"
Jiang Bai sat down beside her and smiled.
"I came to check on you. So, how is it going? Is the teaching progressing smoothly?"
The Ice Empress curled her lip.
"That little brat—her aptitude isn’t half bad. It’s just that her fundamentals are abysmal; she was taught all wrong from a young age, and now it’s a real struggle to correct it."
She paused, a flicker of smugness flashing in her eyes. "However, in the hands of this Ice Empress, there is no one who cannot be taught!"
Watching her haughty, tsundere-like demeanor, Jiang Bai couldn’t help but chuckle. "Yes, yes—Lord Ice Empress is truly the most formidable."
The Ice Empress gave a soft huff but remained silent.
She turned her head, resuming her gaze upon the night sky.
A moment of silence passed.
Suddenly, Jiang Bai spoke up: "Thank you."
The Ice Empress was slightly taken aback. "Thank me for what?"
Gazing at the distant starry sky, Jiang Bai spoke softly, "Thank you for being willing to come and help me mentor my disciple."
The Ice Empress froze for a moment.
Then, she turned her head to look at Jiang Bai.
A complex mix of emotions flickered within those crystal-yellow eyes of hers.
"Hmph."
She averted her gaze, crossed her legs, and let her small feet dangle and sway in the air.
"Don’t give me that nonsense. I’m not doing this to help you; I was just bored and idle, looking for something to pass the time."
She paused again, her voice dropping a few decibels.
"Besides... Xue’er and I have been cultivating inside your tower for so long; just consider this our repayment."
Watching her put up such a stubborn front, Jiang Bai felt a sense of amusement welling up inside.
But he didn’t call her out on it.
He simply nodded. "Very well, then let’s consider it repayment."
The Ice Empress gave another soft huff and said nothing more.
Another moment of silence.
Suddenly, she spoke up again, her voice tinged with a hint of unnaturalness.
"Of course... if... if you really want to show your gratitude..."
She paused, a faint blush inexplicably rising to her lovely face.
"Then this Empress... shall grant you an opportunity."
Jiang Bai looked puzzled. "An opportunity for what?"
The blush on the Ice Empress’s face deepened.
She said nothing more; she simply uncrossed her legs and adjusted her sitting posture.
Then, she extended her feet toward him. Two exquisite little feet glowed with a faint halo under the moonlight. The toes curled ever so slightly.
The Ice Empress turned her head away, not daring to look at him.
"Grant this Empress... the opportunity... to have her feet massaged..."
Her voice grew softer and softer, until finally, it was barely audible—thin as the buzz of a gnat.
Watching her demeanor, Jiang Bai spoke with a look of utter seriousness: "I certainly won’t stand on ceremony! You know me—I’ve always been the type to repay a kindness!"
The Ice Empress gave a huff. "Enough chatter! Just get on with it!"
Jiang Bai smiled, reaching out to gently cradle her ankles.
The touch was warm and soft—delicate and pearlescent white.
The skin of her feet was as fine as congealed cream, tinged with a faint blush of pink and glowing with a soft luster in the moonlight.
Her ankles were slender and her bones exquisitely delicate; they looked as if they might shatter if subjected to even the slightest pressure.
His fingertips first settled gently upon the arches of her feet, kneading them with a tender, light touch.
The arches possessed a graceful curve—soft and resilient, like the finest silk.
Occasionally, his fingertips would inadvertently brush against her slender toes, causing the Ice Empress to instinctively recoil.
"Don’t... don’t touch me there..."
Her voice trembled slightly.
Jiang Bai, however, would not be deterred; his palm held her foot steady while his fingertips slowly, languidly stroked the delicate skin across the top of her foot.
"So sensitive? You flinch at a mere touch, yet you still want me to give you a massage?"
The Ice Empress’s face flushed crimson with embarrassment; she bit her lip and remained silent.
It felt so ticklish... so tingling... so numbingly pleasurable...
The sensation traveled from the soles of her feet straight to her heart—a delightful, tingling numbness that left her entire body feeling weak and pliant.
Instinctively, she tried to pull her feet away, but Jiang Bai held them gently yet firmly, leaving her unable to move.
"Don’t squirm."
Jiang Bai’s voice was soft, carrying a hint of amusement.
Gritting her teeth, the Ice Empress fought to suppress the overwhelming tingling sensation, allowing him to do as he pleased.
His technique was excellent, and the pressure he applied was absolutely perfect.
With every kneading motion, she felt a wave of warmth welling up from the soles of her feet, spreading upward through her calves and coursing through her entire body.
It felt so incredibly soothing that she felt herself drifting toward sleep.
"Mmm..."
She couldn’t help but let out a soft moan, though she immediately stifled it. But Jiang Bai’s fingers moved unhurriedly across the soles of her feet.
From heel to arch, from arch to sole, from sole to her toes.
He meticulously massaged every single part.
The Ice Empress’s body grew increasingly pliant.
Her face flushed a deeper and deeper crimson.
Her breathing grew increasingly rapid.
"!!!"
Suddenly!
The Ice Empress felt a sensation of warmth spread across her small foot.
It was a soft, moist touch—accompanied by a warm breath—that landed gently upon the arch of her foot.
Her body went rigid in an instant!
Her previously hazy, dreamy eyes snapped wide open!
She stared at Jiang Bai in utter disbelief!
Jiang Bai looked up and gave her a slight nod.
His expression was completely earnest.
As if nothing at all had just happened.
The Ice Empress’s mind went completely blank.
He... he just...?!
She parted her lips, wanting to say something, but found herself unable to utter a single word.
She could only stare blankly at Jiang Bai, her face as red as a ripe apple.
Watching her in this state, the corners of Jiang Bai’s lips curled upward ever so slightly.
Mmm... Jasmine Milk Green!
Then, he lowered his head once more and continued his massage with focused diligence.
It was as if that previous moment had been nothing more than an accidental, inadvertent touch.
The Ice Empress bit her lip, struggling to suppress the overwhelming—sense of shame—swelling within her heart.
That bastard...
She cursed him silently in her mind.
He definitely did that on purpose!
Yet, she did not pull her foot away.
She simply remained there, face flushed, allowing him to continue.
Moonlight, flowing like water, spilled down upon the pinnacle of the tower.
...
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