Chapter 338: Yin-Yang Harmony Pavilion
Watching the young boy celebrate with pure, unbridled excitement, Shen Yu let out a soft, genuine chuckle.
He reached down to gently adjust the blankets over Lu An’er’s chest, the oppressive aura of his entirely replaced by the easy warmth of an elder brother.
"Alright, save your energy for now, Little An," Shen Yu said, his tone playful yet carrying a subtle weight that naturally commanded obedience.
"You still have a long way to go before you can parade around as my little brother. Rest up, let the energy settle, and tomorrow you’ll wake up to a whole new world."
"Yes, Brother Wei!" Lu An chimed enthusiastically, settling back against the pillows.
Though his frame remained noticeably thin, his dark eyes sparkled with a vibrant, newfound life force that had been absent for years.
Shen Yu straightened his back and turned his gaze toward Lu Chen.
The rugged blacksmith stood nearby, his head still bowed in profound, quiet reverence, unable to fully contain the ocean of gratitude surging in his chest.
"Master Lu, prepare your belongings tonight," Shen Yu instructed smoothly, his voice dropping into its accustomed cool authority.
"First thing at dawn, my personal carriages will arrive to transport you and your son directly to the inner circle of the Tang Estate. I will have a quiet, spiritually rich courtyard assigned to you both, right beside the main refining pavilions."
"This subordinate obeys, Young Master!" Lu Chen clasped his hands tightly, his voice steady with absolute, unshakeable devotion.
"I shall pack our few possessions immediately and await your arrival. My hammer, my craft, and my life are entirely at your disposal."
Shen Yu offered a calm, approving nod before turning toward the door.
With an effortless flick of his wrist, he recalled the four golden talismans embedded in the chamber’s walls back into his wide silk sleeve, dissolving the soundproofing arrays without a sound.
Stepping out of the peaceful courtyard into the crisp night air, Shen Yu boarded his awaiting luxury coach.
The heavy, velvet-draped doors swung shut, sealing him within the sandalwood-scented sanctuary as the beast-drawn carriage set off along the quiet cobblestone thoroughfares of Thousand Waves City.
Leaning back against the soft, silk-cushioned bench, Shen Yu closed his eyes, taking a deep, slow breath to regulate his depleted spiritual qi.
Though ninety percent of his pristine Yin-Yang spiritual energy had been poured into igniting Lu An’s dormant core, the remaining residue inside his meridians spun with incredible efficiency, rapidly drawing in the surrounding spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth to replenish his reserves.
Before long, the heavy coach slowed to a gentle halt.
The grand, array-adorned red gates of the Tang Clan Estate groaned open, allowing the carriage to roll smoothly into the sprawling, illuminated inner grounds.
Servants and guards dressed in pristine green robes bowed in synchronous reverence as Shen Yu stepped down onto the polished marble path.
Waving off the attending stewards, Shen Yu walked with unhurried, graceful strides through the winding garden pathways, heading straight toward the estate’s main courtyard.
The night was quiet, save for the soft rustle of bamboo leaves and the distant, rhythmic chirping of spirit crickets.
As he approached the inner pavilion, the soft, warm glow of lanterns illuminated the paper windows, casting delicate silhouettes of the women waiting inside.
Yilan, Lixue, Meng Yan, Xu Yi, Li Qiu, and Li Na were all gathered within the main hall, sipping tea and quietly conversing about the day’s historic victories.
The atmosphere inside was serene and welcoming, yet a distinct, subtle tension hung in the air, specifically emanating from Li Na.
She sat somewhat rigidly near the corner of the hall, her knuckles pale as her fingers nervously traced the rim of her delicate teacup.
She had only just arrived at the estate today.
Meng Yan, who was already well aware of the deep history between Shen Yu and her sworn sister Li Na, had personally brought her to the gathering after Shen Yu had told all the women to come to the Tang Estate.
The heavy wooden doors slid open smoothly, and Shen Yu stepped into the room.
All eyes immediately turned toward him.
Yilan rose from her seat with a brilliant, breathless smile, her dark blue robes fluttering softly around her curvaceous figure, while Lixue leaned back with a knowing, playful smirk resting on her lips.
Shen Yu watched Yilan walk toward him, his dark golden eyes following her every step with a warm, approving smile.
As she closed the distance, her dark blue eyes shining with quiet anticipation, he reached out and gently cupped her cheek in his palm.
Yilan leaned effortlessly into his touch, her eyes closing for a brief second to savor the warmth of his hand.
"My Yilan was so domineering and cool today," he murmured softly, his voice dropping into a low, intoxicating tone.
Yilan’s eyes opened, glinting with a radiant light as she looked up at him, her chest rising and falling softly.
"Do you want a reward?" Shen Yu asked, a subtle, captivating glint flashing in his golden eyes.
A sudden, intense heat flooded through her core at his words, a thrilling pulse rippling down her body.
Without hesitation, she nodded against his palm.
Shen Yu stepped closer, closing the distance until her voluptuous form was pressed firmly against his chest.
His fingers slid from her cheek into her long, silky dark hair, lightly tightening his grip to tilt her head back.
Her dark blue eyes met his golden gaze, hazy and brimming with uninhibited desire.
Leaning down, Shen Yu captured her lips in a deep, commanding kiss.
His other hand slid down the curve of her waist, settling onto the lush, full curve of her hip and pulling her flush against him.
A soft, breathless moan escaped Yilan’s throat, melting into his mouth as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
The subtle, heady atmosphere in the grand hall instantly shifted.
Watching the intoxicating display unfold, the other women subconsciously held their breath.
Li Na, the only untouched virgin among them, felt her throat go dry.
A hot, prickling sensation ran down her spine, making her heart hammer wildly against her ribs.
After a long, breathless moment, Shen Yu slowly pulled back, his eyes resting on Yilan’s flushed face and dazed expression.
He turned his head, his gaze sweeping over the rest of the women before settling directly on Li Na.
Noticing the faint tremor in her breath, a wicked, handsome smirk touched his lips.
Li Na shuddered under his intense, penetrating look, her thighs pressing tightly together as an involuntary flush rushed to her cheeks.
"Let’s take this to the Yin-Yang Harmony Pavilion," Shen Yu purred softly, his authoritative voice echoing through the quiet hall.