Chapter 85: Master is angry
Another ten days passed. Yan Zhen’s physique had noticeably improved, and his cultivation had successfully reached the Seventh Star Mystic One rank, fulfilling the system’s previous mission. He received the “Special Trump Card – Jack of All Trades,” which, upon activation, “allowed him to deduce most other Mystic Techniques of the same type, rank, and lineage from a single known Mystic Technique.”
However, he still couldn’t safely unleash the Triple Burst “Eight Extremes Explosion.” Instructor Yu Xuan, lacking Spiritual Power, couldn’t precisely control her strength to the necessary degree. Fearing she might injure him, she had to limit the intensity of her Mystic Power beatings, reducing their effectiveness.
Knowing she was doing her best, Yan Zhen wasn’t dissatisfied. He would find another solution for the remaining hurdle.
“Thank you for everything these past ten days, Instructor Yu Xuan. Not only did you train with me, but you also helped me with the medicinal baths.”
“I’m your instructor, Yan Zhen. It’s my duty to train you… and the medicinal baths are part of the training.”
In his room, Yan Zhen, his body covered in bruises, soaked in the steaming bath. Instructor Yu Xuan embraced him from behind, her soft hands trailing across his chest and stomach like a gentle serpent.
He no longer needed assistance to move around, but she still insisted on joining him in the bath, soothing his pain with her touch and kisses. He suspected she was becoming addicted to these intimate moments.
This both pleased and tormented him. He wasn’t completely spent after their training sessions, and his body was still very much… responsive.
However, for the sake of tempering his physique, he couldn’t afford to lose his vital energy. He had to endure.
He was also slightly apprehensive. Their intimacy had surpassed anything described in the script, which could potentially disrupt future plot points. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to steer things back on track.
While he was flattered by the affections of such a beautiful and kind woman, he couldn’t understand what she saw in him. They hadn’t even reached the “heroic rescue” scene yet!
“Instructor, is there anything you want?” he asked.
“Anything I want? Why do you ask?”
“Just… as a way of expressing my gratitude.”
“I told you, you don’t need to thank me…”
“But I’m always accepting your help without being able to do anything for you in return. So I thought I could at least give you a gift.”
“Who says you can’t do anything for me? Just get first place in the monthly assessment tomorrow, and I’ll be happy.”
“That doesn’t count. I would strive for first place even if you didn’t say anything.”
“You’re so stubborn. Let me think… Hmm, how about we go out together sometime?”
In other words, a date.
“Is that all?”
“Yes. You’ll have to treat me to food, watch a Star Shadow show with me… it’ll probably cost you a lot. Remember to save up.”
“Don’t worry, Instructor. I have plenty of allowance left.”
That wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t an “allowance.” It was an investment fund, worth over a hundred million crystal coins!
Every time he thought about that generous gift, he wanted to give the system a big, fat kiss.
“It’s a date then.”
Instructor Yu Xuan smiled sweetly, nuzzling her cheek against his neck.
Silence fell, and his attention was drawn back to the soft, warm body pressed against him. He felt both blessed and tormented.
When will this end?
He just wanted to play the role of an emotionless, power-hungry protagonist, but he kept facing these tests of endurance. He wasn’t some stoic sage. He might break eventually.
Is this world deliberately trying to make things difficult for me? Trying to prevent me from growing stronger?
…
The second monthly assessment arrived as scheduled. Yan Zhen, after nearly half a month of silence, reappeared, claiming first place and igniting another wave of discussion.
He tied with Xiao Mie. They both achieved perfect scores in all four assessment categories: theory, cultivation, Mystic Techniques, and practical combat.
Normally, a tie would be resolved through a duel. However, Xiao Mie, sensing that Yan Zhen wasn’t fully prepared, declined the duel, opting for a shared victory.
Yan Zhen wasn’t surprised. This was consistent with Xiao Mie’s actions in the script. He had his pride. However, the main reason was that Xiao Mie wanted to use Yan Zhen’s strength to help him smoothly break through to the Mystic Scholar realm!
This was precisely why Yan Zhen felt apprehensive.
A Ninth Star Mystic One Xiao Mie, no matter how strong, wasn’t a true threat. However, Xiao Mie would likely achieve a breakthrough during their duel.
Mystic Scholars could form a protective Mystic Power barrier around their bodies, creating a powerful defense. Without the Triple Burst “Eight Extremes Explosion,” it would be difficult to inflict significant damage.
Of course, even the Triple Burst wouldn’t be enough. He would need to activate another cheat.
“Ten more days,” Xiao Mie declared. “We’ll settle this in ten days.”
With that, he left the examination hall.
…
Back at the house, Yan Zhen immediately entered the Crystal Stone Space.
His Beautiful Sect Master must have sensed the changes in his body. He had to explain himself, or the consequences could be severe.
However, the moment he stepped onto the altar platform, a Mystic Power whip lashed out, narrowly missing him as he instinctively dodged.
The whip, as if possessing a life of its own, suddenly changed direction, striking his backside with a resounding crack. He yelped, leaping into the air.
A quick glance confirmed his suspicions. The whip was an extension of his Beautiful Sect Master’s power. Before he could speak, another lash struck him.
The sound was sharper than a slap, sending him jumping again.
“Master, please spare me! Let me explain!”
She ignored his pleas, the whip whistling through the air, raining blows upon him until he was dizzy and disoriented.
Just when he thought she was going to beat him to death, the whip stopped its assault. Instead, it deftly snagged his belt, pulling it loose, sending his tattered clothes falling to the floor.
Then, the whip wrapped around his waist, roughly tossing him into a square pool filled with medicinal liquid. A formation activated, the water glowing as the medicinal properties seeped into his body, rapidly healing his wounds and further strengthening his physique.
Realization dawned. He looked up at his Beautiful Sect Master. Her face was tight, her eyes cold and distant. She met his gaze briefly before turning away, refusing to look at him.
“Master…”
He felt a headache coming on. After half a month of secrecy, he had finally angered her.
Perhaps she had known all along but had chosen not to confront him, not wanting to disrupt his training and the assessment. Now that the assessment was over, she had finally…
He closed his eyes, focusing on absorbing the medicinal properties of the bath.
…
By nightfall, he had fully recovered. He climbed out of the pool, dried himself off, and hastily donned a sleeping robe before scurrying over to his Beautiful Sect Master. He knelt before her, gazing up at her stunningly beautiful face.
“Master, I know I was wrong,” he said meekly. “I shouldn’t have kept the body tempering training with Instructor Yu Xuan a secret from you. Please don’t be angry anymore.”
