Bath

"I see," Yi Tian acknowledged with a slight nod. "I shall take my leave now."

Butler Feng bowed reverently, clasping his hands, "May your night be tranquil, Young Master."

With that, Yi Tian took his leave from the Enlightened Scroll Pavilion, the grand doors closing behind him with a solemn echo. As he meandered along the cobblestone path of the courtyard, his thoughts unfurled like the surrounding gardens.

It seemed that Bai Lu was indeed a personal servant, a figure enshrouded in a certain mystery. Given that Butler Feng mentioned she resided in his abode, it was probable she was there at present. Reflecting on his interaction with Yi Chang, Yi Tian couldn't suppress a sigh. Barely two days into his new existence and he was enmeshed in complications. He couldn't help but contemplate how the original Yi Tian ended up in such a predicament, and pondered why he himself had been transported into this body.

The silhouette of Yi Tian, dancing on the wooden planks, ascended the few steps leading to his dwelling. Approaching the entrance, he reached for the handle, and with a swift pull, the antechamber of his residence was revealed.

The doors resonated with a soft click as he stepped inside. Surveying the surroundings, the opulent space was faintly illuminated by small lanterns hanging from the high ceiling.

Footsteps echoed from his right, drawing his attention. Two maidservants clad in modest robes appeared before him, bowing respectfully, "Young Master, your bath has been prepared."

Yi Tian acknowledged them with a calm nod, then instructed, "Very well, but before that, summon Bai Lu to me."

One of the maidservants lifted her gaze slightly as she bowed, stepped forward, and said, "Young Master, I am Bai Lu."

Yi Tian was momentarily taken aback. Who could have guessed that the person he sought was already before him? Wasn't she the one who had assisted him with his bath the previous day?

A smirk played on Yi Tian's lips, noticed by Bai Lu who immediately deepened her bow. With a casual wave of his hand, he dismissed the awkwardness, realizing he couldn't alter the past, "Let's proceed."

The maidservants trailed behind Yi Tian as he traversed the hallway to the right, parting silk curtains to step into the bathing chamber. He paused in the ante-room where one of the maids moved to remove his shoes. But he had already slid them off by the time she bent down.

As the maid straightened, Yi Tian turned towards her, a command falling from his lips, "You may depart."

With a respectful bow, the maid swiftly exited the chamber. Once she was gone, Yi Tian turned his attention to the remaining maidservant, Bai Lu. He noted with a touch of surprise that she remained in a bowed stance, her head lowered. He had expected her to behave otherwise. Extracting the wooden tube from his robes, he extended it towards her, saying, "Here is the replacement."

"Thank you, Young Master," Bai Lu responded, her voice imbued with respect. She accepted the tube with both hands, discreetly stowing it away within her robes before resuming her deferential posture.

Yi Tian watched her for a moment before declaring, "Very well, you may leave as well. I'll bathe on my own."

Bai Lu acknowledged his command with a nod and a bow before exiting the chamber, the curtains whispering against each other in her wake. Left alone, Yi Tian withdrew a finely crafted box and a book gifted to him by Elder Feng. He moved to a small ornate table, laying them down carefully.

His hand found the Lotus Blade, unfastening its clip. Bringing the weapon close to his face, he inspected it while it still remained ensconced within its sheath. A gentle pull revealed the blade to him, the polished metal capturing errant beams of light from the overhead lanterns.

After a cursory examination, he returned the blade to its sheath, placing it on the table. Unknotting his robe's sash, he divested himself of his elegant garments. Once disrobed, he retrieved the Lotus Blade and made his way into the bathing chamber.

A hint of steam filled the room, escaping through the high-set windows. As he eased into the warm water, he placed the Lotus Blade on the pool's edge before leaning back. His eyes closed in contemplation, thoughts swirling around the day's events and the decisions he had yet to make.

Lost in his thoughts, Yi Tian gradually acknowledged the vastness of the world he had yet to understand, recognizing the enormity of the challenge before him. Resolving to tackle this task head on, he made a decision to absorb as much information as possible starting from the morrow, after attending Elder Feng's lecture. He also aimed to reduce his reluctance to inquire about matters that puzzled him, particularly when interacting with servants. He had realized that his paranoia had led to unnecessary hesitancy when asking simple questions. This did not mean he would become indiscreet, asking anyone and everyone whatever came to mind. He simply intended to rid himself of undue caution.

In three days' time, there would be an auction at Seven River Antiquities. He had promised Zhen Bao his presence there, in return for a Vitality Rejuvenation Pill. The purpose of this pill remained unknown to him. However, judging by its name, he inferred it might have some connection to martial arts.

After musing over his thoughts, Yi Tian let out a sigh and stood up from the bath, his body adorned by cascading droplets. As he stepped onto the polished stone floor, a puddle began to form beneath him. Accustomed to attendants performing the tasks of drying and dressing, he found himself momentarily unsure of how to proceed.

Reflecting on how effortlessly servants were summoned when needed, Yi Tian decided to attempt it himself. His hands came together in a loud clap, the sound echoing in the bath chamber. After a brief wait, a solitary maidservant entered the room, bowing before him.

A nod from Yi Tian acknowledged her presence, a faint sense of wonderment in his eyes. It felt almost magical. In a composed voice, he requested, "I have finished my bath. Please dry me and bring my clothes."

The maidservant responded with a respectful bow, "Yes, Young Master."