Exploration

Seeing this scene, the bound Hu Meier immediately exclaimed, "Sister, you're cheating!"

Yet her cries could not be heard. She was helpless, covered in fragrant sweat, utterly powerless. It was too despicable; with her sister's strength, toying with a mere Body Tempering Realm warrior was effortless.

If it were a normal interaction, Hu Meier believed Yang Kai wouldn't show any embarrassing demeanor, but if her sister secretly employed some tricks, the outcome would be uncertain.

Inside the room, Hu Jiaoer suddenly stood up again, walking gracefully towards the fragrant bed. With a charming smile, she said, "Wait here, I have something to give you."

"Alright." Yang Kai frowned slightly, sensing that something was amiss, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what.

When she reached the bed, Hu Jiaoer bent over, half-kneeling as she searched, her thin clothing barely concealing her myriad charms. The fabric clung tightly to her body, accentuating her shapely and rounded posterior, exuding an unparalleled allure.

Yang Kai's heart rate accelerated, a heat rising in his throat.

For a long while, Hu Jiaoer maintained that enticing posture until suddenly, a cry escaped her lips.

"What is it?" Yang Kai's expression changed, and he rushed forward immediately.

At that moment, Hu Jiaoer withdrew from the bed, staggered slightly, and fell directly into Yang Kai's arms, clutching him tightly.

Their feet tangled, and somehow, they both ended up sprawled on the bed.

Hu Jiaoer lay atop, Yang Kai beneath, her warm body pressed close. Yang Kai's throat grew even drier as he gazed at the lovely face and luscious lips so near. Suppressing his urge, he asked, "What happened?"

"There's a bug!" Hu Jiaoer, playing her part to perfection, clung to Yang Kai's clothes with feigned terror.

Yang Kai chuckled softly, "Where is it?"

"There…"

Following her gaze, Yang Kai indeed saw a bug crawling slowly. He thought, women are truly fascinating; even as warriors, a mere bug can still frighten them like this. He reached out, crushed it with ease, and patted her delicate shoulder, "It's gone. I've dealt with it."

"There must be more..." Hu Jiaoer pressed further, casting glances around while strands of her hair brushed against Yang Kai's face and lips, rekindling the flame in his heart.

"There are no more," Yang Kai felt uneasy. If someone walked in now and saw him and Hu Meier like this, not even the waters of the three rivers and five lakes could wash away the misunderstanding.

"Are you sure?" A trace of surprise flickered in Hu Jiaoer's eyes; she hadn't anticipated Yang Kai's composure, refraining from taking advantage of her.

Had he acted, he would have surely faced severe consequences.

Despite her disappointment, Hu Jiaoer didn't persist. She meekly climbed off Yang Kai.

Yang Kai also sat up, somewhat sheepishly glancing at Hu Meier, noticing her cheeks flushed, as she limped to sit beside him.

"What happened to your foot?" Yang Kai asked, puzzled.

"I think I twisted it when I fell." Foiled in her first attempt, Hu Jiaoer devised another plan, thinking, I'll make a sacrifice today to see if I can uncover your true intentions.

"Let me see…" Yang Kai knelt, lifting Hu Jiaoer's foot to inspect it, noticing the swelling at her ankle. It seemed she had genuinely twisted it.

It wasn't feigned. For the sake of testing Yang Kai, Hu Jiaoer had made a considerable sacrifice.

Yang Kai wasn't overly concerned with propriety, given that Hu Meier wasn't particularly bound by etiquette. Since she had previously tempted him, he thought nothing of holding her foot.

"Don't move," Yang Kai instructed, reaching into his clothes to retrieve a bottle of medicinal ointment.

It was a vial of Lingxiao Pavilion's Blood Coagulation and Bruise Dispelling Balm. He hesitated briefly before uncorking the bottle and pouring a portion into his hand, gently applying it to Hu Jiaoer's swollen ankle.

His True Yang Yuan Qi circulated subtly, aiding in enhancing the balm's efficacy.

Hu Jiaoer couldn't help but shiver slightly, lamenting internally about her misfortune. Her body, pure and untouched for years, was now being handled so intimately. Yet, she couldn't react, nor could she hold him accountable.

Though feeling somewhat wronged, her physical sensations differed.

Yang Kai's hand massaged her ankle with care, the calloused fingers creating a tingling sensation across her tender skin.

His focused demeanor, belying his age, exuded a surprising maturity.

Gradually, Hu Jiaoer's chaotic thoughts dissipated, overwhelmed by an unfamiliar warmth spreading throughout her body, causing her heart to race and her stomach to flutter with heat, compelling her to press her legs tightly together, lest that warmth escape.

"Yang Kai…" Her voice, carrying an unusual timbre, left Hu Jiaoer feeling thoroughly embarrassed, unable to believe she'd emit such a sound.

"Hmm?" Yang Kai looked up, meeting Hu Jiaoer's gaze, her eyes shimmering like water, her face devoid of any color except for a deep crimson.

"Would you like… to do something else?" Hu Jiaoer bit her lips, issuing one last challenge.

If Yang Kai agreed readily, she'd use it as an excuse to extricate herself from the situation while ensuring he wouldn't get away with it unscathed!

Would he consent? Hu Jiaoer was torn, half-hoping he'd agree, allowing her relief, while the other half wished he'd decline, affirming her sister's judgment and her own. The internal turmoil left her deeply anxious.

Hu Jiaoer was apprehensive, as was the confined Hu Meier. She ceased her futile cries, focusing intently on Yang Kai, uncertain of what answer he'd provide.

Yang Kai gazed steadily at Hu Jiaoer, seemingly tempted. Her heart leapt into her throat, fearing he might utter a single affirmative word.

Suddenly, Yang Kai smiled faintly, calmly stowing away the medicinal balm, and tucked it carefully into his robes.

"My lady," Yang Kai began thoughtfully.

"Hm?" Hu Jiaoer was too tense to notice the change in his tone.

"The Blood Coagulation and Bruise Dispelling Balm I used is among my most cherished possessions. While it may not be particularly valuable, it represents the kindness I've encountered over the years."

"What do you mean?" Hu Jiaoer was bewildered; she wondered why he was saying this instead of addressing her earlier proposal. Was there a deeper meaning?

Rising to his feet, Yang Kai looked down at Hu Jiaoer, "I wanted to let you know that I used this precious ointment to help heal you, and in return, I hope you won't hold my earlier actions against me. Let's end this charade here."