An Awkward Visit

The outside was dark as Li Qingyue navigated the outer disciple area, heading toward Zhuan Ming's house. It was her first time visiting, and she couldn't help but grimace at the sight of the modest dwelling. I still can't believe he's living in this dump… she thought, her steps slowing as she approached the door. She hesitated, half-expecting the inside to be even worse, but she knocked anyway.

The door opened, and Zhuan Ming stood there, his expression as casual as ever. "Come in," he said, stepping aside to let her enter.

The interior was cluttered with materials scattered across the floor, but to her surprise, the small house wasn't as bad as she'd imagined. It was simple, but functional. Before she could take in more, Zhuan Ming's voice cut through the silence.

"First, I'll inspect your body and its condition. Sit down and take off your clothes."

Her face flushed red. "Like hell I will," she snapped, crossing her arms defensively. But deep down, she knew she had no choice.

"I have no interest in your body," Zhuan Ming said flatly, his tone clinical. "I need to check if your Nirvana Roots are corroding you from the outside and assess your cultivation progress. This isn't optional."

Li Qingyue clenched her jaw, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts." I took a shower before coming, so at least I'm clean… but I haven't shaved down there. I hope he doesn't notice. And what if he sees the scar on my side from that fight last year? Or the stretch marks on my thighs? Ugh, why does it have to be like this? She glanced down at herself, suddenly hyper-aware of every imperfection—the faint blemishes on her shoulders, the way her stomach as she'd like, the slight unevenness of her skin tone."

Reluctantly, she began to undress, leaving only her underwear on. She felt exposed, her cheeks burning as Zhuan Ming circled her, his gaze analytical rather than lecherous. Still, she couldn't shake the self-consciousness." What if he thinks I'm too thin? Or too frail? What if he notices how my hands are calloused from training?" Her thoughts spiraled, but she forced herself to stand still, her arms crossed awkwardly over her chest as if that would somehow shield her from his scrutiny.

Zhuan Ming's expression remained neutral, his focus entirely clinical as he examined her. He noted the dark circles under her eyes, the faint green spots on her legs and arms—small but unmistakable signs of corrosion. "It's fine," he said after a moment. "You can put your clothes back on, but leave your back exposed. I need to inspect your cultivation and what's happening inside."

Relieved that the worst part was over, Li Qingyue quickly dressed, her cheeks still flushed. She tried to push the embarrassment to the back of her mind, focusing instead on the task at hand. Despite Zhuan Ming's age, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was in the presence of an elder or a seasoned doctor.

"Now sit and relax," Zhuan Ming instructed. "I'll channel my spiritual energy into you. Don't fight it. It might feel strange, but you'll get used to it."

She nodded, taking a deep breath as she sat down. Zhuan Ming placed a hand on her back, his spiritual energy flowing into her with precision. He carefully navigated her meridians, examining the spread of her Nirvana Roots. The corrosion was worse than he'd anticipated—like fungus, it had spread internally before showing any significant external signs.

When he withdrew his energy, his expression was grim. "The situation isn't good," he said. "The corrosion is worse on the inside than it appears. It's spreading rapidly, and if we don't act soon, it will consume you entirely."

Li Qingyue's face paled, but she nodded, her resolve hardening. "What do we do?"

"First, we need to widen your meridian channels," he explained. "Your body can't handle the sheer amount of spiritual energy flowing through you. Once we stabilize that, we can address the corrosion."

She frowned, her mind racing. "How long will that take?"

"It depends on how well your body adapts," Zhuan Ming replied. "But we'll start tomorrow. For now, go home and rest. And bring spirit stones with you—lots of them. The treatment isn't cheap."

"Also, give me 50 mid-grade spirit stones now," he added. "I need to go to the market to buy the materials."

Li Qingyue's eyes narrowed. "That many?"

"Is your life worth less than spirit stones?" he shot back, his tone sharp. "Bring at least 50 mid-grade spirit stones, maybe more. This isn't a simple fix."

She exhaled sharply but didn't argue. "Fine. I'll get the spirit stones. But if this doesn't work—"

"It will," Zhuan Ming interrupted, his tone firm. "But only if you follow my instructions. Now go. Be here at dawn."

Li Qingyue stood, her movements stiff but deliberate. She glanced around the small house one last time, her gaze lingering on the scattered materials and the messy bed. "You'd better know what you're doing," she muttered before turning and walking out the door.

Once she was gone, Zhuan Ming let out a quiet breath and began preparing for the next day. He went to the market fot the necessary ingredients, setting up the same bath treatment he had used for himself. The process would be similar, but more intense—Li Qingyue's condition required a stronger solution.

As he worked, his mind wandered. She's stronger than she looks, he thought. But if she can't handle the pain, this will all be for nothing. Still, he couldn't deny the potential she represented. With the right guidance, she could become a powerful ally. But for Zhuan Ming, none of that mattered. In his eyes, she was only valuable as a resource.

The next morning, Li Qingyue arrived just as the sun began to rise. She carried a small pouch filled with spirit stones, her expression a mix of determination and apprehension. Zhuan Ming greeted her with a nod and gestured toward the bath, which was already steaming with a murky, shimmering liquid.

"Get in," he said simply. "And remember—this will hurt. But if you want to live, you'll endure it."

"A bath?" she raised an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. Am I sure he's not just a pervert using me for money? she joked internally, though she wasn't entirely dismissing the possibility.

"Turn around and don't look," she said to Zhuan Ming, still embarrassed to show herself naked, even though he had seen everything the day before.

He complied without comment, turning his back to her. Li Qingyue hesitated for only a moment before undressing and stepping into the bath. The heat was immediate, and she winced as the medicinal properties began to seep into her skin. Zhuan Ming watched closely, ready to intervene if necessary, but he knew this was a battle she had to fight on her own.

The training had begun.