After the battle, Do-Hyun was utterly drained, both physically and mentally. His internal energy reserves were dangerously low, and he needed time to recover. Remembering Mi-Ryeong's advice, he made his way to a secluded cave deep in the mountains, a place known for its restorative energies.
"This should be a safe place to recover," he muttered, checking his surroundings before stepping inside.
The cave's atmosphere was cool and tranquil, its crystal-clear spring and fresh air soothing his weary body.
Removing his battle-worn robe, he sat on a smooth stone, clad in only his undergarments, and began to meditate, drawing in the natural energy around him to replenish his strength.
But unbeknownst to him—he was not alone.
From the shadows, Bai Yuehui had been silently trailing him, intrigued by his mysterious sword and unmatched power. She had followed him undetected, watching with curiosity.
"Where exactly is he going?" she had wondered, her intrigue growing as she saw him enter the cave.
Observing from a distance, she smirked. Seeing him half-dressed and defenseless, a mischievous idea formed in her mind.
She slowly stepped inside, her robe slipping off her shoulders, leaving only a thin layer of clothing that barely covered her form. With silent steps, she approached him from behind, her fingers tracing lightly over his shoulder.
Do-Hyun's eyes snapped open in shock.
"Bai Yuehui…?" His voice carried both confusion and unease.
She simply smiled playfully, leaning in. "What? The atmosphere here seemed so… inviting. Thought I'd keep you company."
Before he could react further, another voice cut through the cave.
"What exactly do you think you're doing?"
Han So-Yeon stood at the entrance, her gaze cold as steel.
Bai Yuehui turned her head, feigning innocence. "Oh? Didn't realize we had another guest."
Do-Hyun sighed.
"I just wanted to recover… why is this happening…?"
Between Bai Yuehui's teasing and Han So-Yeon's sharp gaze, he knew—his moment of peace had vanished.
******
Resonance of Breath and Touch
Lee Do-Hyun could feel both women—Baek Wol-Hee and Han So-Yeon—drawing closer from either side. The heat of their skin, the subtle pressure of their touch, and the soft cadence of their breath stirred something deep inside him.
Though he had once been in his forties in the real world, he had long since suppressed such desires. The carnal instincts of a man, the temptations of the flesh, had been something he had kept in check. But here and now, in this young and powerful body, he could feel those forgotten impulses slowly awakening.
Baek Wol-Hee's fingertips trailed up his arm, leaving a tingling sensation in their wake. She smirked as she studied his reaction, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper.
"Do-Hyun, I can feel your heat rising. Is this the power I'm giving you?"
He stiffened at her words. His body had already recognized her intentions and was reacting accordingly, despite his efforts to suppress it. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to regain focus.
On the other side, Han So-Yeon was visibly uncomfortable with the situation. She wasn't as experienced in this kind of interaction, and watching Baek Wol-Hee's playful teasing only made her feel even more flustered.
"You… You're going too far," Han So-Yeon muttered, stepping in closer as if to shield Do-Hyun from Baek Wol-Hee's antics.
Baek Wol-Hee tilted her head, her smile turning amused.
"Too far? Oh, So-Yeon, are you jealous? Or are you upset that I got to him first?"
Han So-Yeon's face burned red, but she refused to back down. Instead, she wrapped her own hands around Do-Hyun's arm, gripping him firmly, as if claiming her own stake in the situation.
Do-Hyun sighed inwardly. The situation was quickly spiraling out of control. Two beautiful and powerful women were vying for dominance, their bodies pressing against his, their subtle yet undeniable warmth seeping into his skin.
His body reacted involuntarily, betraying him despite his iron will.
Baek Wol-Hee immediately noticed, her smile widening in satisfaction.
"Oh? Looks like someone's body is being very honest, huh?" She whispered teasingly into his ear, her warm breath sending a shiver down his spine.
Han So-Yeon, however, was not as perceptive in this kind of game. She simply held onto him tightly, trying to ignore the unfamiliar sensation of his warmth against her.
As much as Do-Hyun struggled to keep his composure, something unexpected happened. His depleted mana, which had been severely drained from the battle with Cho Chil-Do, began to recover.
At first, he thought it was merely a coincidence, but as the two women's energy intertwined with his, he realized something—their touch was accelerating his recovery.
Baek Wol-Hee smirked knowingly.
"You're feeling it too, aren't you? Our presence… our energy… it's bringing you back."
Do-Hyun clenched his fists. This wasn't just a flirtatious game anymore. This was real.
Han So-Yeon, still unaware of the full implications, whispered softly,
"Do-Hyun… whatever happens, don't lose yourself."
Her words grounded him. Despite the overwhelming sensations, he regained control.
He exhaled deeply, calming his heartbeat.
"Thank you. Both of you. I think… I understand now."
Baek Wol-Hee arched a brow.
"Oh? So, you're ready to embrace it?"
Do-Hyun shook his head with a smirk.
"No. I'm just ready to control it."
Han So-Yeon smiled softly, relief visible in her eyes. Meanwhile, Baek Wol-Hee simply chuckled, crossing her arms.
"Tch. Too bad. I was hoping to see you flustered a little longer."
He simply smiled, grateful for their presence—both of them, in their own ways, had helped him recover.